Offshore production platform based on gravity energy storage

Abstract

The invention relates to an offshore production platform based on gravity energy storage. The offshore production platform comprises a platform body, an operation module, an external power module, a storage module and a hydraulic module. Compared with the prior art, the storage module is embedded into the platform main body structure, the internal space and the three-dimensional space layout of the offshore platform structure are directly utilized, and a foundation is provided for storage of gravitational potential energy through the height difference between the first main body part and the second main body part formed by the stand columns; the operation module is connected with the external power supply module, so that the platform can directly utilize green electricity such as offshore wind power, photovoltaic energy or wave energy, and when the green electricity is unstable or excessive, the hydraulic module converts the external green electricity into gravitational potential energy which is easy to store by utilizing potential energy and kinetic energy conversion of liquid under height difference; and the electric energy is converted into stable electric energy as required to be supplied to the operation module, so that the requirement of operation stability is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of offshore energy storage technology, and in particular to an offshore production platform based on gravity energy storage. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore production platforms are core facilities for marine production or resource development. These platforms integrate multiple functions such as extraction, processing, storage and export, making them veritable "offshore factories".

[0003] Currently, offshore production platforms require external power input, primarily from clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and wave energy, for their operations. However, the supply of green electricity at sea exhibits significant cyclical fluctuations, with distinct peak and trough values. During grid connection or consumption, this intermittency and volatility lead to highly unstable grid-connected power, affecting not only power quality but also creating difficulties for grid regulation. These challenges will become more pronounced as offshore green electricity develops on a large scale.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new type of offshore production platform to address the problems existing in the relevant technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an offshore production platform based on gravity energy storage that can cope with the fluctuation of green electricity and achieve stable operation.

[0006] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] The offshore production platform based on gravity energy storage provided by this invention includes:

[0008] The platform body includes a first main body and a second main body, which are connected by columns to form a height difference between them.

[0009] The operation module is located in the main body of the platform;

[0010] An external power supply module, connected to the operating module, is used to provide intermittent green power;

[0011] A storage module is embedded within the first main body, the second main body, and the column, forming a containment space with a height difference to allow for liquid flow.

[0012] A hydraulic module, installed inside the column and connected to the external power module and the operating module respectively, is used to convert electrical energy and gravitational potential energy when the liquid flows in the height direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the storage module includes a first water storage tank, a second water storage tank, and a circulation pipe, wherein the circulation pipe vertically connects the first water storage tank above and the second water storage tank below; the first water storage tank, the second water storage tank, and the circulation pipe are respectively located within the first main body, the second main body, and the column.

[0014] Furthermore, the height difference between the upper and lower ends of the flow pipes connecting the first and second water storage tanks is greater than or equal to 30 meters and less than or equal to 200 meters.

[0015] Furthermore, the hydraulic module includes an energy storage device and an energy release device, which are respectively installed in the flow pipes within adjacent columns. The energy storage device is used to transport the liquid to the first water storage tank using the intermittent green electricity, and the energy release device is used to generate electricity when the liquid flows into the second water storage tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the energy release device includes a water turbine, a transmission assembly, and a generator. The water turbine is located in the middle of the column, the generator is located at the top of the column, and the transmission assembly connects the generator and the water turbine.

[0017] Furthermore, the energy storage device includes a water pump, which is located in the middle of the column, and the external power module is connected to the water pump.

[0018] Furthermore, the external power module includes a power generation device and a power distribution device. The power generation device is separately installed from the main body of the platform and is connected to the power distribution device via a cable through a booster station. The power distribution device is installed in the first main body and located at the top of the column.

[0019] Furthermore, the operating module and the generator are disposed on the upper surface of the first main body, and the operating module is connected to the generator.

[0020] Furthermore, the second water storage tank is connected to the ocean water through an inlet and outlet device, and the inner walls of the first and second water storage tanks are equipped with anti-sway plates. The liquid is the ballast water of the platform body.

[0021] Furthermore, the flow channel is a spiral channel with a spiral radius of curvature greater than or equal to 6 and less than or equal to 40 meters.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the offshore production platform provided by the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. The gravity-based offshore production platform provided by this invention embeds the storage module inside the main structure of the platform, directly utilizing the internal space and three-dimensional spatial layout of the offshore platform structure. The height difference between the first and second main body parts formed by the columns provides a basis for storing gravitational potential energy. The connection between the operation module and the external power module enables the platform to directly utilize green electricity such as offshore wind power, photovoltaic power, or wave energy. Moreover, when the green electricity is unstable or excessive, the hydraulic module utilizes the potential energy and kinetic energy conversion of the liquid under the height difference to convert the external green electricity into easily stored gravitational potential energy, and then converts it into stable electrical energy to supply the operation module as needed, thus meeting the requirements for operational stability.

[0024] 2. The storage module includes a first water storage tank, a second water storage tank, and a circulation pipe. The circulation pipe vertically connects the first water storage tank above and the second water storage tank below. The first water storage tank, the second water storage tank, and the circulation pipe are located in the first main body, the second main body, and the column, respectively, and are connected by the circulation pipe in the column to form a complete water circulation loop. This structure can serve as both gravity energy storage and a ballast system for the platform, allowing the platform to flexibly adjust the water storage according to specific buoyancy and stability requirements.

[0025] 3. The height difference between the upper and lower ends of the flow pipes connecting the first and second water storage tanks is greater than or equal to 30 meters and less than or equal to 200 meters, ensuring that the water body has sufficient gravitational potential energy.

[0026] 4. The design of separating the power generation device of the external power module from the main body of the platform allows the main body of the production platform to be independently connected to existing green power facilities such as offshore wind farms or photovoltaic arrays. The power distribution device is located in the upper area, which facilitates connection with the power system of the operation module and also facilitates direct power supply when the external power is stable, increasing the operational flexibility of the system.

[0027] 5. The inlet and outlet systems are equipped with filters to ensure the cleanliness of the water exchanged with external water bodies. Anti-sloshing plates on the inner walls effectively suppress the sloshing of liquid within the water tanks under the influence of waves, ensuring the platform's stability in harsh sea conditions. Utilizing the platform's ballast water as the working medium achieves the dual utilization of energy storage and platform ballast functions. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the offshore production platform in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial sectional view of the main body of the platform shown;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the main body of the platform shown;

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a working block diagram of an offshore production platform.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1. Platform main body; 11. First main body section; 12. Second main body section; 13. Pillars;

[0034] 2. Assignment Module;

[0035] 31. Power generation equipment; 32. Power distribution equipment; 33. Substation;

[0036] 41. First water storage tank; 42. Second water storage tank; 43. Circulation pipeline;

[0037] 51. Water pump; 52. Water turbine; 53. Transmission assembly; 54. Generator. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. These embodiments are based on the technical solution of the present invention and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0039] This invention provides an offshore production platform based on gravity energy storage, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a platform body 1, including a first main body part 11 and a second main body part 12, the first main body part 11 and the second main body part 12 are connected by a column 13, so that the first main body part 11 and the second main body part 12 form a height difference; an operation module 2 is set in the platform body 1; an external power module is connected to the operation module 2 to provide intermittent green power; a storage module is embedded in the first main body part 11, the second main body part 12 and the column 13 to form a receiving space with a height difference for liquid flow; a hydraulic module is set in the column 13 and is connected to the external power module and the operation module 2 respectively, for converting electrical energy and gravitational potential energy when the liquid flows in the height direction.

[0040] In some specific embodiments, the platform body 1 is not limited to a specific type of marine platform and can be a semi-submersible platform, a bottom-mounted platform, or a tension leg platform. The storage module, as the fluid storage component, is integrated into the structure of the platform body 1, utilizing the internal space of the platform body 1 as a water storage container, reducing the need for additional energy storage equipment. The interior of the column 13 serves as a flow pipe 43 for liquid lifting and lowering. Utilizing the platform's natural elevation difference, no additional high-rise structure is required. The hydraulic module is located within the storage module and acts on the liquid, causing it to flow and forming a liquid circulation loop.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2 The storage module includes a first water tank 41, a second water tank 42, and a circulation pipe 43. The circulation pipe 43 vertically connects the upper first water tank 41 and the lower second water tank 42. The first water tank 41, the second water tank 42, and the circulation pipe 43 are located in the first main body 11, the second main body 12, and the column 13, respectively.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, reference is made to Figure 2 The first water storage tank 41 is located in the upper area of ​​the offshore production platform, and the second water storage tank 42 is located in the lower area of ​​the offshore production platform. The circulation pipeline 43 includes at least one pumping pipe and one drain pipe, which are located in the two columns 13 respectively.

[0043] In some specific embodiments, the first water storage tank 41 and the second water storage tank 42 can be single-tank or multi-tank types.

[0044] In some specific embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3 The top of the pumping pipe is connected to the top side of the first water storage tank 41, and the bottom of the pumping pipe is connected to the bottom of the second water storage tank 42, so that when pumping water, the liquid flows out from the bottom of the second water storage tank 42 and flows in from the top of the first water storage tank 41. The top of the drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the first water storage tank 41, and the bottom of the drain pipe is connected to the top of the second water storage tank 42, so that when draining water, the liquid flows out from the bottom of the first water storage tank 41 and flows in from the top of the second water storage tank 42.

[0045] In some specific embodiments, the flow channel 43 is a straight channel.

[0046] In other embodiments, the flow conduit 43 is a spiral conduit to counteract the energy of platform swaying and heaving, stabilizing fluid flow and preventing pipe vibration. Simultaneously, the spiral conduit employs a large radius of curvature to reduce fluid flow resistance, thereby maintaining a high flow velocity; the spiral radius of curvature is greater than or equal to 6 and less than or equal to 40 meters.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the height difference between the upper and lower ends of the flow pipe 43 connecting the first water storage tank 41 and the second water storage tank 42 is greater than or equal to 30 meters and less than or equal to 200 meters.

[0048] Specifically, the value of the helical curvature radius can be 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 or 40 meters.

[0049] Specifically, the height difference between the upper and lower ends of the flow pipe 43 can be 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 or 200 meters.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the hydraulic module includes an energy storage device and an energy release device, which are respectively disposed in the flow pipes 43 within adjacent columns 13. The energy storage device is used to transport liquid to the first water storage tank 41 using intermittent green electricity, and the energy release device is used to generate electricity when the liquid flows into the second water storage tank 42.

[0051] In some specific embodiments, the energy storage device is controlled by the power supply of an external power module, enabling pumping and energy storage when the power supply is unstable or excessive. The energy release device is controlled by the production schedule of the operation module 2, releasing water to release energy when power is needed.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, both the energy storage device and the energy release device are equipped with an automatic control system, which automatically or manually controls the water storage and release of different water tanks according to the operating posture of the production platform or environmental conditions.

[0053] In some specific embodiments, the power provided by the external power module can be unstable power generated from external wind, solar, wave energy, etc.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 3 The energy release device includes a water turbine 52, a transmission assembly 53, and a generator 54. The water turbine 52 is located in the middle of the column 13, the generator 54 is located at the top of the column 13, and the transmission assembly 53 connects the generator 54 and the water turbine 52.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the energy storage device includes a water pump 51, which is disposed in the middle of the column 13, and the power generation device 31 of the external power module is connected to the water pump 51.

[0056] In some specific embodiments, the energy release device includes an impulse turbine, a reversible turbine, and a reaction turbine; the present invention does not limit the form of the turbine. The turbine 52 is located in the flow pipe 43 and is connected to the generator 54 located at the top via a transmission assembly 53. When the external power module generates excess electrical energy, the water pump 51 starts, pumping ballast water from the second water tank 42 into the first water tank 41. When the external power module provides a stable supply, or when the hydraulic module is undergoing maintenance, the external power module can directly supply power to the operation module 2 for production operations.

[0057] In some specific embodiments, the liquid falls from the first water storage tank 41 in the manner of free fall or pressurized fall, and the present invention does not limit the manner of fall.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The external power module includes a power generation device 31 and a power distribution device 32. The power generation device 31 is set separately from the platform body 1 and is connected to the power distribution device 32 via a cable through a booster station 33. The power distribution device 32 is set on the first main body part 11 and located on the top of the column 13.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 2 The operation module 2 and the generator 54 are disposed on the upper surface of the first main body 11, and the operation module 2 is connected to the generator 54.

[0060] In some specific embodiments, the operation module 2 can be a marine production device such as hydrogen production, ammonia production, methanol production, diethyl ether production, or battery charging, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second water storage tank 42 is connected to the ocean water through an inlet and outlet device, and the inner walls of the first water storage tank 41 and the second water storage tank 42 are provided with anti-sway plates, and the liquid is the ballast water of the platform body 1.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, the ballast water in the second water tank 42 is usually in a closed internal circulation and is not exchanged with the outside. However, when the marine environment is harsh, or when the pumping of liquid into the first water tank 41 causes a change in the center of gravity of the offshore production platform, the total water volume is adjusted by using an intake and drainage device to connect with the ocean water body to introduce or discharge seawater for the purpose of platform stabilization.

[0063] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0064] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0065] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0066] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0067] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0068] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A marine production platform based on gravity energy storage, characterized in that, include: The platform body (1) includes a first main body part (11) and a second main body part (12). The first main body part (11) and the second main body part (12) are connected by a column (13) so that the first main body part (11) and the second main body part (12) form a height difference. The operation module (2) is located in the main body of the platform (1); An external power supply module, connected to the operating module (2), is used to provide intermittent green power; The storage module is embedded in the first main body (11), the second main body (12) and the column (13) to form a receiving space with a height difference to allow liquid flow; A hydraulic module is installed inside the column (13) and is connected to the external power module and the working module (2) respectively. It is used to convert electrical energy and gravitational potential energy when the liquid flows in the height direction.

2. The offshore production platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage module includes a first water tank (41), a second water tank (42), and a flow pipe (43). The flow pipe (43) is vertically connected to the first water tank (41) above and the second water tank (42) below. The first water tank (41), the second water tank (42), and the flow pipe (43) are located in the first main body (11), the second main body (12), and the column (13), respectively.

3. The offshore production platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow pipe (43) connects the upper and lower ends of the first water storage tank (41) and the second water storage tank (42) respectively. The height difference between the upper and lower ends is greater than or equal to 30 meters and less than or equal to 200 meters.

4. The offshore production platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hydraulic module includes an energy storage device and an energy release device. The energy storage device and the energy release device are respectively installed in the flow pipe (43) in adjacent columns (13). The energy storage device is used to transport the liquid to the first water storage tank (41) using the intermittent green electricity. The energy release device is used to generate electricity when the liquid flows into the second water storage tank (42).

5. The offshore production platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy release device includes a water turbine (52), a transmission assembly (53), and a generator (54). The water turbine (52) is located in the middle of the column (13), and the generator (54) is located at the top of the column (13). The transmission assembly (53) connects the generator (54) and the water turbine (52).

6. The offshore production platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy storage device includes a water pump (51), which is located in the middle of the column (13), and the external power module is connected to the water pump (51).

7. The offshore production platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external power module includes a power generation device (31) and a power distribution device (32). The power generation device (31) is set separately from the platform body (1) and is connected to the power distribution device (32) via a cable through a booster station (33). The power distribution device (32) is set on the first main body part (11) and located on the top of the column (13).

8. The offshore production platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The operation module (2) and the generator (54) are disposed on the upper surface of the first main body (11), and the operation module (2) is connected to the generator (54).

9. The offshore production platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second water tank (42) is connected to the ocean water through an inlet and outlet device. The inner walls of the first water tank (41) and the second water tank (42) are provided with anti-sway plates. The liquid is the ballast water of the platform body (1).

10. The offshore production platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow channel (43) is a spiral channel with a spiral curvature radius greater than or equal to 6 and less than or equal to 40 meters.

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