Ocean Thermal Energy Different layers of ocean have different temperature. Usually, the water at the surface of oceans is hot due to sunlight. While the water present in the deeper layers of oceans is cold. The difference in temperature of hot water present at the surface and cold water present in deeper layers of oceans is used to produce electricity and is called ocean thermal energy (OTE). The device which is used to produce electricity from ocean thermal energy is called ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power plant. It should be noted that ocean thermal energy conversion power plant requires a temperature difference of 200C between the surface and deeper water of ocean to operate. This source of energy is also non-polluting and renewable. But unlike solar energy, ocean thermal energy is available 24 hours a day.
Sea Waves Energy
The waves produced on the surface of oceans due to blowing wind over it are called sea waves. The kinetic energy of ocean waves is used to produce electricity by designing special types of hydroelectric power plants. In these power plants, fast moving sea waves are allowed to move up and down inside covered chambers. The up and down movement of sea waves pushes and pulls the air present inside covered chambers and thus rotates the turbines fitted in them to produce electricity.
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- What is otec?
- What is ocean thermal energy?
- What is sea wave energy?