Saga University Launches New Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Lab to Promote Practical Application

On June 14, 2003, Saga University's Institute of Ocean Energy (IOES) opened a new research center for studying ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) in Imari City, Saga Prefecture.

OTEC is a method of power generation that utilizes the difference in temperature between surface and deep sea water levels. A difference of 15 degrees or more is needed to generate electricity. OTEC has attracted a lot of attention because it emits much less carbon-dioxide than traditional energy sources, and because it can potentially yield a steady supply of energy. Plans to construct OTEC facilities are already under way in many countries. If this method becomes practical, it is estimated that 100 trillion kWh of electricity could be generated within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering of Saga University started research on OTEC in 1973, and the President of the University at that time, Haruo Uehara, developed a highly-efficient system with low construction costs, called the "Uehara Cycle." The University's team recenly enjoyed the world's first success in generating 30 kW of electricity with this system under low temperature conditions, using surface water at about 30 degrees Celsius and deep sea water at 8 degrees Celsius. The 4.5 billion-yen research center (U.S.$37.5 million) also has seawater desalination research equipment and equipment for generating hydrogen as the secondary use of OTEC-generated energy.

The University also provides full technical support to the government of India in the construction of a demonstration plant, which is to start operating in the autumn of 2003. The University says that about 50 countries in Southeast Asia, Central and South America and elsewhere, have asked for cooperation or to conduct joint-research. The opening of the new research center is expected to promote research on practical applications of OTEC.




Posted: 2003/09/27 11:51:50 AM
Japanese version