This article will show you the magical ocean temperature difference power generation

The ocean is the world's largest solar collector, absorbing 37 trillion kilowatts of solar energy. The solar energy stored in seawater is what people often call ocean thermal energy. In the context of advocating the development of sustainable energy and actively exploring new energy sources, the development and utilization of ocean thermal energy has received more and more attention. Ocean temperature difference power generation is an active exploration and effective way to develop and utilize ocean thermal energy.

The basic principle of ocean temperature difference power generation is to use warm seawater on the ocean surface to heat certain low-boiling-point working fluids such as chlorofluorocarbon substitutes and ammonia to vaporize them, or to vaporize seawater by reducing pressure to drive steam turbines to generate electricity. At the same time, cold seawater extracted from the seabed is used to condense the exhaust gas after power generation and turn it back into liquid, forming a cycle.

Ocean temperature difference power generation has the advantages of being clean, environmentally friendly and green. The energy of the entire power generation process mainly comes from the annual average temperature difference of about 20 degrees between the surface water of the sea and the deep water of the deep sea. No harmful gases such as carbon dioxide are emitted throughout the process, and the equipment can achieve energy self-sufficiency, truly achieving "green zero emission".

Another advantage of ocean temperature difference power generation is that the power variation is small and the equipment utilization rate is high. When using waves and wind power, the power generated is prone to drastic fluctuations due to natural conditions. However, ocean temperature difference power generation is less affected by these objective conditions, and the equipment can operate 24 hours a day, providing continuous and stable power output.

In addition to the cleanliness and stability of power generation itself, ocean temperature difference power generation also brings some beneficial peripheral effects. For example, it can pump nutrient-rich seawater from the deep sea to the upper layer, which is beneficial to the growth and reproduction of marine organisms. If power generation, marine aquaculture and fresh water supply are combined for comprehensive development, better economic results can be achieved.

my country has conducted research on ocean temperature difference power generation for many years and has accumulated rich theoretical results and practical experience in ocean temperature difference power generation. During the 11th Five-Year Plan period, my country focused on the research of closed ocean temperature difference energy utilization, and researchers successfully developed a 15-kilowatt temperature difference power generation device.

Ocean temperature difference energy has broad application prospects in my country's low-latitude waters. Especially on my country's islands and offshore oil platforms, generating electricity through ocean temperature difference energy can solve energy supply problems and enhance ocean development capabilities. In addition to power generation, deep cold seawater can also be used for air conditioning, aquatic product and crop farming, seawater desalination and other ancillary developments, effectively regulating operating costs. Actively developing ocean thermal energy and developing the ocean temperature difference industry will have far-reaching significance for my country to achieve industrial upgrading and high-quality development.

Review expert: Tu Qiang, deputy editor of Ocean Publishing House

China Association for Science and Technology Department of Science Popularization

Xinhuanet

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