For islands and coastal areas with an abundance of seawater, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is an ideal renewable energy source. This technique produces electricity by harnessing temperature differences between deep and surface seawater. Thermal energy pumps are essential to the process, transporting water from the ocean and throughout OTEC facilities. These pumps operate continuously through harsh conditions such as high salt, humidity, and varying temperatures. Furthermore, pumps for thermal energy conversion must transport high volumes of water for efficient energy generation.
March Pump’s magnetic-drive pumps are the top choice for thermal energy conversion. The seal less design eliminates costly failures that typically occur when salt infiltrates mechanical seals. In addition, centrifugal pumps can reliably deliver flowrates from 5 to 20 GPM. Our pumps for ocean thermal energy conversion, such as the March LC-3CP-MD, are submersible and can handle fresh water, salt water, and mild chemicals. Check out our options for thermal energy pumps below.
Choosing the Right Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Pump
Although ocean thermal energy conversion is a promising unlimited energy source, many facilities are not efficient enough to be sustainable. Choosing the right ocean thermal energy conversion pump is necessary for energy generation. Thermal energy pumps are the workhorses behind this method, meaning that electricity can no longer be generated if the pumps fail. The integral role means that OTEC plants must balance reliability with cost-effectiveness when choosing pumps.
Centrifugal pumps are the top choice for thermal energy conversion. These models utilize an impeller to continuously deliver high flows. In addition, industry results show that a common issue is the failure of grease-lubricated bearings in thermal energy pumps. Magnetic-drive pumps avoid this issue with a simple and seal less design. Centrifugal mag-drive pumps are considered the best pump for thermal energy conversion, providing high productivity, affordable costs, and low maintenance.
Common Applications Using Thermal Energy Pumps
When fully realized, ocean thermal energy conversion has the potential to generate more energy than tidal, wave, and wind sources combined. Thermal energy pumps are used to deliver ocean water throughout OTEC plants.
Along with generating electricity, thermal energy pumps can perform other services, such as the production of desalinated water. Converting seawater vapor into drinking water has widespread uses from irrigation to human consumption. In addition, ocean thermal energy conversion pumps are essential for aquaculture. OTEC systems pump large amounts of nutrient-rich water from the depths of the ocean. This is used to feed aquaculture species such as oysters, lobsters, and clams.
The ability of thermal energy pumps to deliver cold ocean water is useful in a variety of applications. Cold water can be used for air conditioning and refrigeration on shore. In addition, seawater can be pumped through a pipeline to cool the surrounding soil. Using refrigerated soil agriculture, it is possible to grow temperate climate plants in the warmer subtropics.
Characteristics of Thermal Energy Pumps
In order to succeed, thermal energy pumps must function in tough working conditions. Some models are designed to be submersed fully in water. No matter their location, these pumps are constructed with high-quality materials to handle seawater and high humidity. Furthermore, salt water will accelerate the effects of corrosion and rusting.
OTEC plants must be efficient enough to be worth the operating costs of energy generation. Therefore, thermal energy pumps should be cost-effective with limited maintenance. Magnetic-drive centrifugal pumps are an affordable option that deliver high production. The lack of mechanical seals eliminates the need for costly repairs and downtime.
Thermal energy pumps should be able to reliably deliver high flow rates. Ocean thermal energy conversion pumps operate continuously to generate renewable energy. It is important to maintain steady and high-volume flows of ocean water for the greatest efficiency.
What to Look for When Buying a Thermal Energy Conversion Pump
When buying a thermal energy conversion pump, efficiency is an important consideration. March Pump’s mag-drive pumps are designed with high efficiency in mind. They can provide flow rates up to 20 GPM at minimal pressure. In addition, the magnetic bearings reduce energy consumption while delivering increased power.
Ocean thermal energy conversion provides constant power and pumps need to be able to keep up. These devices are essential for transporting seawater and process fluids in energy generation. March Pumps are designed to function continuously to enable reliable thermal energy conversion.
American-made just outside of Chicago, our centrifugal pumps are the top choice for ocean thermal energy conversion. Contact us to learn more about our top-of-the-line magnetic drive pumps for thermal energy pump applications.