Optimization of OTEC Plant Using a Hybrid-Cycle : Combination of a Desalination Plant and OTEC Plant

In this paper, the optimization of a hybrid-cycle OTEC plant is carried out by the method of steepest descent. The hybrid cycle is a combination of a closed-cycle OTEC plant and a spray flash desalination plant. The total heat exchange area per net power is used as an objective function. The numerical results are shown for a 10MW hybird-cycle OTEC plant with plate-type heat exchangers. Ammonia is used as a working fluid. The results are compared with that of a closed cycle OTEC system.