A sea-based energy extraction technology for electricity and hydrogen production

The Blue Ocean Power Turbine addresses inefficiencies and high maintenance in sea-based turbines by integrating a unique design with a hybrid inverter that converts surplus energy to hydrogen, achieving efficient and sustainable energy production with reduced environmental impact.

EP4600484A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-08-13TURBINER I SVERIGE AB
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2023206963
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-31
Publication Date
2025-08-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional sea-based turbines face inefficiencies in energy extraction, high maintenance costs, and negative environmental impact, with existing inverters struggling to manage surplus renewable energy effectively.

Method used

The Blue Ocean Power Turbine employs a unique design with a specially designed rotor, efficient generator, advanced control system, and a hybrid inverter that converts surplus energy to hydrogen, utilizing a durable and maintainable structure with a detachable generator housing and replaceable turbine ring, optimized for marine environments.

Benefits of technology

The turbine achieves efficient energy extraction with reduced maintenance costs and minimal environmental impact, while providing a sustainable energy source by producing hydrogen, enhancing system efficiency and sustainability.

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Abstract

The proposed turbine design introduces significant advancements in fluid energy conversion technology, promising increased efficiency and effectiveness in renewable energy generation. The incorporation of optimized blade and ring designs, backed by rigorous CFD analysis, positions this invention as a valuable contribution to the field of renewable energy technologies.
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Description

[0001] Technical Area: This invention belongs to the field of energy extraction, specifically sea-based turbines. It is particularly relevant for areas with access to large bodies of water, like oceans or large lakes, and for the production of hydrogen through hydropower.

[0002] Background: Traditional sea-based turbines have several limitations, including inefficient energy extraction, high maintenance costs, and a negative environmental impact. The Blue Ocean Power Turbine solves these problems by offering a unique design that maximizes energy extraction, minimizes maintenance costs, and has minimal environmental impact. Additionally, it can produce hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source, by harnessing the energy of the sea.

[0003] Summary of the Invention: The Blue Ocean Power Turbine is a revolutionary sea-based turbine that utilizes a unique design to maximize energy extraction and produce hydrogen. Its innovative design reduces maintenance costs and has minimal environmental impact, making it a sustainable and profitable solution for energy extraction.

[0004] Detailed Description: The Blue Ocean Power Turbine consists of several unique components, including a specially designed rotor, an efficient generator, an advanced control system, and unique Hybrid Inverters. The rotor is designed to maximize energy extraction from water flow, while the generator's design optimizes energy conversion. The control system ensures the turbine always operates at optimal efficiency, regardless of changes in water flow. Additionally, the turbine can produce hydrogen by harnessing the sea's energy, making it a valuable solution for producing clean and sustainable energy. Turbine Body: The turbine body is made of plastic with a weight in concrete or water to ensure stability and durability in a marine environment. Bearing Housing: At the top of each post, there is a bearing housing that supports the rotating parts of the turbine and minimizes friction. Detachable Generator Housing: The generator housing is detachable to facilitate maintenance and repairs. Replaceable Turbine Ring: The turbine ring, which contains the turbine blades, is replaceable to allow for upgrades and maintenance. Steel Tube Posts: The steel tube posts provide structural strength and stability to the turbine. Diagonal Brace for Axial Load: A diagonal brace is used to handle axial loads. Side braces may also be relevant depending on the specific load requirements. Foundation: The foundation provides a stable base for the turbine and is designed to withstand the forces the turbine is subjected to.

[0005] We have chosen to use a NACA4412 type profile for blade geometry to optimize the turbine's performance. This profile has proven effective in CFD tests and is also used in the turbine ring.

[0006] Our hybrid inverter, is an innovative solution for managing surplus energy from renewable energy sources. By converting surplus energy to hydrogen, the energy can be stored and used when needed, increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the energy system.

[0007] Detailed Description: The hybrid inverter consists of several components, including an efficient inverter, an electrolyzer to convert electricity to hydrogen, and a control system to optimize the process. Each component is carefully designed to maximize the efficiency and durability of the system.

[0008] Patent Claim : We would like to protect several aspects of our hybrid inverter, including its unique ability to convert surplus energy to hydrogen, its efficient inverter, its electrolyzer, and its advanced control system. Each component contributes to the system's superior performance and efficiency, making it a valuable invention in energy extraction and conversion.

[0009] Abstract: Our hybrid inverter is an innovative solution for managing surplus energy from renewable energy sources. By converting surplus energy to hydrogen, the energy can be stored and used when needed, increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the energy system.

[0010] Patent Claim : We would like to protect several aspects of the Blue Ocean Power Turbine, including its unique rotor design, its efficient generator, its advanced control system, and its ability to produce hydrogen. Each component contributes to the turbine's superior performance and efficiency, making it a valuable invention in energy extraction technology. Traditional inverters have limitations when it comes to handling surplus energy. Our hybrid inverter solves this problem by converting surplus energy to hydrogen, a clean, and storable energy source.

[0011] Abstract: The Blue Ocean Power Turbine is a revolutionary sea-based turbine that offers superior energy extraction, reduced maintenance costs, and minimal environmental impact. Its unique design and advanced components make it a sustainable and profitable solution for energy extraction. Additionally, it can produce hydrogen, a clean, and sustainable energy source, by harnessing the sea's energy.

[0012] Detailed Description of illustrations and pictures: In the pictures and illustrations its easy to see that its the rotor blades, the ring structure and the cone structure of the whole turbine that helps to get the efficiency of the turbine structure .

[0013] Description of the Best Embodiment of the Invention: The turbine is intended to be up to 100 meters in diameter, giving it significant energy extraction capacity. The idea is to 3D print the turbine, allowing for the quick and cost-effective production of complex parts with high precision. We plan to collaborate with a company experienced in 3D printing large structures, like space shuttle fuel tanks. This will ensure the turbine is of the highest quality and can withstand the demanding conditions of a marine environment.

Claims

1. A turbine blade design utilizing the NACA4412 profile for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency and increased energy extraction from fluid flows.

2. An optimized ring structure around the turbine blades to minimize flow separation and maximize fluid energy conversion, contributing to overall turbine efficiency.

3. A turbine system designed based on comprehensive CFD analysis, ensuring high performance and adaptability across various operating conditions.

Citation Information

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