Advanced generating technologies: motivation and selection process in electric utilities
Article Abstract:
Electric utility companies traditionally seek to meet the electrical energy needs of their customers as economically as possible with acceptable levels of quality, reliability and safety. The efficiency of generation technologies compensated for increases in construction and operating costs until the 1960s, but several significant events have resulted in higher prices for electricity over the past two decades. These events include the higher prices of fuel, increased pressure to conserve resources, the Clean Air Acts, and increased costs related to safety concerns involved in nuclear technology. The utilities are looking for advanced methods of generating electricity to meet future demand without damaging the environment and depleting natural resources. The benefits and risks of these future technologies are discussed and evaluated.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1993
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An assessment of ocean thermal energy conversion as an advanced electric generation methodology
Article Abstract:
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses the difference in temperature between surface and deep ocean water to evaporate and condense a working fluid. The working fluid in an open-cycle OTEC configuration is seawater, propane is used in the closed-cycle configuration. The history and practical merits of the use of OTEC for electric power generation are discussed. The OTEC principle requires large amounts of seawater and working fluid. The energy required to pump these fluids cannot be greater than the energy recovered from the process. The concept of net power production and the typical components of an OTEC plant, particularly the evaporator heat exchanger, are discussed along with the operation of an OTEC electric generating station. The recent efforts of the Natural Energy Laboratory -- Hawaii (NELH) are summarized.
Publication Name: Proceedings of the IEEE
Subject: Electronics
ISSN: 0018-9219
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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