(269f) Optimal Design of an Open-Cycle Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion System for Energy and Water Supply Considering Multiple-Objectives

Ocean thermal energy conversion systems (OTEC) represent an attractive economic alternative in communities where a high percentage of electricity production is based on oil, where the water is scarce and, where the communities are close to the ocean. This power generation technology uses the temperature difference between the deep cold water and warm surface water of the ocean to produce electricity and desalinated water using the principles of the Rankine cycle. The objective of this work is to present a rigorous model for the optimal design of the open cycle ocean thermal energy conversion system. This work addresses a multi-objective strategy for defining the relationships between design and utility policy prices in water-energy off-grid systems. The formulation allows obtaining the design and operation of the system. In addition, levels of subsidies and impacts social, energy, and economic policies are considered for defining the utility price for the end-user. The solution to the problem consists of minimizing the total annual cost while social welfare is maximized.