Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Abstract
The following study explores the worldwide spatial and temporal distributions of electrical power that can be extracted from the ocean's stored solar energy via the process of closed-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). Special emphasis is placed on resources surrounding the state of Florida. The study combines oceanographic input from a state-of-the-art ocean circulation model, the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model, with a state-of-the-industry OTEC plant model to predict achievable power values across the world. These power predictions are then constrained by local replenishment rates of cold deep sea water to provide an upper limit to the sustainable OTEC resource. Next, the geographic feasibility of OTEC-coupled and OTEC-independent sea water cooling (air conditioning and refrigeration) are explored. Finally, the model data is validated against in situ oceanic measurements to ensure the quality of the predictions.
Extent
xii 114 p. : ill. (some col.)
Recommended Citation
Rauchenstein, Lynn., "Global distribution of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) resources and applicability in U.S. waters near Florida" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019. 529.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_6/529
Identifier
FADT3358968
Comments
by Lynn Rauchenstein.|Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2012.|Includes bibliography.|Mode of access: World Wide Web.|System requirements: Adobe Reader.|by Lynn Rauchenstein.