BACKGROUND
Populations living on islands face difficulties pertaining to producing electrical power, maintaining freshwater supplies, and effectively cooling living and workspaces. Traditional methods employed to address these needs are overwhelmingly energy-intensive, translating to a high economic cost as well as environmental damage in ecosystems with a delicate balance. As populations increase and the effects of climate change intensify, the problems facing island populations are compounded, presenting a critical need for environmentally friendly yet effective strategies to provide essential services.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at OSU have developed a novel open-cycle OTEC system designed to enable a sustainable and environmentally responsible solution to the problems plaguing populations on islands. The system combines electric power generation, water desalination, and air conditioning. This is accomplished by using warm and cold ocean water to generate electricity and produce desalinated potable water. Optimized for efficiency and sustainability, the water is then used as a medium to remove the cooling load in HVAC systems (i.e., the potable water supply is used as a chilled water source for air conditioners). This reduces the need for traditional fossil fuel-based methods, reducing the cost incurred to both the populace and the local environment. By integrating the essential services of electricity, potable water, and air conditioning into one environmentally friendly system, this technology represents a substantial step towards attainable sustainable living for island communities.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
MAIN ADVANTAGES
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT