A new system to improve the present OTEC (ocean thermal energy conversion) power plant performance is here presented. This is a metal hydride energy system operating as a “temperature upgrading” device which allows an increase of the OTEC plant working fluid temperature at the turbine inlet. The integrated MHTUP (metal hydride temperature upgrading)—OTEC plant has been investigated, taking into account the dynamic operations of MHTUP system and the OTEC pumping power increase due to the water circulation in the MHTUP system. The results show an increase in the OTEC net power of about 20 percent and the technological feasibility of the proposal. The large amounts of metal hydride and of heat transfer surface required by MHTUP system involve a critical situation from an economical point of view. The further analysis, particularly regarding the performance optimization and new plant arrangement of the MHTUP system, have to be developed in order to attain the economical feasibility of the proposal.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Topics:
Energy / power systems, Metals, Ocean thermal energy conversion, Power stations, Temperature, Fluids, Heat transfer, Optimization, Turbines, Water
1.
Bernauer
O.
,
1988
, “
Metal Hydride Technology
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
13
, pp.
181
–
190
.
2.
Bjurstrom
H.
, and
Suda
S.
,
1989
, “
The Metal Hydride Heat Pump: Dynamics of Hydrogen Transfer
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
14
, pp.
19
–
28
.
3.
Caputo, C., and Gambini, M., 1988a, “The Employment of Metal Hydride in Energy Conversion Systems,” Proceedings, 43rd ATI National Congress, (in Italian), Ancona, pp. 65–79.
4.
Caputo, C., and Gambini, M., 1988b, “Reverse Thermo-Chemical Cycles With Metal Hydrides,” Proceedings, 43 rd ATI National Congress, (in Italian), Ancona, pp. 81–96.
5.
Dantzer
P.
, and
Orgaz
E.
,
1986
, “
Thermodynamics of Hydride Chemical Heat Pump—II. How to Select a Pair of Alloys
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
11
, pp.
797
–
806
.
6.
Gambini
M.
,
1989
, “
Performances of Metal Hydride Heat Pumps Operating Under Dynamic Conditions
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
14
, pp.
821
–
830
.
7.
Gambini
M.
,
1994
a, “
Metal Hydride Energy Systems Performance Evaluation. Part A: Dynamic Analysis Model of Heat and Mass Transfer
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
19
, pp.
67
–
80
.
8.
Gambini
M.
,
1994
b, “
Metal Hydride Energy Systems Performance Evaluation. Part B: Performance Analysis Model of Dual Metal Hydride Energy Systems
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
19
, pp.
81
–
97
.
9.
Hydride Techologies Inc., 1990, “Heat Exchangers Tests Performed by Ergenics,” personal communication.
10.
Ito, F., and Seya, Y., 1982, “Present Situation and Future Outlook of OTEC Power Generation,” Tokio Electric Power Co.
11.
Kreith, F., and Bharathan, D., 1987, “Heat Transfer Research for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion,” Solar Energy Research Institute, Paper No. SERI/TP-250-3119.
12.
Link, H. F., and Parsons, B. K., 1986, “Potential of Proposed Open Cycle OTEC. Experiment to Achieve Net Power,” Solar Energy Research Institute, Paper No. SERI/TP-253-2965.
13.
Nagel
M.
,
Komazaki
Y.
,
Uchida
M.
, and
Suda
S.
,
1984
, “
Operating Characteristics of a Metal Hydride Heat Pump for Generating Cooled Air
,”
Journal of Less-Common Metals
, Vol.
104
, pp.
307
–
316
.
14.
Nejat Veziroglu
N.
,
1987
, “
Hydrogen Technology for Energy Needs of Human Settlements
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
12
, pp.
99
–
129
.
15.
Nomura
K.
,
Akiba
E.
, and
Ono
S.
,
1983
, “
Development of a Metal Hydride Compressor
,”
Journal of Less-Common Metals
, Vol.
89
, pp.
551
–
558
.
16.
Osumi
Y.
,
1984
, “
Trends in Development of a Metal Hydrides at Home and Abroad
,”
Chemical and Economical Engineering Review
, Vol.
16
, pp.
12
–
22
.
17.
Ron
M.
,
1984
, “
A Hydrogen Heat Pump as a Bus Air Conditioner
,”
Journal of Less-Common Metals
, Vol.
104
, pp.
259
–
278
.
18.
Ron, M., and Josephy, Y., 1989, “A Hydrogen Heat Pump Incorporated Into the Circuit of an Electric Power Plant,” Proceedings, 24th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, pp. 2097–2103.
19.
Suda
S.
,
1985
, “
Recent Development of Hydride Energy Systems in Japan
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
10
, pp.
757
–
765
.
20.
Suda
S.
,
1987
, “
Metal Hydrides
,”
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
, Vol.
12
, pp.
323
–
331
.
21.
Uehara, H., and Ikegami, Y., 1990, “Optimization of a Closed-Cycle OTEC System,” Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, pp. 247–256.
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 1997
 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
You do not currently have access to this content.