Renewable Energy Resources Sea Wave Energy and Ocean Thermal Energy

Sea Wave Energy and Ocean Thermal Energy (Module-5)

5.1 Introduction
Oceans cover about 71 per cent of earth’s surface. They receive, store and dissipate energy
through various physical processes. As per present technological status, recoverable energy in
oceans exists mainly in the form of waves, tides and temperature (OTE) difference (between
surface and deep layers). Tides and waves produce mechanical energy whereas temperature
difference produces thermal energy. The wave height, period, and direction are primarily
dependent on the wind (Wind comes from solar energy) properties (speed, direction, and
duration) and also the geometry of the sea (fetch length and depth). Tidal energy technology is
relatively more developed compared to the other two, which are still undergoing evaluation and
initial development stages. Main disadvantages common to all of them are: (i) low energy
density and (ii) in general the potential occurs remote from the consumption center.
The movement of the ocean water and the changing water wave heights and speed of the swells
are the main sources of wave energy. Kinetic energy in the wave motion is tremendous that can
be extracted by the wave power devices from either the surface motion of ocean waves or from
pressure fluctuations below the ocean surface. Energy in the waves is harnessed basically in the
form of mechanical energy using wave energy converters (WEC), also known as wave devices or
wave machines. A WEC may be placed in the ocean in various possible situations and locations.
The fluctuating mechanical energy obtained is modified/smoothed out to drive a generator. The
electrical energy generated is the most often used in desalination plants, power supply to
electrical consumers, and energizing water pumps.
Main advantages of wave power are:
 The availability of large energy fluxes and
 Predictability of wave conditions over periods of
days. Limitations
 Irregularity of wave patterns in amplitude, phase and direction, which makes it difficult
to extract power efficiently
 The power extraction system is exposed to occasional extreme stormy conditions. During
unusual extreme conditions, once in several years, the wave amplitude may reach as high
as 10 times normal value and the associated power about 100 times the normal values. Ex
tsunami
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 Peak power of deep-water waves is available in open sea, where it is difficult to

construct, operate and maintain a system and transmit power to the shore.
 The slow and irregular motion of wave is required to be coupled to electrical generator
requiring high and constant speed motion.

5.2 Motion in the sea Waves

The combination of forces due to the gravity, sea surface tension, and wind intensity are the main
factors of origin of sea waves. Wave size is determined by wind speed and fetches (defined as
the distance over which the wind excites the waves) and by the depth and topography of these
abed (which can focus or disperse the energy of the waves). Sea waves have a regular shape at
far distance from the fetch and this phenomenon is called swell. Wave formation makes the
water surface further rough and the wind continuously grips the roughened water surface, and
thus, waves are intensified. A wave is a forward motion of energy and not the water in deep sea.
In true sense, the seawater does not move forward with a wave. Waves are characterized by the
following parameters, as shown in Figure 5.1.

Fig (5.1): Sea wave propagation

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Crest: The peak point (the maximum height) on the wave is called the crest.
Trough: The valley point (the lowest point) on the wave is called the trough.
Wave height (H): Wave height is a vertical distance between the wave crest and the next trough
(m).
Amplitude (a): It is defined as H/2 (m).
Wave length (): It is the horizontal distance either between the two successive crests or troughs
of the ocean waves (m).
Wave propagation velocity (v): The motion of seawater in a direction (m/s).
Wave period (T): It measures the size of the wave in time(s). It is the time required for two
successive crests or two successive troughs to pass a point in space.
Frequency (f): The number of peaks (or troughs) that pass a fixed point per second is defined as
the frequency of wave and is given by f = 1/T (cycle/s).

5.3 Power Associated with Sea Waves

It has been concluded by researchers through linear wave motion theory that the kinetic and
potential energy (E) of a wave per meter of crest and unit of surface can be approximated as

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Where, ρ = density of water; g = gravitational acceleration; and a = amplitude of the wave

(approximately equals to half its wave height H).
The power that a meter of crest holds can be obtained by multiplying the amount of energy
transported by the group velocity. In deep water, dispersion relation (k) is given as
𝑘 = 𝜔2/𝑔 (5.2)
Further, group velocity (𝑉g) = 𝜔 /2𝑘 = 𝑔/2𝜔 (5.3)

The total power (P) is obtained as 𝑃 = 𝐸𝑉𝑔 = [ ] (𝑔/2𝜔) = 𝜌 𝑔2𝑎2/4𝜔

2
𝜌g𝑎

2
(5.4)

Further, wave period (𝑇) = 2𝜋 /𝜔 𝑜𝑟 𝜔 = 2𝜋 /𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 = 𝐻/2

Therefore, 𝑃 = 𝜌 𝑔2𝑎2/4𝜔 = 𝜌 𝑔2𝐻2𝑇/32𝜋 (5.5)
For irregular waves of height H (m) and period T(s), an equation for power per unit of wave front
can be derived as
𝑃i𝑟𝑟𝑒g𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 = 0.4 (𝑘W/𝑚) of wave front (5.6)
From the above mentioned equations, it is seen that the wave power is directly proportional to
the square of wave height. In deep water, where the water depth is larger than half the
wavelength, the wave energy flux power is
𝑃 = (1/2) [𝜌 𝑔2𝐻2𝑇/32𝜋] = 𝜌 𝑔2𝐻2𝑇/64𝜋 ≈ 0.5 (𝑘W/𝑚3𝑠) 𝐻2𝑇 (5.7)
Where, P = wave power per unit of wave-crest length (k/m); H = significant wave height (m); T
= wave period (s); ρ = density of water; and g = acceleration due to gravity.

5.4 Wave Energy Availability

The density of water is about 800 times higher than air and therefore, the energy density of ocean
waves are significantly several times more than air. The amount of energy available in ocean

waves is tremendously high and hence, it is considered as a renewable, zero emission source of
power. Estimates of the global ocean wave energy are more than 2 TW (which means 17,500
TWh/year) according to the World Energy Council.
Wave energy is converted into electricity by placing wave energy converter on the surface of the
ocean. The electrical energy generated is the most often used in desalination plants, power
supply to electrical consumers and energizing water pumps. They are mostly using the first-

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generation oscillating water columns (OWS) converters. Other technologies such as the Japanese
Pendulum and the Tapchan can also be fit in this category. These ocean wave energy
technologies rely on the up-and-down motion of waves to generate electricity.
The coastal area of Maharashtra has an annual wave potential ranging between 4 kW/m and 8
kW/m wave front which is quite high as 12–20 kW/m during the monsoon. Kerala is the site of a
unique demonstration plant that converts sea wave energy to electricity and is given to the local
grid. This plant has oscillating water column (OWC) converter in 1990.

5.5 Devices for Harnessing Wave Energy

The basic technologies for converting wave energy to electricity are as follows:
1. Terminator devices: It is a wave energy device oriented perpendicular to the direction of the
wave and has one stationary and one moving part. The moving part moves up and down like a
car piston in response to ocean waves and pressurizes air or oil to drive a turbine. Example:-
oscillating water column (OWC) converter, these devices generally have power ratings of
500kW to 2MW depending on the wave parameters and the device dimensions.
2. Attenuator devices: These devices are oriented parallel to the direction of the waves and are
long multi-segment floating structures. It has a series of long cylindrical floating devices
connected to each other with hinges and anchored to the seabed. They ride the waves like a ship,
extracting energy by using restraints at the bow of the device and along its length. The segments
are connected to hydraulic pumps or other converters to generate power as the waves move
across. Examples: - Pelamis wave energy converter.
3. Point absorber: It is a floating structure with parts moving relative to each other owing to
wave action but it has no orientation in any defined way towards the waves instead absorbs the
wave energy coming from any direction. It utilizes the rise and fall of the wave height at a single
point for energy conversion. The pressurized water creates up and down bobbin type motion and
drives a built-in turbine generator system to generate electricity. Example: - AquaBuOY WEC.

4. Overtopping devices: These devices have reservoirs like a dam that are filled by incoming
waves, causing a slight build-up of water pressure. Gravity causes released water from reservoir
to flow back into the ocean through turbine coupled to an electrical generator. Example: - Salter
Duck WEC.

5.5.1 Oscillating Water Column Devices

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An oscillating water column device (OWC device) is shown in Figure 5.2. It is a form of
terminator in which water enters through a subsurface opening into a chamber, trapping air
above. The wave action causes the captured water column to move up and down like a piston,
forcing the air though an opening connected to a turbine to generate power.

Fig (5.2): Schematic of an oscillating water column device

It is a concrete structure partially submerged in seawater and encloses a column of air on top of a
column of water. The water columns in partially submerged chamber rise and fall when sea
waves impinge on the device. This wave action alternatively compresses and depressurizes the
air column, which is allowed to flow to and from the atmosphere via a turbine. The energy can
then be extracted from the system and used to generate electricity.

5.5.2 Salter’s Duck System:

Salter Duck WEC is the example of overtopping devices. It was invented in Scotland
in 1970 to extract mechanical energy from the ocean waves. The schematic cross
section of Salter Duck is given in Figure below. It is an egg-shaped device that moves
with the motion of the waves. The shape of leading edge
of the duck is in such a way that the approaching sea wave pressure is exerted on
the duck. It forces the duck to rotate about a central axis and the tip of the cam bobs
up and down in the water. As the Salter Duck moves (or bobs or rocks) up and down
on the sea waves, pendulum connected to electrical generator swings forward and
backward to generate electricity. Two sets of cables are attached to the device, one
to a pendulum inside the device and the other to a fixed arm outside the device. The

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cables attached to the internal pendulum contain hydraulics that pumps as the
device moves back and forth with the waves. This movement of the pressurized oil
pumped into hydraulic machine that drives electric generators.

5.6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Wave Power

Advantages
 Sea waves have high energy densities and provide a consistent stream of electricity
generation capacity.
 Wave energy is clean source of renewable energy with limited negative environmental
impacts.

 It has no greenhouse gas emissions or water pollutants.

 Operating cost is low and operating efficiency is optimal.
 Damage to ocean shoreline is reduced.
Disadvantages
 High construction costs.
 Marine life is disrupted and displaced.
 Damage to the devices from strong storms and corrosion create problems.
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 Wave energy devices could have an effect on marine and recreation environment.

Ocean Thermal Energy

5.6 Introduction
Ocean thermal energy exists in the form of temperature difference between the warm surface
water and the colder deep water. A heat engine generates power utilizing well established
thermodynamic principle, where heat flows from high temperature source to low temperature
sink through engine converting a part of the heat into work. In the present case the surface water
works as heat source and deep water as heat sink to convert part of the heat to mechanical energy
and hence into electrical energy. The facility proposed to achieve this conversion is known as
OTEC (ocean thermal energy conversion). A minimum temperature difference of 20 °C is
required for practical energy conversion. The resource potential is expected to be many
terawatts. Main advantages of OTEC are: (i) the resource supplies steady power without
fluctuations and independent of vagaries of weather, (ii) the availability hardly vary from season
to season, (iii) at a suitable site the resource is essentially limited only by the size of the system,
(iv) the required machinery requires only marginal improvements in well-tried engineering
devices, e.g. heat exchanger, turbine, etc. and (v) it also has the ability to create some useful by
products such as desalinated water and nutrients for mariculture. Major disadvantages are: (i)
low efficiency and (ii) high installation cost.

5.7 Principles of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

The warm water from the ocean surface is collected and pumped through the heat exchanger to
heat and vapourize a working fluid, and it develops pressure in a secondary cycle. Then, the
vapourized working fluid expands through a heat engine (similar to a turbine) coupled to an
electric generator that generates electrical power. Working fluid vapour coming out of heat
engine is condensed back into liquid by a condenser. Cold deep ocean water is pumped through
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condenser where the vapour is cooled and returns to liquid state. The liquid (working fluid) is
pumped again through heat exchanger and cycle repeats. It is known as closed-cycle OTEC.
If ocean surface water is high, enough propane or similar material is used as working fluid;
otherwise, for low-temperature surface water, fluid such as ammonia with low boiling point is
used. In an open-cycle OETC, warm ocean surface water is pumped into a low-pressure boiler to
boil and produce steam. Then, the steam is used in steam turbine to drive an electrical generator
for producing electrical power. The cold deep sea water is used in condenser to condense steam.
Some fractions of electrical power generated by OTEC plants are used for operating and
controlling equipments involved in power plants, and high electrical power is used for feeding to
several other energy consumers.
5.8 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plants
There are two different kinds of OTEC power plants, namely land-based power plant and
floating power plant.
Land-based Power Plant

Fig (5.3): Land-based OTEC power plant

The land-based power plant as shown in figure 5.3 is constructed on shore and accommodates all
parts of OTEC plants. It requires laying down long pipes from plant site on shore to two extreme
points of necessary temperature gradient. One pipe is used to collect warm ocean surface water
through screened enclosure near the shore. Another long pipe lay down on the slope deep into
the ocean to collect cold water. A third pipe is used as outlet to discharge used water again in
ocean via marine culture ponds deep down the ocean. Cost of pipe installation and maintenance
is very expensive, and land based plant is also very expensive. Since large electricity is used to
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pump water through long pipes, the net electricity reduces considerably. Land-based OTEC plant
has the advantage of savings on electrical transmission line and connectivity to electrical power
grid.
Floating Power Plant
Floating power plant shown in figure 5.4 is built on a ship platform exactly where required
temperature gradient sufficient for OTEC plant is available. The working principle of ocean
thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is same as that of land-based power plant. Undoubtedly, the
cost savings exist on piping system, but long transmission line is required to transmit electrical
power from plant to sea shore. Owing to high installation cost of long underwater power cables
and its inefficiency and many other associated problems, floating OTEC plants are considered
for the production of fuels such as hydrogen, on the platform itself by the electrolysis of water.

Fig (5.4): Floating OTEC power plant

5.9 Basic Rankine Cycle and its Working, Closed Cycle, Open Cycle and Hybrid Cycle
5.9.1 Rankine Cycle
The basic Rankine cycle shown in figure 5.5 consists of evaporator, turbine expander, condenser,
pump and working fluid. In open-cycle OTEC, warm sea water is used as working fluid, whereas
in closed-cycle type, low-boiling point ammonia or propane is used. Warm ocean surface water
flows into the evaporator which is the high-temperature heat source. A fluid pump is utilized to
force the fluid in a heat evaporator where liquid fluid vapourizes. Then, the vapour of boiling
fluid enters the turbine expander coupled with an electrical generator to generate electrical
power. The vapour released from the turbine enters into condenser where it condenses. The cold
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deep sea water is pumped through the condenser for heat rejection from vapour fluid and
condenses it as liquid fluid. The liquid fluid is again pumped through evaporator and cycle
repeats. As temperature difference between high- and low-temperature ends is large enough, the
cycle will continue to operate and generate power.
The steam Rankine cycle and organic Rankine cycle are the two main types used in OTEC
systems, and the choice of working fluids plays an important role in design and performance of
OTEC. Water is the only working fluid for steam Rankine cycle, but a large number of working
fluid is available for organic Rankine cycle.

Fig (5.5): OTEC Rankine cycle

5.9.2 Closed cycle, Open cycle, and Hybrid cycle

There are three types of OTEC cycle designs, namely open cycle, closed cycle, and hybrid cycle.
1. In an open cycle, warm sea water is pumped into a flash evaporator as working fluid where it
boils at low pressure and converts into steam. This steam expands through low-pressure turbine
which drives an electrical generator and generates electricity. The steam released from turbine
condensed in a condenser by deep sea cold water as non-saline water. When non-condensable
gases are separated and exhausted, the non-saline water is either pumped in marine culture ponds
for freshwater applications or finally discharged in sea surface water.

2. In closed cycle, organic fluid flows in a separate closed-cycle loop called organic Rankine
cycle. Warm sea surface water pumped through another pipe vapourizes working fluid in heat
exchangers to drive turbine generator. The fluid vapour condenses into liquid form by deep sea water

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pumped in condenser by a separate pumping system. The process of pumping liquid fluid in an evaporator
cycle is repeated.
3. A hybrid cycle is a combination of both closed and open cycle.

5.9.2.1 Open cycle (Claude cycle) plant:

Fig (5.6): Open cycle OTEC plant

In open cycle (also known as Claude cycle) plant, warm water from the ocean surface is flash
evaporated under partial vacuum. Low-pressure steam obtained is separated and passed through
turbine to extract energy. The exhaust of turbine is condensed in direct contact condenser. Cold
water drawn from a depth of about 1000 m is used as cooling water in direct contact condenser.
The resulting mixture of used cooling water and condensate is disposed in the sea. If surface
contact condenser is employed, the condensate could be used as desalinated water. Thus an open

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loop OTEC plant can provide a substantial quantity of desalinated water. The scheme is shown in
Fig. 5.6.
5.9.2.2 Closed cycle (Anderson cycle) plant
In closed cycle (also known as Anderson cycle) plant, warm surface water is used to evaporate a
low boiling point working fluid such as ammonia, freon or propane. The vapor flows through the

turbine and is then cooled and condensed by cold water pumped from the ocean depths. Because
of low quality heat a large surface areas of heat exchangers (evaporator and condenser) are
required to transfer significant amount of heat and large amount of water need to be circulated.
The schematic diagram of closed loop OTEC plant is shown in Fig. 5.7. The operating pressures
of the working fluid at the boiler/evaporator and condenser are much higher and its specific
volume is much lower as compared to water in open cycle system. Such pressures and specific
volumes result in turbine that is much smaller in size and hence less costly as compared to that in
open cycle system. Although both systems are being explored, the closed cycle system appears to
be more promising in near future.

Fig (5.7): Closed cycle OTEC plant

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5.9.2.3 Hybrid Cycle

As shown in Figure 5.8, a hybrid cycle combines the features of both closed-cycle and open-
cycle systems. Warm sea water is pumped into a vacuum chamber where it is used to flash and
produces steam. Working fluid in another closed cycle loop is evaporated and vapourized by
steam in vacuum chamber. The fluid vapour rotates the turbine and drives an electric generator to
produce electricity.

Fig (5.8): OTEC hybrid cycle

5.10 Application of OTEC in Addition to Produce Electricity

Ocean thermal converting plants provide several products for use by mankind. These are
explained as follows:
1. Electricity: Electrical energy is the primary product of OTEC plants. Laying down long
transmission and distribution cables up to the sea shore for domestic and industrial applications
is not practical from economic view point. OTEC plants are, therefore, considered for other
products and applications.
2. Hydrogen production: Electricity produced from OTEC plants is used for separating water in
hydrogen and oxygen by the method of electrolysis of water. Hydrogen is considered as the
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second best usable form of energy after electricity. Use of deep sea cold water and OTEC
electricity for hydrogen production signifies the important applications of OTEC plants.
3. Ammonia and methanol production: OTEC electricity can be used to obtain by-products,
such as ammonia and methanol that can be transported either by tankers or through pipe lines to
on shore applications
4. Desalinated water: Desalinated water is produced in an open-cycle and hybrid-type OTEC
plants through surface condenser. It is freshwater and widely used as water resource for drinking,
agriculture and industry.
5. Aquaculture: Nutrient-rich cold deep sea water provides sufficient environment for fish
farming which may create a profitable business activities.
6. Chilled soil agriculture: Chilled soil agriculture is another application of OTEC plants. Cold
deep sea water flowing through underground pipes chills the surrounding soil. The temperature
difference is maintained between plant roots in the cool soil and plant leaves in the warm air,
and

thus, the tree and plants grows. The amount of food that can be produced in this way is very
large, larger in market value than the electric power produced by the plant.
7. Air conditioning: Because the temperature is only a few degrees, cold water can be used as a
fluid in air condition systems.

5.11 Advantages, Disadvantages and Benefits of

OTEC Advantages
 Ocean thermal energy is a renewable, clean natural resource available in abundance.
 It is pollution free and has no greenhouse effects.
 It is a good source of freshwater and portable water.
Disadvantages
 High cost: Electricity generated by OTEC plants is more expensive than electricity
produced by chemical and nuclear fuels.
 Complexity: OTEC plants must be located where a difference of about 20°C occurs year
round. Ocean depths must be available fairly close to shore-based facilities for economic
operation. Floating plant ships could provide more flexibility.
 Acceptability: For the large-scale production of electricity and other products, OTEC
plants are poorly acceptable due to their high costs.
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 Ecosystem damage: It is obvious by setting OTEC plants.

 Lower efficiency: A higher temperature difference between ocean surface warm water
and cold deep ocean water is required for highly efficient operation of plant.
Benefits
Economic and other benefits are the value of OTEC plants. These include the following:
 It is a clean, renewable natural resource available in plenty.
 It has no environmental problems and greenhouse effects.
 It is a source of base load electricity and fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia.
 It provides freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
 It encourages chilled agriculture and aquaculture.
 Self-sufficiency, no environmental effects, and improved sanitation and nutrition are the
added benefits for island.

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Q. Question Answer
No
01 Discuss the principle and working of sea wave energy. What are the limitations of sea
5.1
wave energy conversion?
02 Briefly explain the different types of devices used to harness wave energy. 5.5
03 With help of neat diagram, explain the principle of oscillating water column ocean
5.5.1
wave machine.
04 What are the advantages and disadvantages of sea wave power? 5.6
05 Explain the principle of OTEC? Explain the basic Rankine cycle and it’s working. 5.9.1
06 Explain how ocean temperature differences can be used to generate electric power
5.9.2.1
using open cycle system.
07 With help of neat sketch, explain the closed cycle OTEC system. 5.9.2.2
08 Explain the basic OTEC hybrid cycle. 5.9.2.3
09 Explain the open cycle and closed cycle OTEC techniques. 5.9.2
10 State the merits, demerits and benefits of OTEC plants. 5.11

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