Variation of Power Output From an OTEC Power Plant Based on Long-Term Sea Surface Temperature Data Analysis
October 2022
TLDR OTEC power output is higher in summer due to greater temperature differences.
The study analyzed the potential for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) power generation in Fiji by examining sea surface temperature (SST) data from 2012 to 2022 across three locations. It found that higher temperature differences between the surface and deep sea during the summer months (November to April) resulted in increased power output and efficiency compared to winter months. The maximum temperature difference recorded was 25.7°C in March 2022 in Suva, while the minimum was 20.1°C in August 2015 in Beqa. The study estimated that net power output could reach 1.15 MW at maximum temperature differences, but could decrease by 63% at minimum differences. The gross power output varied between 1.7 to 2.4 MW depending on the temperature range, with net power loss increasing from 5% to 16% as SST dropped from 30°C to 24°C.
