Consider the Possible Design of an OTEC Facility That Has $\left( \mathrm { e } . g . , 1 \mathrm { GW } _ { \mathrm { e } } \right)$

question 17

Essay

Consider the possible design of an OTEC facility that has an electrical output comparable to an average nuclear power plant $\left( \mathrm { e } . g . , 1 \mathrm { GW } _ { \mathrm { e } } \right)$ . Assume a turbine/generator efficiency of $90 \%$ .
(a) If the surface temperature is $23 ^ { \circ } \mathrm { C }$ and the cold reservoir is at $4 ^ { \circ } \mathrm { C }$ , what is the efficiency?
(b) What is the total flow rate of water needed?
(c) Compare the result of part (b) to the flow rate needed for a $1 \mathrm { GW } _ { \mathrm { e } }$ hydroelectric facility with a head of $200 \mathrm {~m}$ .

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Definitions:

Pesos

The official currency of Mexico and several other Latin American countries.

Purchasing Power Parity

An economic theory that compares different countries' currencies through a "basket of goods" approach to estimate the exchange rate at which two currencies will be at parity, or have the same purchasing power.

Nominal Exchange Rate

The nominal exchange rate is the rate at which one country's currency can be exchanged for another country's currency without adjustment for inflation.

Price Level

A measure of the average prices of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.