The Indian 1 MW Demonstration OTEC Plant and the Pre-Commissioning Tests

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) utilizes the thermal gradient available in the ocean to operate a heat engine to produce work output. Even though the concept is simple and old for almost one century, recently it has gained momentum due to worldwide search for clean continuous energy sources to replace the fossil fuels. There are technological hurdles to overcome to tap the immense potential of OTEC. But still the technology is mature enough to establish commercial power plants. National Institute of Ocean Technology was involved in the design, development and demonstration of a 1 MW OTEC floating plant-the largest of its kind-in the Indian waters. This is to be commissioned 60 km south east of Tuticorin, South India where an ocean depth of 1200m available. The site surveys, computer analysis, model studies were done in 1999. The basic power cycle design Was completed within 4 months. The plant was integrated and stage qualification tests were carried out in 2000-02. The project is to be commissioned in January 2003. This paper is projecting the technological and economical aspects of the OTEC with an overview of the various pre-commissioning activities of the project.