Heat from the sun warms the ocean, providing thermal energy. In the tropics, water temperatures naturally vary between deep and shallow water and this thermal gradient can be harnessed to produce energy. This process is called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
OTEC uses the natural thermal variation found in tropical waters to drive turbines in a closed loop continuous electricity generation system, using a proven technique known as the Rankine cycle.
The Rankine Cycle uses warm seawater to boil a liquid, producing a gas which turns the turbines and generates electricity. The cold seawater is then used to cool the gas and transform it back to a liquid. The cycle repeats and forms a continuous energy flow.
OTI proposes to have the OTEC renewable energy available every day, making this a stable, clean and reliable energy source once it reaches a standard production capacity. In addition, removing the reliance on imported fossil fuel provides a long-term predictable energy source which does not fluctuate as with imported fossil fuel prices.
