extract energy by using the thermal differential between warm ocean surface 

 waters and cooler deep ocean waters (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion 

 (OTEC) ) . Preliminary conceptualizations were presented in significant 

 detail by groups at both Carnegie-Mellon University-'-"^" and the University 

 of Massachusetts. ' The studies demonstrated that the technical frame- 

 work for such an undertaking was clearly available. These data were drawn 

 upon heavily by both the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Inc. (LMSC) 



o 



and by TRW, Inc., to provide balanced technical and economic feasibility 

 studies, and design conceptualizations based on capabilities available in 

 industry today. 



The design concepts published by both LMSC*" and TRW placed heavy 

 emphasis on the use of construction materials which have been proven reli- 

 able after extensive application in the marine environment, and only sugges- 

 ted developmental materials where they were believed to be essential, for 

 either structural or economic reasons. It is not surprising that both 

 technical groups relied heavily upon steel-reinforced concrete, various 

 steels, and fiber-reinforced composites for the basic structure (exclusive 

 of the heat exchangers and associated power-generating equipment) . These 

 materials must be considered critically before firm commitments to their 

 use are considered. The two areas of concern relate to: (1) resistance to 

 deterioration in response to prolonged immersion in seawater, and (2) possi- 

 ble methods for mitigating what is expected to be a high rate of fouling. 



OBJECTIVE 



The objective of this report is to provide a summary evaluation of the 

 research and development directed toward the prevention of deterioration 

 and biofouling that would be of interest to an OTEC designer. A signifi- 

 cant effort previously has been expended to obtain these data, especially 

 the evaluations of alloys, composites, organic materials, and concretes for 

 their ability to resist deterioration and corrosion in the marine environ- 

 ment, and additionally, techniques to prevent, control, and remove fouling 



*A complete listing of references is given on page 69. 

 ^*Definitions of abbreviations used are given on page vii. 



