Exchangeable marine energy storage system and its control method
The exchangeable marine energy storage system addresses weight and efficiency issues by swapping mobile batteries with onboard batteries and using distributed charging stations, enhancing range and reducing operational time and costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Conventional marine energy storage systems face challenges with increased weight and operational inefficiencies due to large battery capacities required for long-distance vessel operations, leading to reduced range and prolonged charging times.
An exchangeable marine energy storage system where mobile charging vessels equipped with batteries swap with onboard batteries, utilizing distributed charging stations along the vessel's route to ensure continuous energy supply and reduce battery capacity needs.
Enables long-distance vessel operation with smaller batteries, reducing weight and operational time by allowing battery swapping and continuous energy supply, thereby decreasing transportation costs and increasing range.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0171108 filed on December 2, 2021, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.
[0002] The present invention relates to a replaceable marine energy storage system and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a replaceable marine energy storage system and a control method thereof that can increase the travel distance of a ship using an electric battery.
Background Art
[0003] Ordinary ships include a power propulsion device to drive a propeller mounted at the stern. As the power propulsion device, a steam turbine system and an electric propulsion system are typically used.
[0004] The steam turbine system is a rotary steam engine, which is a type of external combustion engine that obtains power by ejecting high-pressure steam generated by a boiler from a nozzle to create a high-speed steam jet and injecting this into a rotating impeller.
[0005] These steam turbine systems have few vibrations, good efficiency, and can obtain high-speed and large-capacity thrust, so they are widely applied not only to thermal power generation but also to ship propulsion engines. However, the steam turbine system has the disadvantages of being extremely noisy, too large in scale, and abnormally increasing the weight of the ship.
[0006] In order to improve such disadvantages, an electric propulsion system using an electric motor with less noise, less pollution, and strong thrust compared to the steam turbine system has been applied.
[0007] A ship's electric propulsion system propels the vessel by driving a propulsion shaft, to which a propeller is connected, with an electric motor. This system is applied to various types of ships, including LNG carriers, pleasure boats, and drilling vessels.
[0008] When using batteries to propel large vessels, the battery capacity must be large enough to account for the vessel's weight and long-distance operation. However, increasing battery capacity has drawbacks: it increases the battery's own weight, which shortens the vessel's operating range, and it also reduces the operational efficiency of the electric motor.
[0009] Furthermore, increasing battery capacity also increases the time required to charge the batteries, which leads to the problem of increased overall operating time for the vessel.
[0010] The background technology of this invention is published in Korean Patent Publication No. 2021-0092020 (published on July 23, 2021, title of invention: Power supply control device for electric propulsion vessels). [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0011] The present invention aims to provide a replaceable marine energy storage system and a control method thereof that enables long-distance operation even when equipped with batteries with smaller charging capacity compared to conventional systems.
[0012] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an interchangeable marine energy storage system and a control method thereof that solves the problem of increased overall operating time of a ship due to the increased time required to charge batteries installed on the ship.
[0013] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and more clearly from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it is clear that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof described in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]
[0014] The exchangeable marine energy storage system and its control method according to the present invention are technically characterized in that a mobile battery located on a mobile charging vessel is replaced with a battery installed on an operating vessel.
[0015] Specifically, since a mobile charging vessel equipped with a mobile battery is located along the route of the operating vessel, the battery on the mobile charging vessel can be swapped with the battery on the operating vessel, increasing the operating vessel's range. Furthermore, because the battery on the operating vessel can be replaced with a mobile battery, smaller capacity batteries can be used compared to conventional systems, reducing the total weight of the operating vessel.
[0016] Furthermore, the exchangeable marine energy storage system and its control method according to the present invention are technically characterized in that electricity stored in a charging station is transmitted to a mobile charging vessel to charge a mobile battery.
[0017] Furthermore, the exchangeable marine energy storage system and its control method according to the present invention are technically characterized in that the travel route of the operating vessel is divided into multiple zones, and mobile charging vessels and charging stations are distributed to each zone, thereby ensuring a continuous supply of energy to the operating vessel.
[0018] An interchangeable marine energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a mobile battery that is replaced with a mounted battery installed on a vessel and used as a power source for the vessel, a mobile charging vessel that moves with the mobile battery on board, and a charging station that floats in the ocean together with the mobile charging vessel and uses the electricity generated to charge the mobile battery installed on the mobile charging vessel.
[0019] The present invention further includes an operation control unit wirelessly connected to the operating vessel, the mobile charging vessel, and the charging station. The operation control unit receives the position and route of the operating vessel and controls the operation of the mobile charging vessel and the charging station.
[0020] Furthermore, the operating vessel is supplied with electricity via an onboard battery or a portable battery, which operates an electric motor installed on the vessel to generate thrust for the vessel.
[0021] Furthermore, multiple mobile charging vessels are provided, and after docking with a charging station, they receive electricity through the charging station to charge the mobile batteries.
[0022] Furthermore, the mobile charging vessel can operate as an unmanned system, automatically navigated by control signals from the operation control unit.
[0023] An interchangeable marine energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an onboard battery installed inside a vessel and used as a power source for the vessel; a charging station located away from the vessel and floating on the sea, which generates electricity using at least one of solar power, ocean currents, and wind power; and a mobile charging vessel which docks with the charging station to be charged and is moved along the vessel's route.
[0024] Inside the mobile charging vessel, a mobile battery is installed for replacement with the installed battery. The mobile battery may be charged while the mobile charging vessel is docked at a charging station, or it may be charged using solar power generated on the mobile charging vessel.
[0025] In addition, a plurality of mobile charging vessels are provided, docked at a plurality of charging stations, and each is moved to a position set along the movement route of the operating vessel.
[0026] In addition, communication can be carried out between the operating vessel and the charging station to exchange information, communication can be carried out between the charging station and the mobile charging vessel to exchange information, and communication can be carried out between the operating vessel and the mobile charging vessel to exchange information.
[0027] In addition, through the communication between the operating vessel and the charging station, the movement information of the operating vessel including the position of the operating vessel, the time to reach the destination, and the capacity of the mounted battery can be transmitted.
[0028] In addition, a plurality of mobile charging vessels are provided, which divide the movement route of the operating vessel into a plurality of areas, and the mobile charging vessels can be moved to each area and docked.
[0029] In addition, the charging station can include a station body floating on the sea and a power generation unit installed on the station body to generate electricity using at least one of sunlight, wind power, and tidal power.
[0030] In addition, the charging station includes a first docking connection portion protruding from the side surface of the station body. The mobile charging vessel also includes a second docking connection portion connected to the first docking connection portion.
[0031] In addition, in a state where the first docking connection portion and the second docking connection portion are connected, the electricity stored in the charging station can be transmitted to the mobile charging vessel to charge the mobile battery.
[0032] A control method for an exchangeable marine energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a distance calculation step in which an operating vessel equipped with an installed battery calculates the distance it can travel using the installed battery; a replacement location setting step in which an operation control unit, which is informed of the distance it can travel calculated by the operating vessel and the operating vessel's travel route, sets the replacement location and replacement time for the installed battery installed on the operating vessel; and a replacement step in which the operation control unit moves the operating vessel to the replacement location and exchanges the installed battery with a mobile battery installed on a mobile charging vessel.
[0033] Furthermore, the present invention includes a partitioning step in which, after the distance traveled calculation step, the operation control unit divides the sea into a plurality of areas along the route on which the operating vessel will travel.
[0034] Furthermore, the operation control unit includes a measurement step of measuring the number of mobile charging vessels and charging stations in each partitioned area and then calculating the total energy capacity of each area, and an adjustment step of moving at least one of the mobile charging vessels and charging stations to an area where the total energy capacity is insufficient after the measurement step. [Effects of the Invention]
[0035] The exchangeable marine energy storage system and its control method according to the present invention enable long-distance operation even when operating vessels are equipped with batteries with smaller charging capacity compared to conventional systems, thereby reducing transportation costs.
[0036] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for replacing batteries installed on operating vessels without charging them, ensuring a continuous supply of electrical energy. This shortens the overall operating time of the vessel and reduces transportation costs.
[0037] Furthermore, in addition to the mobile charging vessel itself charging the mobile battery, the present invention also allows electricity generated by the charging station to be transmitted to the mobile charging vessel to charge the mobile battery, thereby reducing the time and cost associated with charging the mobile battery.
[0038] Furthermore, because the mobile charging vessel approaches the operating route of the operating vessel to replace the battery, the extent to which the operating vessel has to change its route for charging the installed battery can be minimized, thereby shortening the operating period of the operating vessel.
[0039] Furthermore, the present invention divides the travel route of the operating vessel into multiple zones, distributes mobile charging vessels and charging stations to each zone, and provides a continuous supply of energy to the operating vessel, thereby potentially increasing the range of the operating vessel.
[0040] The effects described above, as well as the specific effects of the present invention, will be explained and described below in the following descriptions of embodiments for carrying out the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0041] [Figure 1] This figure shows an exchangeable marine energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a charging station and a mobile charging vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a state in which the travel route of a vessel operating according to one embodiment of the present invention is divided into multiple areas. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing a charging station and a mobile charging vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an exchangeable marine energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a procedure diagram showing a control method for an exchangeable marine energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0042] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a specific description of known technology according to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.
[0043] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may also be the second component.
[0044] In the following, the placement of any configuration "above (or below)" a component or "above (or below)" a component means not only that the configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other configurations may be interposed between the component and any configuration placed on (or below) it.
[0045] Furthermore, if it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly linked to or connected to one another, but may also be “interposed” between each component, or each component may be “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” through other components.
[0046] In the entire specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.
[0047] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise explicitly stated in the context. Terms such as “composed of” or “including” in this application should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the multiple components or steps described in the specification, but rather as including some components or steps that may not be included, or that further components or steps may be included.
[0048] In the entire specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.
[0049] The following describes an exchangeable marine energy storage system 1 and its control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] Figure 1 shows an exchangeable marine energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows a charging station 50 and a mobile charging vessel 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the exchangeable marine energy storage system 1 is installed along the travel route of the operating vessel 10, with a mobile charging vessel 40 that stores electrical energy and a charging station 50 to supply electrical energy to the operating vessel 10.
[0052] In other words, since the mobile charging vessel 40 equipped with the mobile battery 30 is located in the travel path of the operating vessel 10, there is no need to change the travel path of the operating vessel 10. The battery loaded on the mobile charging vessel 40 can be exchanged with the battery 20 loaded on the operating vessel 10, thereby increasing the travel distance of the operating vessel 10.
[0053] Furthermore, since the battery 20 mounted on the operating vessel 10 can be replaced with the mobile battery 30 mounted on the mobile charging vessel 40, a smaller capacity battery 20 can be used compared to conventional systems, reducing the total weight of the operating vessel 10 and saving electrical energy required for its operation.
[0054] Each charging station 50 is equipped with multiple mobile charging vessels 40, and each mobile charging vessel 40 is supplied with electrical energy either through the charging station 50 or by generating its own electricity using solar power, wind power, etc.
[0055] The charging station 50 can be modified in various ways, such as being anchored at sea or being moved to coordinates set by a control signal.
[0056] The operating vessel 10 is supplied with electricity via an onboard battery 20 or a portable battery 30, which operates an electric motor installed in the operating vessel 10 to generate thrust for the operating vessel 10. The operating vessel 10 can be used for various purposes, such as a barge or a passenger ship, and the onboard battery 20 is installed inside the operating vessel 10.
[0057] The routes of cargo ships and passenger ships are determined to be the most efficient routes, and the charging stations and mobile charging vessels may be located near such routes. Although the charging stations and mobile charging vessels are located near routes, they may be preferentially located in areas with clear, consistent weather conditions to be advantageous for solar power generation, in areas with consistent wind speed and direction to be advantageous for wind power generation, and in areas with strong waves to be advantageous for wave power generation.
[0058] The electrical energy in the installed battery 20 operates an electric motor equipped on the operating vessel 10 to generate rotational power, which rotates the propeller and moves the operating vessel 10.
[0059] The operating vessel 10 may be equipped with a separate power generation facility to charge the installed battery 20. The power generation facility can generate electrical energy using at least one of solar, wind, or tidal power. Furthermore, the power generation facility can be modified in various ways, such as generating electrical energy using petroleum as a raw material.
[0060] The installed battery 20 is a battery installed inside the operating vessel 10 and stores electrical energy. The installed battery 20 is used as a power source for the operating vessel 10.
[0061] The mobile battery 30 is used as a power source for the operating vessel 10, replacing the mounted battery 20 installed on the operating vessel 10.
[0062] The mounted battery 20 and the mobile battery 30 are batteries of the same size and have the same electrical energy storage capacity. However, for the sake of explanation, the battery mounted on the operating vessel 10 will be referred to as the mounted battery 20, and the battery mounted on the mobile charging vessel 40 will be referred to as the mobile battery 30.
[0063] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a charging station 50 and a mobile charging vessel 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the mobile charging vessel 40 is a vessel that is capable of moving on the sea, and a mobile battery 30 for replacement with the installed battery 20 is installed inside the mobile charging vessel 40.
[0065] The mobile charging vessel 40 can move with the mobile battery 30 loaded on it. The mobile battery 30 can be charged by docking the mobile charging vessel 40 with the charging station 50. The mobile charging vessel 40 can also charge the mobile battery 30 itself by being equipped with an energy harvesting device (such as solar panels). Furthermore, the mobile charging vessel 40 can move along the route of the operating vessel 10 and dock with the operating vessel 10, or maintain a set distance and perform the swapping operation between the mounted battery 20 and the mobile battery 30.
[0066] Multiple mobile charging vessels 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention are provided and, after docking with a charging station 50, can be supplied with electricity via the charging station 50 to charge the mobile battery 30.
[0067] Furthermore, the mobile charging vessel 40 is equipped with a power generation unit 52 that generates electricity using at least one of wind power, solar power, and tidal power. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile power generation unit 42 generates electricity using solar power.
[0068] The power source for the mobile charging vessel 40 is electricity generated by the power generation unit 52. The power generation unit 52 generates electricity using at least one of wind, solar, and tidal power, which can operate a motor installed in the mobile charging vessel 40 to move the mobile charging vessel 40. The mobile charging vessel 40 may also be further equipped with a separate battery to drive the motor. In addition, the mobile charging vessel 40 may be further equipped with an engine that operates using emergency diesel fuel that is separately charged.
[0069] The mobile battery 30 may be charged while the mobile charging vessel 40 is docked with the charging station 50, or it may be charged using solar power generation equipment installed on the mobile charging vessel 40.
[0070] The mobile charging vessel 40 can operate as an unmanned system, automatically controlled by the control signals of the operation control unit 60. When necessary, a person can also board the mobile charging vessel 40 directly.
[0071] A mobile charging vessel 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a vessel body 41, a mobile power generation unit 42, and a second docking connection unit 43.
[0072] The ship body 41 is shaped like a ship and can be operated using electrical energy or by being equipped with a separate internal combustion engine, and various modifications can be made.
[0073] A mobile power generation unit 42 is installed on the ship body 41. The mobile power generation unit 42 generates electricity using at least one of wind power, solar power, and tidal power. One embodiment of the mobile power generation unit 42 includes a solar panel that generates electricity using sunlight.
[0074] The second docking connection portion 43 may protrude outward from the ship body 41 and connect with the first docking connection portion 54 provided on the charging station 50, thereby fixing the ship body 41 to the outside of the charging station 50.
[0075] Multiple mobile charging vessels 40 can dock with the charging station 50 and move to designated locations along the travel route of the operating vessel 10. Furthermore, since the mobile charging vessels 40 are equipped with communication devices, communication can take place between the mobile charging vessels 40 and the operating vessel 10, allowing for the exchange of various information, including location data.
[0076] The electricity generated and stored in the charging station 50 is transmitted to the mobile charging vessel 40 to charge the mobile battery 30. The charging station 50 floats in the ocean together with the mobile charging vessel 40, and the electricity generated at the charging station 50 is used to charge the mobile battery 30 loaded on the mobile charging vessel 40.
[0077] The charging station 50, floating on the sea, can be modified in various ways within the technological concept of generating and storing electrical energy to charge the mobile battery 30 loaded on the mobile charging vessel 40. The charging station 50 is installed at a location separate from the operating vessel 10 and generates electricity using at least one of solar power, tidal currents, and wind power.
[0078] A charging station 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a station body 51, a power generation unit 52, an electric storage unit 53, and a first docking connection unit 54.
[0079] The station body 51 has a shape that floats on water, like the body of a ship. The station body 51 can have a shape similar to that of a normal ship, and it can also have a rectangular upper plate so that multiple mobile charging vessels 40 can dock simultaneously. The station body 51 is capable of various transformations within the technological concept of having a shape that floats on the sea.
[0080] The power generation unit 52 is installed on the station body 51 and generates electricity using at least one of solar power, wind power, and tidal power. In one embodiment of the present invention, the power generation unit 52 generates electricity using solar power.
[0081] The electrical storage unit 53 is a device that stores the electricity generated by the power generation unit 52, and various devices, including batteries, can be used as the electrical storage unit 53.
[0082] The first docking connector 54 protrudes from the side of the station body 51 and connects to the second docking connector 43 provided on the mobile charging vessel 40. With the first docking connector 54 and the second docking connector 43 connected, the electricity stored in the charging station 50 can be transmitted to the mobile charging vessel 40 to charge the mobile battery 30.
[0083] The electrical energy stored in the charging station 50 is transmitted to the mobile charging vessel 40 by at least one of wired or wireless means. The electricity generated in the charging station 50 is transmitted to the mobile charging vessel 40 to charge the mobile battery 30, thereby saving time and cost associated with charging the mobile battery 30.
[0084] The operating vessel 10, the mobile charging vessel 40, and the charging station 50 are each equipped with communication devices. Therefore, communication takes place between the operating vessel 10 and the charging station 50 to exchange information, and communication takes place between the charging station 50 and the mobile charging vessel 40 to exchange information. Through communication between the operating vessel 10 and the charging station 50, information about the operating vessel 10's movement, including its position, the time to reach its destination, and the capacity of the installed battery 20, can be transmitted.
[0085] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an exchangeable ocean energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] As shown in Figure 5, the operation control unit 60 is wirelessly connected to the operating vessel 10, the mobile charging vessel 40, and the charging station 50. The operation control unit 60 functions like a server and controls each component of the interchangeable marine energy storage system 1.
[0087] The operation control unit 60 can be installed in the charging station 50. In other embodiments of the present invention, the operation control unit 60 can be installed in the operating vessel 10 or in a separate control unit located on land, and various other modifications are possible.
[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operation control unit 60 receives the position and route of the operating vessel 10 and controls the operation of the mobile charging vessel 40 and the charging station 50.
[0089] Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating the division of the travel route of the operating vessel 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention into multiple areas.
[0090] As shown in Figure 3, the operation control unit 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention divides the travel path of the operating vessel 10 into multiple areas, distributes a mobile charging vessel 40 and a charging station 50 to each area, and controls the supply of energy to the operating vessel 10 to be continuous. This can increase the range that the operating vessel 10 can travel, allowing it to operate continuously without stopping.
[0091] Furthermore, multiple mobile charging vessels 40 are provided, dividing the travel route of the operating vessel 10 into multiple areas, and each mobile charging vessel 40 can be moved to and anchored in each area.
[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation control unit 60 divides the travel path of the operating vessel 10 into three zones. The zone from which the operating vessel 10 departs is set as the first zone (A1), the zone to which the operating vessel 10 arrives is set as the third zone (A3), and the zone between the first zone (A1) and the third zone (A3) is set as the second zone (A2).
[0093] The operation control unit 60 assigns charging stations 50 and mobile charging vessels 40 to the first area (A1), second area (A2), and third area (A3), respectively, and can also move the charging stations 50 and mobile charging vessels 40 to other areas as needed.
[0094] The size of each zone is determined by considering natural elements that generate electrical energy, such as solar radiation and wind power. The operation control unit 60 counts the numbers of the charging stations 50 and the mobile charging vessels 40 within each zone, and calculates the energy capacity that can be generated within each zone based on these counts.
[0095] If the energy capacity of a particular area is low, the number of charging stations 50 or mobile charging vessels 40 can be increased to increase the energy capacity of that area.
[0096] Furthermore, if the energy capacity of one of the multiple partitioned areas is low and the energy capacity of another area is high, the operation control unit 60 can move the mobile charging vessel 40 or charging station 50 located in the other area to the area with the lower energy capacity.
[0097] The following describes in detail a control method for an exchangeable marine energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings.
[0098] Figure 6 is a procedure diagram showing a control method for an exchangeable marine energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0099] As shown in Figure 6, a control method for an interchangeable marine energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a travel distance calculation step (S10) in which an operating vessel 10, which has an installed battery 20 built in, calculates the distance that can be traveled using the installed battery 20.
[0100] Before the operation of the operating vessel 10 begins, information about the operating vessel 10, including its travel route and the capacity of the installed battery 20, is sent to the operation control unit 60. The operation control unit 60 calculates the distance that the operating vessel 10 can travel, taking into account weather information and the status of the operating vessel 10 and the installed battery 20.
[0101] The calculation of the distance that can be traveled may include factors such as the sailing speed of the vessel 10, currents, wind speed, and temperature.
[0102] The calculation steps described above can be performed on the operating vessel 10 or on the operation control unit 60. After the calculation steps are performed on the operating vessel 10, the coordinates where the installed battery 20 needs to be replaced can be transmitted to the operation control unit 60. Alternatively, the operation control unit 60 can receive data from the operating vessel 10, perform the calculations, and then transmit the coordinates where the installed battery 20 needs to be replaced back to the operating vessel 10.
[0103] After the calculation step, the operation control unit 60 has a partitioning step (S20) in which it divides the sea into multiple areas along the route to which the operating vessel 10 is moved. In this embodiment of the present invention, the area is divided into a first area (A1), a second area (A2), and a third area (A3), but it is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made, such as increasing or decreasing the number of areas to more than three.
[0104] After the partitioning step (S20), the operation control unit 60 has a measurement step (S30) in which it measures the number of mobile charging vessels 40 and charging stations 50 in each partitioned area and then calculates the total energy capacity of each area.
[0105] For example, if the first zone (A1) has more mobile charging vessels 40 and charging stations 50 than the second zone (A2), the operation control unit 60 will determine that the first zone (A1) has a larger total energy capacity than the second zone (A2).
[0106] After the measurement step (S30), the operation control unit 60 has an adjustment step (S40) in which it moves at least one of the mobile charging vessel 40 and the charging station 50 to an area where the total available energy capacity is insufficient.
[0107] The operation control unit 60 readjusts the arrangement of each area and the number of mobile charging vessels 40 and charging stations 50 within each area, taking into consideration the travel route of the operating vessel 10, the travel distance, the number of mobile charging vessels 40, and the number of charging stations 50.
[0108] The operation control unit 60, which is transmitted the traversable distance calculated by the operating vessel 10 and the travel route of the operating vessel 10, has a replacement location setting step (S50) in which it sets the replacement location and replacement time for the battery 20 installed on the operating vessel 10.
[0109] The operation control unit 60 sets points for replacing the batteries 20 mounted on the operating vessel 10, and then selects a mobile charging vessel 40 in each area that is close to the operating vessel 10's route and whose mobile battery 30 has been fully charged.
[0110] The operation control unit 60 then moves the operating vessel 10 to the exchange position and performs an exchange step (S60) to exchange the mounted battery 20 with the mobile battery 30 mounted on the mobile charging vessel 40.
[0111] The mobile charging vessel 40 moves to the battery exchange location and exchanges its battery with that of the operating vessel 10. The operating vessel 10 repeats the above battery exchange method while in transit and travels to its destination.
[0112] After the battery replacement is complete, the mobile battery 30 mounted on the mobile charging vessel 40 is charged with electrical energy generated by the mobile power generation unit 42 of the mobile charging vessel 40. Then, the mobile charging vessel 40 moves to the charging station 50, docks with the charging station 50, and charges the mobile battery 30 mounted on the mobile charging vessel 40 via the charging station 50.
[0113] Once the mobile battery 30 has been fully charged, the mobile charging vessel 40 is moved to a location near the charging station 50 or a designated location and waits there.
[0114] The operation control unit 60 checks the total energy amount of each designated area from time to time, and if the total energy amount of a certain area falls below the designated energy amount, it moves at least one of the mobile charging vessel 40 and the charging station 50 to the area with insufficient energy.
[0115] By using the interchangeable marine energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to operate a vessel 10 equipped with a battery 20 with a smaller charging capacity over longer distances compared to conventional methods, thereby reducing transportation costs.
[0116] Furthermore, since the electrical energy supply is continuously provided by replacing the batteries 20 installed on the operating vessel 10 without charging them, the overall operating time of the vessel can be shortened, thereby reducing transportation costs.
[0117] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the illustrative drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and it is natural that various modifications can be made by an ordinary person of the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described and explained while embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is natural that predictable effects from such configuration should also be acknowledged. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0118] 1. Exchangeable offshore energy storage system 10 Operating vessels 20 Installed Battery 30 Portable Batteries 40 Mobile charging vessel 41 Ship hull 42 Mobile power generation unit 43. Second docking connection section 50 charging stations 51 Station Body 52 Power Generation Section 53 Electricity Storage Department 54 First docking connection section 60 Operation Control Unit A1 1st area A2 2nd area A3 3rd area S10 Calculation Step S20 Partition Step S30 Measurement Step S40 Adjustment Step S50 Replacement position setting step S60 Replacement Steps
Claims
1. A mobile battery that replaces the battery installed on a vessel and is used as a power source for the said vessel; Multiple mobile charging vessels that move between the aforementioned operating vessel and one of the multiple charging stations while carrying the mobile battery; A charging station that floats in the ocean together with the aforementioned mobile charging vessel and uses the electricity it generates to charge the mobile battery loaded on the mobile charging vessel; and An operation control unit wirelessly connected to the operating vessel, the mobile charging vessel, and the charging station, wherein the operation control unit receives the position and route of the operating vessel and controls the operation of the mobile charging vessel and the charging station; Includes, The operation control unit divides the sea into multiple areas along the route the operating vessel travels, measures the number of mobile charging vessels and charging stations in each area, and arranges the mobile charging vessels and charging stations based on the total energy capacity of each area. Exchangeable marine energy storage system.
2. The operating vessel is supplied with electricity via the mounted battery or the mobile battery, which operates an electric motor provided on the operating vessel to generate thrust for the operating vessel. The exchangeable marine energy storage system according to claim 1.
3. After docking with the charging station, the mobile battery is charged by being supplied with electricity through the charging station. The exchangeable marine energy storage system according to claim 1.
4. The aforementioned mobile charging vessel operates as an unmanned system that is automatically operated by the control signals of the operation control unit. The exchangeable marine energy storage system according to claim 1.
5. The charging station is a station body floating in the sea; and A power generation unit installed in the station body that generates electricity using at least one of solar, wind, and tidal power; including, An exchangeable marine energy storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The charging station includes a first docking connection portion that protrudes from the side of the station body, The mobile charging vessel includes a second docking connection that is connected to the first docking connection, The exchangeable marine energy storage system according to claim 5.
7. With the first docking connection and the second docking connection connected, the electricity stored in the charging station is transmitted to the mobile charging vessel to charge the mobile battery. The exchangeable marine energy storage system according to claim 6.
8. A control method for an exchangeable marine energy storage system according to claim 1, A distance calculation step in which a vessel equipped with a battery calculates the distance it can travel using the battery; A replacement location setting step in which an operation control unit, which is transmitted the traversable distance calculated by the operating vessel and the travel route of the operating vessel, sets the replacement location and replacement time of the battery installed on the operating vessel; and The operation control unit moves the operating vessel to the replacement position and replaces the mounted battery with the mobile battery mounted on the mobile charging vessel; including, A control method for an exchangeable marine energy storage system.
9. A control method for an exchangeable marine energy storage system, A distance calculation step in which a vessel equipped with a battery calculates the distance it can travel using the battery; After the distance calculation step, the operation control unit performs a partitioning step in which it divides the sea into multiple areas along the route on which the operating vessel will travel; The operation control unit measures the number of mobile charging vessels and charging stations in each partitioned area, and then calculates the total energy capacity of each area; After the measurement step, the operation control unit performs an adjustment step in which it moves at least one of the mobile charging vessel and the charging station to an area where the total energy capacity is insufficient; A replacement location setting step in which the operation control unit, which is transmitted the traversable distance calculated by the operating vessel and the travel route of the operating vessel, sets the replacement location and replacement time of the installed battery installed on the operating vessel; and The operation control unit moves the operating vessel to the exchange position and replaces the mounted battery with the mobile battery mounted on the mobile charging vessel; including, A control method for an exchangeable marine energy storage system.