A modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels and its operation method.

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of energy supply and marine engineering for electric vessels at sea. It discloses a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric vessels at sea and its operating method, solving the problem of frequent return-to-port charging for electric vessels due to reliance on shore-based charging facilities. The platform consists of multiple floating modules and a bow guide module. The modules are connected by hinged connectors, robotic arms, and connecting rods, allowing for flexible adjustment of the number of modules according to the power needs of different electric vessels. The platform utilizes renewable energy sources such as offshore wind farms for charging and is moved to the operating area of ​​the electric vessel by tugboat to provide power replenishment, reducing the time and cost of returning to port for charging. The platform employs a single-point mooring system, enabling flexible positioning during charging via the robotic arm. This invention significantly improves the operating efficiency and endurance of electric vessels at sea, reduces the frequency of returning to port for charging, and has broad application prospects, especially suitable for vessel operations in deep-sea and remote waters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy supply and marine engineering technology for electric marine vessels, specifically to a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] As electric ship technology matures, electric ships, as an environmentally friendly solution, have gradually entered the shipbuilding and maritime transportation sectors. However, the widespread application of electric ships depends on reliable and efficient charging infrastructure.

[0003] Currently, electric ships primarily rely on shore-based charging stations for charging, requiring them to periodically return to port for recharging. This method is suitable for short-distance, near-shore voyages, such as ferries or port-operating vessels. However, for ships operating long-term in remote waters far from ports, relying on shore-based charging presents a series of challenges, including limited sailing distance, excessively long charging times, and frequent returns to port, severely restricting the potential of electric ships in ocean shipping and maritime operations.

[0004] Meanwhile, with the rapid development of renewable energy technologies such as offshore wind power and photovoltaic power generation, offshore clean energy resources are becoming increasingly abundant, providing new opportunities for offshore power supply. Offshore wind farms possess large-scale and stable power generation capabilities and have become an important component of the energy structure of coastal countries. However, there is still a lack of mature and effective technical solutions for efficiently converting these offshore renewable energy sources into charging energy for electric ships. Especially in remote sea areas far from land, electric ships cannot directly utilize these clean energy sources for charging due to the lack of shore-based charging facilities.

[0005] Therefore, existing technologies urgently need a new charging method that can flexibly convert the electricity from offshore wind farms into energy for offshore electric ships, reducing the time and costs wasted by ships returning to port for charging, while also reducing dependence on shore-based charging facilities and improving the energy efficiency of ships operating in the open ocean and near-shore waters. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a modular, mobile charging and battery swapping platform and its operation method for electric vessels at sea. It aims to solve the problem that existing electric vessel charging methods rely on shore-based charging stations, leading to frequent returns to port for charging and impacting operational efficiency. This platform can flexibly utilize renewable energy sources such as offshore wind farms for charging and can be moved by tugboat to the operating area of ​​electric vessels to provide charging or battery swapping services, reducing return-to-port time and improving operational efficiency at sea. It is particularly suitable for electric vessels operating in deep-sea or remote waters, providing convenient charging and battery swapping services for electric vessels at sea.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric ships at sea, comprising: a floating module 1, a flow guiding module 2, a ball joint connector 3, a robotic arm 4, a connecting rod 5, a tugboat 6, a towing cable 7, a triangular eye plate 8, a cable guide 9, an auxiliary vessel 10, an energy storage device 11, a charging cable 12, a wind turbine 13, a ship 14, a mooring cable 15, and a single-point mooring system;

[0008] The floating module 1 is used to carry the energy storage device 11; multiple floating modules 1 are arranged in the same straight line through ball joint connector 3, robotic arm 4 and connecting rod 5 to form a chain structure; the number of floating modules 1 is adjusted according to the number of ships 14 and the power demand, and the chain structure ensures that increasing the number of floating modules 1 will not increase the towing resistance.

[0009] One end of the chain structure is connected to the flow guiding module 2; the flow guiding module 2 is equipped with a cable guide 9; the tugboat 6 is connected to the triangular eye plate 8 and the cable guide 9 in sequence via the towing cable 7.

[0010] Energy storage devices 11 are connected between different floating modules 1 via charging cables 12; the ship 14 is moored on both sides of the floating module 1 via mooring cables 15 and connected to the energy storage devices 11 via charging cables 12.

[0011] The other end of the chain structure is connected to a single-point mooring system for positioning; the energy storage device 11 stores energy from the wind turbine 13 via a charging cable 12.

[0012] Furthermore, the ball joint connector 3 connects to the adjacent floating module 1 or the flow guiding module 2; the ball joint connector 3 mainly consists of a convex ball joint 19, a concave ball joint 20, and a hydraulic telescopic rod 21; the opening diameter of the concave ball joint 20 is larger than the diameter of the convex ball joint 19, and the inner wall of the concave ball joint 20 is covered with a flexible pad to buffer the collision when the convex ball joint 19 is inserted; the hydraulic telescopic rod 21 is evenly distributed on the inner wall of the concave ball joint 20, and the end of the hydraulic telescopic rod 21 has a flexible pad, which locks or releases the convex ball joint 19 and adjusts the rotational damping through hydraulic drive.

[0013] Furthermore, the flow guiding module 2 is a triangular module, with its base connected to one end of the chain structure via a ball joint connector 3, a robotic arm 4, and a connecting rod 5, and its apex connected to the electric tugboat 6 via a towing cable 7 and a cable guide 9.

[0014] Furthermore, the robotic arm 4 includes a multi-degree-of-freedom joint 22 and a gripper 23 equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device; the electromagnetic adsorption device achieves precise gripping and release of the connecting rod 5 through electromagnetic force.

[0015] Furthermore, the floating module 1 also includes embedded FRP ribs 16, fiber optic sensors 17, and anti-collision devices 18 arranged at the bottom of the floating module 1; the main structural material of the floating module 1 is seawater sand concrete, with embedded FRP ribs 16 and fiber optic sensors 17 to achieve high strength, corrosion resistance, and real-time structural health monitoring; the anti-collision device 18 is made of high-elasticity rubber to buffer the energy during collisions between modules or with ships.

[0016] Furthermore, the single-point mooring system includes a mooring buoy 24, a swivel joint 25, an anchor chain 26, and an anchoring base 27; the single-point mooring system is deployed in the operating area of ​​the vessel 14 or an offshore wind farm; the mooring buoy 24 provides buoyancy and serves as a connection point for a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels; the swivel joint 25 is installed on the upper part of the mooring buoy 24, and the other end of the chain structure is connected to a connecting rod 5 on the swivel joint 25; the swivel joint 25 is used for the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels to rotate freely according to the wave direction; the anchor chain 26 is used to connect the mooring buoy 24 and the anchoring base 27 to fix the platform; the anchoring base 27 is a gravity anchor or a suction cylinder.

[0017] Furthermore, the tugboat 6 tows the modular mobile charging and swapping platform of the electric vessel to a designated location via the tow cable 7; the triangular eye plate 8 is used to divide the tow cable 7 into two strands to ensure that the modular mobile charging and swapping platform of the electric vessel is evenly distributed during towing and maintains the platform's balance.

[0018] Furthermore, the auxiliary vessel 10 assists the platform in stopping, positioning, and reverse towing; when stopping, the auxiliary vessel 10 connects to the stern floating module 1, tows the modular mobile charging and swapping platform facing the electric ship at sea to decelerate to a stop, and adjusts the position of the stern floating module 1 to achieve mooring and positioning.

[0019] An operating method for a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels includes the following steps:

[0020] Multiple floating modules 1 and flow guiding modules 2 are connected in a chain structure via ball joint connectors 3, robotic arms 4, and connecting rods 5. A tugboat 6 tows the modular mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels to an offshore wind farm via tow cables 7, and positions it using a single-point mooring system. The wind turbine 13 charges the energy storage device 11. Mooring and positioning are achieved by the gripper 23 of the robotic arm 4 of the stern floating module 1 grasping the connecting rod 5 on the upper part of the mooring buoy 24. After charging is completed, the modular mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels is towed by the tugboat 6 to the operating area of ​​the vessel 14, with assistance from the auxiliary vessel 10. The modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric vessels at sea achieves single-point mooring positioning. The vessel 14 is moored on both sides of each floating module 1 and moored via mooring cables 15. The power of the energy storage device 11 on the upper part of the platform is transferred to the electric vessel 14 for charging via charging cables 12. When the power of the energy storage device 11 on the platform is insufficient, a new platform is towed to the operating area of ​​the electric vessel 14 and fixed on the other side of the mooring buoy 24 to continuously supply power to the electric vessel 12. Then, the platform with depleted power is towed back to the wind farm for recharging, thereby continuing to provide power to the vessel.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] (1) Solving the charging problem for ocean-going vessels: Traditional shore-based charging methods rely on vessels docking at port to charge, but shore-based charging is inconvenient for ocean-going vessels or vessels operating in remote waters. Modular charging and swapping platforms can serve as mobile charging facilities, traveling to energy sources such as offshore wind farms to charge, and then bringing the electricity to the vessel's operating area, thus solving the range problem for ocean-going vessels.

[0023] (2) Flexible energy supply: The modular charging and swapping platform can expand its energy storage capacity according to actual needs, adapting to the needs of fleets or vessels of different sizes by increasing or decreasing the number of floating modules. Compared with fixed shore-based charging stations, the modular system is more flexible, can move between multiple operating areas, and has a wide coverage.

[0024] (3) Reduced infrastructure construction costs: Traditional shore-based charging facilities require the construction of a large number of charging piles and power infrastructure in ports, especially in remote areas where construction and maintenance costs are high. In contrast, modular charging and swapping platforms do not require a large investment in shore-based facilities and can be directly charged at offshore wind farms and towed to the required areas, which reduces the investment in shore-based infrastructure.

[0025] (4) Reduce ship waiting time: With the mobile charging platform, electric ships no longer need to return to the port to charge, reducing the non-operation time caused by charging. They can receive power supply directly in the operation area, improving operational efficiency.

[0026] Through these beneficial effects, the present invention can effectively improve the charging efficiency and operational continuity of electric ships, while making full use of renewable energy and promoting the green development of electric ships and the marine transportation sector. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a top-view schematic diagram of the towing process of a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric ships at sea, according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of the towing process of a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric vessels at sea, according to the present invention. The upper dashed line represents the sea level.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a side view schematic diagram of an offshore wind farm energy storage system based on a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels, according to the present invention. The upper dashed line represents the sea level, and the lower thick solid line represents the seabed.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of an electric ship power supply system based on a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric ships at sea, according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a top-view schematic diagram of the electric ship power supply module replacement process of a modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric ships of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the modular expansion of a modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a top-view cross-sectional view of a floating module of a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a hinged connector for a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for marine electric vessels according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm of a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels according to the present invention.

[0036] In the diagram: 1-Floating module; 2-Flow guiding module; 3-Spherical joint connector; 4-Robotic arm; 5-Connecting rod; 6-Tugboat; 7-Tug cable; 8-Triangular eye plate; 9-Cable guide; 10-Auxiliary vessel; 11-Energy storage device; 12-Charging cable; 13-Wind turbine; 14-Ship; 15-Mooring cable; 16-FRP reinforcement; 17-Fiber optic sensor; 18-Anti-collision device; 19-Ball joint; 20-Ball joint; 21-Hydraulic telescopic rod; 22-Joint; 23-Clamp; 24-Mooring buoy; 25-Rotary joint; 26-Anchor chain; 27-Anchoring foundation. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] A modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels includes: a floating module 1, a flow guiding module 2, a ball joint connector 3, a robotic arm 4, a connecting rod 5, a tugboat 6, a tow cable 7, a triangular eye plate 8, a cable guide 9, an auxiliary vessel 10, an energy storage device 11, a charging cable 12, a wind turbine 13, a vessel 14, a mooring cable 15, and a single-point mooring system.

[0039] The floating module 1 includes: FRP rib 16, fiber optic sensor 17, and anti-collision device 18.

[0040] The ball joint connector 3 includes: a convex ball joint 19, a concave ball joint 20, and a hydraulic telescopic rod 21.

[0041] The robotic arm 4 includes: joint 22 and clamp 23.

[0042] The single-point mooring system includes: mooring buoy 24, swivel joint 25, anchor chain 26, and anchoring foundation 27.

[0043] The floating module 1 is the basic building block of a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric vessels at sea, used to carry the energy storage device 11. Multiple floating modules 1 can be flexibly combined into a chain structure via ball joint connectors 3, robotic arms 4, and connecting rods 5. The flow guiding module 2 is designed as a triangular module, connected to the front end of the chain platform via ball joint connectors 3, robotic arms 4, and connecting rods 5, optimizing the platform's hydrodynamic performance and reducing towing resistance. The number of floating modules 1 can be flexibly adjusted according to the number of electric vessels 14 and their power requirements. Due to the chain arrangement of the platform, increasing the number of floating modules 1 will not change the wave-facing area during towing, nor will it increase towing resistance; therefore, it will not additionally increase the traction force of the tugboat 6.

[0044] The main structural material of the floating module 1 is seawater sand concrete, with embedded FRP reinforcement 16 and fiber optic sensors 17. It possesses high strength and corrosion resistance, effectively extending the platform's service life. Furthermore, it has self-sensing capabilities, allowing real-time monitoring of the floating module 1's structural health. The anti-collision device 18 is located at the bottom of the floating module 1 structure to prevent potential collisions between modules and with a ship. Its material is highly elastic rubber (such as natural rubber, neoprene rubber, or nitrile rubber), which can buffer the energy of collisions between modules.

[0045] The tugboat 6 is used to tow the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric vessels to offshore wind farms or other charging locations for energy storage, and then tow it to the electric vessel's operating area to supply power to the electric vessel, ensuring the platform can move flexibly. The tugboat 6 is connected to the guide cable 9 on the upper part of the flow guiding module 2 via a tow cable 7; the triangular eye plate 8 is used to divide the tow cable 7 into two, ensuring that the platform is evenly stressed during towing, maintaining the platform's balance and structural stability, and preventing damage or tilting caused by uneven stress during towing; the guide cable 9 is arranged on the upper edge of the structure of each floating module 1 and flow guiding module 2.

[0046] The ball joint connector 3 is designed to connect adjacent floating modules 1 and flow guiding modules 2, and through modular expansion, multiple floating units can be combined into a chain-type modular energy storage floating platform. The ball joint connector 3 consists of a convex ball joint 19, a concave ball joint 20, and a hydraulic telescopic rod 21; the convex ball joint 19 and the concave ball joint 20 are respectively fixed on both sides of the structure of each floating module 1; the opening diameter of the concave ball joint 20 is designed to be larger than the diameter of the convex ball, and the inner wall is covered with a flexible pad to buffer the collision when the convex ball is inserted; the hydraulic telescopic rod 21 is evenly distributed on the inner wall of the concave ball socket, and can extend or retract in multiple directions under hydraulic drive. The end of each rod is covered with a flexible pad to fit with the convex ball joint and achieve flexible locking or unlocking.

[0047] The single-point mooring system is deployed at offshore wind farms or other charging locations, as well as in the sea areas where electric vessels operate. It is used for positioning modular, mobile charging and swapping platforms for offshore electric vessels, offering high flexibility in mooring and unmooring. It can also self-adjust the platform's attitude according to wave direction, making it highly suitable for inventions with low requirements for platform motion response. The mooring buoy 24 provides buoyancy and serves as the platform's connection point. The rotary joint 25 is installed on the upper part of the mooring buoy 24, allowing the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform to rotate according to wave direction, thereby adjusting its attitude. The connecting rod 5 is installed on the upper part of the rotary joint 25 for the robotic arm 4 to grasp, achieving mooring and positioning of the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform. The anchor chain 26 connects the anchoring base 27 to the mooring buoy 24, securing the platform with a robust anchoring system to prevent it from drifting with the waves. The anchoring base 27 can be a gravity anchor, suction cylinder, or similar type.

[0048] The auxiliary vessel 10 is used to assist in the platform's stopping and positioning, ensuring the smooth progress of charging and swapping operations; during reverse towing, it acts as a tugboat to complete the towing work of the platform. After the modular mobile charging and swapping platform facing the electric vessel at sea is towed to the designated sea area, the electric auxiliary vessel 10 connects to the stern floating module 1 and tows the platform to achieve deceleration until it stops; then it connects to the stern floating module laterally, adjusts the position of the stern module, and assists the robotic arm of the stern module in grabbing the connecting rod 5 on the upper part of the rotary joint 25 to achieve the mooring and positioning of the platform.

[0049] The charging cable 12 connects the platform's energy storage device 11 to the wind turbine 13 or the electric vessel 14, storing and transmitting electrical energy from the energy storage device to provide efficient charging services for the vessel. It is fixed to the mooring buoy 24 for easy connection to the energy storage device 11. The energy storage device 11 is mounted on the floating module 1 and stores electrical energy obtained from the offshore wind turbine 13 or other energy platforms, serving as a charging power source for the electric vessel 14. The wind turbine 13 provides green energy to the charging and swapping platform, converting wind energy into electrical energy and storing it in the energy storage device 11. The electric vessel 14 obtains power from the charging and swapping platform, enhancing its endurance during operations. The mooring cable 15 is used for docking the electric vessel 14 with the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform.

[0050] The modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels is assembled or disassembled in either a dock or single-point mooring configuration. During dock assembly, one floating module 1 is fixed, and another floating module 1 is towed and positioned using a tugboat and auxiliary vessel. The robotic arm 4 then grasps the connecting rod 5, achieving initial module connection. Next, the convex ball joint 19 engages with the concave ball joint 20, and the hydraulic telescopic rod 21 is activated, extending from multiple directions. The flexible padding adheres to the convex ball surface, locking the connection. This process is repeated to achieve modular connection of the platform. In single-point mooring, the target module is connected to the mooring buoy. The module to be connected is towed using a tugboat and auxiliary vessel, and the process is repeated to achieve module connection. When module separation is required, the hydraulic telescopic rod 21 retracts, releasing the lock, and the convex ball joint 19 disengages from the concave ball joint 20, achieving rapid separation. The extension length and pressure of the hydraulic telescopic rod 21 are adjustable. Adjusting the compression of the flexible padding increases friction, thereby adjusting the rotational damping between modules.

[0051] The robotic arm 4 and connecting rod 5 are respectively installed on both sides of the upper part of each floating module 1 to achieve initial connection between adjacent floating modules 1. The robotic arm 4 includes a joint 22 and a gripper 23. The gripper 23 is equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device, which can flexibly and accurately grasp the connecting rod 5 through electromagnetic force adsorption, realizing the initial connection of the floating module and the mooring and positioning of the platform. During the release process, the magnetic force is gradually weakened by adjusting the current or magnetic field strength of the electromagnetic adsorption device, eventually causing the gripper 23 to separate from the connecting rod 5. The joint 22 is a "movable connection" connecting the various parts of the robotic arm 4, enabling the robotic arm to perform various movements.

[0052] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the front and top views of the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform of the present invention during towing. The platform consists of multiple floating modules 1, each equipped with an energy storage device 11 to store electrical energy harvested from an offshore wind turbine 13. The floating modules 1 and the flow-guiding module 2 are flexibly connected together via ball joint connectors 3, robotic arms 4, and connecting rods 5, forming a chain-like platform that allows the modules to remain stable and adapt to wave action. The tugboat 6 is an electric tugboat; the platform is towed to the target work area by the electric tugboat, and the tow cable 7 connects the tugboat to the flow-guiding module 2. A triangular eyeplate 8 is used to split the tow cable 7 into two strands and fix them to the guide cable 9, ensuring uniform force on the tow cable and maintaining the overall balance of the platform during towing. The auxiliary vessel 10 is an electric auxiliary vessel that assists in the positioning and stopping of the platform, ensuring its safe and efficient operation during offshore operations.

[0053] Figure 3This diagram illustrates the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform of the present invention in an offshore wind farm energy storage application. Upon arrival at the offshore wind farm area, with the coordinated operation of an electric tugboat and an electric auxiliary vessel, the robotic arm 4 of the platform's stern floating module 1 grasps the connecting rod 5 on the upper part of the mooring buoy 24, achieving mooring and positioning of the platform. Furthermore, the energy storage device 11 is connected to the charging cable 12 already fixed to the mooring buoy 24, allowing renewable energy to be obtained through the offshore wind turbine 13.

[0054] Figure 4 This diagram shows a top view illustrating how the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform of the present invention powers an electric vessel. The platform is positioned using a single-point mooring system. The electric vessel 14 is moored to both sides of the platform via mooring cables 15 and connected to an energy storage device 11 via charging cables 12, enabling rapid and efficient charging of the electric vessel 14.

[0055] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the module replacement process of the modular mobile charging and swapping platform of the present invention during the power supply phase of an electric vessel. When the platform's power is depleted, the new, fully charged platform is towed to the operating area of ​​the electric vessel and secured to the other side of the mooring buoy 24 in the same manner. The electric vessel is then moored on both sides of the new platform to continue charging. The depleted platform is then towed by an electric tugboat to the offshore wind farm area for charging.

[0056] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the modular expansion of the modular portable charging and swapping platform of this invention. The platform can be flexibly expanded modularly according to the number of electric vessels 14 to meet the charging needs of electric vessels of different sizes.

[0057] Figure 7 This invention presents a top-view cross-sectional view of a floating module of a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels. The main structural material of the floating module 1 is seawater sand concrete, with FRP reinforcement 16 embedded inside, and an integrated fiber optic sensor 17, giving the floating structure high strength and corrosion resistance, as well as self-sensing capability, which is beneficial for real-time monitoring of the structural health of the floating module 1.

[0058] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a hinged connector for a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels is shown. The hinged connector 3 includes a convex ball joint 19, a concave ball joint 20, and hydraulic telescopic rods 21. The opening diameter of the concave ball joint 20 is larger than that of the convex ball joint 19, facilitating the insertion of the convex ball joint 19. The inner wall of the concave ball joint 20 is covered with a flexible pad to reduce collisions, and multiple hydraulic telescopic rods 21 are evenly arranged on the inner wall.

[0059] Figure 9A schematic diagram of a robotic arm for a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels is shown. The robotic arm 4 includes a gripper 23 and a joint 22, which uses precise motion control to grasp and release connecting rods and achieve mooring and positioning of the platform.

[0060] The design of this invention should take into account the following factors:

[0061] (1) Marine environmental adaptability: The platform will operate in a marine environment, and the complexity of the marine environment, such as the impact of waves, tides, and wind speed, must be fully considered during the design. The platform's floating modules should have good resistance to wind and waves, and the connection structure should ensure that the platform maintains its stability in a turbulent environment.

[0062] (2) Flexibility of modular design: The platform adopts a modular design, which can adjust the number and configuration of floating modules according to actual needs. The design should take into account the size, connection method and load-bearing capacity of the modules to ensure that the platform has good adaptability and scalability, and can be easily disassembled and assembled to meet the charging needs of electric ships of different sizes.

[0063] (3) Efficient utilization of renewable energy: The platform should be closely integrated with renewable energy systems such as offshore wind farms and offshore photovoltaic power generation facilities. The design should consider how to efficiently utilize these energy sources, quickly store the electricity generated by wind or photovoltaic power generation through energy storage devices, and ensure the efficiency and stability of energy transmission during the charging process.

[0064] Designing and implementing a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels is a detailed and complex process involving several key steps. The following is a general operating procedure for this system:

[0065] First, the prefabrication and assembly of floating modules is the foundation of the entire construction process. Each floating module should be prefabricated on land or in a shipyard using FRP-reinforced seawater sand concrete, with fiber optic sensors integrated into the FRP reinforcement. After that, energy storage devices, charging interfaces, robotic arms, and other equipment are installed, and according to design requirements, each floating module is assembled in the dock into a complete charging and swapping platform using hinged connectors, robotic arms, and connecting rods. The number of floating modules can be flexibly set according to the power demand of the electric vessel.

[0066] After the platform assembly is completed, the mooring system will be installed and commissioned. The mooring buoys will be deployed to the designated sea area and anchoring foundations will be installed. Then, anchor chains will be used to connect the mooring buoys to the anchoring foundations to ensure the stability of the mooring system.

[0067] Next, the electric tugboat system will be commissioned and tested. The tugboat needs to be connected to the platform to ensure even tension on the tow cables. After system commissioning is completed, the platform will be tested at sea, with the tugboat towing the platform to a designated sea area to ensure the platform's stability during movement and the reliability of each system.

[0068] Next, the platform is connected to the offshore wind power facility. A charging cable connects the platform to the offshore wind farm to ensure it can successfully obtain power, and the energy storage device is charged and tested to ensure the platform has the ability to charge electric vessels.

[0069] Finally, the operation and use of the platform includes towing the platform to the electric vessel's operating area, completing the single-point mooring system positioning, and then mooring the electric vessel on both sides of the platform, providing power to the vessel via charging cables. During this process, the operator assists in platform positioning via an electric auxiliary vessel, while simultaneously monitoring the platform's energy storage status and location in real time to ensure stable platform operation. When the platform's power is depleted, a new platform is towed and secured to the other side of the mooring buoy by a tugboat to continuously supply power to the electric vessel. The depleted platform is then towed back to the offshore wind farm area to replenish its power again.

[0070] Through the above construction and installation process, the modular mobile charging and swapping platform of the present invention can provide power support for electric ships at sea in an efficient and flexible manner, while ensuring the stability and ease of operation of the platform in the marine environment.

Claims

1. A modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels, characterized in that, The modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels includes: a floating module (1), a flow guide module (2), a ball joint connector (3), a robotic arm (4), a connecting rod (5), a tugboat (6), a tow cable (7), a triangular eye plate (8), a cable guide (9), an auxiliary vessel (10), an energy storage device (11), a charging cable (12), a wind turbine (13), a vessel (14), a mooring cable (15), and a single-point mooring system; The floating module (1) is used to carry the energy storage device (11); multiple floating modules (1) are connected in a straight line through ball joint connector (3), mechanical arm (4) and connecting rod (5) to form a chain structure; the number of floating modules (1) is adjusted according to the number of ships (14) and power demand, and the chain structure ensures that increasing the number of floating modules (1) will not increase towing resistance; One end of the chain structure is connected to the flow guiding module (2); a cable guide (9) is arranged on the flow guiding module (2); the tugboat (6) is connected to the triangular eye plate (8) and the cable guide (9) in sequence via the towing cable (7); The energy storage devices (11) between different floating modules (1) are connected by charging cables (12); the ship (14) is moored on both sides of the floating module (1) by mooring cables (15) and connected to the energy storage devices (11) by charging cables (12). The other end of the chain structure is connected to a single-point mooring system for positioning; the energy storage device (11) stores energy from the wind turbine (13) via a charging cable (12); The robotic arm (4) includes a multi-degree-of-freedom joint (22) and a gripper (23) equipped with an electromagnetic adsorption device; the electromagnetic adsorption device achieves precise gripping and release of the connecting rod (5) through electromagnetic force; The single-point mooring system includes a mooring buoy (24), a swivel joint (25), an anchor chain (26), and an anchoring base (27); the single-point mooring system is deployed in the sea area where the ship (14) operates or in an offshore wind farm; the mooring buoy (24) provides buoyancy and serves as a connection point for a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels; the swivel joint (25) is installed on the upper part of the mooring buoy (24), and the other end of the chain structure is connected to a connecting rod (5) on the swivel joint (25); the swivel joint (25) is used for the modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels to rotate freely according to the wave direction; the anchor chain (26) is used to connect the mooring buoy (24) and the anchoring base (27) to fix the platform; the anchoring base (27) is a gravity anchor or a suction cylinder; The auxiliary vessel (10) assists the platform in stopping, positioning and reverse towing; when stopping, the auxiliary vessel (10) connects to the stern floating module (1), pulls the modular mobile charging and swapping platform facing the electric ship at sea to decelerate to stop, and adjusts the position of the stern floating module (1) to achieve mooring and positioning.

2. The modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ball joint connector (3) connects to the adjacent floating module (1) or the flow guiding module (2); the ball joint connector (3) consists of a convex ball joint (19), a concave ball joint (20) and a hydraulic telescopic rod (21); the opening diameter of the concave ball joint (20) is larger than the diameter of the convex ball joint (19), and the inner wall of the concave ball joint (20) is covered with a flexible pad to buffer the collision when the convex ball joint (19) is inserted; the hydraulic telescopic rod (21) is evenly distributed on the inner wall of the concave ball joint (20), and the end of the hydraulic telescopic rod (21) has a flexible pad, which locks or releases the convex ball joint (19) through hydraulic drive and adjusts the rotation damping.

3. The modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guiding module (2) is a triangular module. Its bottom edge is connected to one end of the chain structure through a ball joint connector (3), a mechanical arm (4) and a connecting rod (5). The apex is connected to the electric tugboat (6) through a towing cable (7) and a cable guide (9).

4. The modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating module (1) also includes embedded FRP ribs (16), fiber optic sensors (17), and anti-collision devices (18) arranged at the bottom of the floating module (1); the main structural material of the floating module (1) is seawater sand concrete, with embedded FRP ribs (16) and fiber optic sensors (17) to achieve high strength, corrosion resistance and real-time structural health monitoring; the anti-collision device (18) is made of high elastic rubber to buffer the energy when the modules collide or when it collides with the ship.

5. The modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric marine vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tugboat (6) tows the modular mobile charging and swapping platform of the electric vessel to a designated location via the tow cable (7); the triangular eye plate (8) is used to divide the tow cable (7) into two strands to ensure that the modular mobile charging and swapping platform of the electric vessel is evenly distributed during towing and maintains the balance of the platform.

6. An operating method for a modular, mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Multiple floating modules (1) and flow guiding modules (2) are connected in a chain structure via ball joint connectors (3), robotic arms (4), and connecting rods (5); a tugboat (6) tows the modular mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels to an offshore wind farm via tow cables (7), and positions it using a single-point mooring system, using wind turbines (13) to charge the energy storage device (11); the mechanical arm (4) of the stern floating module (1) grips the connecting rod (5) on the upper part of the mooring buoy (24) to achieve mooring positioning via the gripper (23) of the clamp (4); after charging is completed, the modular mobile charging and swapping platform for offshore electric vessels is towed by the tugboat (6) to the operating area of ​​the vessel (14) to assist in the operation. The vessel (10) assists in the berthing of the modular mobile charging and swapping platform for electric vessels at sea, achieving single-point mooring positioning; the vessel (14) is moored on both sides of each floating module (1) and moored via mooring cable (15); the power of the energy storage device (11) on the upper part of the platform is transmitted to the electric vessel (14) for charging via charging cable (12); when the power of the energy storage device (11) on the platform is insufficient, a new platform is towed to the working area of ​​the electric vessel (14) and fixed on the other side of the mooring buoy (24) to continuously supply power to the electric vessel (14), and then the platform with depleted power is towed back to the wind farm for recharging, thereby continuing to provide power supply to the vessel.

Images