Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin
140-year-old ocean heat tech could supply islands with limitless energy (thenextweb.com)
1 point by westurner on Nov 10, 2023 | hide | past | favorite | 3 comments


> Known as ocean thermal energy conversion or ‘OTEC,’ the technology was first invented in 1881 by French physicist Jacques Arsene d’Arsonval. He discovered that the temperature difference between sun-warmed surface water and the cold depths of the ocean could be harnessed to generate electricity. [...]

> For OTEC to work it requires a temperature difference between hot and cold water of around 20 degrees Celsius. This can only be found in the tropics, which is not a problem in itself.


How much of a thermal gradient is there with submerged polar datacenters?

IIUC it is possible to tube solid-state thermoelectric devices to certain ranges?

What's the thermal gradient between a crawlspace or a subterranean basement and an attic under a dark roof?





Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: