Integrated underwater energy storage system and operation and maintenance method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to an integrated underwater energy storage system and its operation and maintenance method, belonging to the fields of power energy storage and marine engineering technology. The system includes an underwater energy storage device and a surface auxiliary buoy. The underwater energy storage device includes a pressure-resistant hull, a core energy conversion unit, and a snorkel. The surface auxiliary buoy includes a floating platform, a signal transmission and reception module, a water environment monitoring module, and a guide line. The guide line connects the floating platform and the underwater energy storage device, serving dual functions of flexible mooring and lifting guidance. In conventional monitoring mode, it acts as a flexible mooring cable to maintain the system's mooring; in emergency maintenance mode, it acts as a guide cable to guide the hook into the lifting position during lifting operations, enabling the core unit to be lifted out entirely for maintenance. This invention integrates five major functions—communication, monitoring, mooring, lifting assistance, and pressure regulation—into a surface buoy platform, significantly reducing operation and maintenance costs and risks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of power energy storage and marine engineering technology, specifically to an integrated underwater energy storage system and its operation and maintenance method. Background Technology

[0002] The volatility, discontinuity, and instability of renewable energy power generation have driven the rapid growth in demand for energy storage. Underwater energy storage, as a novel energy storage method, does not occupy land resources and can be widely used in existing reservoirs, lakes, islands, coastal areas, and deep-sea environments, showing broad application prospects.

[0003] Currently, various underwater energy storage pathways have been proposed, including underwater pumped-storage, underwater compressed air storage, and underwater electrochemical storage. Although these technologies differ in their energy storage principles, they all involve the long-term operation and maintenance of underwater energy storage devices.

[0004] However, existing underwater energy storage technologies still face a series of problems in practical engineering applications, such as poor signal transmission stability, high operation and maintenance costs, and difficulties in internal status monitoring and control when the energy storage system is unattended for a long time. These problems have become issues that must be solved to realize the engineering application of underwater energy storage technologies.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a highly integrated, easy-to-operate and maintain, and fully functional underwater energy storage system and its auxiliary devices to provide a feasible technical solution for the practical application of underwater energy storage technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an integrated underwater energy storage system and its operation and maintenance method to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0007] This invention provides the following technical solution: An integrated underwater energy storage system includes an underwater energy storage device and a surface auxiliary buoy.

[0008] The underwater energy storage device includes a pressure-resistant shell, a core energy conversion unit, and a snorkel; the pressure-resistant shell houses the core energy conversion unit; the core energy conversion unit is used to realize underwater energy storage and release; the lower end of the snorkel is connected to the interior of the pressure-resistant shell, and the upper end outlet extends out of the water surface.

[0009] Furthermore, the underwater energy storage device also includes a core unit lifting interface, which is located on the support of the core energy conversion unit and outside the pressure-resistant shell, and is used to cooperate with an external hook to achieve precise lifting.

[0010] Furthermore, the core energy conversion unit and the pressure-resistant shell are assembled in a modular fashion, and can be disassembled and separated as a whole to be lifted out of the water during operation and maintenance.

[0011] Furthermore, the venting pipe includes at least one flexible venting pipe, and the guide lines are at least two. The venting pipe is fixed to the guide lines, which provide support and protection and keep the venting pipe outlet above the water surface.

[0012] Furthermore, the core energy conversion unit includes any one of the following: a water pump, a water turbine and a corresponding generator / motor for underwater pumped storage; a compressor, an expander and a corresponding generator / motor for underwater compressed air energy storage; or a battery pack and an energy management unit for underwater electrochemical energy storage.

[0013] The integrated auxiliary buoy for the water surface includes a floating platform, a signal transmitting and receiving module, a water environment monitoring module, and a guide line. The floating platform lifts the snorkel out of the water. The signal transmitting and receiving module is installed on the floating platform and is used to realize remote data communication and control command transmission. The water environment monitoring module is integrated on the floating platform and is used to monitor the water environment status and provide early warning. The guide line connects the floating platform and the underwater energy storage device and has the dual functions of flexible mooring and lifting guidance.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface auxiliary buoy also includes a guide line interface, which is integrated into the floating platform and matched with the lifting interface of the core unit, for precise positioning and connection of the guide line and the floating platform.

[0015] Furthermore, the aquatic environment monitoring module includes one or more of meteorological sensors and hydrological sensors, which trigger an alarm when extreme weather or significant changes in hydrological conditions are detected.

[0016] Furthermore, the signal lines and control lines of the underwater energy storage device are fixed to the guide line, which provides support.

[0017] An operation and maintenance method based on the above-mentioned integrated underwater energy storage system, the operation and maintenance method including a conventional monitoring mode and an emergency maintenance mode: In the conventional monitoring mode: the guide line is used as a flexible mooring cable to maintain the mooring system, the aquatic environment monitoring module collects environmental data in real time and transmits it to the remote monitoring center through the signal transmission and reception module, and triggers an early warning when extreme environmental conditions are detected; In emergency maintenance mode: according to the maintenance instructions, the surface vessel does not need to dive underwater. Instead, it directly uses the guiding effect of the guide line to slide the hook into the lifting part of the underwater energy storage device and lift the core energy conversion unit out of the water to complete the maintenance.

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial technical effects: The present invention features a high degree of system integration and functional condensation, integrating five major functions—communication, monitoring, mooring, hoisting assistance, and pressure regulation—into a single surface buoy platform, which greatly simplifies the system structure and reduces construction and deployment costs.

[0019] The operation and maintenance method of this invention significantly reduces operation and maintenance costs and risks. By using a "guide line" as a lifting guide cable, ordinary surface vessels can complete the lifting operation of underwater heavy-duty equipment, eliminating the dependence on divers or ROVs, realizing "dry" maintenance, and improving the safety and convenience of operation and maintenance.

[0020] This invention also enhances the system's survivability. The guide line, acting as an anchoring cable, flexibly connects the underwater main equipment to the surface buoy, which can resist certain ocean current impacts while avoiding structural damage that may result from rigid connections. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated underwater energy storage system according to the present invention.

[0022] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Underwater energy storage device; 11. Pressure hull; 12. Core energy conversion unit; 13. Ventilation pipe; 14. Core unit lifting interface; 15. Signal line; 16. Control line; 2. Surface integrated auxiliary buoy; 21. Floating platform; 22. Signal transmission and reception module; 23. Aquatic environment monitoring module; 24. Guide line; 25. Guide line interface. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] Example like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an integrated underwater energy storage system, including an underwater energy storage device 1 and a surface auxiliary buoy 2.

[0025] The underwater energy storage device 1 includes a pressure-resistant shell 11, a core energy conversion unit 12, a vent pipe 13, a core unit lifting interface 14, signal lines 15, and control lines 16. The pressure-resistant shell 11 houses the core energy conversion unit 12, withstands underwater pressure loads, isolates it from underwater environmental interference, and protects the core energy conversion unit 12. The core energy conversion unit 12 is used for underwater energy storage and release. It is modularly assembled with the pressure-resistant shell 11 and can be disassembled and removed from the water as a whole for maintenance. The core energy conversion unit 12 includes any of the following: a water pump, turbine, and corresponding generator / motor for underwater pumped-storage energy storage; a compressor, expander, and corresponding generator / motor for underwater compressed air energy storage; or a battery pack and energy management unit for underwater electrochemical energy storage. The vent pipe 13 is at least one flexible vent pipe, with its lower end connected to the interior of the pressure-resistant shell 11 and its upper outlet extending above the water surface. It is used to balance the internal pressure of the pressure-resistant shell 11 with the atmospheric pressure at the water surface, achieving pressure-assisted regulation. The core unit lifting interface 14 is located on the support of the core energy conversion unit 12 and outside the pressure-resistant housing 11, and is used to cooperate with an external hook to achieve precise lifting. The signal line 15 and control line 16 are used to transmit data and commands.

[0026] The surface integrated auxiliary buoy 2 includes a floating platform 21, a signal transmitting and receiving module 22, a water environment monitoring module 23, guide lines 24, and guide line interfaces 25. The floating platform 21 provides upward positive buoyancy, lifting the snorkel 13 above the water surface, and has reserved maintenance space to provide a surface operating platform for maintenance work on the underwater energy storage device 1. The signal transmitting and receiving module 22 is installed on the floating platform 21 for remote data communication and control command transmission. The water environment monitoring module 23 is integrated on the floating platform 21 and includes one or more meteorological and hydrological sensors for real-time environmental data collection. It triggers early warnings when extreme weather or significant changes in hydrological conditions occur, facilitating timely protective measures by maintenance personnel. At least two guide lines 24, made of metal or high-strength corrosion-resistant materials, connect the floating platform 21 to the underwater energy storage device 1. The guide line 24 serves a dual function: flexible mooring and lifting guidance. In conventional monitoring mode, it acts as a flexible mooring cable, forming the mooring part of the system together with the underwater energy storage device 1. It can resist certain ocean current impacts while avoiding structural damage that may result from rigid connections. In emergency maintenance mode, it acts as a guide cable during lifting operations, guiding the hook of the surface vessel to slide into the core unit lifting interface 14 for precise positioning and connection. This significantly reduces reliance on divers or ROVs, enabling "dry" maintenance. The snorkel 13, signal line 15, and control line 16 are all fixed to the guide line 24, which provides support and protection and keeps the snorkel outlet above the water surface. The guide line interface 25 is integrated into the floating platform 21 and matches the position of the core unit lifting interface 14. It is used for precise positioning and connection between the guide line 24 and the floating platform 21, ensuring accurate connection of the external hook under the guidance of the guide line 24.

[0027] This embodiment also provides an operation and maintenance method based on the above-mentioned integrated underwater energy storage system, including a conventional monitoring mode and an emergency maintenance mode: In the normal monitoring mode: the guide line 24 is used as a flexible mooring cable to maintain the mooring system, the aquatic environment monitoring module 23 collects environmental data in real time and transmits it to the remote monitoring center through the signal transmission and reception module 22, and triggers an early warning when extreme environmental conditions are detected. In emergency maintenance mode: In response to maintenance commands, surface vessels do not need to dive underwater. Instead, they can directly use the guiding effect of the guide line 24 to slide the hook into the core unit lifting interface 14 and lift the core energy conversion unit 12 out of the water to complete the maintenance.

[0028] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of specific implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated underwater energy storage system, comprising an underwater energy storage device and a surface auxiliary buoy, characterized in that: The underwater energy storage device includes a pressure-resistant shell, a core energy conversion unit, and a snorkel; the pressure-resistant shell houses the core energy conversion unit; the core energy conversion unit is used to realize underwater energy storage and release; the lower end of the snorkel is connected to the interior of the pressure-resistant shell, and the upper end outlet extends out of the water surface; The integrated auxiliary buoy for the water surface includes a floating platform, a signal transmitting and receiving module, a water environment monitoring module, and a guide line. The floating platform lifts the snorkel out of the water. The signal transmitting and receiving module is installed on the floating platform and is used to realize remote data communication and control command transmission. The water environment monitoring module is integrated on the floating platform and is used to monitor the water environment status and provide early warning. The guide line connects the floating platform and the underwater energy storage device and has the dual functions of flexible mooring and lifting guidance.

2. The integrated underwater energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater energy storage device also includes a core unit lifting interface, which is located on the support of the core energy conversion unit and outside the pressure-resistant shell, and is used to cooperate with an external hook to achieve precise lifting.

3. The integrated underwater energy storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface auxiliary buoy also includes a guide line interface, which is integrated into the floating platform and matched with the lifting interface of the core unit, for precise positioning and connection of the guide line and the floating platform.

4. The integrated underwater energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core energy conversion unit and the pressure-resistant shell are assembled in a modular manner, and can be disassembled and separated as a whole to be lifted out of the water during operation and maintenance.

5. The integrated underwater energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vent pipe is at least one flexible vent pipe, and the guide lines are at least two. The vent pipe is fixed to the guide lines, which provide support and protection and keep the vent pipe outlet above the water surface.

6. The integrated underwater energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The core energy conversion unit includes any of the following: Pumps, turbines, and corresponding generators / motors for underwater pumped storage; Compressors, expanders, and corresponding generators / motors for underwater compressed air energy storage; Battery packs and energy management units for underwater electrochemical energy storage.

7. The integrated underwater energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aquatic environment monitoring module includes one or more of meteorological sensors and hydrological sensors, and triggers an alarm when extreme weather or significant changes in hydrological conditions are detected.

8. The integrated underwater energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal lines and control lines of the underwater energy storage device are fixed to the guide line, which provides support.

9. A method for operation and maintenance of an integrated underwater energy storage system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The operation and maintenance methods include conventional monitoring mode and emergency maintenance mode: In the conventional monitoring mode: the guide line is used as a flexible mooring cable to maintain the mooring system, the aquatic environment monitoring module collects environmental data in real time and transmits it to the remote monitoring center through the signal transmission and reception module, and triggers an early warning when extreme environmental conditions are detected; In emergency maintenance mode: In response to maintenance commands, surface vessels do not need to dive underwater. Instead, they can directly use the guide line to slide the hook into the lifting position of the underwater energy storage device and lift the core energy conversion unit out of the water to complete the maintenance.

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