Integration and Optimization of Hydrogen Production with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Technology in Offshore Floating Platforms

OTEC is a clean, renewable energy resource capable of producing very large and significant quantities of hydrogen in at-sea floating plants located in warm, tropical water. During phase I, Makai will develop an analytical model to technically balance and financially evaluate a large-scale OTEC-driven hydrogen (or alternate fuel) plant and industry. This computer tool will technically link and balance system components while providing resulting total costs. This model will be used to develop a means of comparison between the OTEC-hydrogen path and competitive hydrogen paths such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear. The analysis will include new developments in platform technology, advances in the OTEC process, and alternate fuels to hydrogen which may be more advantageous for at-sea production, storage and transportation. The study will lead toward the development of a trial or prototype at-sea plant to supply hydrogen (or alternate fuels) for the US Navy or civilian users.