Problem Statement: Optimization of Flash Chamber Pressure in an Open-Cycle Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Plant for Dual-Purpose Power Generation and Water Desalination Design Objective: The primary goal of this design project is to optimize the flash chamber pressure in an open-cycle OTEC plant to maximize its economic impact. The economic impact is measured in terms of income generated per unit mass flow rate of both warm surface water and cold deep-ocean water. Parameters: - The economic impact is calculated based on an electricity price of $0.47 per kWh and a desalinated water price of $2 per cubic meter. - The warm surface water temperature is assumed to be 27C. - The cold deep-ocean water temperature is assumed to be 4C. -The terminal temperature difference in the condenser can be assumed to be 3C. - Turbine and pumps can be assumed isentropic for simplicity. Deliverables: I. **An executive summary**(10%): explaining the significance of your findings, particularly in relation to maximizing the economic impact of the open-cycle OTEC plant and recommendations for future work. II. A written report that includes all calculations, MATLAB file, plots, and analyses, as follows: II.1. **Sketch of the Plant** (10%): Create a detailed sketch of the open-cycle OTEC plant, clearly labeling each component, such as the flash chamber, turbine, condenser, and pumps. Include the flow paths of both the warm surface water and the cold deep-ocean water. II.2. **T-S Diagram** (10%): Plot the thermodynamic cycle on a Temperature- Entropy (T-S) diagram. Clearly indicate the state points and processes. II.3. **Modeling and Optimization**(40%): Investigate the effect of varying the flash chamber pressure on the design objective function, expressed in dollars per kilogram per second ($/kg/s) for both warm surface water and cold deep-ocean water. Utilize the necessary equations of state, thermodynamic relations, MATLAB files, and any appropriate optimization techniques to derive your conclusions. II.4. **Critical Design Review**(30%): II.4.a. **Variable Input Parameters**: Instead of using fixed values for surface water flow temperature, and condenser temperature, please explore the performance of the OTEC system over a range of these variables. II.4.b. **Inclusion of Efficiency Factors**: Introduce turbine and condenser efficiency factors to consider the effects of irreversibility on the cycle's performance, and revisit the calculations for more real-world applicability. II.4.c. **Economic Aspects**: Calculate the economic feasibility of the OTEC system considering the capital and operating costs of the system. Estimate the payback time (yrs) and the return on investment.