Eco Factor: Renewable energy to be generated using temperature difference in ocean waters.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have stated that Leeward side of Hawaiian Islands might just be ideal for ocean-based renewable energy generation. The plant will not use kinetic energy of ocean waves, but will be designed to generate energy using the temperature difference in ocean waters.
The plan is to use temperature difference between warm ocean water on the surface and cold water found at depths to drive massive heat engines, which will then produce steady amounts of renewable energy. Heat flows from the warm reservoir to the cool one and the greater the temperature difference, the more energy is generated.
The technology has been around for more than half a century, but has not really taken off considering the cost of energy produced using conventional sources is relatively low. However, since the temperature difference in ocean waters off Hawaii is about one degree Celsius more than other places, it will translate to 15 percent more power from the power plant.
Via: EurekAlert
