Design optimization of floating structure for a 100 MW-net ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power plant

This paper presents a design procedure based on optimization to contrive a floating structure for a commercial scale of OTEC power plant. In the aim to get a safe yet economical floating structure, a commercial oil tanker ship was converted as the plantship. The process was started by defining independent variables, constraints and fix parameters. The independent variables included the velocity of seawater transport and type of oil tanker ship. The next step was breaking down the fix parameters which were kept constant during the iteration process. These parameters were about the general requirements and the necessary equipment to produce 100 MWnet power output. Some constraints were also introduced as permissible borders to determine whether the particular case was acceptable or not. The constraints included the constraint due to provided space, allowed weight, net power output and fluid phenomena on the riser. During the iteration process, a spiral model was developed as analysis guideline. Based on the result of the optimization, it could be concluded that the typical Suez-max oil tanker ship was the best option and the most optimum seawater transport velocity was 3 m/s. Finally, the general arrangements and the base layout design were also conceptualized in this paper.