Dimensional Analysis of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Heat Exchangers

Abstract

This paper points out certain historical highlights and problems connected with development of electrical energy from deep-ocean thermal differences. Natural and economic factors which have focused attention on this type of energy development are mentioned, as well as areas of support by the National Science Foundation, the Energy Research and Development Administration and the U.S. Navy. Dimensional analysis is used to develop a list of dimensionless groups of factors having significance in OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) heat exchangers. Certain of these groups are then evaluated for a model and prototype OTEC-Type heat exchanger using the same working fluid and experiencing the same working fluid flow rate per unit area. A discussion of the evaluation and conclusions complete the report.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 30, 1977
Accession Number
ADA054985

Entities

People

  • Arthur E. Bock
  • Martin E. Nelson

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Deep Oceans
  • Electric Power
  • Energy
  • Energy Conversion
  • Energy Transfer
  • Flow
  • Flow Rate
  • Fluid Flow
  • Fluids
  • Geometry
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Heat Transfer
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Oceans
  • Physical Properties
  • Sea Water
  • Thermal Conductivity

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Theoretical Analysis.