ClimateandFuel

Ammonia cycle for power generation using cold water from depths of the ocean.

Ocean power plant in development by Lockheed Martin using Ammonia cycle.

Ammonia is pressurized, then evaporated using warm sea water in a heat exchanger, passes through a turbine loosing heat & pressure, driving an electrical generator and finally a condenser using cold water (from 500 to 1000 m depth.) The cycle has similarities to the steam cycle in a coal or nuclear power station, but using ammonia instead of steam (see steam cycle on electrical page.).

Locations such as at Hawaii are being considered, with deep cold nearby water. A large temperature difference is needed between the warm and cold water to be efficient. The cold pipes consist of two strong concentric continuous sheets with lightweight blanket rolls in between. Fibreglass is favored.