The source of energy for ocean temperature difference is solar energy.
Among different types of ocean energy, ocean temperature difference energy belongs to ocean thermal energy, and its main energy source is radiation energy solar contained in the ocean. The ocean temperature difference energy has the characteristics of huge reserves and relatively stable changes over time. Therefore, using ocean temperature difference energy to generate electricity is expected to provide stable and large-scale energy in some regions.
The main use of ocean temperature difference energy is the production of electricity by temperature difference. As early as 1881, French physicists proposed the idea of producing electricity from differences in ocean temperatures. It was not until 1929 thatFrench engineers develop a test device and confirm the possibility of producing electricity from differences in ocean temperature. However, due to many problems such as technology, materials and funds, it has not been possible to build an ocean temperature difference power plant.
Hinderances to the use and popularization of ocean temperature difference energy:
Although temperature difference energy of the oceans has enormous advantages, as far as the current situation is concerned, the ocean temperature difference energy has not been fully utilized and fully popularized. The equipment must use special materials and processes. Since the equipment must operate at depth, the corrosiveness of seawater and the adhesion of marine organisms must be considered. taken into account when selectingection of equipment materials. Special materials need to be used and the processing equipment can operate normally, thereby obtaining the ocean temperature difference energy.
Second, the cost of obtaining ocean temperature difference energy is high. Unlike liquefied natural gas, coal, thermal power, water conservation and other energy sources, the use of ocean temperature difference energy has only just begun , and various sources of energy. costs are high. For example, the ocean is far from the land, energy There are certain transportation difficulties and high transportation costs, which limit the use of energy from the ocean temperature difference.
Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia - Ocean Thermoelectric Energy
The source of ocean thermal energy is solar energye.
Ocean thermal energy comes primarily from solar energy:
The planet's oceans are large, and tropical oceans are also quite large. Ocean thermal energy can be replenished after use and is worth developing and using. According to calculations, as long as half of the ocean surface between 20 degrees south latitude and 20 degrees north latitude is used for electricity generation, the sea water temperature will only drop by 1° C on average;
Efficient use of ocean thermal energy:
It can obtain 60 billion kilowatts of electrical energy, equivalent to all electrical energy currently produced around the world. Experts estimate that the U.S. East Coast alone can get 75 times the electricity the U.S. needed in 1980 from warm current coming from the Gulf of Mexico. It is necessary to effectively useenergy from the temperature difference of sea water to serve human beings.
Arsene Arsonval of France first proposed the idea of generating electricity from ocean temperature differences in 1881. That is, the invention of 'a power plant that uses the temperature difference between the surface layer (heat source) and the deep layer (cold source) of seawater to produce electricity. So, in 1930, Claude used the energy of ocean temperature differences to produce electricity for the first time off the coast of Cuba. However, success resulted in net negative electricity production.
Benefits of Ocean Temperature Difference Energy:
The ocean makes up 70% of the Earth's surface. Since this energy comes from the sun, we can say that it is inexhaustible and inexhaustible. The temperature difference of thesea water is only 20°C and it is low quality energy. The maximum conversion efficiency is only about 4%. It is a natural energy source and does not cause environmental pollution. Compared to other natural energy sources, it can be used day or night and is not limited by time, season, climate and other conditions.
Stable energy supply. Because sea water is corrosive and bio-fouling. Therefore, the equipment should consider using corrosion-resistant and less polluting materials, and at the same time consider countermeasures to resist biofouling. Since seawater pumped from the depths contains more nutrients, it is conducive to increasing marine fisheries production.
Use the temperature difference between tropical ocean surface water and cold sea water at a depth of 760 mbe used to produce electricity. The biggest advantage of the ocean thermal energy conversion device is that it can work continuously without being affected by tidal changes and waves. Additionally, not only does it produce no air pollutants or radioactive waste, its byproduct is high-quality desalinated seawater. The surface water temperature of tropical seas is generally around 27°C.