A marine power generation system and method

Abstract

The application provides a marine power generation system and method. The marine power generation system comprises a mounting platform, a photovoltaic power generation assembly, a water storage tank and a pumped storage power generation assembly. The mounting platform is erected on the sea surface through a pile foundation structure. The photovoltaic power generation assembly is arranged on the mounting platform. The water storage tank is arranged on the mounting platform and located on the sea surface. The pumped storage power generation assembly comprises a water inlet and outlet pipe and a pump turbine. The water inlet and outlet pipe has a first end connected to the bottom of the water storage tank and a second end away from the water storage tank and extending into seawater. The pump turbine is connected in series to the water inlet and outlet pipe. The pump turbine is arranged to consume the electric energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation assembly to pump seawater into the water storage tank, and to convert the potential energy of seawater into electric energy when the seawater is discharged from the water storage tank. The system can store excess electric energy in the form of energy storage while realizing photovoltaic power generation, and can reduce the construction difficulty of the water storage tank and the performance requirement of the water storage tank, thereby helping to reduce the cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of offshore photovoltaic power generation technology, and more specifically, to an offshore power generation system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore photovoltaic (PV) power is becoming a new development direction for the PV industry due to its advantages such as requiring less land area. However, PV power generation is subject to randomness and volatility, which can lead to the problem of renewable energy curtailment. Energy storage systems are an effective technological means to alleviate this curtailment problem.

[0003] Currently, the most common energy storage method is pumped hydro storage, which involves installing a water tank in the sea. When photovoltaic power generation is excessive, water pumps are used to discharge seawater from the tank to store energy. When photovoltaic power generation is insufficient, seawater is injected into the tank under water pressure, simultaneously driving a turbine to generate electricity and alleviate power shortages. However, this energy storage method is challenging to construct and requires high-performance tanks (hardness, sealing, etc.), resulting in a high cost for the energy storage system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides at least one offshore power generation system and method. The system can store excess electricity through energy storage while generating photovoltaic power, and can reduce the construction difficulty and performance requirements of the water storage tank, thereby helping to reduce costs.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an offshore power generation system, the system comprising:

[0006] The installation platform is erected on the sea surface via a pile foundation structure.

[0007] A photovoltaic power generation module is installed on top of the installation platform and is used to convert solar energy into electrical energy.

[0008] A water storage tank, which is installed on the mounting platform and located on the sea surface;

[0009] A pumped-water power generation assembly includes inlet and outlet pipes and a pump and turbine. The inlet and outlet pipes have a first end connected to the bottom of the water storage tank and a second end located away from the water storage tank and extending into the seawater. The pump and turbine are connected in series with the inlet and outlet pipes. The pump and turbine are configured to consume the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation assembly to pump seawater into the water storage tank, and to convert the potential energy of the seawater into electrical energy when the water storage tank discharges seawater.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, the installation platform is a truss structure, and the water storage tank is disposed inside the truss structure.

[0011] In one alternative implementation, the first end of the inlet and outlet pipes is funnel-shaped.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, a filter element is provided at the second end of the inlet and outlet water pipes.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the filter element is a filter screen.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, the water pump turbine is located on the sea surface.

[0015] In one alternative implementation, the number of pumped-hydro power generation components is multiple.

[0016] In one alternative implementation, multiple pumped-power generation components are distributed at different locations at the bottom of the water storage tank.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an offshore power generation method, applicable to the offshore power generation system described in any of the first aspects, the method comprising:

[0018] When the photovoltaic power generation module generates excess power, the excess power drives the water pump turbine to pump seawater into the water storage tank for energy storage.

[0019] When the power generation of the photovoltaic power generation module is insufficient, the water pump turbine is driven by discharging seawater from the water storage tank to convert the potential energy of the seawater into electrical energy.

[0020] The above-mentioned technical solution of this application has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0021] The offshore power generation system and method of this application can store excess electricity through energy storage while generating photovoltaic power. Furthermore, by placing the water storage tank on the installation platform, the tank can store energy through water storage and generate electricity through drainage. Compared to placing the water storage tank on the seabed, the tank is not compressed by seawater after drainage, which reduces the requirements for the tank's hardness and sealing, thus lowering costs. In addition, since the water storage tank is placed on the installation platform, underwater operations and a separate foundation structure are not required during construction, further reducing costs.

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. These drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. They illustrate embodiments conforming to this application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the technical solutions of this application. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be considered as limiting the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of an offshore power generation system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A side view of an offshore power generation system is provided.

[0026] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a pumped-power generation component of an offshore power generation system is provided.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Installation platform; 2. Pile foundation structure; 3. Photovoltaic power generation module; 31. Photovoltaic panel; 32. Support column; 4. Water storage tank; 5. Pumped power generation module; 51. Inlet and outlet water pipes; 51a. First end; 51b. Second end; 51c. Filter element; 52. Water pump and turbine. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0029] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0031] In the description of this application, 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", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] refer to Figures 1 to 3 This application provides an offshore power generation system, including: an installation platform 1, photovoltaic power generation modules 3, a water storage tank 4, and a pumped power generation module 5. The installation platform 1 is erected on the sea surface via a pile foundation structure 2. The photovoltaic power generation modules 3 are disposed on the top of the installation platform 1 and are used to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The water storage tank 4 is disposed on the installation platform 1 and located on the sea surface. The pumped power generation module 5 includes inlet and outlet water pipes 51 and a water pump turbine 52. The inlet and outlet water pipes 51 have a first end 51a connected to the bottom of the water storage tank 4 and a second end 51b away from the water storage tank 4 and extending into the seawater. The water pump turbine 52 is connected in series with the inlet and outlet water pipes 51. The water pump turbine 52 is configured to consume the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation modules 3 to pump seawater into the water storage tank 4, and to convert the potential energy of the seawater into electrical energy when the water storage tank 4 discharges seawater.

[0034] During normal power generation, the photovoltaic power generation module 3 can convert solar energy into electrical energy and feed it into the power grid. When electricity consumption is at a low point, that is, when the photovoltaic power generation module 3 generates excess power, the water pump turbine 52 can consume the excess electricity generated by the photovoltaic power generation module 3 to pump seawater into the water storage tank 4 through the inlet and outlet pipes 51 to achieve electricity / energy storage, thereby alleviating the problem of power curtailment. When electricity consumption is at a high point, that is, when the photovoltaic power generation module 3 generates insufficient power, the water storage tank 4 can discharge the seawater stored therein through the inlet and outlet pipes 51. During the discharge of seawater, the water pump turbine 52 will drive the seawater to convert the potential energy of the seawater into electrical energy, which can be fed into the power grid to alleviate the problem of insufficient power generation by the photovoltaic power generation module 3.

[0035] In some embodiments, the installation platform 1 is a truss structure, and the water storage tank 4 is disposed inside the truss structure. This arrangement ensures that the water storage tank 4 does not compress the installation space of the photovoltaic power generation modules 3, thus guaranteeing the number of photovoltaic power generation modules 3 and the power generation of a single system.

[0036] In some embodiments, the photovoltaic power generation module 3 includes a photovoltaic panel 31 and a support column 32. The photovoltaic panel 31 is mounted on the mounting platform 1 via the support column 32 at a certain angle to the horizontal plane. Specifically, the support column 32 is vertically arranged, with its lower end connected to the mounting platform 1 and its upper end surface being inclined. When the photovoltaic panel 31 is mounted on the upper end surface of the support column 32, it can form a certain angle with the horizontal plane. This arrangement facilitates the photovoltaic panel 31 to obtain the optimal illumination angle, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic panel 31.

[0037] In some embodiments, the pile foundation structure 2 is located at the four corners of the installation platform 1. Specifically, the pile foundation structure 2 can be a concrete pile or a steel pipe pile, etc.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first end 51a of the inlet / outlet pipe 51 is funnel-shaped. This configuration helps to direct the water flow more concentratedly to the pump-turbine 52, which may increase the speed and pressure of the water flow, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the pump-turbine 52.

[0039] In some embodiments, a filter element 51c is provided at the second end 51b of the inlet / outlet water pipe 51. For example, the filter element 51c can be a filter screen. This arrangement allows the filter element 51c to filter impurities in the seawater, preventing impurities from clogging the inlet / outlet water pipe 51 or the water pump / turbine 52, thereby affecting the energy storage effect.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pump-turbine 52 is located on the sea surface. This arrangement reduces corrosion caused by prolonged immersion, especially preventing impurities from wearing down the blades and extending the equipment's service life. Furthermore, since the pump-turbine 52 is located on the sea surface, maintenance and component replacement can be performed without diving or complex underwater operations, significantly reducing maintenance costs and time.

[0041] In some embodiments, the number of pumped-power generation units 5 is multiple. This arrangement allows for the synchronous operation of multiple pumped-power generation units 5 to improve pumping efficiency and power generation efficiency. Furthermore, if one pumped-power generation unit 5 (pump-turbine 52) fails, other units can quickly compensate for the missing function, maintaining continuous system operation and thus improving system reliability and robustness. It should be understood that, in specific implementations, the number of operating pumped-power generation units 5 (pump-turbine 52) can also be controlled to adapt to changes in electricity consumption.

[0042] In some embodiments, multiple pumped-power generation units 5 are distributed at different locations on the bottom of the water storage tank 4. For example, there are four pumped-power generation units 5, which are distributed around the bottom of the water storage tank 4.

[0043] This application also provides an offshore power generation method, applicable to offshore power generation systems, the method comprising:

[0044] When the photovoltaic power generation module 3 generates excess power, the excess power drives the water pump turbine 52 to pump seawater into the water storage tank 4 for energy storage.

[0045] When the power generation of the photovoltaic power generation module 3 is insufficient, the potential energy of the seawater is converted into electrical energy by driving the water pump turbine 52 through the discharge of seawater from the water storage tank 4.

[0046] Specifically, when electricity consumption is at its lowest point, i.e., when the photovoltaic power generation module 3 generates excess electricity, the water pump turbine 52 can consume the excess electricity generated by the photovoltaic power generation module 3 to pump seawater into the water storage tank 4 through the inlet and outlet pipes 51, thereby achieving electricity / energy storage and alleviating the problem of power curtailment. When electricity consumption is at its highest point, i.e., when the photovoltaic power generation module 3 generates insufficient electricity, the water storage tank 4 can discharge the seawater stored therein through the inlet and outlet pipes 51. During the discharge process, the seawater will drive the water pump turbine 52 to convert the potential energy of the seawater into electrical energy. Integrating this electrical energy into the power grid can alleviate the problem of insufficient power generation by the photovoltaic power generation module 3.

[0047] The offshore power generation system and method of this application embodiment can store excess electricity through energy storage while generating photovoltaic power. Furthermore, by placing the water storage tank 4 on the installation platform 1, the water storage tank 4 can store energy through water storage and generate electricity through drainage. Compared to placing the water storage tank 4 on the seabed, the water storage tank 4 will not be compressed by seawater after drainage, thus reducing the requirements for the hardness and sealing of the water storage tank 4, which is beneficial for cost reduction. In addition, since the water storage tank 4 is placed on the installation platform 1, underwater operations and a separate foundation structure are not required during construction, further reducing costs.

[0048] One or more embodiments in this specification are intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of one or more embodiments in this specification should be included within the protection scope of this application.

[0049] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An offshore power generation system, characterized in that, The system includes: The installation platform is erected on the sea surface via a pile foundation structure. A photovoltaic power generation module is installed on top of the installation platform and is used to convert solar energy into electrical energy. A water storage tank, which is installed on the mounting platform and located on the sea surface; A pumped-water power generation assembly includes inlet and outlet pipes and a pump and turbine. The inlet and outlet pipes have a first end connected to the bottom of the water storage tank and a second end located away from the water storage tank and extending into the seawater. The pump and turbine are connected in series with the inlet and outlet pipes. The pump and turbine are configured to consume the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation assembly to pump seawater into the water storage tank, and to convert the potential energy of the seawater into electrical energy when the water storage tank discharges seawater.

2. The offshore power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The installation platform is a truss structure, and the water storage tank is located inside the truss structure.

3. The offshore power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the inlet and outlet water pipes is funnel-shaped.

4. The offshore power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter element is installed at the second end of the inlet and outlet water pipes.

5. The offshore power generation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter element is a filter screen.

6. The offshore power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water pump turbine is located on the sea surface.

7. The offshore power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of pumped-power generation components is multiple.

8. The offshore power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple pumping power generation components are distributed at different locations at the bottom of the water storage tank.

9. A method for generating electricity at sea, applicable to the offshore power generation system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method includes: When the photovoltaic power generation module generates excess power, the excess power drives the water pump turbine to pump seawater into the water storage tank for energy storage. When the power generation of the photovoltaic power generation module is insufficient, the water pump turbine is driven by discharging seawater from the water storage tank to convert the potential energy of the seawater into electrical energy.

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