Definitions for "OTEC"
Ocean thermal electric conversion. Energy derived form temperature differentials between warm ocean surface waters and cold deep waters. This differential can be used to drive turbines attached to electric generators.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion. A solar, ocean thermal desalination approach where electricity is produced by using the temperature differential between cold, deep waters and warm, shallow surface waters. Water at the ocean surface (at about 70°F) is used to heat liquid ammonia, which vaporizes at this temperature in a vacuum chamber. The ammonia vapor is used to turn a turbine to produce electricity. The vapor is then condensed by using cold water pumped up from the ocean depths (at about 35°F).
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion. The utilization of thermal gradients in ocean water as an energy source. A heat engine is run between the warmer suface waters and the colder bottom waters to produce electricity.