Ocean thermal energy estimate in the southeastern of Caspian Sea: A numerical study

Abstract

The thermal structure of the Caspian Sea was studied using the three-dimensional ocean model COHERENS. Based on the simulation findings in winter, the season thermocline is almost non-existent with unvarying temperature to a depth of 100 m. However, this layer is reproduced in spring following its surface erosion in winter. A sturdy thermocline in summer and at the start of autumn causes a reduction of thermocline thickness. Hence, findings indicate thermal energy in the study area intensifications during summer. Moreover, on the eastern coast of the Sea, the efficiency was examined to establish an OTEC power plant.