Is it a matter of scale?

EvMick@aol.com
Mon, 1 Sep 1997 00:13:04 -0400 (EDT)


Another thing that has been bouncing around in my head is OTEC. Try
visualizing how it will work...either the open cycle or the closed cycle
version. THAT'LL keep you occupied for a few miles....er....hours.

Anyway...it occurs to me that the tempeture differential between well water
and ambient air temp in many places at many times of the year exceeds the
minimium requirement for OTEC....(only in this case it'd have to be called
something else)...particularly if boosted with a little solar augmentation.

On the other hand...in the winter in many places the reverse is true...the
well water temp is that much higher than the ambient air temp.

In either case is a "table top" demo model possible? (or even household power
generation?) Or ....since the reputed effeciency is only 2 or 3
percent...must it be huge to operate at all?

Just a Thought.

EvMick
Edinburg Tx.