The Mini-OTEC Test

MINI-OTEC is the first at-sea, closed-loop OTEC system using warm surface water and cold deep water to generate electrical power. The thermal resource and current environment at the test site, Keahole Point, Hawaii, are discussed. The OTEC power system and components are described as are the components of the ocean system. At-sea operating experience of an OTEC plant, including biofouling effects and countermeasure effectiveness, are the primary objectives of the project. The characteristics and loads of vortex-induced flow around the cold water pipe are described.