海水溫差發電
OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION
海水溫差發電（Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, 簡稱 OTEC）是一種利用海水溫差來發電的技術。這種技術利用海水表層溫度較高和深海溫度較低的差異，通過一個熱交換器來轉換能量，產生蒸汽驅動發電機發電。
具體來說，海水溫差發電系統是通過將深海的冷水和表層海水的熱水進行交換來產生動力。一個典型的海水溫差發電系統包括：熱交換器、蒸發器、蒸汽渦輪發電機組以及冷凝器。首先，海水會被抽到熱交換器中，然後經過與熱水的交換後，冷卻下來並排放至海中。同時，表層海水中的熱量會轉移到工作流體（通常是氨）中，然後被送到蒸發器中。在蒸發器中，工作流體的熱量會使得水轉化為蒸汽，然後進入蒸汽渦輪發電機組，產生動力，最終工作流體會進入冷凝器冷卻，轉為液態，進入熱交換器中再次循環。海水溫差發電具有許多優點，例如：
花蓮和平電廠海水溫差發電系統，將發展全球首個 MW 級海洋溫差發電商轉基地
The Hualien Ho-Ping Ocean Thermal Power Generation System aims to develop the world's first commercial-scale MW-level ocean thermal power conversion base.
- 可持續性
海洋的熱量是不會耗盡的，海水溫差發電是一種可持續的能源形式。 - 不污染
OTEC 系統不會排放任何有害物質，因此對環境沒有負面影響。 - 穩定性
由於海底的海水溫度變化不大，因此海水溫差發電可以提供穩定的電力輸出。 - 兼顧多種用途
OTEC 系統除了發電外，還可以生產淡水、海洋養殖和空調冷卻系統等多種用途。
但是，它也存在諸多挑戰，例如技術成本高、能量轉換效率低，需要進一步評估和管理。
不過，海水溫差發電具有很大的潛力，可以為能源轉型提供一種可再生能源選擇。我們已經開始在台灣東部電廠推動這種技術的商業化應用。
總體而言，海水溫差發電是一種具有潛力的可再生能源形式，但它目前仍需要技術上的進一步改進和商業化研究，以實現成本效益和環境友好的能源生產。
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a technology that harnesses the temperature difference in seawater to generate electricity. This technique takes advantage of the temperature disparity between the warmer surface water and the colder deep ocean water. By utilizing a heat exchanger, the energy is converted to produce steam that drives a generator for electricity generation.
Specifically, ocean thermal power generation systems generate power by exchanging the cold water from the deep ocean with the warm surface water. A typical system includes a heat exchanger, evaporator, steam turbine generator unit, and condenser. Seawater is drawn into the heat exchanger, cooled by the warm water, and then discharged back into the ocean. The heat from the surface seawater is transferred to the working fluid (typically ammonia) and sent to the evaporator. In the evaporator, the heat causes water to vaporize, and the resulting steam powers the steam turbine generator unit. The working fluid then enters the condenser, cools and returns to liquid form, and cycles back to the heat exchanger. Ocean thermal power generation offers several advantages, such as:
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Sustainability
The ocean's heat is inexhaustible, making ocean thermal energy conversion a sustainable form of energy. -
Non-polluting
OTEC systems do not emit any harmful substances, thus having no negative impact on the environment. -
Stability
Due to the minimal variation in seawater temperature at the ocean floor, OTEC can provide stable electricity output. -
Multi-functionality
In addition to generating electricity, OTEC systems can also produce fresh water, support marine aquaculture, and provide air conditioning and cooling systems.
However, OTEC also faces challenges, including high technical costs, low energy conversion efficiency, and the need for further evaluation and management.
Nonetheless, OTEC has significant potential to provide a renewable energy option for energy transition. In Taiwan, we have already started promoting the commercial application of this technology in the power plant in eastern Taiwan.
In summary, OTEC is a promising form of renewable energy, but further technological improvements and commercial research are needed to achieve cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly energy production.
海水溫差發電是一種可再生能源，主要是利用表層海水與深層海水的溫度不同來進行發電。
圖片出處：WIKIMEDIA
OTEC is a renewable energy source that primarily utilizes the temperature difference between surface seawater and deep-sea water to generate electricity.
Source：WIKIMEDIA
