Offshore wind turbines with fluid supply components

Abstract

The offshore wind turbine (1) erected in the water includes a generator (2), a base (5), a nacelle (6), a tower (4) having a first end mounted to the base (5) and a second end supporting the nacelle (6), an electrolysis unit (3) powered by the generator (2) to produce hydrogen (6) from an input fluid (9), particularly water, and a fluid supply assembly (21) for supplying the input fluid (9) from a fluid inlet (23) arranged below the water level (31) to the electrolysis unit (3) arranged above the water level (31), wherein the fluid supply assembly (21) includes a pump (24) and a fluid connection (22) between the fluid inlet (23) and the electrolysis unit (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an offshore wind turbine with a fluid supply assembly. The invention also relates to a method for supplying input fluid to the offshore wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines are increasingly being used to generate electricity. A wind turbine typically consists of a tower and a nacelle mounted on the tower, with a hub attached to the nacelle. A rotor is mounted at the hub and coupled to a generator. Multiple blades extend from the rotor. The blades are oriented such that wind passing over them rotates the rotor, thereby driving the generator. Thus, the rotational energy of the blades is transferred to the generator, which then converts the mechanical energy into electricity and feeds it into the power grid.

[0003] Wind turbines are placed in locations that provide high wind speeds. These locations can be far from land or offshore. To transmit the electricity, the power generated by the wind turbine's generator travels to a power substation at the wind farm. At the substation, the power is converted to a higher voltage, typically between 130-765 kV, for long-distance transmission over the power grid via power lines. The power grid connects the remote locations of the wind farm to substations on the grid, which then convert the power to a voltage compatible with the grid.

[0004] The problem with remote wind farms is the need to bridge the distance between the wind farm and the substation on the grid. This requires long power lines with very high installation costs.

[0005] Current developments in wind turbine technology tend to increase the size of wind turbines in order to capture more wind energy through longer blades and taller towers. As wind turbines become larger, more electricity is supplied to the grid, which is then transmitted from the wind farm to the nearest point of grid input. This increased transmission of electricity over long distances via power lines leads to higher requirements for cabling and higher costs.

[0006] To reduce the amount of energy transmitted through power lines in the power grid or to completely avoid the use of long-distance power lines, an electrolysis unit can be installed near the wind turbine. The wind turbine, which includes the electrolysis unit, generates electricity by means of a generator and produces hydrogen by means of the electrolysis unit, which is driven by at least a portion of the electricity from the wind turbine.

[0007] An electrolysis unit is a power-to-gas unit configured to produce hydrogen. Therefore, energy generated by a wind turbine can be used in the electrolysis process to produce hydrogen and oxygen. These gases can then be used to generate electricity in a fuel cell or to produce chemicals such as ammonia or methane. The gases produced from the electrolysis unit can be transported via pipelines or by pressurizing the gases into containers, which is cheaper than transmitting electricity directly over long distances through power lines.

[0008] The use of electrolysis units in conjunction with wind turbines is known from existing technologies (e.g., in document US 5,592,028A), where multiple electrolysis cells are connected to a wind farm and hydrogen is produced using electricity generated by a generator from the wind turbine. Similarly, document WO 2020 / 095012A1 describes an offshore wind turbine system for large-scale hydrogen production, comprising a floating tower structure with desalination and electrolysis units.

[0009] In wind farms with electrolysis units, hydrogen is generated using the input fluid. For example, in offshore wind farms, the input fluid is seawater, which is desalinated before entering the electrolysis unit. Alternatively, offshore wind farms can be located on lakes or any body of water, and the input fluid is water, which is typically filtered before entering the electrolysis unit. A challenge facing offshore wind turbines is that the input fluid must be supplied to the electrolysis unit platform, where the electrolysis unit is located, overcoming the height difference between the water level and the platform. This is achieved using a fluid supply assembly. Conventional fluid supply assemblies consist of hoses suspended in the water using a submersible pump. The hoses are designed to protect the pump and piping from external forces from wind and waves.

[0010] Suspended fluid supply assemblies pose a risk of hose collisions with the tower, potentially damaging both themselves and the tower due to strong winds. The hoses are also exposed to harsh environmental conditions and must overcome heights often exceeding 20 meters above water levels; therefore, damage to suspended fluid supplies results in high material costs and significant labor costs for replacing damaged components. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an offshore wind turbine with a fluid supply assembly that overcomes the problems known in the prior art.

[0012] This is achieved through offshore wind turbines and methods for supplying input fluid to offshore wind turbines.

[0013] According to the present invention, an offshore wind turbine erected in a body of water includes a generator, a base, a nacelle, a tower having a first end mounted to the base and a second end supporting the nacelle, an electrolysis unit powered by the generator to generate hydrogen from an input fluid, particularly water, and a fluid supply assembly for supplying the input fluid from a fluid inlet arranged below the water level to the electrolysis unit arranged above the water level. The fluid supply assembly includes a pump and a fluid connection between the fluid inlet and the electrolysis unit.

[0014] Therefore, the generator produces electricity and supplies at least a portion of the generated electricity to the electrolysis unit, since the two components are electrically coupled.

[0015] Because power generation fluctuates, depending on weather conditions and wind levels, it is difficult to predict the power output of offshore wind turbines to the grid or to energy storage devices. This fluctuation can be mitigated by using a portion of the energy generated by the generator to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be extracted from the wind turbine through a system outlet coupled to the output of the electrolysis unit.

[0016] Therefore, at least a portion of the energy generated by the generator can be used to power the electrolysis unit, preventing the grid from being overloaded by fluctuating peak power generation from the power generation facilities. Furthermore, if problems occur in the output to the grid, the electricity can be completely redirected to the electrolysis unit, resulting in the production of only hydrogen. The produced hydrogen is typically in a gaseous state, which can be compressed and / or mixed with other components to form a liquid state that is easier to store and / or transport.

[0017] An electrolysis unit can also be a mixed gas generator that performs electrolysis and produces other gases. For example, an electrolysis unit can electrolyze water and carbon dioxide to produce a mixed gas consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Alternatively, hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas, which increases the hydrogen / carbon ratio of the hydrogen and makes its flame speed up to eight times that of compressed natural gas.

[0018] The electrolysis unit is used to produce hydrogen from water. Therefore, if a wind turbine is installed near water, i.e., a river or the sea, the electrolysis unit can use that water as its input to produce hydrogen and oxygen. However, the hydrogen can be further processed to obtain other compounds, such as methane or ammonia.

[0019] Water is extracted using a fluid supply assembly.

[0020] According to the present invention, the fluid inlet includes an opening in the base or tower below the water level, through which the input fluid is delivered to the electrolysis unit.

[0021] Therefore, the base has openings or holes for collecting water. Taking into account the tidal movement of water, the location of the openings at the base should be chosen so that the openings are always submerged below the water level.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base is a frame that is installed on the bottom surface of the water body.

[0023] The base is a frame that can be used in shallow and / or medium-deep water, such as in coastal waters. The type of frame can be selected from monopile frames, sheathed frame frames, tripod frames, gravity base frames, suction bucket structures, tubular truss frames, or three-pile frames.

[0024] Therefore, offshore wind turbines are connected to the seabed or water body via this base frame.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the offshore wind turbine is a floating wind turbine, wherein the base is a floating, semi-submersible or submersible base platform.

[0026] The base is a floating, semi-submersible, or submersible base platform suitable for deep water applications. The type of base platform can be selected from a group consisting of floating bodies, tension leg platforms (TLP), or semi-submersible platforms.

[0027] A pedestal platform can be anchored to the underwater ground to restrict the floating offshore wind turbine's freedom of movement in the horizontal direction (i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the water surface). Floating offshore pedestals typically do not have a fixed vertical position to compensate for changes in sea level. For anchoring, at least one cable or chain can be used, typically multiple chains, cables, or wires, the latter also known as mooring equipment in nautical environments.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the offshore wind turbine further includes an electrolysis unit platform that supports at least a portion of the electrolysis unit above the water level.

[0029] Using a dedicated electrolysis unit platform, the electrolysis unit can be installed more easily than, for example, by mounting it on the engine room, and at least a portion of the electrolysis unit can be kept above the water level.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the offshore wind turbine includes a transition piece located between the base and the tower or between the base and the electrolysis unit platform.

[0031] The transition element is disposed on top of the base. A particularly preferred coupling type is a transition element disposed on top of the monopile, wherein the transition element includes an electrolysis unit platform disposed on the outer periphery of the transition element.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid supply assembly includes a filter for filtering the input fluid. Therefore, particles and other substances in the water are filtered out before entering the electrolysis unit.

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid inlet is arranged at a sufficiently high distance from the ground level to avoid introducing sand or other substances from the ground level into the fluid inlet. The ground level is the height below the water body, such as the seabed. This method reduces the cost of filtration due to the need for less energy and filter maintenance.

[0034] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a conduit connects the fluid inlet to the electrolysis unit. The conduit can be housed in a caisson, i.e., in a watertight structure.

[0035] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduit extends at least partially through the interior portion of the base. For example, the conduit is at least partially located in the radially interior portion of the base and extends toward the electrolysis unit platform of the wind turbine in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of the base and / or tower.

[0036] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the duct extends partially through an internal portion of the tower. Thus, the duct is located partially within the radially inner portion of the outer circumferential portion of the tower and extends longitudinally toward the electrolysis unit platform of the wind turbine in a direction parallel to the axis of the base and / or the tower. This is the case if the transition between the base and the tower occurs below the location of the electrolysis unit. Therefore, a first portion of the duct extends through the base, and a second portion of the duct extends through the tower.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe is formed of a polymer material or an epoxy resin material and has supporting fiber reinforcements to prevent corrosion.

[0038] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe is formed of glass fiber.

[0039] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pump is installed within a pipeline, wherein the pump can be raised through the pipeline for inspection and maintenance work. The pump can also be lowered through the pipeline. Additionally, the pump can be raised above the water level to protect it from corrosion and the effects of the marine environment when not in use. This also limits marine growth on the pump and pipeline.

[0040] Pumps may also be raised to protect them in adverse weather conditions (i.e., due to storms, etc.).

[0041] A crane can be installed to move the pump to a location where it can be more easily maintained.

[0042] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the filter is installed in a pipe, wherein the filter can be lifted through the pipe for cleaning, inspection and maintenance.

[0043] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduit is sealed to prevent any leakage to the tower and / or base. Leakage could lead to corrosion of the internal parts of the tower and / or base, and therefore leakage should be avoided.

[0044] A seal can be achieved by bolting a flange between the pipe and any component connected to the pipe.

[0045] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the fluid connection is a channel drilled at the base and / or tower. Thus, a channel is drilled at the base, at the tower, or at both the base and the tower to connect the fluid inlet to the electrolysis unit. Therefore, a channel can be used as an alternative to or supplement to piping. The walls of the channel can be protected with a corrosion-resistant material to prevent component corrosion due to the continuous exchange of water, particularly brine, which introduces fresh oxygen into the corrosive environment and promotes it.

[0046] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid inlet includes an angled fitting made of an antifouling material such as copper to prevent plant growth, particularly marine growth, on the fluid inlet. In particular, any inert material can be used as the antifouling material to prevent plant formation on the fluid inlet, which would impede water flow.

[0047] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the angled fittings are sealed to prevent any leakage to the tower and / or base. Leakage can lead to corrosion of the tower and / or base, and therefore should be avoided.

[0048] Sealing can be achieved by a flange bolted between angled fittings and pipes or any component connected to angled fittings.

[0049] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for supplying input fluid to an offshore wind turbine, comprising the steps of: drawing input fluid through a fluid inlet arranged below the water level, and pumping the input fluid from the fluid inlet to an electrolysis unit by means of a pump. Attached Figure Description

[0050] To facilitate understanding of the features of the invention and as an integral part of this specification, accompanying drawings have been provided, on which the figures are presented in illustrative rather than restrictive characters as follows:

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a known offshore wind turbine is shown, which includes a hose for fluid supply suspended from an electrolysis unit.

[0052] Figure 2A schematic diagram of an offshore wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the offshore wind turbine including a fluid connection that extends through an internal portion of the base.

[0053] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an offshore wind turbine according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, the offshore wind turbine including a fluid connection extending below the electrolysis unit platform through the interior portion of the base and through the interior portion of the tower.

[0054] Figure 4 The fluid supply assembly shown includes a filter, fluid inlet, pump, angled fittings, and piping.

[0055] Figure 5 An offshore wind turbine, configured as a floating wind turbine with a submerged base platform according to another embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0056] Figure 6 An offshore wind turbine, configured as a floating wind turbine with a semi-submerged base platform according to another embodiment of the invention, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an offshore wind turbine 1, as known from the prior art, is shown, the offshore wind turbine including a hose for fluid supply suspended from an electrolysis unit 3.

[0058] The offshore wind turbine 1 includes a tower 4 on which a nacelle 6 is rotatably mounted. The offshore wind turbine 1 also includes a hub connected to the nacelle 6. Multiple blades are mounted on the hub. The hub is connected to a generator 2 and is rotatably mounted about a rotor axis by means of a main bearing. The offshore wind turbine 1 also includes an electrolysis unit platform 32 on which an electrolysis unit 3 is arranged above a water level 31. The offshore wind turbine 1 also includes a base 5 on which the tower 4 is mounted. The base 5 is a frame 34 mounted on the bottom surface of the water body.

[0059] The electricity generated by generator 2 is entirely transmitted to electrolysis unit 3, but it can also connect offshore wind turbine 1 to the power grid and transmit a portion of the electricity generated by generator 2 to the grid. Electrolysis unit 3 includes desalination unit 11 and electrolysis device 12, and a fluid connection between desalination unit 11 and electrolysis device 12 through which desalinated water 14 is supplied. Both electrolysis device 12 and desalination unit 11 are powered by generator 2, which is connected to both devices by means of electrical connection 7.

[0060] The input fluid 9 of the electrolysis unit 3 is brine 13 drawn from the sea by means of a pump 24 from the offshore wind turbine 1. The fluid supply assembly 21 supplies the brine 13 to the electrolysis unit 3 via a suspended hose. The hose is suspended from the desalination unit 11 into the water body located outside the base 5. The brine 13 enters the fluid supply assembly 21 through the fluid inlet 23 and is conveyed through the hose, forming a fluid connection 22 between the fluid inlet 23 and the desalination unit 11, which forms part of the electrolysis unit 3. The fluid inlet 23 and the pump 24 are submerged below the water level 31 to draw in the brine 13.

[0061] Demineralized water 14 is the input fluid 9 of the electrolysis unit 12. The electrolysis unit has a hydrogen output 15 through which the produced hydrogen gas 8 is extracted. The hydrogen output 15 is connected to a hydrogen pipeline for onshore transport of the hydrogen gas 8. Alternatively, the hydrogen gas 8 can be filled in a container and transported onshore.

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an offshore wind turbine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the offshore wind turbine including a fluid connector 22 extending through the interior portion of a base 5.

[0063] In this embodiment, the offshore wind turbine 1 includes a base 5 on which a tower 4 is mounted. The base 5 is a base frame 34, such as a monopile, installed on the bottom of the water body.

[0064] The opening in the base 5 allows for the extraction of brine 13 via a pump 24 of the fluid supply assembly 21 and a fluid inlet 23 located below the water level 31. A fluid connector 22 passing through the base 5 can be formed as a channel or pipe 26. The fluid connector 22 extends longitudinally toward the electrolysis unit platform 32 of the offshore wind turbine 1, parallel to the axes of the base 5 and the tower 4. The fluid connector 22 extends through the interior portion of the base 5, i.e., through the interior portion of the base frame 34.

[0065] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an offshore wind turbine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, the offshore wind turbine including a fluid connector 22 extending toward an electrolysis unit platform 32 of the offshore wind turbine 1 in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of the base 5 and the axis of the tower 4. The fluid connector 22 extends through an interior portion of the base 5, and since the top of the base 5 terminates below the electrolysis unit platform 32, the fluid connector 22 also extends below the electrolysis unit platform 32 through an interior portion of the tower 4. Therefore, a first portion of the fluid connector 22 extends through the base 5 (i.e., through an interior portion of the base 34), while a second portion of the fluid connector 22 extends through the tower 4. The electrolysis unit platform 32 is arranged above a water level 31.

[0066] The fluid connection 22 passing through the base 5 and the tower 4 can be formed as a channel or pipe 26.

[0067] The opening at the base 5 allows for the pumping of brine 13 by means of a fluid supply assembly 21 including a pump 24.

[0068] Figure 4 The fluid supply assembly 21 is shown, which includes a filter 25, a fluid inlet 23, a pump 24, angled fittings 27, and pipes 26.

[0069] Brine 13 passes through filter 25 before entering fluid inlet 23, thus keeping sand, vegetation, and other unwanted substances outside fluid supply assembly 21. An angled fitting 27 directs the flow of brine 13 vertically toward the electrolysis unit 3 arranged on electrolysis unit platform 32. For conveying brine 13, a conduit 26 extends from inside base 5 to electrolysis unit platform 32. The conduit 26 and angled fitting 27 are sealed by a bolted flange connection to prevent leakage at the transition between the two components.

[0070] A motor-driven pump 24 is used to overcome the height difference between the desalination unit 11 and the water level 31.

[0071] Figure 5 An offshore wind turbine 1 configured as a floating wind turbine according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, having a submerged base platform 33.

[0072] The submerged base platform 33 is anchored to the underwater ground via multiple flexible coupling components (such as anchor ropes, anchor cables, and anchor chains). The base platform 33 can be a box-shaped or disc-shaped container with a large horizontal extension and a relatively short vertical extension.

[0073] The opening at the base platform 33 allows for the pumping of brine 13 via a pump 24 of the fluid supply assembly 21. A fluid connector 22 passing through the base platform 33 can be formed as a channel or pipe 26. The fluid connector 22 extends longitudinally toward the electrolysis unit platform 32 of the offshore wind turbine 1, parallel to the axis of the base platform 33 and the axis of the tower 4. The fluid connector 22 extends through the interior portion of the base platform 33, and since the top of the base platform 33 terminates below the electrolysis unit platform 32, the fluid connector 22 also extends below the electrolysis unit platform 32 through the interior portion of the tower 4.

[0074] In other embodiments, the base platform 33 may be of the spar-buoy type. A spar-buoy consists of a single elongated cylindrical tank and achieves stability by moving its center of mass as low as possible. In yet another embodiment, the base platform 33 may be a more complex structure and include three or more buoyancy columns to support the offshore wind turbine 1.

[0075] Figure 6 An offshore wind turbine 1 configured as a floating wind turbine according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which has a semi-submersible base platform 33.

[0076] The semi-submersible base platform 33 is anchored to the underwater surface via multiple flexible coupling components (such as anchor ropes, anchor cables, and anchor chains). The base platform 33 is anchored so that the upper portion of the base platform 33 remains above the water surface.

[0077] The setting of fluid connector 22 and Figure 5 The settings shown are similar.

[0078] List of reference numerals

[0079] 1. Offshore wind turbine

[0080] 2 generators

[0081] 3 Electrolysis Unit

[0082] 4 towers

[0083] 5 bases

[0084] 6 cabins

[0085] 7 Electrical connectors

[0086] 8 hydrogen

[0087] 9 Input Fluid

[0088] 11 Desalination Unit

[0089] 12 Electrolysis Unit

[0090] 13 saline

[0091] 14 Desalinated water

[0092] 15 hydrogen output

[0093] 21 Fluid Supply Components

[0094] 22 Fluid Connector

[0095] 23 fluid inlet

[0096] 24 pumps

[0097] 25 filters

[0098] 26 pipes

[0099] 27-degree angle accessories

[0100] 31 water level

[0101] 32 Electrolysis Unit Platform

[0102] 33 base platform

[0103] 34 base frames.

Claims

1. An offshore wind turbine (1) erected in a body of water, comprising: Generator (2), Base (5), Cabin (6), Tower (4), the tower having a first end mounted to the base (5) and a second end supporting the nacelle (6), An electrolysis unit (3), powered by the generator (2), to produce hydrogen (8) from the input fluid (9), and A fluid supply assembly (21) is provided for supplying the input fluid (9) from a fluid inlet (23) disposed below the water level (31) to the electrolysis unit (3) disposed above the water level (31). The fluid supply assembly (21) includes a pump (24) and a fluid connector (22) between the fluid inlet (23) and the electrolysis unit (3). The fluid inlet (23) is characterized by having an opening in the base (5) or in the tower (4) below the water level (31), through which the input fluid (9) is conveyed to the electrolysis unit (3). The conduit (26) connects the fluid inlet (23) to the electrolysis unit (3), and the conduit (26) extends at least partially through the interior portion of the base (5). The pump (24) is installed inside the pipe (26), and the pump (24) can be lifted through the pipe (26) for inspection and maintenance work.

2. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (5) is a frame (34) installed on the bottom surface of the water body.

3. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The offshore wind turbine (1) is a floating wind turbine, wherein the base (5) is a floating, semi-submerged or submerged base platform (33).

4. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The offshore wind turbine (1) also includes an electrolysis unit platform (32) that supports at least a portion of the electrolysis unit (3) above the water level (31).

5. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fluid supply assembly (21) includes a filter (25) for filtering the input fluid (9).

6. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fluid inlet (23) is positioned at a sufficient distance from the bottom surface to prevent sand or other materials from being introduced into the fluid inlet (23) from the bottom surface height.

7. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe (26) extends partially through the interior of the tower (4).

8. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The pipe (26) is formed of polymer material or epoxy resin material and has supporting fiber reinforcement to prevent corrosion.

9. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pipe (26) is sealed to prevent any leakage to the tower (4) and / or the base (5).

10. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the fluid connector (22) is a channel drilled at the base (5) and / or at the tower (4).

11. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fluid inlet (23) includes an angled fitting (27) made of antifouling material to prevent plant growth on the fluid inlet (23).

12. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The angled fittings (27) are sealed to prevent any leakage to the tower (4) and / or the base (5).

13. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input fluid (9) is water.

14. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The antifouling material is copper.

15. The offshore wind turbine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The plant growths mentioned are marine growths.

16. A method for supplying input fluid (9) to an offshore wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising the steps of: - The input fluid (9) is drawn in through the fluid inlet (23) located below the water level (31), and - The input fluid (9) is pumped from the fluid inlet (23) to the electrolysis unit (3) by means of the pump (24).

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