A certain form of energy is available due to the difference in the temperature of water at the surface of the ocean and its deeper levels.
(a) Name the form of energy.
(b) Is this energy ultimately derived from the sun or not?
(c) Explain how this form of energy can be converted into electricity.
(d) What is the minimum temperature difference in water at the surface of ocean and its deeper level which is required to operate power plants based on this energy ?
(a) Ocean thermal energy is the energy generated due to the difference in the temperature of water at the surface of the ocean and its deeper levels.
(b)No this Energy isn't derived from the sun.
(c) Ocean thermal energy is used to generate electricity in an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion power plant also called as OTEC power plant. A temperature difference of 20°C or more between the surface water and deeper water is needed for the operation of these plants. The warm surface water of ocean is used to boil a liquid like ammonia or chlorofluorocarbon. The high pressure of the vapors of liquid is used to turn the turbine of a generator and produce electricity.
(d)20°C is the minimum temperature difference in water at the surface of ocean and its deeper level which is required to operate power plants based on this energy.