| Thermal energy is renewable and is generated without | | | | temperature reservoir. The heat flows from one |
| an impact on the environment. In layman's terms, | | | | reservoir to the other, and is then converted into |
| thermal energy can be transferred to other objects, | | | | energy. This technology is extremely popular and is |
| heating them, causing the molecules to move faster. | | | | used in common engines. The reverse concept is used |
| Ocean thermal energy is a popular form of solar | | | | in refrigerators. |
| energy. The United States took a strong interest in | | | | Ocean thermal energy has benefits other than power. |
| ocean thermal energy plants in 1974 and has since | | | | Air conditioning can be produced nearby thermal |
| expanded their use. | | | | energy plants. The cold seawater used for the plants |
| Ocean thermal energy generates electricity by using | | | | can be used in water coils. This thermal energy can |
| the temperature difference between deep and shallow | | | | provide enough air conditioning for a large building, |
| waters. Typically, this energy is used to run a heat | | | | saving $200,000-$400,000 annually in energy bills. |
| engine. The greatest amount of energy is generated | | | | This technology also produces chilled water for |
| by the largest differences between temperatures. For | | | | agriculture. Chilled-soil agriculture requires cold sea |
| this reason, ocean thermal energy is most easily | | | | water to flow through underground pipes, thus chilling |
| generated near the equator and in the tropics. | | | | the surrounding soil. This temperature difference |
| Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth, which the sun | | | | between the soil and the plant leaves allows the plants |
| has time to heat on a daily basis. If made | | | | to feel as if they are grown in the subtropics. |
| cost-effective, ocean thermal energy could solve the | | | | Desalinated water can also be produced with the use |
| world's energy needs. Currently, the efficiency of | | | | of ocean thermal energy. This can be produced in |
| ocean thermal energy is a mere one to three percent. | | | | open- or hybrid- cycle plants using surface condensers. |
| Ocean thermal energy technology uses a heat engine, | | | | This is done by condensing steam by indirect contact |
| which is technology that is used through the majority | | | | with cold sea water. This creates relatively low levels |
| of energy generation today. The heat engine is placed | | | | of impurities in seawater and allows for drinking. |
| between a high temperature reservoir and a low | | | | |