The diagram below shows the production of electricity using a system called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
Write at least 150 words.
How Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) works
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a system that converts heat energy into the electric power using the temperature difference between surface seawater, which can be up to 29 degrees Celsius, and deep seawater, which is only 5 degrees Celsius.
The main components of the system are an evacuated evaporation chamber, a turbine and a condensing chamber. The solar energy of the sun heats up the surface water and this warm water is introduced into the evacuated evaporation chamber, where it boils. As it boils, salt is deposited and water vapour is generated. This vapour then drives a turbine to generate electricity. After it powers the turbine, the water vapour enters the condensing chamber, which is cooled by the water from the depths of the ocean. The water vapour is condensed in this chamber, producing drinking water. Meanwhile, waste salt water is discharged into the ocean and the process can be repeated.
Sample Answer 2
The diagram illustrates the process for generating electricity by using seawater through the system of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). It also describes how pure drinking water is attained through the same process.
Overall, this system involves three distinct stages of utilizing solar energy, evaporation chamber, and condensing chamber. Moreover, up to 1000 meters deep in the sea, the water is used to maintain the temperature difference which helps in the process of evaporation and condensation.
Firstly, the surface water of the sea which is heated by the sun up to 29-degree celsius is passed into the evaporation chamber. From this point, salt particles are removed and the water gets evaporated to pass through a turbine. The movement of water vapors through the turbine generates electricity.
In the next level, these vapors travel down the pipe into a condensing chamber where it is continuously cooled down by the deep seawater circulating this chamber. Finally, pure drinking water is produced from this chamber and the salt is drained back into the sea.
Comments
Post a Comment