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, the French physicist Assonval proposed the idea of producing electricity from differences in ocean temperatures. It was not until 1929that the French engineer G.Claude developed a test device and confirmed 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.
Characteristics of solar energy
1 Universal
The sun shines everywhere on the earth , without geographical restrictions. Whether on land or in the sea, in the mountains or on the islands, they are found everywhere. They can be directly developed and used, easy to collect, and do not require mining or transportation.
2. Harmless
The development and use of solar energy will not pollute the environment. It is one of the cleanest sources of energy today, when pollution fromenvironment is great. becoming more and more serious, this is extremely valuable.
3. Huge
The energy of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface each year is approximately equivalent to 130 trillion tons of coal, and its total This amount is in the range that can be achieved in the world today.
4. Long term
According to estimates of the rate of nuclear energy produced by the sun, hydrogen storage is sufficient to last tens of billions of years, and the duration of life of the earth is also approximately For billions of years, in this sense, we can say that the energy of the sun is inexhaustible.
5. Instability
Due to limitations of natural conditions such as day and night, season, geographic latitude and altitude, as well as sunny and cloudy weather. , cloudy conditions andrainy Due to the influence of random factors, solar irradiation reaching a certain ground is both intermittent and extremely unstable, which makes the large-scale application of solar energy more difficult.
In order to make solar energy a continuous and stable energy source, and ultimately an alternative energy source capable of competing with conventional energy sources, the problem of solar energy storage energy must be well resolved, that is to say the energy of solar radiation. in clear weather it should be stored as much as possible. It can be used at night or on rainy days, but energy storage is also one of the weakest links in solar energy use.