Harnessing Vertical Sea Temperature Gradient

Sterling D. Allan writes "Sea Solar Power Inc., run by three generations of James Hilbert Andersons, has developed a solar power technology that does not fluctuate with the weather, but is available constantly. Their solution is to harness the solar energy stored in the sea by tapping the thermal gradient that exists naturally between the surface and deep waters, using a reverse refrigeration cycle. The modeling and testing done by the Anderson family over three generations since 1962 predicts that the cost of energy generation through this method will be within a price range comparable to nuclear, coal, natural gas, and other contemporary grid power plants. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, or OTEC, was invented in 1881 by a French scientist, Jacques Arsene D'Arsonval. SSP should be ready to build their first full prototype 2-3 years from now."

Comments

Sound too good to be true? Perhaps it is...

[TripMaster Monkey]

This certainly sounds like a terrific idea...not only do you get basically free power, but you also get desalinization in the bargain. Abundant power plus abundant fresh water has the potential to completely remake the countries in the equatorial region...the region, coincidentally, where these power/desalinization plants will be most efficient.

However, we really ought to know by know the policy of TANSTAAFL...earlier generations have blithely pursued their agendas without thought to the long-term consequences to the environment, and today we are slowly starting to recognize the signs of these consequences in our environment. Given that the slight amount of global warming we have so far witnessed has caused an unprecedented amount and rapidity of glacial retreat, with truly global consequences. If you doubt this, just ask the Europeans, whose traditionally balmy climate is fast disappearing due to the weakening of the Gulf Stream.

With this in mind, is it really wise to start monkeying with the thermal gradient of the oceans at the equator?

How will this affect the environment?

[assantisz]

Whenever we humans tap into our environment to harness energy we usually ruin it quite a bit. I wonder what kind of long-term consequences such energy retrieval might have.

But does it scale.....

[bobdobbs3]

Oh, there couldn't POSSIBLY be any environmental consequences from everyone doing this on a large scale. Surely, nothing is dependent on that gradient. One big, lukewarm ocean....yup recipe for success.

Re:Unfortunately, it's not a passive energy source

[Quaoar]

Passive solar collection (photovoltaic and otherwise) and wind power are really the only truly "green" power sources. Wind power is not truly green; you have to erect hundreds of them to produce any significant power, and birds have a tendency to fly into the propellers. Solar wastes a ton of land area as well.