A study on physical oceanographic parameters for the OTEC in NW Pacific

Ocean embraces tremendously abundant resources of ocean thermal energy, wave energy, tidal energy, and ocean current energy…etc. They are clean , create no pollution, and possess immense potential for development. Among which, ocean thermal energy holds the most formidable capacity – if the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system is adopted properly at tropical oceans near Taiwan. Taiwan’s energy production will thus be benefited. This research studies the oceanographic parameters for developing the OTEC in the region between latitude 0°N-20°N and longitude 130°E-150°E. The parameters include surface temperature, average wind speed at surface, significant wave height, surface flow speed, and typhoon wave height…etc. The area concerned is divided into a 5 degree latitude by 5 degree longitude grid to help identify the best spot to develop the OTEC system. As a result, the grid of latitude 0°N-5°N and longitude 130°E-135°E proves to be the most ideal, since it show the least typhoon intensity, occurrence frequency, average wind speed at surface, and significant wave height. Implementation of the OTEC system requires international collaboration since there are many small islands scattering in this area.