Referred to as Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, the ocean thermal power technology has been developed for decades. Although with new government funding, now at the stage where Lockheed is starting to assess potential for a utility-scale project.

Toledo based Owens Corning, reported last week that it has been contracted to supply its XStrand high-strength glass fiber for pipes that will stretch thousands of feet below the ocean surface.They said the project would demonstrate the use of composite technology in ocean environments. The OTEC system will subject the materials to various pressure levels, within marine conditions. Americas vice president and managing director for the Owens Corning Composite Solutions Business, Marcio Sandri said, "Composite materials already allow cost-efficiency in the fabrication of blades for wind turbines."With high-strength glass fiber reinforcements providing the constant production of tough, corrosion-resistant large-diameter pipe at sea directly from a floating platform, OTEC can become another means for acquiring energy from renewable sources." The OTEC technology involves pumping of large volumes of seawater from the warm surface layers of the ocean via heat exchanger. At this point, heat from the water is transferred to a special fluid that has a low boiling point. The fluid then converts to vapor, and used to drive a turbine to generate electricity.The colder water is then returned to the ocean depths.

The company notes that the fabrication and installation of large-diameter pipes able to withstand the water forces would be one of the biggest technical challenges for the project. "OTEC will be a fascinating demonstration of the possibility of composite materials," said Mr. Sandri."Manufacturing large-diameter pipe from a floating platform will amplify the meaning of on-site fabrication. The power and caustic effects of ocean water are renowned and make this an excellent application for strength and corrosion resistance of composites.Fabrication for the next phase of the project is undergoing its stages at Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Center in Sunnyvale, California. In addition, West Virginia University's Constructed Facilities Center is also supporting the project.If the project is favorable, OTEC program manager for Lockheed Martin, Dennis Cooper, says the technology may provide energy independence for coastal communities.