Anchoring and mooring considerations for an OTEC pilot plant

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plants require placement at locations and water depths that provide the required thermal difference between warm surface waters and cold deep waters for efficient operation. The most favorable locations are frequently near tropical islands or atolls of volcanic origin. These locations generally have steep slopes, irregular bathymetry and uncertain sediment thicknesses. These sites present interesting challenges for anchoring and mooring such plants to meet wind/wave and extreme event criteria. The various bottom conditions at potential anchor locations may require different anchor solutions at each location. This paper describes possible anchor design solutions for an OTEC pilot plant planned for installation off Oahu, Hawaii to illustrate the design alternatives and choices.