Ranges and extremes of the natural environment in and about the Hawaiian archipelago related to design criteria for ocean thermal energy conversion plants

Abstract

Examination of data from the water areas surrounding the Hawaiian Islands leads to the conclusion that Hawaii is suitably situated for ocean thermal energy conversion. Historical records of surface temperature for the Hawaiian area and the tropical and sub-tropical Pacific suggest that the proposed site may be vulnerable to significant epochal changes and yearly shifts in base temperatures but the site should still remain within the limits of operational parameters. Annual and monthly charts have been prepared for sea surface temperature, surface wind speeds and directions, and reported storm severities.