WP1: Project Management

The objective of the management structure, techniques and procedures are to guarantee that:
(i) the project is carried out according to the agreed time schedule and budget;
(ii) the project objectives are efficiently achieved;
(iii) a system to provide a continuous evaluation feedback and constant project monitoring is created;
(iv) the project is effectively managed and coordinated according to the contract between Naval Energies, the project partners and the EC – maintaining a continuous link;
(v) overall legal, contractual, financial and administrative requirements are met.

WP2: Upgrade of biofouling test bench

The objective of this work package is to define the test program to be implemented during the project and then the necessary update of the test bench which includes purchasing of new heat exchangers and equipment to fulfil the requirements of the test program.

WP3: Test achievement and analysis

The aim of this WP is to assess and limit the growth of microfouling in different heat exchangers, under tropical operating conditions (IFREMER’s Martinique station). The purpose is to determine the best optimised antifouling treatment not to overcome a 5% decrease of the heat exchangers’ thermal performance while safeguarding the marine environment. The fouling growth over an annual cycle will be evaluated in a pilot plant using the tropical seawater, antifouling treatment and flow rate similar to those that will be used in a real OTEC plant. The environmental impact of the by-products resulting from seawater chlorination, and ozonation and the release of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) will be investigated and estimated.

WP4: Dissemination and exploitation of results

This work package aims at enhancing and communicating the results obtained under WP3 and to put in place means of restitution for general public, actors of the MRE sector and scientific community. The objectives are to ensure that a comprehensive plan for the communication, dissemination and exploitation of the project’s outputs is available and followed, and the project outcomes are communicated to a wide stakeholder audience to ensure rapid OTEC market launch and uptake. The aims are also to sensitise other industrials (Oil&Gas, power experts, military and civil ships…) that could be interested to improve energy performance of seawater heat exchangers and decrease the environmental impact of biofouling treatments.