Energy underwater transfer system

Abstract

The invention provides an energy underwater transfer system which is not easily influenced by weather. An energy underwater transfer system is provided with: an energy transfer body (30) capable of autonomous navigation underwater; and a recovery container (40) capable of accommodating the energy transfer body. When a tank part of a first energy transfer body, which is an energy transfer body, is filled with electrical energy obtained by power generation using renewable energy by a power generation floating body (20) capable of navigating on a water surface in a predetermined manner, the first energy transfer body autonomously navigates from the power generation floating body toward the recovery container. After the first energy transfer body reaches the recovery container, a second energy transfer body, which is an energy transfer body, autonomously sails from the recovery container toward the power generation floating body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of an underwater energy transfer system. Background Technology

[0002] As such a system, a system is proposed that combines a transport ship carrying cryogenic fluid with a base ship in the open sea to transfer cryogenic fluid from the transport ship to the base ship (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5360598 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve In the technology described in Patent Document 1, since the transfer of cryogenic fluids at sea is carried out, there is a technical problem that the transfer is easily affected by the weather.

[0004] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide an underwater energy transfer system that is not easily affected by weather.

[0005] Methods for solving problems One aspect of the present invention relates to an underwater energy transfer system comprising: an energy transfer body capable of autonomous underwater navigation; and a recovery container capable of housing the energy transfer body. When the tank of the first energy transfer body, which is the energy transfer body, is filled in a predetermined manner with electrical energy generated by a power generation float capable of navigating on the surface using renewable energy, the first energy transfer body autonomously navigates from the power generation float toward the recovery container. After the first energy transfer body reaches the recovery container, a second energy transfer body, which is the energy transfer body, autonomously navigates from the recovery container toward the power generation float. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the outline of the power generation system involved in the implementation method.

[0007] Figure 2 A conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of a power generation buoy involved in the implementation method.

[0008] Figure 3 A conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of a transport ship involved in the implementation method.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of a recycling container involved in the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Reference Figures 1 to 4The implementation methods of the relevant underwater energy transfer system are described.

[0011] (Power generation system) Reference Figure 1 The power generation system is described below. The power generation system includes a transport vessel 10 and power generation floats 20. In this system, multiple power generation floats 20, which do not require mooring, generate electricity in a sea area SA relatively far from land. The multiple power generation floats 20 navigate automatically within the sea area SA. That is, the multiple power generation floats 20 generate electricity while simultaneously navigating automatically within the sea area SA.

[0012] Furthermore, the number of automatically navigating power-generating buoys 20 within the sea area SA can be determined based on the power generation scale of the power generation system. For example, there can be hundreds to thousands of power-generating buoys 20 within the sea area SA. For example, the sea area SA can be a sea area 50 kilometers from land. For example, the length of one side of the sea area SA can also be tens of kilometers. In addition, the shape of the sea area SA is not limited to a quadrilateral.

[0013] The transport vessel 10 navigates between a land-based port P and a sea area SA. For example, the transport vessel 10 can recover energy generated through power generation from the power-generating float 20 near the end of the sea area SA (e.g., area CA). The transport vessel 10 then transports the energy recovered from the power-generating float 20 to the port P. Thus, in this power generation system, marine power generation is carried out by multiple power-generating floats 20, and energy transportation is carried out by the transport vessel 10.

[0014] (Power generation buoy 20) Reference Figure 2 Regarding the power generation buoy 20, please add a description. Figure 2 In this structure, the power-generating float 20 includes a sail 21, a kite 22, a power generation unit 23, and a hydrogen generation device 24. The power generation unit 23 includes a winch for securing the tether to the kite 22, a motor for rotating the winch drum, and a generator. The power-generating float 20 can utilize wind energy received by the sail 21 as propulsion. Additionally, the power-generating float 20 can also utilize wind energy received by the kite 22 as propulsion.

[0015] In the power generation float 20, as the kite 22 rises, the tether to the kite 22 is unwound from a winch. Due to the unwinding action of the tether, the winch drum rotates. A generator rotates along with the drum, generating electricity. After the tether has been unwound to a predetermined length or after a predetermined time, the winch drum rotates in the direction of winding up the tether via a motor. As a result, the kite 22 descends due to the winding up of the tether. Power generation in the power generation float 20 is achieved through repeated unwinding and winding of the tether. In other words, tethered wind power generation is performed in the power generation float 20. It can be said that "tethered wind power generation" is a type of power generation utilizing renewable energy.

[0016] The hydrogen generation device 24 uses electrical energy obtained through power generation to electrolyze water. The result is the production of hydrogen gas. The hydrogen generation device 24 stores the hydrogen gas in an energy storage unit 30. Furthermore, the energy storage unit 30 can be mechanically or electrically held in place at the lower part of the power generation float 20.

[0017] Here, the energy storage device 30 includes a tank 31 for storing hydrogen, a sensor unit 32, a control unit 33, and a motor 34. The control unit 33 includes a control device for controlling the energy storage device 30 and a battery for supplying power to the control device and the motor 34. The propeller SP is rotated by the motor 34, thus providing propulsion to the energy storage device 30. In other words, the energy storage device 30 is an autonomously navigable energy storage device. Since the energy storage device 30 navigates autonomously underwater, it can also be called an autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle (AUV).

[0018] Alternatively, tank 31 can be a high-pressure hydrogen tank for storing compressed hydrogen. Or, tank 31 can contain a hydrogen storage alloy for absorbing hydrogen.

[0019] (Transport Ship 10) Reference Figure 3 Regarding transport ship 10, please add a description. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the transport vessel 10 can be a sailboat. However, the transport vessel 10 is not limited to a sailboat. Furthermore, the transport vessel 10 can be manned or unmanned (i.e., the transport vessel 10 can be an unmanned vessel). A recovery container for storing the energy storage device 30 can be installed in the lower part (i.e., underwater) of the transport vessel 10. Figure 3 As shown, the recycling container 40 has multiple compartments. That is, the recycling container 40 can accommodate multiple energy storage devices 30.

[0020] (Underwater energy transfer system) The underwater energy transfer system according to this embodiment includes an energy storage unit 30 and a recovery container 40. When the tank 31 of the energy storage unit 30 is filled with hydrogen, the energy storage unit 30 can detach from the power generation float 20. "When the tank 31 is filled with hydrogen" can refer to the situation where the tank 31 is in a predetermined state (e.g., full state). The situation where the tank 31 is in a predetermined state can be detected by either the power generation float 20 or the control device of the energy storage unit 30.

[0021] Based on the detection results of the sensor unit 32, the energy storage device 30, which detaches from the power generation float 20, autonomously navigates from the power generation float 20 toward the recovery container 40 (in other words, the transport ship 10).

[0022] Here, refer to Figure 4 Regarding the recycling container 40, the following description is added: The recycling container 40 contains a storage tank 30 with its tank section 31 in an empty state. Figure 4 In the middle, energy storage devices 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e are energy storage devices 30 with the tank section 31 in an empty state. Energy storage devices 30b, 30c, 30d, and 30e are fixed by a mechanical locking mechanism 41.

[0023] As an example of the aforementioned energy storage device 30 that autonomously navigates from the power generation float 20 toward the recovery container 40, an energy storage device 30a with its tank section 31 in a predetermined state is illustrated. Figure 4 As shown, the energy storage device 30a can enter the compartment of the multiple compartments of the recycling container 40 that contains the energy storage device 30b.

[0024] The control device of energy storage device 30a sends information to energy storage device 30b for determining the power generation float 20. The information for determining the power generation float 20 may include identification information for identifying the power generation float 20. The information for determining the power generation float 20 may also include location information indicating the position of the power generation float 20. Furthermore, the location indicated by this location information is not limited to the exact position of the power generation float 20, but may be an approximate position of the power generation float 20.

[0025] The control device of the energy storage unit 30b, having received information for determining the power generation float 20, controls the motor 34, thereby enabling the energy storage unit 30b to autonomously navigate from the recovery container 40 toward the power generation float 20. Upon reaching the power generation float 20, the energy storage unit 30b is held at the lower part of the power generation float 20.

[0026] The locking mechanism 41 that secures the energy storage device 30b can release the energy storage device 30b when the energy storage device 30a reaches the recovery container 40. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 41 can release the energy storage device 30b after the energy storage device 30b receives information for identifying the power generation float 20. After the energy storage device 30b departs from the recovery container 40, the locking mechanism 41 that previously secured the energy storage device 30b can secure the energy storage device 30a.

[0027] (Technical effect) Assuming in Figure 1 In areas where transport vessel 10 uses a crane to recover an energy storage device (e.g., a hydrogen tank) from power generation float 20 within the CA region, the recovery operation is susceptible to weather conditions. For example, recovery operations may be impossible during storms. When the energy storage device is full, energy generated through power generation in power generation float 20 cannot be stored. Therefore, it is difficult to generate electricity through power generation float 20 until transport vessel 10 recovers the full energy storage device. As a result, the operating efficiency of the power generation system is reduced.

[0028] Furthermore, when the transport ship 10 uses a crane to retrieve the energy storage device from the power generation float 20, the time required for the transport ship 10 to retrieve the full energy storage device from the power generation float 20 and load the empty energy storage device into the power generation float 20 is relatively long.

[0029] On the other hand, in the underwater energy transfer system according to this embodiment, the energy storage device 30 is recovered into an underwater recovery container 40. Therefore, according to this underwater energy transfer system, the energy storage device 30 can be recovered even when it is not easily affected by weather conditions at sea. Furthermore, in this underwater energy transfer system, the energy storage device 30 in a predetermined state (e.g., full state) autonomously travels from the power generation float 20 to the recovery container 40. The energy storage device 30 in an empty state autonomously travels from the recovery container 40 to the power generation float 20. Therefore, according to this underwater energy transfer system, the time required to replace the energy storage device 30 can be shortened. As a result, the operating efficiency of the power generation system can be improved according to this underwater energy transfer system.

[0030] Furthermore, the power generation system can be equipped with multiple transport ships 10. In this case, the power generation float 20 can communicate in advance with one of the transport ships 10 that will be retrieving the power generation float 20 from the energy storage unit 30. Moreover, the power generation float 20 can also send information to the control device of the energy storage unit 30 to identify a transport ship 10.

[0031] Alternatively, the power generation float 20 may not have a hydrogen generation device 24. In this case, the energy storage unit 30 may have a battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery) instead of the tank 31. In this case, the power generation unit 23 can store the electrical energy obtained through power generation in the battery of the energy storage unit 30.

[0032] Alternatively, the power generation float 20 may be equipped with an ammonia synthesis unit instead of the hydrogen generation unit 24, or an ammonia synthesis unit may be added to the hydrogen generation unit 24. In this case, the ammonia synthesis unit can use electrical energy obtained through power generation to synthesize ammonia. The ammonia synthesis unit can store the ammonia in the tank 31 of the energy storage device 30.

[0033] Furthermore, the power-generating float 20 can be equipped with an underwater turbine generator to replace the kite 22, or an underwater turbine generator can be added to the kite 22. In other words, the power-generating float 20 can generate electricity using an underwater turbine generator to replace tethered wind power generation, or generate electricity using an underwater turbine generator on top of tethered wind power generation. It can be said that "power generation using an underwater turbine generator" is power generation utilizing renewable energy. Additionally, the power-generating float 20 can be equipped with a windmill to replace the kite 20. In other words, the power-generating float 20 can generate electricity using a windmill to replace tethered wind power generation. It can be said that "power generation using a windmill" is power generation utilizing renewable energy. Furthermore, in offshore wind power generation using a floating structure with a windmill, power transmission is mostly done via cables. When the power-generating float 20 is equipped with a windmill, the aforementioned energy storage device 30 can be used for energy transmission.

[0034] The invention described below is an embodiment derived from the above-described implementation.

[0035] One aspect of the invention relates to an underwater energy transfer system comprising: an energy transfer body capable of autonomous underwater navigation; and a recovery container capable of housing the energy transfer body. When the tank of the first energy transfer body, which serves as the energy transfer body, is filled in a predetermined manner with electrical energy generated using renewable energy through a surface-navigating power-generating float, the first energy transfer body autonomously navigates from the power-generating float toward the recovery container. After the first energy transfer body reaches the recovery container, a second energy transfer body, which serves as the energy transfer body, autonomously navigates from the recovery container toward the power-generating float. In the above embodiment, "energy storage device 30" is an example equivalent to "energy transfer body".

[0036] In this underwater energy transfer system, the second energy transfer body can be secured by a mechanical locking mechanism within the recovery container, and the locking mechanism releases the second energy transfer body after the first energy transfer body reaches the recovery container. Alternatively, the first energy transfer body can be secured by a mechanical locking mechanism after the second energy transfer body departs from the recovery container.

[0037] In this underwater energy transfer system, the following method can be adopted: after the first energy transfer body arrives at the recovery container, the first energy transfer body sends information to the second energy transfer body to identify the power generation float.

[0038] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the inventive spirit or concept as can be read from the technical solution and the entire specification. Underwater energy transfer systems with such modifications are also included within the scope of this invention. Furthermore, the energy storage device 30 in the above embodiments can also be used for energy transfer in offshore wind power generation utilizing wind turbines.

[0039] Symbol Explanation 10… Transport ship; 20… Power generation float; 30… Energy storage device; 40… Recycling container.

Claims

1. An underwater energy transfer system, comprising: An energy transfer device capable of autonomous underwater navigation; A recovery container capable of holding the energy transfer unit. When the tank of the first energy transfer body, which serves as the energy transfer body, is filled in a predetermined manner with electrical energy generated by a power-generating float capable of navigating on the water surface using renewable energy, the first energy transfer body autonomously navigates from the power-generating float toward the recovery container. After the first energy transfer body arrives at the recovery container, the second energy transfer body, which is the energy transfer body, autonomously sails from the recovery container toward the power generation float.

2. The underwater energy transfer system as described in claim 1, wherein, The second energy transfer body is secured within the recovery container by a mechanical locking mechanism. After the first energy transfer body reaches the recovery container, the locking mechanism releases the second energy transfer body from its attachment.

3. The underwater energy transfer system as described in claim 2, wherein, After the second energy transfer body departs from the recovery container, the first energy transfer body is secured by a mechanical locking mechanism.

4. The underwater energy transfer system as described in claim 1, wherein, After the first energy transfer body arrives at the recovery container, the first energy transfer body sends information to the second energy transfer body to identify the power generation float.

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