Brazilian Ocean Thermal Energy Park and its Sites: Definitions and Feasibility of Thermal Energy Conversion in the Blue Amazon

Abstract

The search for energy alternatives is becoming more important in the strategic development of countries, as rapid world growth the demand of energy. The thermal energy in the oceans, the highest exploitation potential, is renewable and has the ability to remove heat from the oceans and $ CO_2 $ from the atmosphere. In this study, we used the temperature results from the numerical model HYCOM for resoucers evaluation of Oceanic Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). Based on these data, the daily, monthly, seasonal and annual averages were calculated, allowing to evaluate the thermal gradient variability in the Blue Amazon. Were obteined the definition of three thermal energy sites, their viability and operational of his conversion by teorical OTEC plant throughout the period of the Julian average. The northern region stands out with the higher energy potential between the surface and a depth range of $600m$ $\leq$ $z$ $\geq$ $1000m$, hence, we conclude that the Brazilian Ocean Thermal Energy Park (OTEP) is technically feasible for the operations of OTEC plants. However, looking at the economic perspective, the results show that only portions closest to the continental shelf, have the best capacity to operate in the face of international energy market fluctuations.