Multi-objective optimization of ocean thermal energy conversion power plant via genetic algorithm

Design of an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power plant needs a local thermal condition evaluation, in order to satisfy the constructional limits as well as economical considerations. In this paper, performance of 10 MW, 50 MW, and 100 MW OTEC power plants in locations with surface water temperature between 22 °C to 28 °C has been investigated and the optimum set of design parameters has been presented. For this approach, a multi-objective optimization via genetic algorithm is carried out. A set of optimal solutions, called Pareto front, for each inlet warm sea water temperature is obtained. Inlet warm sea water velocity and pipe diameter as well as cold sea water, and condenser and evaporator temperatures have been considered as optimization parameters to minimize the total pumping power and heat transfer area as objectives.