An energy supply chain for powering river vessels

Abstract

The present invention concerns an energy supply chain system for powering river vessels. The system comprising a power-plant for supplying energy to the system, a coupling point for receiving and transforming energy from said power-plant; a plurality of docking stations located along a river bank for exchanging energy with a first river vessel, connection means for conveying energy from a coupling point to at least one docking station, and a second river vessel configured as a cargo, work or passenger transport vessel, said vessel having an electrically powered propulsion section. The electrically powered propulsion section of the second vessel is externally powered by the first river vessel, allowing for the second vessel to have a smaller propulsion section.

Description

[0001] AN ENERGY SUPPLY CHAIN FOR POWERING RIVER VESSELS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains to the technical field of systems for production, transformation and provision of water vessel propulsion energy.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The transition to carbon neutral production and use of waterborne vessels raises the issue of providing and managing suitable energy sources which ensure that waterway transport remains a viable logistic solution.

[0006] KR20100065542 discloses a charging station for an electric vessel. The charging station according to KR '542 comprises a floater, an electricity generating unit, an electricity storage unit, and an electric supply unit. The floater comprises a mooring unit for mooring the electric ship. Such a system still requires vessels to include large capacity batteries, which tend to be quite voluminous, thus taking valuable space which could be dedicated to goods and / or passengers.

[0007] The aim of the invention is to provide a method which eliminates those disadvantages. The present invention targets at solving at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to an energy supply chain system for powering river vessels according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the device are shown in any of the claims 2 to 11. A specific preferred embodiment relates to an invention according to claim 9. The system provides a plurality of points for

[0010] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 12. More particular, the method as described herein provides steps for powering river vessels using a supply chain system directed at powering river vessels. Preferred embodiments of the method are shown in any of the claims 13 to 15. In a third aspect the present invention relates to a use according to claim 16.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0013] Figure 1 schematically presents an energy supply chain for powering river vessels (1).

[0014] Figure 2 presents in more detail how a river vessel is operated under the support of the energy supply chain for powering river vessels (1).

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention concerns an energy supply chain system for powering river vessels. The system comprising a power-plant for supplying energy to the system, a coupling point for receiving and transforming energy from said power-plant; a plurality of docking stations located along a river bank for exchanging energy with a first river vessel, connection means for conveying energy from a coupling point to at least one docking station, and a second river vessel configured as a cargo, work (e.g. cable laying, dredging, drilling) or passenger transport vessel, said vessel having an electrically powered propulsion section. The electrically powered propulsion section of the second vessel is externally powered by the first river vessel, allowing for the second vessel to have a smaller propulsion section, thus liberating volume which can be advantageously used for cargo or passengers. In this way, the system makes the use of electrically powered vessels not only viable, but also more efficient than fossil fuel powered vessels. Further advantages of the system can be drawn by the possibility to leverage or complement existing power distribution grids while providing cleaner, more efficient transport of goods and passengers.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0018] "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0019] "About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of + / - 20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and still more preferably + / -0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

[0020] "Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0022] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0023] Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any >3, >4, >5, >6 or >7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0024] In a first aspect, the invention provides an energy supply chain system for powering river vessels, the system comprising: a power-plant for supplying energy to the system; a coupling point for receiving and transforming energy from said power-plant; a plurality of docking stations located along a river bank for exchanging energy with a first river vessel; connection means for conveying energy from a coupling point to at least one docking station; and a second river vessel configured as a cargo, work or passenger transport vessel, said vessel having an electrically powered propulsion section.

[0025] The electrically powered propulsion section of the second vessel is externally powered by the first river vessel. In this way, river vessels are run using low emission, preferably carbon neutral energy sources. By externally powering the propulsion section of a second vessel, the space that otherwise be occupied by a battery and / or fuel tank can advantageously be dedicated to the transport of goods and / or passengers, thus resulting in increased efficiency and added value. The larger cargo capacity made available also provides for reduced waterway traffic, as fewer vessels are necessary for the same volume of cargo. In this way, waterway congestion and accidents are advantageously avoided. By preference, the system includes smart grid technologies for real-time monitoring of energy consumption at each point of the system, which data is then used to optimize distribution of power throughout a whole network of docking stations, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on energy demand and availability. More preferably, the second river vessel provides feedback to the system regarding its energy needs, enabling adaptive power supply management.

[0026] In an embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of coupling points in connection with each other by means of the connection means. By preference, at least one such plurality of coupling points is supplied with energy from at least two powerplants. In this way a decentralized energy distribution network can be established, enabling more resilient and adaptable power transfer across various points in the river network. More preferably, the system comprises at least one control center, each control center being provided with a plurality of servers and user access points, the servers including at least one automated energy routing algorithm configured to manage energy routing to and from each coupling point. This makes possible to intelligently route power from a power plant to docking stations based on real-time demand and energy requirements of vessels. By preference, the at least one automated energy routing algorithm is cloud based, which cloud can be accessed by a plurality of control centers, more preferably all control centers in order to orchestrate energy routing on a larger scale, more preferably encompassing all control points deployed to a river, region or even at a national level.

[0027] In an embodiment, at least one coupling point is configured as an energy conversion plant for using a received energy form to produce another energy form. In this way, each coupling point is designing as a multifunctional energy conversion plant to be, capable of converting energy into different forms depending on the needs of the vessels or the grid, enhancing versatility. By preference, energy storage systems are included within the energy conversion plant to store excess energy and release it during peak demand periods, contributing to grid stability. More preferably, electrical energy surplus is used in the capturing and storage of hydrogen. Which hydrogen is optionally used in fuel cells or transported by a pipeline network connecting at least two coupling points, more preferably said pipeline network includes also at least one docking station. In this way, also hydrogen using vessels can be served, said hydrogen being either a main energy source or a backup energy source for said vessels. The produced and / or stored hydrogen can also be supplied to transport networks near a coupling point. In this way, cars, trains and busses can also be run on surplus hydrogen from the present system.

[0028] In an embodiment, the power-plant is a renewable energy source. Said source is preferably wind, hydroelectric, wave, most preferably solar. In this way, carbon footprint of the hole system can be further reduced. In particular, when energy surplus is created, the system is advantageously able to offset the carbon footprint of other systems by supplying said surplus energy to said systems.

[0029] In an embodiment, the docking stations include charging points for charging the first river vessel. By preference the charging points are equipped with rapid charging technology at docking stations to minimize downtime for the first river vessel, allowing for quicker turnaround times during stops. Preferably, the charging points are capable of wireless charging capabilities at docking stations, in this way providing convenience and ease of use for vessels requiring energy replenishment.

[0030] In an embodiment, the first river vessel comprises a battery for storing the energy. By preference, the first river vessel is equipped with a high energy density battery, thus enhancing the storage capacity of the first river vessel. More preferably, said battery is designed as a modular system, allowing for easy replacement or expansion of battery units to adapt to changing energy storage requirements.

[0031] In an embodiment, the second river vessel receives power via a power transfer element coupled to the first river vessel. By preference, said power transfer element comprises a movable distal end. Said movable distal end of the power transfer element is, by preference, moved by means of actuators. By preference, the power transfer element can dynamically adjust the transfer rate based on the energy needs and operational conditions of the second river vessel. The power transfer element incorporates real-time monitoring system to ensure optimal performance and troubleshoot any issues promptly.

[0032] In an embodiment, the second river vessel's propulsion section includes an electric motor. By preference, the motor is a variable speed electric motor, allowing for more efficient energy utilization and better control over vessel speed. By preference, the motor comprises a regenerative braking system which allows capturing and storage of energy during braking, further improving overall energy efficiency. By preference, also the first river vessel is equipped with a regenerative braking system. The regenerative braking system may be activated while the first vessel is docked, in this way, allowing the first vessel to use the river current to generate energy.

[0033] In an embodiment, multiple second river vessels are each externally powered by a corresponding first river vessel. By preference, the system further comprises fleet management system to coordinate and optimize the external powering of multiple second river vessels based on their individual energy needs and operational schedules. More preferably, the fleet management system comprises communication between multiple second river vessels, allowing them to share information about their energy status and coordinate power-sharing strategies.

[0034] In an embodiment, the system services a network of rivers. By preference, the system integrates port facilities along the river network, establishing a seamless intermodal transportation network that extends beyond the waterways. More preferably, the system is designed to be compatible with international waterways and regulatory frameworks, facilitating cross-border river transportation and trade.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first and second river vessels move in a coordinated manner. By preference, the system comprises an automated traffic control system that uses sensors and communication technology to facilitate coordinated movement and avoid congestion among the first and second river vessels. More preferably, the automated traffic control system uses machine learning algorithms to analyze historical vessel movement data and predict optimal coordination strategies for future movements.

[0036] A second aspect of the invention provides a method of powering river vessels using supply chain system for powering river vessels, the method comprising the steps of: supplying energy from the power plant to the coupling point; transforming and transferring said energy from the coupling point to a first river vessel via the docking stations; receiving of said energy by the electrically powered propulsion section of a second river vessel from the first river vessel; and utilizing the received energy to activate the propulsion of the second river vessel. By preference, energy transfer information is used to develop a predictive energy dispatch algorithm that anticipates energy needs based on historical data, weather conditions, and vessel schedules, optimizing energy distribution. By preference, a blockchain-based system is implemented for recording and verifying energy transactions between the power plant, coupling points, docking stations, and vessels, ensuring transparency and security.

[0037] In an embodiment, the methods further comprises steps of obtaining diverse types of energy at the docking stations, altering one form of energy to another, dispatching the modified energy to the vessels, and commanding the vessels. In this way, the docking stations work as an energy aggregator platform that allows the system to obtain diverse types of energy from various sources, facilitating efficient energy alteration and distribution. By preference, energy supplied to vessels by the docking stations is traded in real time between vessels and docking stations based on market conditions, enhancing the economic viability of the energy supply chain system.

[0038] In an embodiment, characterized in that the first and second river vessels move in a coordinated manner. By preference, predictive navigation algorithms are used to analyze current river conditions, vessel movements, and weather forecasts to anticipate and optimize coordinated movements. By preference, the method allows for communication between vessels via a communication network between vessels for real-time information exchange, allowing for adaptive coordination based on the current operational context.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first river vessel is charged at the docking stations and powers the second river vessel. By preference the method incorporates dynamic charging priority algorithms that prioritize vessels with lower energy levels or timesensitive schedules, ensuring an efficient charging and powering relationship. By preference the vessel operators are kept in the loop by means of a user-friendly interface for vessel operators to monitor and control the charging and powering relationship, providing transparency and control over energy transactions.

[0040] A third aspect of the invention relates to the use of the energy supply chain system according to the first aspect, for powering river vessels configured as cargo or passenger transport vessels

[0041] However, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to this application. The method according to the invention can be applied in all sorts of transport networks.

[0042] The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

[0043] The present invention will be now described in more details, referring to examples that are not limitative.

[0044] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0045] With as a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of an energy supply chain for powering river vessels based on the invention, wherein:

[0046] FIG. 1 schematically presents an energy supply chain for powering river vessels (1). The supply chain (1) is shown comprising a power plant (2) for producing electricity. Said powerplant (2) is shown further connected to a first coupling point (3) which distributes the received electrical energy among two docking stations (5). A second coupling point configured as a transformation plant (4) is shown in connected to the powerplant (2) in order to receive electrical energy. The transformation plant (4) is shown distributing electrical energy to a docking station (5), and hydrogen to two docking stations (5), said hydrogen being generated with surplus electricity and water received from the river. The hydrogen produced at the transformation plant (4) is distributed via pipelines (11). The electrical energy is distributed by mean of electrical connections (14). A plurality of power supply first vessels (13, 12) are shown at each of the docking stations (5). A power supply first vessel (13) is shown electrically connected to an energy input terminal (7) of a second vessel (6) by means of an a power transfer element (10) in order to power the motor (8) of said second vessel (6). The second vessel (6) is shown further comprising a backup battery (9) in order to cover small distances where external power supply is unavailable or being exchanged. In order to cover a broad range of energy requirements of different types of second river vessels (6), two of the docking stations are shown comprising hydrogen supply first vessels (12), and all three docking stations comprising electrical energy supply first vessels (13).

[0047] FIG. 2 presents in more detail how a second river vessel is operated under the support of the energy supply chain for powering river vessels (1). The figure shown how the second river vessel (6) exchanges power supply first vessels (13) while in transit. During the time necessary to traverse the distance wherein a first vessel (13) breaks contact and another first vessel (13) establishes contact with the second vessel (6), propulsion is attained by providing the motor (8) of the second vessel (6) with energy stored in the battery (9).

[0048] It is supposed that the present invention is not restricted to any form of realization described previously and that some modifications can be added to the presented example of fabrication without reappraisal of the appended claims. For example, the present invention has been described referring to river transport, but it is clear that the invention can be applied to train transport for instance or to road transport. The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described in the examples and / or shown in the figures. On the contrary, methods according to the present invention may be realized in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0049] List of numbered items:

[0050] 1 energy supply chain for powering river vessels

[0051] 2 powerplant

[0052] 3 coupling point

[0053] 4 transformation plant

[0054] 5 docking stations

[0055] 6 second river vessel

[0056] 7 energy input terminal

[0057] 8 motor

[0058] 9 battery

[0059] 10 power transfer element

[0060] 11 hydrogen supply pipeline

[0061] 12 hydrogen supply first river vessel

[0062] 13 electrical energy / power supply first river vessel

[0063] 14 electrical connection / line

Claims

CLAIMS1. An energy supply chain system for powering river vessels, the system comprising: a power-plant for supplying energy to the system; a coupling point for receiving and transforming energy from said powerplant; a plurality of docking stations located along a river bank for exchanging energy with a first river vessel; connection means for conveying energy from a coupling point to at least one docking station; and a second river vessel configured as a cargo, work or passenger transport vessel, said vessel having an electrically powered propulsion section; characterized in that, the electrically powered propulsion section of the second vessel is externally powered by the first river vessel.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the system comprises a plurality of coupling points in connection with each other by means of the connection means.

3. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, at least one coupling point is configured as an energy conversion plant for using a received energy form to produce another energy form.

4. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the power-plant is a renewable energy source.

5. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the docking stations include charging points for charging the first river vessel.

6. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the first river vessel comprises a battery for storing the energy.

7. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the second river vessel receives power via a power transfer element coupled to the first river vessel.

8. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the second river vessel's propulsion section includes an electric motor.

9. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, multiple second river vessels are each externally powered by a corresponding first river vessel.

10. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the system services a network of rivers.

11. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the first and second river vessels move in a coordinated manner.

12. A method of powering river vessels using supply chain system for powering river vessels, the method comprising the steps of: supplying energy from the power plant to the coupling point; transforming and transferring said energy from the coupling point to a first river vessel via the docking stations; receiving of said energy by the electrically powered propulsion section of a second river vessel from the first river vessel; and utilizing the received energy to activate the propulsion of the second river vessel.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, the methods further comprises steps of obtaining diverse types of energy at the docking stations, altering one form of energy to another, dispatching the modified energy to the vessels, and commanding the vessels.

14. The method according to any of the previous claims 12-13, characterized in that the first and second river vessels move in a coordinated manner.

15. The method according to any of the previous claims 12-14, characterized in that, the first river vessel is charged at the docking stations and powers the second river vessel.

16. Use of the energy supply chain system of claim 1, for powering river vessels configured as cargo or passenger transport vessels.

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