That sounds like an open cycle system, where ammonia is released to the atmosphere after going through the turbine. That would surprise me. Is that correct?Biodelta said:(outlet 1 Bar pressure)
OTEC stands for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, which is a process that converts the temperature difference between the ocean's surface water and deep water into electricity. Ammonia is used as the working fluid in OTEC systems because it has a low boiling point and is able to efficiently transfer heat from the warm surface water to the cold deep water.
There are several advantages to using ammonia as the working fluid in OTEC systems. It is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and has a low environmental impact. It also has a high heat transfer coefficient, meaning it can efficiently transfer heat from one location to another. Additionally, ammonia is readily available and relatively inexpensive compared to other working fluids.
While there are many advantages to using ammonia, there are also some potential drawbacks. Ammonia is a flammable gas, so proper safety measures must be taken when handling and storing it. It also has a strong odor, which can be unpleasant for workers. Additionally, ammonia can be corrosive to certain materials, so careful selection of materials is necessary when designing an OTEC system that uses ammonia as the working fluid.
The use of ammonia as the working fluid can greatly impact the efficiency of OTEC systems. As mentioned earlier, ammonia has a high heat transfer coefficient, which allows for efficient heat transfer between the warm and cold water. This results in a higher efficiency in converting thermal energy into electricity. Additionally, the low boiling point of ammonia allows for the use of low-temperature heat sources, making it easier to utilize OTEC in a variety of locations.
Yes, there is ongoing research and development in the use of ammonia as the working fluid in OTEC systems. Some current areas of focus include improving the safety and handling of ammonia, developing more efficient heat exchangers, and exploring the use of other working fluids in combination with ammonia to further improve efficiency. There is also ongoing research into the potential environmental impacts of using ammonia in OTEC systems and ways to mitigate any potential negative effects.