The ETMC unit is designed for simulating an energy generation system that extracts the thermal energy from the upper layers of the ocean, using them as the hot focus of a thermal cycle and the deep layers as the cold focus.

The basic principle of this system is the use of a heat engine that converts thermal energy into mechanical work through the temperature gradient between a “heat source” and a “heat sink”. The temperature difference is used to evaporate and condense a working fluid to drive a turbine – generator to produce electricity.

This unit mainly consists of:
- A closed circuit in which a pump impels a working fluid through a hot water circuit (evaporator), where it is evaporated to move the blades of a turbine and, thus, generate electricity. At the outlet of the turbine the pump impels the working fluid through a cold water circuit (condenser), so that it goes back to liquid state and starts the cycle again.
- Hot temperature water circuit consisting of a tank with a heating element and a pump.
- Cold temperature water circuit consisting of a chilling unit and a pump.
This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.