New Power Plant Produces Both Energy & Fresh Water

joshmccormack writes "An article in Sunday's New York Times (Free Reg, mah peeps) tells of how Japanese scientists have found a way to make fresh water and energy from temperature differences in ocean water. This may change the rules of what land is considered habitable, and the value of energy." Fascinating stuff, next step is rumored to be beer and power.

Comments

Kinda old stuff with a new twist

[TheLink]

I first read about this as a kid years ago in the 70s. I think it's called OTEC.

The twist seems to be usage of ammonia water instead of plain ammonia - which was what I read about then.

http://www.ioes.saga-u.ac.jp/about-otec-lab_e.ht ml

One thing for sure it's definitely closer to being practical than hot fusion power stations.

Sounds familiar

[Anonymous Coward]

Years ago in my Thermodynamics class, I believe we discussed something along those lines. It was called OTEC - Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion.

-1 reduntant (includes the link)

[IncarnationTwo]

Ahem: google anyone?

I know I am lazy - but the link you mentioned was third in the search results.

Oh, and thanks for the fish... free karma I mean ;-)

Re:There is one OTEC plant in Kona, Hawaii

[NomNet]

I've visited that type of plant (OTEC, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) already in Hawaii (near Kona), where there is one running since quite some years. One problem is that it only works for steep ocean wall drop offs, since otherwise the pipe is getting too long.

It uses about half of the created energy (through a normal Carnot cycle) for pumping (about 120kW). The other half is not quite competetive, but with the nutrient rich and cool water, fish farming and air conditioning can be done, heaving the whole investment to a black zero (or better).

I leave the exercise of finding the link to a Karma-hungry reader.

More info here, and here

And an OTEC history here