Ocean temperature energy conversion (OTEC) power plants generate power by utilizing the naturally occurring decrease with depth of the temperature of the ocean water. Near Florida, the ocean surface temperature is 27oC and at a depth of 700 m the temperature is 7oC.
Find: a) Draw a schematic of the power cycle, b) Determine the maximum thermal efficiency that could be expected for this power cycle, and c) Existing OTEC plants have a thermal efficiency of only 2%, comment on the feasibility of operating an OTEC plant (pros and cons of the system).