A power bank barge

Abstract

The present invention concerns a river barge configured as an external power source for vessels using electrical propulsion, the river barge comprising an energy input terminal for charging the barge at a charging dock, a motor driven propulsion system, a battery, a battery controller for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery, and a movable energy output terminal in electrical connection with the battery. The barge further comprises a steering controller for steering the barge, said steering controller being in communication with a plurality of sensors for detecting obstacles around the barge.

Description

[0001] A POWER BANK BARGE

[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 ... according to claim 1. This barge configuration advantageously relieves electrically propulsion vessels from the need to storage large volumes of fuel and / or batteries, thus increasing the space available for cargo and / or passengers. The barge permits also leveraging existing electrical grids, in particular those powered by renewable energies in order to reduce the environmental footprint of river transportation. Preferred embodiments of the device are shown in any of the claims 2 to 13. A specific preferred embodiment relates to an invention according to claim 5. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 14. More particular, the method as described herein provides that a barge is charges at a docking station and subsequently powers another vessel while trailing it. Preferred embodiments of the method are shown in any of the claims 15 to 16.

[0010] In a third aspect the present invention relates to a use according to claim 17.

[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 the elements comprised in an embodiment of the power bank barge (1) configures an electric power bank.

[0014] Figure 2 schematically presents the elements comprised in an embodiment of the power bank barge (1) configured as a fuel-electric power bank.

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention concerns a river barge configured as an external power source for vessels using electrical propulsion, the river barge comprising an energy input terminal for charging the barge at a charging dock, a motor driven propulsion system, a battery, a battery controller for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery, and a movable energy output terminal in electrical connection with the battery. The barge further comprises a steering controller for steering the barge, said steering controller being in communication with a plurality of sensors for detecting obstacles around the barge. This barge configuration advantageously relieves electrically propulsion vessels from the need to storage large volumes of fuel and / or batteries, thus increasing the space available for cargo and / or passengers. The barge permits also leveraging existing electrical grids, in particular those powered by renewable energies in order to reduce the environmental footprint of river transportation.

[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.

[0018] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0019] "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.

[0020] "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.

[0021] "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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0024] 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,

[0025] >6 or >7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a river barge configured as an external power source for vessels using electrical propulsion, the river barge comprising: an energy input terminal for charging the barge at a charging dock; a motor driven propulsion system; a battery; a battery controller for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery; and a movable energy output terminal in electrical connection with the battery;

[0028] The barge further comprises a steering controller for steering the barge, said steering controller being in communication with a plurality of sensors for detecting obstacles around the barge. The barge may be manually piloted. More preferably, the barge is a self-navigating barge. In this way, a bridge space for a crew is advantageously made free for increased energy storage.

[0029] In an embodiment, the propulsion system of the barge further comprises an electrically driven motor. This permits, clean and efficient operation with reduced environmental impact. The electrically driven motor contributes to reducing emissions, promoting environmentally sustainable river transportation, in particular if electricity is sourced from renewable energy sources. In an embodiment, the propulsion system of the barge is a hybrid propulsion system configured to use electrical power and a chemical energy source, the propulsion system further comprising a tank for receiving, storing and dispensing said chemical energy source to said propulsion system. By preference, the motor-driven propulsion system is a fuel-electric drive system, combining electrical and chemical energy for enhanced performance. In specific embodiments the barge includes also a combustion motor configured to use diesel, gasoline, natural gas, hydrogen and / or ammonia. In specific embodiments, the propulsion system is a hydrogen-electric drive system, utilizing hydrogen as a chemical energy source in a fuel cell. The hybrid propulsion system provides the barge with the flexibility to switch between electrical and chemical energy sources, optimizing energy usage based on operational needs.

[0030] The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the battery is a high energy lithium-ion battery. The high energy lithium-ion battery optimizes the storage and release of electrical energy, enhancing the barge's operational efficiency.

[0031] In an embodiment, the battery controller controls the charge cycle of the battery based on usage demand of the barge. The battery controller adapts the charge cycle based on the usage demand of the barge, optimizing energy management. Adaptive charge cycle control improves the battery's longevity by tailoring charging patterns to the operational needs of the barge.

[0032] In an embodiment, the propulsion system comprises at least one drive shaft, said dive shaft being connected to an electricity generating element by means of a releasable clutch, said electricity generating element being electrically connected to the to the battery. The releasable clutch allows for on-demand engagement and disengagement of the electricity generating element, optimizing energy generation based on operational requirements. By preference, the at least one drive shaft is equipped with a regenerative braking system in the electric motor captures and stores energy during braking, improving overall energy efficiency. The regenerative braking system also allows docked barges to generate energy from the current of the river as moving water passes through propulsion a element of the barge, such as a propeller, turbine or the like.

[0033] In an embodiment, the energy output terminal of the barge is configured to output electrical energy to the vessels, the energy output terminal being mounted onto the end effector of a robot arm. The robot arm-mounted energy output terminal provides flexibility and precision in energy transfer to vessels, accommodating various vessel configurations. By preference, said robot arm comprises 4 degrees-of-freedom, more preferably 5 degrees-of-freedom, 6 degrees-of-freedom, most preferably 7 degrees- of-freedom, in this way further improving the flexibility of energy transfer between vessels.

[0034] In an embodiment, the sensors are ultrasonic sensors for detecting obstacles. Ultrasonic sensors enhance the barge's ability to accurately detect obstacles, contributing to safe navigation in varied river environments. Said sensor are particularly useful for enabling the barge to keep a constant distance with a vessel or dock while exchanging energy.

[0035] In an embodiment, the steering controller comprises at least one processing section and at least one memory in communication with each other. The processing section and memory facilitate efficient navigation control, ensuring precise steering and obstacle avoidance capabilities. By preference, the vessel is equipped with at least one imaging device in communication with the steering controller, a section of the memory section of said steering controller further contain a computer vision algorithm for detecting and tracking an electricity input terminal of a vessel. The imaging device and computer vision algorithm enable automated detection and tracking of vessel energy input terminals, streamlining the engagement process.

[0036] In an embodiment, the steering controller further comprises a communication section configured to receive instructions to engage a vessel with which to engage and provide electricity via the energy output terminal, said instructions including the location, trajectory and identification of the vessel. The communication section facilitates automated vessel engagement, streamlining the process of providing energy to identified vessels.

[0037] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of providing external power to vessels using electrical propulsion, comprising: charging the river barge at a charging dock; docking a river barge to said vessel; providing power from an energy output terminal on the river barge to said vessel; steering the barge using a steering controller, said steering controller being in communication with a plurality of sensors for detecting obstacles around the barge. By preference, the method comprises The method involves automated docking initiated by communication with a central command system, enabling precise and efficient engagement with vessels. Automated docking enhances efficiency by streamlining the approach, engagement, and energy transfer processes with vessels. More preferably, said communication comprising instructions with identification of a vessel to which to provide energy, location and trajectory of said vessel, said instructions causing the barge to execute the steps of: approaching and trailing said vessel; establishing visual contact with the energy input terminal of the vessel and engaging said energy input terminal by moving the robot arm such that the end effector of said robot arm contacts said energy input terminal; and transferring energy from the battery of the barge to the energy input terminal of the vessel via the energy output terminal at the end effector of the robot arm.

[0038] In this context, the term trailing is to be understood as the following of a vessel wherein a trailing vessel travels at a speed substantially identical to that of the trailed vessel. While trailing a vessel, the trailing vessel can follow behind the trailed vessel, or by preference, the trailing vessel follows side-by-side the trailed vessel. When the following a vessel from behind, the barge is pulled by said vessel. Preferably, when the barge is pulled by the vessel, the propulsion of the barge is turned off.

[0039] In an embodiment, during the step of communicating with a central command system to receive instructions, said instructions further include a trailing distance wherein the barge follows the vessel, and after which distance, the barge disengages and returns to a charging dock. Trailing distance instructions ensure the return of the barge to a charging dock after completing its engagement with a vessel and before said barge runs out of energy, which could cause it to drift away, being potentially lost and / or causing collisions with other vessel.

[0040] The term trailing distance refers to a distance along a trailing trajectory, and should not be used interchangeably with any other term used to express a distance between the trailed vessel and the trailing vessel.

[0041] A third aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a river barge configured with an energy output terminal, a battery, a battery controller, and a steering controller as an external power source for vessels using electrical propulsion, wherein the steering controller is in communication with a plurality of sensors for detecting obstacles around the barge.

[0042] 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 energy providing vehicles also at sea, air or land.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The present invention will be now described in more details, referring to examples that are not limitative.

[0045] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0046] 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 a number of preferred embodiments of the power bank barge based on the invention, wherein:

[0047] FIG. 1 schematically presents the elements comprised in an embodiment of the power bank barge (1) configures an electric power bank. The barge (1) is shown comprising, an energy input terminal (2) for charging the barge (1) at a charging dock, a motor driven propulsion system (3), a battery (4) in communication whith a battery controller (5) for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery (4), and a movable energy output terminal (6) in electrical connection with the battery (4). The barge (1) further comprises a plurality of sensors (7) for detecting obstacles around the barge (1). Both the motor driven propulsion system (3) is shown is electrical contact with the battery (4) so as to draw power and used said power to generate propulsion to move the barge (1).

[0048] FIG. 2 schematically presents the elements comprised in an embodiment of the power bank barge (1) configured as a fuel-electric power bank. The barge (1) is shown comprising, an energy input terminal (2) for charging the barge (1) at a charging dock, a motor driven propulsion system (3), a battery (4) in communication with a battery controller (5) for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery (4), and a movable energy output terminal (6) in electrical connection with the battery (4). The barge (1) further comprises a plurality of sensors (7) for detecting obstacles around the barge (1). Both the motor driven propulsion system (3) is shown is electrical contact with the battery (4) so as to draw power and used said power to generate propulsion to move the barge (1). The barge (1) is further shown comprising a fuel tank (10) provided with an inlet (9) for said fuel disposed to the outer surface of the barge (1). The fuel tank is shown in further connection with a generator (8) configured to generate electrical power using said fuel, which electrical power is then transferable to the battery (4) by means of electrical connections. In this configuration, the barge (1) supports the use of a plurality of fuel types such as ammonia, hydrogen, diesel, gasoline, natural gas. This configuration is also compatible with the use of hydrogen fuel cells.

[0049] 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 barges, but it is clear that the invention can be applied to marine barges for instance.

[0050] 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.

[0051] List of numbered items:

[0052] 1 barge

[0053] 2 energy input terminal

[0054] 3 motor driven propulsion system

[0055] 4 battery

[0056] 5 battery controller

[0057] 6 energy output terminal

[0058] 7 sensors

[0059] 8 generator

[0060] 9 inlet

[0061] 10 fuel tank

Claims

CLAIMS1. A river barge configured as an external power source for vessels using electrical propulsion, the river barge comprising: an energy input terminal for charging the barge at a charging dock; a motor driven propulsion system; a battery; a battery controller for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery; and a movable energy output terminal in electrical connection with the battery; characterized in that, the barge further comprises a steering controller for steering the barge, said steering controller being in communication with a plurality of sensors for detecting obstacles around the barge.

2. The river barge according to claim 1, characterized in that, the propulsion system of the barge further comprises an electrically driven motor.

3. The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the propulsion system of the barge is a hybrid propulsion system configured to use electrical power and a chemical energy source, the propulsion system further comprising a tank for receiving, storing and dispensing said chemical energy source to said propulsion system.

4. The river barge according to claim 3, characterized in that, the motor driven propulsion system is a fuel-electric drive system.

5. The river barge according to claim 4, characterized in that, the motor driven propulsion system is a hydrogen-electric drive system.

6. The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the battery is a high energy lithium-ion battery.

7. The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the battery controller controls the charge cycle of the battery based on usage demand of the barge.

8. The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the propulsion system comprises at least one drive shaft, said dive shaft being connected to an electricity generating element by means of a releasable clutch, said electricity generating element being electrically connected to the to the battery.

9. The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the energy output terminal of the barge is configured to output electrical energy to the vessels, the energy output terminal being mounted onto the end effector of a robot arm.

10. The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the sensors are ultrasonic sensors for detecting obstacles.

11. The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the steering controller comprises at least one processing section and at least one memory in communication with each other.

12. The river barge according to claim 11, characterized in that, the vessel is equipped with at least one imaging device in communication with the steering controller, a section of the memory section of said steering controller further contain a computer vision algorithm for detecting and tracking an electricity input terminal of a vessel.

13. The river barge according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the steering controller further comprises a communication section configured to receive instructions to engage a vessel with which to engage and provide electricity via the energy output terminal, said instructions including the location, trajectory and identification of the vessel.

14. A method of providing external power to vessels using electrical propulsion, comprising: charging the river barge at a charging dock; docking a river barge to said vessel; providing power from an energy output terminal on the river barge to said vessel;steering the barge using a steering controller, said steering controller being in communication with a plurality of sensors for detecting obstacles around the barge;15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, the step of docking a river barge to said vessel is triggered by a communication with a central command system, said communication comprising instructions with identification of a vessel to which to provide energy, location and trajectory of said vessel, said instructions causing the barge to execute the steps of: approaching and trailing said vessel; establishing visual contact with the energy input terminal of the vessel and engaging said energy input terminal by moving the robot arm such that the end effector of said robot arm contacts said energy input terminal; and transferring energy from the battery of the barge to the energy input terminal of the vessel via the energy output terminal at the end effector of the robot arm.

16. The method according to previous claims 14-15, characterized in that, during the step of communicating with a central command system to receive instructions, said instructions further include a trailing distance wherein the barge follows the vessel, and after which distance, the barge disengages and returns to a charging dock.

17. Use of a river barge configured with an energy output terminal, a battery, a battery controller, and a steering controller as an external power source for vessels using electrical propulsion, wherein the steering controller is in communication with a plurality of sensors for detecting obstacles around the barge.

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