State of Hawaii > DBEDT > Strategic Industries Division > Publications > Anno. Bib. (1995)

Please also see these documents:

Analysis of Renewable Portfolio Options for Hawaii (2001)
and Appendix 1: Update of Selected Cost and Performance Estimates (2000)

Original Renewable Energy Resource Assessment (1995)
(future projects, feasibility, costs)

5.0 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: A Review
Technical Developments of OTEC Systems
Demi-OTEC - A Concept Design and Economic Feasibility Study - Final Report
Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan: Technical Supplement, Paper I, Energy
Assessment of the Technical and Economic Potential for Hydrogen Production with OTEC Electricity and Desalinated Water
Economics of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
Operation of a Small Open-Cycle Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Experimental Facility
Design of a 5 MWe OTEC Pre-Commercial Plant
Deep Ocean Water Utilization at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii
Preliminary State Wide Assessment of Seawater Air Conditioning for Hawaii: Phase I West Beach Oahu (DRAFT)

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: A Review

Prepared By: Paul C. Yuen
Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 246
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone (808) 956-8890
Date: October, 1981
Other Information: State Public Library H-621.31243-Y
Abstract: This is a review of the current status of this technology. It provides a review of OTEC's principle and resources. A chapter on the history of the technology is also included, as well as overviews of the systems used in an OTEC power plant. There is also discussion of the Mini-OTEC project that started producing power in 1979.
The report provides a listing of the advantages and disadvantages of this technology, and recommends that a pilot plant be built and operated.

Technical Developments of OTEC Systems

Prepared By: A. R. Trenka, A. Thomas, and L.Vega
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research
2800 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 180,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone (808) 539-3878
Date: September, 1988
Other Information: DBEDT HD9502 P7 1988
Proceedings of the International Renewable Energy Conference
Honolulu, Hawaii
September 18-24, 1988, page 66
Abstract: This paper provides a very brief overview of the U.S. Department of Energy's Ocean Energy Technology Program activities and focuses on the results obtained from an experimental facility under actual operating conditions utilizing seawater. It also includes a discussion of the history of the program.
This paper also discusses the recent discoveries that enhance the economic prospects for both the open- and closed-cycle OTEC systems. These areas include biofouling, the use of aluminum alloy in lieu of titanium for heat exchangers, and more cost effective evaporator designs.

Demi-OTEC - A Concept Design and Economic Feasibility Study - Final Report

Prepared By: Marine Development Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 3409
Saratoga, California 95070-1409
Phone (408) 741-1263
Date: March, 1989
Other Information: Prepared under contract No. 24274 for the State of Hawaii,
DBEDT Energy Division; MDA 89-001
Available from Dave Rezachek
DBEDT Energy Division
Phone (808) 587-3814
Abstract: This is a feasibility study for a demonstration OTEC power plant (of "Demi-OTEC") for the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii. The report contains a detailed accounting of the system engineering requirements and a cost and performance analysis. It also deals with issues of power plant layout, and the configuration and the specifications of major components of the proposed plant.
The report recommends that the state establish a plan to implement a demonstration closed-cycle OTEC program, and to actively seek partnership with the industry/investor community for appropriate cost-sharing funding.

Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan: Technical Supplement, Paper I, Energy

Prepared By: Wendy L. Schultz
Center for Development Studies
Social Science Research Institute
University of Hawaii
2424 Maile Way
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Date: January, 1991
Other Information: DBEDT GC1021 H3 H6 1991
Abstract: This document sets forth guiding principles and overall recommendations for the state to achieve comprehensive and integrated ocean and coastal resource management. The plan is based on major public input involving over 900 individuals statewide and was mandated by Chapter 228, Hawaii Revised Statutes. The Technical Supplement provides detailed analysis and survey results that are the foundation of the plan.
Chapter I, Energy deals with ocean resource management issues such as regulation and enforcement, infrastructure development and education and public awareness. Site and use conflicts, environmental impacts, and the overlapping jurisdictions and authority of permitting agencies are also discussed. The chapter ends with 15 specific recommendations for DBEDT in order to balance optimal, cost effective development of the state's ocean resources with the preservation of Hawaii's coastal and marine environments.

Assessment of the Technical and Economic Potential for Hydrogen Production with OTEC Electricity and Desalinated Water

Prepared By: Luis A. Vega, et al.
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research
2800 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 180,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone (808) 539-3878
Date: September 1991
Other Information: DBEDT- TP359 H8 H8 1991
Abstract: This report documents the assessment of the technical and economic potential for hydrogen production with OTEC electricity and desalinated water. A survey of the literature on energy carriers for OTEC electricity and the production, storage, and transportation of hydrogen is presented along with a description of a conceptual design for an OTEC-Hydrogen Plantship and economic considerations.
Several means of energy transport and delivery from OTEC plants deployed throughout the tropical oceans were considered. OTEC energy could be transported via electrical, chemical, thermal, and electrochemical carriers. The production cost of liquid hydrogen delivered to a harbor was estimated to be in the range of $47 to $71 per MBTU in 1990 dollars. This energy cost is equivalent to crude oil being priced between $273 and $412 per barrel.

Economics of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

Prepared By: Luis A. Vega, Ph.D.
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research
2800 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 180,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone (808) 539-3878
Date: 1992
Other Information: UH Library call number TC157.O24 1992
Published as Chapter 7 of Ocean Energy Recovery, The State of the Art, Edited by Richard J. Seymour,
Published by the American Society of Civil Engineers
345 East 47th Street,
New York, New York 10017-2398
Abstract: A straightforward analytical model is proposed to compare the cost of electricity produced either with OTEC or with fossil fuel plants. It is postulated that OTEC plants will be limited by the relatively large diameter needed for cold water pipes to sizes of no more than 100 MWe (net) for floating plants, and somewhat less for land-based plants. Furthermore, in the case of open-cycle plants, the size will be limited by the low pressure turbine to 2.5 MWe (net) modules. The use of energy carriers (e.g. hydrogen, ammonia, etc.) to transport OTEC energy is feasible, but will not be cost effective unless the price of fossil fuels increases by an order of magnitude.
Without funding for large OTEC plants, the first generation of commercial plants will most likely be 1 to 10 MW land-based designs. The first plant of this size will be used to obtain operational information and optimize the design of full scale plants. Closed-cycle plants (of at least 50 MWe capacity) were found to be cost effective if housed on floating vessels, moored a few kilometers from land, transmitting power by submarine cables.

Operation of a Small Open-Cycle Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Experimental Facility

Prepared By: Luis A. Vega, Ph.D., and Donald E. Evans, P.E.
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research
2800 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 180,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone (808) 539-3878
Date: March, 1994
Other Information: PICHTR Library
Oceanology International 94
Conference Proceedings, Volume 5,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Conference
March 8-11, Brighton, UK
Abstract: This paper describes the operating experience gained to date from the 210 kW OC-OTEC Experimental Apparatus located at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii near Kailua-Kona on the west side of the Island of Hawaii. This paper describes the plant and the process, along with several of its systems. Details of the facility and its operating parameters are also tabulated.
Significant lessons learned during its operations are discussed, including the resolution of two major problems encountered. These involved large and fast power output oscillations while connected to the utility grid, and frequent bearing failures in the high speed vacuum compression centrifugal pumps.

Design of a 5 MWe OTEC Pre-Commercial Plant

Prepared By: Luis A. Vega, Ph.D., and Gérard C. Nihous, Ph.D.
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research
2800 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 180,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Phone (808) 539-3878
Date: March, 1994
Other Information: PICHTR Library
Oceanology International 94
Conference Proceedings, Volume 5,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Conference
March 8-11, Brighton, UK
Abstract: This paper provides a technical and economic evaluation of OTEC plants that indicates that their commercial future lies in floating plants of approximately 100 MWe capacity for industrialized nations and smaller plants for small island developing states. However, it is pointed out that commercial development is impaired by a lack of operational data, which cannot be obtained from small experimental plants.
This paper summarizes features of a completed preliminary design of a 5 MWe floating OTEC plant for the production of electricity and desalinated water. The construction and operation of such a plant is required in order to establish the life cycles of major components and yearly production rates. Without this information, OTEC will not proceed beyond paper studies and small scale experiments.

Deep Ocean Water Utilization at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii

Prepared By: Thomas H. Daniel
Scientific/Technical Program Manager
The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii U.S.A.
Date: March, 1994
Other Information: PICHTR Library
Oceanology International 94
Conference Proceedings, Volume 5,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Conference
March 8-11, Brighton, UK
Abstract: This paper describes the facilities and the projects at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii (NELHA). These facilities provide academic, government and commercial tenants with opportunities to perform a wide range of experiments with ocean water pumped ashore from the surface and depths of 600 meters. The deep sea water has a cold temperature and a unique chemistry which makes it useful in a wide range of applications.
These applications are discussed and include open- and closed-cycle OTEC, cold sea water air conditioning, and aqua culture projects. The aqua culture efforts have produced edible sea vegetables, spirulina micro algae, salmon, lobsters, flounder, shrimp, tilapia, abalone, and oysters.

Preliminary State Wide Assessment of Seawater Air Conditioning for Hawaii: Phase I West Beach Oahu (DRAFT)

Prepared By: Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc.
P.O. Box 1206,
Kailua, Hawaii 96734
Date: September, 1994
Other Information: Available from Dave Rezachek
DBEDT Energy Division
Phone (808) 587-3814
Abstract: This report analyzes technically and economically the feasibility of using deep cold seawater to cool a centralized air conditioning system in Hawaii. It provides an introductory discussion on conventional air conditioning basics and the concepts involved with seawater air conditioning and its application to specific sites in Hawaii. System costs are reviewed and an economic analysis is performed.
The report concluded that centralized seawater air conditioning is a technically feasible and unsophisticated alternate energy concept that has the potential of significant impact in Hawaii. The installation of large systems at selected location in the state is economically attractive today.

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