Use of ammonia as the OTEC working fluid

In summary, OTEC, or Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, is a renewable energy technology that uses the temperature difference between warm surface ocean water and cold deep ocean water to generate electricity. It works by using a fluid, such as ammonia, to transfer heat and drive a turbine. Ammonia is a popular choice for OTEC due to its low boiling point, high heat transfer efficiency, and safety. However, it may have some potential drawbacks, such as corrosion and odor. Other potential working fluids for OTEC include propane, butane, and R134a, but ammonia remains the most commonly used and well-studied option at present.
  • #1
Biodelta
10
0
TL;DR Summary
Anhydrous Ammonia liquid compressed to 20 Bar, heated from -33 C to 22 C, flow rate 2 tonnes per second, evaporated in boiler at 22C what could power extracted from turbine be? (outlet 1 Bar pressure)
Anhydrous Ammonia liquid compressed to 20 Bar, heated from -33 C to 22 C, flow rate 2 tonnes per second, evaporated in boiler at 22C what could power extracted from turbine be? (outlet 1 Bar pressure)
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Is this homework?

Biodelta said:
(outlet 1 Bar pressure)
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?
 
  • Like
Likes russ_watters and berkeman
  • #3
I'd like to know how to get -33 C anything in an OTEC system.

And another vote for what sounds like a partially communicated homework problem.
 

FAQ: Use of ammonia as the OTEC working fluid

1. What is OTEC and how does it use ammonia as a working fluid?

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.

2. What are the advantages of using ammonia as the working fluid in OTEC?

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.

3. Are there any potential drawbacks to using ammonia as the working fluid in OTEC?

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.

4. How does the use of ammonia as the working fluid impact the efficiency of OTEC systems?

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.

5. Are there any ongoing research or developments in the use of ammonia as the working fluid in OTEC?

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.

Similar threads

Ammonia Rankine cycle heat engine calculation
Replies
6
Views
2K
Liquid ammonia is heated as it flows at a mean velocity of 2
Replies
13
Views
2K
What does the T-S diagram look like for an ammonia heat pump?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating Turbine Work Using Ammonia - Reality Check
Replies
12
Views
2K
Water's Crucial Role in the Efficiency of Kalina Cycle Power Generation
Replies
6
Views
1K
Recycled Energy versus Renewable Energy
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating parameters of centrifugal compressor
Replies
20
Views
2K
Why is solid density used in this thermodynamics problem?
Replies
5
Views
1K
Engineering Regenerative Rankine cycle with one contact feedwater heater
Replies
1
Views
904
B Too much energy -- thought experiment
2
Replies
42
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top