Dynamic Model for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant with Working Fluid of Binary Mixtures

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is an effective method of power generation, which has a small impact on the environment and can be utilized semi-permanently. This paper describes a dynamic model for a pilot OTEC plant built by the Institute of Ocean Energy, Saga University, Japan. This plant is based on Uehara cycle, in which binary mixtures of ammonia and water is used as the working fluid. Some simulation results attained by this model and the analysis of the results are presented. The developed computer simulation can be used to actual practice effectively, such as stable control in a steady operation, optimal determination of the plant specifications for a higher thermal efficiency and evaluation of the economic prospects and off-line training for the operators of OTEC plant.