Integrated marine vessel hull for energy storage

Abstract

A hull structure is provided for a marine vessel having an inner hull and an outer hull. An energy storage device is provided between the inner hull and outer hull. The energy storage device has one or more hollow tubes, or has a honeycomb structure. Hydrogen or oxygen can be stored and placed within the hollow tubes or honeycomb structure. A metal hydride, or liquid hydrogen or compressed hydrogen gas, as well as liquid oxygen or compressed oxygen gas can also be stored inside the hollow tubes or honeycomb structure. The dual use of the hull structure provides for an energy storage apparatus and propulsion generation system that conserves space within the marine vessel, and adds less weight to the marine vessel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to hull construction for marine vessels, and more specifically, to an integrated hull with compartments for Energy Storage for an underwater vehicle. [0003] 2. Prior Art [0004] Marine vessels that operate on the surface or under water are useful for performing a variety of tasks on or below the sea surface, such as deep-water salvage operations, navy and marine operations, underwater telecommunications, offshore petroleum and mining, and oceanographic research. Many of these applications are completed by small-scale underwater vehicles that can be either manned or unmanned (remotely operated). These unmanned vehicles are commonly known as Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). [0005] Generally, these small-scale marine vessels have used a variety of conventional propulsion systems. Some of the traditional power / propulsion generation systems use compressed or liquid gases, such as hydrogen...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a marine vessel that provides for energy storage without adding any significant weight to the marine vessel, and without taking up any additional space in the marine vessel.

Problems solved by technology

These components can be quite large and massive, taking up significant space in the marine vessel, and slowing down the marine vessel because of their weight.

In these conventional marine vessels, mission duration is limited because of the space available for energy storage.

However, none of the prior art provides for energy storage for power generation for a marine vessel system without adding significant weight to the marine vessel or taking up significant space in the marine vessel.

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