Ocean renewable energy harvesting system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to solve problems in harvesting ocean energy and make it possible to safely and inexpensively harvest infinite ocean energy. An ocean renewable energy harvesting system according to the invention comprises: one or a plurality of energy harvesting ships EHS for harvesting and storing ocean renewable energy; one or a plurality of energy carrier mother ships ECM for receiving and transporting energy from the energy harvesting ship EHS; and one or a plurality of energy storage bases ESB on the ground for receiving the energy from the energy carrier mother ship ECM.

Description

Marine renewable energy harvesting system

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for harvesting renewable energy in the ocean.

[0002] The ocean contains an inexhaustible amount of renewable energy. Renewable energy in the ocean can be used for offshore wind power generation, offshore solar power generation, tidal power generation, wave power generation, etc. If renewable energy generated in the ocean could be harvested on a large scale and used as electricity, it would reduce fossil fuel consumption and contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[0003] JP 2007-173710 "Solar power generation device for waterborne grounding and its connection body" JP 2015-218723 "Mobile offshore wind turbine" International Publication WO2020 / 044601 "Battery electric propulsion ship power supply system, offshore power supply equipment and battery electric propulsion ship" JP 2018-534899 "Long-distance power transmission of offshore electricity" JP 2020-24067 "Liquid hydrogen production equipment" JP 2022-72202 "Offshore station, mobile charging station, power supply system, power supply method and program" JP 2023-543373 "Autonomous navigation power supply ship" JP 2023-10700 "Carbon-free energy supply system and carbon-free energy supply method" JP 2023-131477 "Hydrogen production ship"

[0004] It is desirable to build a safe, efficient, and economically inexpensive system for harvesting the inexhaustible renewable energy of the ocean and transporting this energy to land-based bases.

[0005] However, building and operating facilities that harvest renewable energy on a large scale involves issues such as cost, maintenance, and environmental impact, making it difficult to popularize.

[0006] Relatively small-scale power generation systems that can be expanded to large scale, such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, have not yet been widely adopted due to issues such as efficiency, cost, and maintainability. The battery-electric propulsion vessel power supply system described in Patent Document 3 differs from the combination of the energy harvesting vessel EHS and the energy carrier mother ship ECM described in the present application. Patent Document 4 relates to an invention related to long-distance power transmission using a guided surface wave guided probe to transmit guided surface waves onto a terrestrial medium, and is not directly related to the present application. Patent Document 5 relates to a liquid hydrogen production facility, and is not directly related to the present application. Patent Document 6 relates to a system in which water is electrolyzed at an offshore station 1 to generate hydrogen and oxygen, which are then sent to a mobile charging station 2, and electricity is used to generate and supply power to an underwater vehicle. The mobile charging station 2's submersion and ascent underwater are controlled by an aeronautical mechanism, and is not directly related to the present application. Patent Document 7 relates to an autonomous power supply vessel, and is not directly related to the present application. Patent Document 8 is an invention relating to a floating offshore solar power generation system, and is not directly related to the present invention. Patent Document 9 is an invention relating to a hydrogen production ship, and is not directly related to the present invention.

[0007] The marine renewable energy harvesting system of the present invention aims to provide a safe, efficient, and economically inexpensive system that can harvest unlimited marine energy and transport this energy to a land-based base.

[0008] In one aspect, the marine renewable energy harvesting system of the present invention comprises one or more energy harvesting vessels EHS that harvest and store marine renewable energy, and one or more land-based energy storage bases ESB that receive energy from the energy harvesting vessels EHS.

[0009] Furthermore, in one aspect, the marine renewable energy harvesting system of the present invention comprises one or more energy harvesting vessels EHS that harvest and store marine renewable energy, one or more energy transport mother vessels ECM that receive and transport energy from the energy harvesting vessels EHS, and one or more energy storage bases ESB at land-based locations that receive energy from the energy transport mother vessels ECM.

[0010] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the form of the energy carrier that delivers and receives energy may be any of electrical energy, charged electrolyte, and hydrogen gas / liquid hydrogen produced by electrolyzing water. Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, a large number of the energy harvesting vessels EHS may be operated over a wide area, and the renewable energy harvested by the energy harvesting vessels EHS may be transported to the land-based energy storage base ESB.

[0011] Furthermore, in a marine renewable energy harvesting system, a large number of the energy harvesting vessels EHS may be operated over a wide area, with the energy harvesting vessels EHS and the energy transport mother vessel ECM deployed for each sea area, and the renewable energy harvested by the energy harvesting vessels EHS may be collected by the energy transport mother vessel ECM and transported to the land-based energy storage base ESB.

[0012] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the form of the energy carrier in the energy storage base ESB may be an electrolyte, and an electrolyte storage tank in the energy storage base ESB may be equipped with an electrolyte regeneration function.

[0013] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the form of the energy carrier in the energy storage base ESB may be an electrolyte, and the electrolyte storage tank in the energy storage base ESB may be equipped with an electrolyte balancing function.

[0014] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the form of the energy carrier in the energy storage base ESB may be an electrolyte, and the electrolyte storage tank in the energy storage base ESB may be equipped with an electrolyte regeneration function and an electrolyte balance adjustment function.

[0015] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the form of the energy carrier in the energy carrier mother ship ECM may be an electrolyte, and the electrolyte storage tank in the energy carrier mother ship ECM may be equipped with an electrolyte regeneration function.

[0016] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the form of the energy carrier in the energy carrier ECM is an electrolyte, and the electrolyte storage tank in the energy carrier ECM may also be equipped with an electrolyte balance adjustment function.

[0017] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the form of the energy carrier in the energy carrier mother ship ECM may be an electrolyte, and the electrolyte storage tank in the energy carrier mother ship ECM may be equipped with an electrolyte regeneration function and an electrolyte balance adjustment function.

[0018] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the energy harvesting vessel EHS may have a flow battery that stores generated electrical energy in an electrolyte to produce a charged electrolyte as an energy carrier.

[0019] Furthermore, in the marine renewable energy harvesting system, the energy harvesting vessel EHS may have a storage battery that stores the generated electrical energy and stores the electrical energy as an energy carrier, the energy transport mother ship ECM may have a flow battery that stores the electrical energy received from the energy harvesting vessel EHS in an electrolyte and generates a charged electrolyte as an energy carrier, and the energy storage base ESB may receive the stored electrolyte from the energy transport mother ship ECM.

[0020] The marine renewable energy harvesting system of the present invention provides a safe, efficient, and economically inexpensive system for harvesting unlimited marine energy and transporting this energy to a land-based base.

[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a marine renewable energy harvesting system in which marine renewable energy harvested by multiple energy harvesting vessels (EHS) is directly transported to one or more land-based energy storage bases (ESB). FIG. 1B illustrates a marine renewable energy harvesting system in which marine renewable energy harvested by multiple energy harvesting vessels (EHS) is sent to one or more energy carriers (ECM) and then to one or more land-based energy storage bases (ESB). FIG. 2A illustrates an energy harvesting vessel (EHS) equipped with energy harvesting means (wind turbines and solar panels) and energy storage means. FIG. 2B illustrates a portion of the energy harvesting vessel (EHS) that utilizes the kinetic energy of ocean currents (Kuroshio Current, Tsushima Warm Current) and tidal currents (tides). FIG. 2C illustrates a portion of the energy harvesting vessel (EHS) that utilizes a flow battery. FIG. 2D illustrates a portion of the energy harvesting vessel (EHS) that utilizes an energy storage means (water electrolysis device and hydrogen gas compression device or liquid hydrogen generation device). FIG. 3B illustrates a configuration for transferring electrical energy from an energy harvesting vessel EHS equipped with storage batteries to an energy storage base ESB equipped with a large-scale storage battery, and the configuration of the energy storage base ESB. FIG. 3B illustrates a configuration for transferring a flow medium (charged electrolyte, hydrogen gas, or liquid hydrogen) as an energy carrier from an energy harvesting vessel EHS equipped with a flow battery to the energy storage base ESB, and the configuration of the energy storage base ESB. FIG. 3C illustrates a configuration for transferring a flow medium (charged electrolyte, generated hydrogen gas, or liquid hydrogen) as an energy carrier from an energy harvesting vessel EHS equipped with a flow battery to the energy storage base ESB, and converting it into electrical energy at the energy storage base ESB, and the configuration of the energy storage base ESB. FIG. 4A illustrates a system in which an energy carrier mother ship ECM equipped with a large-scale storage battery is interposed between an energy harvesting vessel EHS equipped with storage batteries and an energy storage base ESB, and electrical energy is transmitted from the energy harvesting vessel EHS to the energy carrier mother ship ECM.Figure 4B shows a system in which an energy carrier mother ship ECM, which is configured with a large-scale storage tank for flow medium, is interposed between an energy harvesting vessel EHS, which is configured with a flow battery, and an energy storage base ESB, and charged electrolyte or generated flow medium is sent from the energy harvesting vessel EHS to the energy carrier mother ship ECM. Figure 4C shows a system in which an energy carrier mother ship ECM, which is configured with a large-scale storage tank for electrolyte, is interposed between an energy harvesting vessel EHS, which is configured with a storage battery, and an energy storage base ESB, and electrical energy is sent from the energy harvesting vessel EHS to the energy carrier mother ship ECM. Figure 4D shows a system in which an energy carrier mother ship ECM, which is configured with a large-scale storage tank for hydrogen, is interposed between an energy harvesting vessel EHS, which is configured with a storage battery, and an energy storage base ESB, and electrical energy is sent from the energy harvesting vessel EHS to the energy carrier mother ship ECM. Figure 5 shows a diagram illustrating a method for transporting charged electrolyte from an energy harvesting vessel EHS to an energy carrier mother ship ECM or an energy storage base ESB equipped with an electrolyte regeneration function and an electrolyte balance adjustment function for a redox flow battery, and an example of the configuration of the energy carrier mother ship ECM or the energy storage base ESB.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of a marine renewable energy harvesting system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0023] The Ocean Renewable Energy Harvesting System (OREHaS) of this embodiment comprises, as an energy carrier transport route I, (1) one or more Energy Harvesting Ships (EHS) that harvest and store ocean renewable energy, and (2) one or more land-based Energy Storage Bases (ESBs).

[0024] The marine renewable energy harvesting system OREHaS of another embodiment of this invention comprises, as an energy carrier transport route II, (1) one or more energy harvesting vessels EHS that harvest and store marine renewable energy, (2) one or more "Energy Conveyance Motherships (ECMs)" that receive and transport energy from the energy harvesting vessels EHS, and (3) one or more energy storage bases ESB on land that receive energy from the energy conveyance motherships ECM.

[0025] In explaining the marine renewable energy harvesting system OREHaS, the energy carriers that transport energy will be divided into three forms: "electrical energy," "charged electrolyte," and "hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen" produced by electrolyzing water.

[0026] Table 1 shows typical energy transport types for the marine renewable energy harvesting system OREHaS, divided by transport route and energy carrier type.

[0027]

[0028] (How to read Table 1) "→" indicates that the energy carrier is converted at that location. Route II is a route in which ocean energy is harvested by the energy harvesting vessel EHS, this energy is temporarily accumulated on the energy carrier mother vessel ECM at sea, and the energy carrier mother vessel ECM transports it to the energy storage base ESB. Route I is a route in which the energy carrier mother vessel ECM does not include the energy carrier mother vessel ECM and transports it directly to the energy storage base ESB. These routes are defined to make this embodiment easier to understand and are not limiting. When Route II and Route I coexist, for example, Route II may include a configuration in which some energy harvesting vessels EHS sailing near the energy storage base ESB transport energy directly to the energy storage base ESB.

[0029] In Type A, the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting vessel EHS is collected in the energy carrier mother ship ECM and transported to the energy storage base ESB. In Type F, the energy carrier mother ship ECM is omitted.

[0030] In Type B, the electrolyte generated by the energy harvesting vessel EHS and charged in the flow battery is collected on the energy carrier mother ship ECM and transported to the energy storage base ESB. In Type G, the energy carrier mother ship ECM is omitted.

[0031] In Type C, hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen generated using electricity generated by the energy harvesting vessel EHS is collected on the energy carrier mother ship ECM and transported to the energy storage base ESB. In Type H, the energy carrier mother ship ECM is omitted.

[0032] In Type D, electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting vessel EHS is collected by the energy carrier mother ship ECM, where it is converted into electrolyte charged by flow battery cells using electricity, and then transported to the energy storage base ESB.

[0033] In Type E, electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting vessel EHS is collected by the energy carrier mother ship ECM, where electricity is used to generate hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen, which is then transported to the energy storage base ESB.

[0034] These types A to H are defined to facilitate understanding of this embodiment and are not limiting. When multiple types are mixed, for example, the energy harvesting vessel EHS may be equipped with multiple devices, including an energy storage device (storage battery), an energy storage device (electrolyte storage tank) that stores charged electrolyte produced by a flow battery cell, and an energy storage device (hydrogen storage tank) that stores hydrogen gas / liquid hydrogen produced by water electrolysis. The same applies to the energy carrier mother ship ECM and the energy storage base ESB.

[0035] Furthermore, the energy carrier mother ship ECM and the energy storage base ESB may also convert the received flow medium (charged electrolyte, generated hydrogen gas, or liquid hydrogen) into electrical energy and store it. However, this embodiment relates to a system for efficiently transporting renewable energy harvested at sea to the energy storage base ESB on land. Therefore, a description of the technical details of further energy form conversion in the energy carrier mother ship ECM and the energy storage base ESB will be omitted.

[0036] [First embodiment] (Configuration) Figures 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the harvesting and flow of energy in the marine renewable energy harvesting system OREHaS, corresponding to Table 1. In the energy harvesting system OREHaS in Figure 1, differences regarding "electrical energy," "charged electrolyte," and "hydrogen gas or liquid hydrogen" as energy carriers are not shown.

[0037] The energy harvesting system OREHaS shown in Figure 1A (corresponding to Types F to H in Table 1) consists of one or more marine energy harvesting vessels EHS and one or more land-based energy storage bases ESB.

[0038] Marine renewable energy will be harvested by the energy harvesting vessel EHS and transported to one of the energy storage bases ESB by one of the above energy carriers for accumulation. The combination of each energy harvesting vessel EHS and the corresponding energy storage base ESB will be determined appropriately based on the mutual distance, the current storage capacity of the energy storage base ESB, etc.

[0039] The energy harvesting system OREHaS shown in Figure 1B (corresponding to Types A to E) is composed of one or more marine energy harvesting vessels EHS, one or more marine energy carrier mother vessels ECM, and one or more land-based energy storage bases ESB. Compared to the energy harvesting system OREHaS in Figure 1A, the energy harvesting system OREHaS in Figure 1B differs in that a marine energy carrier mother vessel ECM is interposed between the energy harvesting vessels EHS and the energy storage bases ESB.

[0040] The marine renewable energy is harvested by the energy harvesting vessel EHS, collected by any of the above energy carriers, and then transported to the energy storage base ESB for accumulation. The storage capacities of the energy carrier vessels ECM may be different, and energy may be exchanged or relayed between the energy carrier vessels ECM as needed.

[0041] In each case, the combination of each energy harvesting vessel EHS with its corresponding energy carrier ship ECM, and the combination of each energy carrier ship ECM with its corresponding energy storage base ESB, will be determined appropriately based on the mutual distance circumstances, the current storage capacity of the energy carrier ship ECM and the energy storage base ESB, etc.

[0042] Comparing the systems in Figure 1A and Figure 1B, in the system in Figure 1A, all energy harvesting vessels EHS need to travel to and from the energy storage base ESB. However, in the energy harvesting system OREHaS in Figure 1B, each energy harvesting vessel EHS only needs to go to the nearby energy carrier mother ship ECM, and only the energy carrier mother ship ECM needs to travel to and from the energy storage base ESB, which improves the overall transport efficiency of the system compared to Figure 1A.

[0043] Furthermore, in the system of Figure 1B, the energy carrier mother ship ECM accumulates a large amount of energy compared to the energy harvesting ship EHS and sails the ocean, which makes it possible to supply large amounts of energy to other ships (including submarines, etc.) at sea.

[0044] [Second embodiment] (Configuration) The second embodiment relates to the configuration of the energy harvesting vessel EHS. As shown in Fig. 2A, the energy harvesting vessel EHS is generally a vessel that floats on the sea surface or submerges in the sea. Overall, the energy harvesting vessel EHS includes an energy harvesting means 10 that captures marine renewable energy and an energy storage means 20 that stores the harvested energy.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 2A, the energy harvesting means 10 may comprise an offshore wind power generation device 11 that captures wind energy, an offshore solar power generation device 12 that captures solar energy, or the like. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 2B, the energy harvesting means 10 may comprise a turbine generator 13 that is installed on the seabed or moored in the sea and captures ocean currents (such as the Kuroshio Current or the Tsushima Warm Current) or tidal currents (the ebb and flow of the tides). In addition to these, various types of wave power generators that capture wave energy and ocean thermal energy difference power generators that utilize the temperature difference of seawater can be used as the renewable energy harvesting means 10.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 2A, when electrical energy is used as the energy carrier (Types A, D to F), the energy harvesting vessel EHS has, as energy storage means 20, a power converter 21 that adjusts the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting means 10, and an energy storage device (storage battery) 22 that stores the electrical energy. This storage battery is typically a lead-acid battery or a lithium-ion battery. Furthermore, the energy storage device (storage battery) 22 has an electrical energy coupler 23 to transfer the stored electrical energy to the energy carrier mother ship ECM or the energy storage base ESB.

[0047] The energy harvesting means 10 for harvesting the kinetic energy of ocean or tidal currents shown in Figure 2B is composed of a turbine generator 13 that converts the energy into rotational energy to generate electricity, and a power transmission cable 24.Although not shown in the figure, the hull of the energy harvesting vessel EHS also has a power conversion device that adjusts the power when sending it from the turbine generator to the energy storage device, an energy storage device (storage battery) that stores the generated electrical energy, and an electrical energy coupler.

[0048] 2C , when a charged electrolyte is used as the energy carrier (Types B and G), the energy storage means 20 of the energy harvesting vessel EHS comprises a power conversion device 21 that adjusts the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting means 10, and an electrolyte flow battery 22a that stores this electrical energy. The electrolyte flow battery has an electrolyte battery cell and an energy storage device (electrolyte storage tank) 22b. Furthermore, the energy storage device (electrolyte storage tank) 22b has an electrolyte coupler 23a for transporting the charged electrolyte to the energy carrier mother ship ECM or the energy storage base ESB.

[0049] A typical example of a flow battery using an electrolyte is a redox flow battery. For example, a redox flow battery is a type of secondary battery that charges and discharges by promoting an ion oxidation-reduction reaction through pumped circulation of the electrolyte. In a vanadium battery that uses vanadium as the electrolyte, current flows into the positive electrode (electrons flow out), oxidizing tetravalent vanadium to pentavalent, and current flows out of the negative electrode (electrons flow in), reducing trivalent vanadium to divalent. During discharge, the reaction proceeds in the opposite direction to that during charging.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2D, when hydrogen gas is used as the energy carrier (Types B and G), the energy harvesting vessel EHS comprises an energy storage means 20 consisting of a power converter 21 that adjusts the electrical energy generated by the energy harvesting means 10 and a hydrogen flow battery 22c. The hydrogen flow battery includes a water electrolyzer that uses electrical energy to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen, a device that compresses the generated hydrogen gas to high pressure, and a hydrogen gas storage device (high-pressure hydrogen gas cylinder) 22d. Furthermore, the hydrogen gas storage device (high-pressure hydrogen gas cylinder) has a hydrogen gas coupler 23b for transporting hydrogen gas to the energy carrier mother ship ECM or the energy storage base ESB. When liquid hydrogen is used as the energy carrier, the vessel also has a cooling means for liquefying the generated hydrogen gas. In this case, a liquid hydrogen coupler is also provided for transporting liquid hydrogen to the energy carrier mother ship ECM or the energy storage base ESB.

[0051] As described above, the energy harvesting vessel EHS can transport the flow medium (charged electrolyte or generated hydrogen gas / liquid hydrogen) charged in the EHS to the energy carrier mother ship ECM or the energy storage base ESB using the charged flow medium as an energy carrier. If the flow medium is electrolyte, after the transport, the discharged electrolyte previously transported by the energy carrier mother ship ECM or the energy storage base ESB is returned to the energy harvesting vessel EHS for reuse.

[0052] The energy harvesting vessel EHS and the energy carrier mother vessel ECM are navigated and operated automatically and in an integrated manner, either manually or using AI, but these matters are not directly related to this embodiment and will not be explained here.

[0053] (Operation) Electrical energy harvested by the energy harvesting means 10 of the energy harvesting vessel EHS shown in Figures 2A and 2B is stored in the energy storage means 20 in its original form or after conversion as an energy carrier in the form of either electrical energy, charged electrolyte, or hydrogen gas / liquid hydrogen.

[0054] [Third embodiment] (Configuration) The third embodiment is a diagram illustrating the form of the transfer route I for transferring energy from the energy harvesting vessel EHS shown in Fig. 1 to the energy storage base ESB, and the configuration of the energy storage base ESB. Here, Fig. 3A shows the case where electrical energy is used as the energy carrier (Type F), Fig. 3B shows the case where charged electrolyte (Type G) or hydrogen bus / liquid hydrogen (Type H) is used as the energy carrier (flow medium), and Fig. 3C shows the case where charged electrolyte is used as the energy carrier and is used to generate electricity at the energy storage base ESB (a modified version of Type G).

[0055] 3A is used as the energy carrier (Type F), an electric power transfer cable 30 provided in the energy storage base ESB is unwound and connected to an electric power coupler 23 provided in an energy storage device (in this case, a storage battery) 22 of the energy harvesting vessel EHS. The energy storage base ESB includes a charger 31 for storing the electric energy transferred from the energy harvesting vessel EHS, a large-scale storage battery 32 connected thereto, a D / A converter 33 connected thereto, and a transformer 34 for transmitting the generated AC power to the power grid. This AC power is supplied to consumers via the power grid.

[0056] When the flow medium (charged electrolyte, generated hydrogen gas, or liquid hydrogen) in Fig. 3B is used as the energy carrier (Type G), a hose 30a provided in the energy storage base ESB is reeled out and connected to a dedicated coupler 23a or 23b provided in the energy harvesting vessel EHS. The flow medium is driven by a pump means 35 in the energy storage base ESB and stored in a large-scale storage tank 36. These energy carriers are supplied to consumers in that form and used.

[0057] When generating electricity at the energy storage base ESB using the charged electrolyte of Fig. 3C as the energy carrier (a modified example of Type G), a hose 30a provided at the energy storage base ESB is unwound and connected to a dedicated coupler 23a or 23b provided on the energy harvesting vessel EHS. The charged electrolyte is driven by a pump means 35 of the energy storage base ESB and stored in a large-scale storage tank 36. The electric energy generated by introducing the charged electrolyte to a power generation cell 37 is converted into AC power by a D / A converter 38, and the generated AC power is supplied to consumers via a substation 39 and the power grid.

[0058] In the case of the transfer of electrical energy shown in FIG. 3A , by providing multiple chargers 31, electrical energy can be transferred simultaneously from multiple energy harvesting vessels EHS and charged into the large-scale storage battery 32. Similarly, in the case of the transfer of flow medium shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C , by providing multiple pumps 35, flow medium can be transferred simultaneously from multiple energy harvesting vessels EHS and stored in the large-scale storage tank 36. Furthermore, the transfer of flow medium from the energy harvesting vessels EHS to the energy storage base ESB can be performed in a short time, i.e., rapid charging can be achieved by using a pump with a relatively large capacity. In the case of FIG. 3A , the charge rate of the large-scale storage battery is regulated, so the charging current is limited, which limits rapid charging and the number of simultaneous connections to the energy storage base EHS.

[0059] The energy transfer mode using a flow medium shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C has the advantages of high efficiency, low cost, and fewer malfunctions, compared to the electrical energy transfer mode shown in FIG. 3A, since only the pump 35 is required and the charger 31 consisting of multiple electronic devices is not required.

[0060] Also, in the flow medium shown in Figures 3B and 3C, when the flow medium is reused (for example, in the case of an electrolyte for a redox flow battery), the flow medium is returned from a tank containing discharged flow medium in the ESB to a storage tank in the energy harvesting vessel EHS.

[0061] [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment is a form of transfer route II in which an energy carrier mother ship ECM is interposed between the energy harvesting ship EHS and the energy storage base ESB.

[0062] The energy carrier mother ship ECM shown in Figure 4A receives electrical energy from the storage battery 22 of the energy harvesting vessel EHS using a charger 40, stores it in a large-scale storage battery 41, and sends it in the form of electrical energy to the energy storage base ESB (Type A).

[0063] The energy carrier mother ship ECM shown in Figure 4B drives a pump 44 to store charged flow medium from the electrolyte storage tank 22b of the flow battery of the energy harvesting vessel EHS in a large-scale storage tank 45, and sends it to the energy storage base ESB in the form of charged flow medium (Type B, Type C).

[0064] The energy carrier mother ship ECM shown in Figure 4C receives electrical energy from the storage battery 22 of the energy harvesting vessel EHS using a charger 53, converts it into the form of electrolyte charged in a flow battery consisting of an electrolyte cell 47, an electrolyte circulation device 48, and the electrolyte in a large-scale storage tank 45, and sends it to the energy storage base ESB (Type D).

[0065] The energy carrier mother ship ECM shown in Figure 4D receives electrical energy from the storage battery 22 of the energy harvesting vessel EHS via a charger 53, generates hydrogen gas in a water electrolyzer 49, stores this in a large-scale storage tank 45 via a compressor 50, and sends it to the energy storage base ESB. When liquid hydrogen is used as the energy carrier, the hydrogen gas generated in the water electrolyzer is cooled to become liquid hydrogen and sent to the energy storage base ESB (Type E).

[0066] By adopting the energy carrier mother ship ECM, the energy carrier mother ship ECM can be deployed or linked to any location in the ocean, thereby significantly saving the time and energy required for the energy carrier mother ship ECM and each energy harvesting vessel EHS to return to the ground-based energy storage base ESB.

[0067] Furthermore, by directly sending energy carriers from the energy harvesting vessel EHS or the energy transport mother vessel ECM to other ships or underwater vessels, it will be possible to charge these ships or underwater vessels at any point in the ocean, which will enable the downsizing of the power storage equipment on these ships or underwater vessels and enable them to travel longer distances.

[0068] The energy carrier mother ship ECM not only collects energy harvested by the energy harvesting vessel EHS, but also has the ability to supply energy to other energy carrier mother ships ECMs, ships, and facilities (including facilities on remote islands) at sea. That is, if other ships or facilities at sea are operating on electrical energy, for example, by equipping the mother ship with power generation capabilities as shown in Figure 3B, it can supply DC or AC power at sea. Similarly, if other ships or facilities are operating on flow batteries, it can supply charged flow media (charged electrolyte / hydrogen gas / liquid hydrogen) at sea. In this way, the energy carrier mother ship ECM can function as a mobile energy supply source or power plant at sea.

[0069] 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an energy carrier mother ship ECM and / or an energy storage base ESB equipped with an electrolyte regeneration function and / or an electrolyte balance adjuster, particularly when redox flow batteries are used. That is, this is a configuration example of a Type B energy carrier mother ship ECM and / or an Energy Storage Base ESB, and a Type G energy storage base ESB.

[0070] In the energy carrier mother ship ECM and / or the energy storage base ESB, three supply and discharge pumps (EHS supply and discharge pump 58, power generation cell supply and discharge pump 59, and electrolyte regenerator supply and discharge pump 55) are connected to each storage tank via selection valves (522, 523, and 524, respectively). By switching each selection valve, the storage tank 581, 582 connected to each pump can be selected arbitrarily, and the electrolyte can be supplied, discharged, or circulated. Since each pump can independently supply and discharge to and from any storage tank, it is possible to replace the electrolyte in another storage tank and regenerate the electrolyte in any storage tank while power is being generated.

[0071] 5, two storage tanks 581 and 582 are used, but the amount of energy that can be stored can be adjusted by using one or any number of storage tanks. Furthermore, by providing a bypass route between the storage tanks, electrolyte can be moved from any storage tank to another storage tank, facilitating the increase / decrease, mixing, transfer, and maintenance of the electrolyte in the storage tanks. Furthermore, although two EHS storage tanks 22b1 and 22b2 are used in the figure, multiple EHSs can also be used as energy storage tanks.

[0072] Note that the example in FIG. 5 shows an example of a redox flow battery that uses one type of electrolyte solution, but in a redox flow battery that uses different electrolyte solutions for the positive electrode and the negative electrode, separate pumps, piping, and storage tanks are required for the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0073] (Operation) In Type G, electrical energy generated by the power generation device onboard the energy harvesting vessel EHS is charged into the electrolyte as a change in valence and stored in tanks 22b1 and 22b2. When the energy harvesting vessel EHS returns to the ground-based energy storage base ESB, a hose attached to the ESB is unwound and connected to the EHS electrolyte-specific coupler. The charged electrolyte for the EHS selected by selection valve 521 among the multiple connected EHSs is physically transferred from the storage tank onboard the energy harvesting vessel EHS to the storage tank (581 or 582) at the energy storage base ESB by the EHS supply / discharge pump. Furthermore, the discharged electrolyte stored in the storage tank (581 or 582) at the energy storage base ESB is returned to the storage tanks 22b1 and 22b2 on the energy harvesting vessel EHS.

[0074] This work can be easily done by preparing one empty storage tank if there are two or more storage tanks. That is, the electrolyte stored in the energy harvesting vessel EHS is transferred to the empty storage tank at the home port using the EHS supply / discharge pump, and the electrolyte from the discharged storage tank of the energy storage base ESB is transferred to the empty storage tank of the energy harvesting vessel EHS using the EHS supply / discharge pump. By connecting multiple EHSs using the selection valve on the energy harvesting vessel EHS, it is possible to continuously accumulate the electrolyte in the EHS storage tank while continuing to generate electricity.

[0075] If there is only one storage tank, the electrolyte stored in the energy harvesting vessel EHS is transferred to an empty storage tank at the home port using the EHS supply and discharge pump, and the electrolyte in the storage tank of the energy storage base ESB, which has waited until power generation is completed and has finished discharging, is transferred to the energy harvesting vessel EHS using the EHS supply and discharge pump. Alternatively, the electrolyte in the storage tank of the energy storage base ESB, which has not yet finished discharging, is transferred to the energy harvesting vessel EHS using the EHS supply and discharge pump. In this case, the energy that can be charged by the energy harvesting vessel EHS is reduced, and the energy harvesting capacity of the EHS is reduced.

[0076] The electrolyte in the storage tank selected by the selection valve 524 is supplied to the power generation cell 60 by the power generation cell supply / discharge pump 59 and converted into electrical energy (power generation). The DC electrical energy generated by the power generation cell 60 is converted into AC electrical energy by a D / A converter 61 and supplied to the system via a substation 62.

[0077] On the other hand, during power generation or standby, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the electrolyte in the storage tank by driving the selection valve 523 and the electrolyte regeneration supply / discharge pump to circulate the electrolyte to the electrolyte regenerator 56. Although not shown in the figure, the electrolyte regenerator is composed of a filter for removing solid matter such as dust and oxides, and a metal ion removal filter or electrolysis device for removing metal ions dissolved in the electrolyte.

[0078] Furthermore, after long-term operation, oxidation and deterioration of the electrolyte cause a difference in the titer of the positive electrode electrolyte and the negative electrode electrolyte, resulting in a decrease in the storage capacity. In order to adjust this balance of titer, the electrolyte is circulated through the electrolyte balance adjuster 57, making it possible to maintain the storage capacity over a long period of time.

[0079] The electrolyte regenerator removes impurities and impurity ions dissolved in the electrolyte, allowing the electrolyte to maintain its original state for a long time, and the electrolyte balance regulator maintains the storage capacity. These functions not only enable stable performance over the long term, but also eliminate the need to discard or recycle the electrolyte, reducing maintenance and operating costs.

[0080] In Type B, when a redox flow battery is installed as a flow battery in the energy carrier mother ship ECM, the above configuration and operation are executed in the energy carrier mother ship ECM.

[0081] [Advantages and Effects of this Embodiment] According to this embodiment, the following advantages can be expected. (1) Energy can be harvested by the energy harvesting vessel EHS using remote marine renewable energy that was previously difficult to harvest, and the harvested energy can be accumulated in the land-based energy storage base ESB via the energy carrier mother ship ECM or directly. If the energy accumulated in the energy storage base ESB is electrical energy, it can be supplied to the power grid. If the energy carrier accumulated in the ESB is a flow medium, it can be converted into electrical energy and supplied to the power grid. It is also possible to supply the flow medium directly to consumers.

[0082] (2) By operating a large number of energy harvesting vessels (EHS), we can harvest large amounts of renewable energy from the ocean without damaging the environment.

[0083] (3) When multiple energy harvesting vessels (EHS) are operated, for example, one or more energy carrier ships (ECM) can be deployed in each sea area, and a system can be constructed in which the energy carrier ships (ECM) collectively transport the harvested renewable energy to a land-based energy storage base (ESB). In this case, energy can be harvested efficiently without each energy harvesting vessel (EHS) having to travel back and forth to the energy storage base (ESB).

[0084] (4) By deploying / moving the energy harvesting vessel EHS to optimal locations (such as locations with long hours of sunlight, strong winds, or strong tidal currents), renewable energy can be harvested efficiently.

[0085] (5) Electrically powered ships (including submarines) can be directly charged with electricity from the energy harvesting vessel (EHS) and the energy carrier (ECM), enabling them to navigate more efficient routes and travel longer distances. As a result, electric ships can reduce the costs of navigation and transportation and contribute to decarbonization.

[0086] (6) When the generated electrical energy is stored in a flow battery on the energy harvesting vessel EHS, the energy carrier becomes the flow medium. When such a flow medium is used, energy can be transferred between the energy harvesting vessel EHS, the energy carrier mother ship ECM, and the energy storage base ESB using a pump, making it easy for an ECM to support multiple EHSs and an ESB to support multiple EHSs and ECMs. This makes it possible to operate multiple EHSs and ECMs, enabling the construction of an efficient, large-scale energy harvesting system.

[0087] (7) When the generated electrical energy is stored in an electrolyte flow battery on the energy harvesting vessel EHS, the energy carrier becomes a charged electrolyte. To store the electrolyte, the energy harvesting vessel EHS, the energy carrier mother ship ECM, and the energy storage base ESB only require the provision of an electrolyte storage tank. Compared to other energy carrier storage equipment (storage batteries for storing electrical energy, high-pressure hydrogen tanks for storing hydrogen gas, and ultra-low-temperature insulated cooling tanks for storing liquid hydrogen), electrolyte storage tanks have a longer lifespan and are inexpensive. Therefore, storing the generated electrical energy in an electrolyte flow battery and using an electrolyte as an energy carrier has the advantage of extremely low maintenance effort and costs.

[0088] [Modifications and Others] (1) Although the energy harvesting system OREHaS is described as operating in the ocean, it may also be operated in rivers or lakes. (2) The energy harvesting vessel EHS, the energy carrier mother ship ECM, and the energy storage base ESB may be equipped with equipment compatible with multiple energy carriers. (3) The energy carrier mother ship ECM may also be equipped with the energy harvesting means 10.

[0089] Any additions, deletions, modifications, or improvements to the embodiments that can be easily made by a person skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is defined by the description of the appended claims.

[0090] 10: Energy harvesting means, 11: Offshore wind power generation device, 12: Offshore wind power generation device, 13: Turbine generator, 20: Energy storage means, 21: Power conversion device, 22: Energy storage device, storage battery, 22a: Electrolyte flow battery, 22b:, 22b1, 22b2: Flow medium storage tank, 23: Electric energy coupler, 23a: Flow battery coupler, 23b: Hydrogen coupler, 24: Power transmission cable, 30: Power transfer cable, 31: Charger, 32: Large-scale storage battery, 33: D / A converter, 34: Transformation equipment, 35: Pump, 36: Large-scale storage tank, 37: Power generation cell, 38: D / A converter, 39: Transformation equipment, 40: Charger, 41: Large-scale storage battery, 44: Pump, 45: Large-scale storage tank, 47: Electrolyte cell, 48: Electrolyte circulation device, 49: Water electrolysis device, 50: Compressor, 51: Electrolyte coupler, 53: Charger, 55: Electrolyte regeneration supply / discharge pump, 56: Electrolyte regenerator, 57: Electrolyte balance adjuster, 58: EHS supply / discharge pump, 59: Power generation cell supply / discharge pump, 60: Power generation cell, 61: D / A converter, 62: Substation equipment, 521, 522, 523, 524: Selection valves, 581, 582: Storage tanks

Claims

1. A system comprising: a plurality of energy harvesting vessels (EHS) that harvest and store marine renewable energy; a plurality of ground energy storage bases ESB that receive energy from the EHS; A marine renewable energy harvesting system using an energy carrier consisting of electrical energy or a flow medium, A marine renewable energy harvesting system capable of sending or receiving an energy carrier between the energy storage base ESB at any location and the energy harvesting vessel EHS via a connection coupler.

2. A plurality of energy harvesting vessels EHS that harvest and store marine renewable energy; Multiple ground-based energy storage bases (ESBs), A marine renewable energy harvesting system using an energy carrier consisting of electrical energy or a flow medium, comprising: a plurality of energy carrier mother ships (ECMs) that receive energy from the EHS and transport it to the ESB at a plurality of locations; A marine renewable energy harvesting system capable of sending or receiving an energy carrier between the energy storage base ESB at any location and the energy carrier mother ship ECM via a connection coupler.

3. A method for producing and storing marine renewable energy using a plurality of energy harvesting vessels (EHSs); Multiple ground-based energy storage bases (ESBs) and A marine renewable energy harvesting system using an energy carrier consisting of electrical energy or a flow medium, comprising: a plurality of energy carrier mother ships (ECMs) that receive energy from the EHS and transport it to the ESB at a plurality of locations; A marine renewable energy harvesting system capable of sending or receiving energy carriers between any of the energy carrying mother vessels ECM and the energy harvesting vessels EHS via a connection coupler.

4. A method for producing and storing marine renewable energy by using a plurality of energy harvesting vessels (EHSs); Multiple ground-based energy storage bases (ESBs), A marine renewable energy harvesting system using an energy carrier consisting of electrical energy or a flow medium, comprising: a plurality of energy carrier mother ships (ECMs) that receive energy from the EHS and transport it to the ESB at a plurality of locations; A marine renewable energy harvesting system capable of sending or receiving energy carriers between any of said energy carrier mothership ECMs and other energy carrier mothership ECMs via a connection coupler.

5. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Further, the energy storage bases ESB each have a means for supplying power to a grid, the marine renewable energy harvesting system.

6. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, Further, the energy carrier mother vessels ECM each include means for supplying power to a grid, the marine renewable energy harvesting system.

7. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the energy carrier is a flow medium; A marine renewable energy harvesting system in which each of the energy storage bases ESB has a power generation cell, and the power generation cell can be connected to any storage tank via a water supply / discharge pump and a selection valve to send or receive a flow medium.

8. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The energy carrier is a flow medium, and further A marine renewable energy harvesting system in which the energy carrier mother ship ECMs each have power generating cells, and the power generating cells can be connected to any storage tank via water supply and discharge pumps and selection valves to send or receive flow media.

9. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The energy carrier is in the form of an electrolyte. Each of the energy storage bases ESB has an electrolyte regenerator, which is connected to any storage tank via a water supply / discharge pump and a selection valve, and prevents deterioration of the electrolyte by circulating the electrolyte, in a marine renewable energy harvesting system.

10. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The energy carrier is in the form of an electrolyte. The energy carrier mother ship ECMs each have an electrolyte regeneration machine, which is connected to any storage tank via a water supply / discharge pump and a selection valve, and prevents deterioration of the electrolyte by circulating it, in this marine renewable energy harvesting system.

11. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The energy carrier is in the form of an electrolyte. A marine renewable energy harvesting system, wherein each of the energy storage bases ESB has an electrolyte balance adjuster, which is connected to any storage tank via a water supply / discharge pump and a selection valve, and adjusts the balance of the titers of the positive electrode electrolyte and the negative electrode electrolyte.

12. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The energy carrier is in the form of an electrolyte solution, The energy carrier ECMs each have an electrolyte balance adjuster, and the electrolyte balance adjuster is connected to any storage tank via a water supply / discharge pump and a selection valve to adjust the balance of the titers of the positive electrode electrolyte and the negative electrode electrolyte, in a marine renewable energy harvesting system.

13. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A marine renewable energy harvesting system in which the energy harvesting vessel EHS is connected to a general ship via a connection coupler, and energy can be supplied to the general ship by the energy carrier.

14. A marine renewable energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, A marine renewable energy harvesting system that connects the energy carrier mother ship ECM to a general ship via a connection coupler, allowing the energy carrier to supply energy to the general ship.