Drinking water production facility

Abstract

The invention relates to a drinking water production facility (10) comprising at least one platform (20) that can float on the water surface in order to convert saline water into drinking water to make it usable. Accordingly, its novelty is characterized by comprising at least one wind turbine (30) located on the platform (20) that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy in order to generate energy without the need for a grid, at least one solar panel (40) that converts sunlight into electricity, and additionally a fuel cell (50) that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy; at least one electrical room (21 ) comprising electronic components that make the electrical energy obtained from the said renewable energy sources usable; and at least one mechanical room (22) comprising mechanical components that convert saline water into drinking water by using the electrical energy obtained in the said electrical room (21).

Description

[0001] DRINKING WATER PRODUCTION FACILITY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a drinking water production facility comprising at least one platform that can float on the water surface in order to convert saline water into drinking water to make it usable.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Facilities that convert saline water into drinking water are generally known as seawater treatment plants, and this process is called desalination. Desalination is the process of converting saline water into drinking water, and this water is made usable for human consumption, agriculture, or industry. Desalination is an important method of water supply especially in regions where water resources are limited.

[0006] Facilities in the prior art that convert saline water into drinking water operate as shore-connected and dependent on grid electricity. These facilities use reverse osmosis or distillation technologies, which require high energy, to convert seawater or saline groundwater into drinking water. Generally constructed as large-scale and stationary structures, these facilities are dependent on fossil fuels as an energy source, which causes high carbon emissions and creates negative effects in terms of environmental sustainability. Their fixed positions and large infrastructure requirements limit the flexibility of these facilities, while also increasing the negative impacts on coastal ecosystems.

[0007] In addition, although the renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines used in the facilities of the prior art that convert saline water into drinking water can provide high efficiency in energy generation, they may exhibit low efficiency in energy storage and conversion processes. Offshore and off-grid facilities that use solar panels, wind turbines, and wave energy systems may experience disadvantages in terms of energy continuity, efficiency, and operational flexibility.

[0008] The application numbered CN101875516A, known in the literature, discloses a seawater desalination device that obtains clean energy from wind, light, sunlight, and ocean currents. The invention-related structure is stated to comprise wind turbines, solar panels, and ocean current power generation devices, an energy storage device consisting of a battery pack, and a seawater treatment device. The energy generated by the wind turbine, solar panel, and ocean current power generation devices is stored in the battery pack and used for seawater treatment. The mentioned invention-related structure does not address energy generation through a fuel cell and shows lower efficiency in energy storage and conversion processes compared to fuel cells.

[0009] As a result, all the problems mentioned above have made it necessary to introduce an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a drinking water production facility intended to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0012] An object of the invention is to provide a drinking water production facility that can remain on the water surface and does not require connection to the grid.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a drinking water production facility in which a high amount of drinking water conversion can be achieved by means of renewable energy sources.

[0014] In order to achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is a drinking water production facility comprising at least one platform that can float on the water surface in order to convert saline water into drinking water to make it usable. Accordingly, its novelty is that it comprises at least one wind turbine that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy, at least one solar panel that converts sunlight into electricity, and additionally a fuel cell that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy, located on the said platform in order to generate energy without the need for a grid; at least one electrical room comprising electronic components that make the electrical energy obtained from the said renewable energy sources usable; and at least one mechanical room comprising mechanical components that convert saline water into drinking water by using the electrical energy obtained in the said electrical room. Thus, a drinking water production facility is obtained that does not require a grid and allows for a high amount of drinking water conversion by utilizing renewable energy sources.

[0015] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one battery in which the electrical energy obtained from the wind turbine, solar panel, and fuel cell is stored. Thus, the renewable energy sources can be stored and used when needed.

[0016] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a reverse osmosis system located in the mechanical room, which converts saline water into drinking water. Thus, the conversion of saline water into drinking water is achieved.

[0017] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one steel cable connected to the seabed in order for the platform to remain stationary on the water surface. Thus, the platform is fixed at the desired angle on the water surface.

[0018] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one feed pump that allows saline water to fill at least one holding tank located in the mechanical room. Thus, the transfer of saline water into the platform is enabled.

[0019] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one inverter that converts the energy generated by the solar panel, wind turbine, and fuel cell in different currents (AC / DC) into the type of current that can be stored by the battery. Thus, the electrical energy obtained from renewable energy sources is made usable.

[0020] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one drinking water tank in which the drinking water obtained from the reverse osmosis system is stored. Thus, the obtained drinking water can be stored.

[0021] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one access passage that allows access to the drinking water tank. Thus, it becomes possible to access the drinking water tank at specific time intervals.

[0022] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one control board that measures the salinity of the drinking water obtained from the reverse osmosis system and controls the transfer of minerals such as magnesium and sodium. Thus, controls are ensured during the drinking water production process.

[0023] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one reflector for the solar panel to benefit from sunlight coming at different angles. Thus, sunlight coming from reverse angles can also be converted into electrical energy.

[0024] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one hydrogen tank on the platform to supply the hydrogen required for the fuel cell. Thus, the hydrogen support needed by the fuel cell is provided.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 shows a representative perspective view of the drinking water production facility according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a representative perspective view of the rear side of the drinking water production facility according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a representative perspective view of the mechanical room in the drinking water production facility according to the invention.

[0028] Figure 4 shows a representative perspective view of the electrical room in the drinking water production facility according to the invention.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is explained with examples that are solely intended to provide a better understanding of the subject and shall not have any limiting effect.

[0031] In Figure 1 , a representative perspective view of at least one drinking water production facility (10) according to the invention is shown. The drinking water production facility (10) enables the conversion of saline water into drinking water and the use of this water for human consumption, agriculture, or industry. The drinking water production facility (10), which floats on the water surface, operates independently of any grid by utilizing renewable energy sources.

[0032] The drinking water production facility (10) according to the invention is positioned on at least one platform (20). The platform (20) is the structure on which the energy generation, energy transfer, saline water to drinking water conversion, and storage components of the drinking water production facility (10) are positioned. The platform (20) is essentially a structure enclosed on four sides, and its size can be adjusted according to the need and the amount of water to be converted. The platform (20) floats on saline water at a predetermined angle in order to obtain maximum efficiency from the renewable energy sources located on it. In order to remain at this predetermined angle on the water surface, it is fixed to the seabed with at least one steel cable (140). The steel cable (140) is located on all four sides of the platform (20) and ensures that the platform (20) is fixed on the water surface. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the platform (20) can be stabilized by a weight placed underneath it. This allows the drinking water production facility (10) to remain stable at the designated angle on the water surface even in cases where fixation with a steel cable (140) to the seabed is not possible.

[0033] The drinking water production facility (10) is capable of generating its own electricity without the need for a grid thanks to multiple renewable energy sources. One of these renewable energy sources is wind energy. In order to convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy, at least one wind turbine (30) is located on the platform (20). In a possible embodiment of the invention, four wind turbines (30) are positioned on each side of the platform (20).

[0034] Another renewable energy source used in the drinking water production facility (10) is solar energy. The drinking water production facility (10) comprises at least one solar panel (40) to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The solar panel (40) is capable of generating energy at any hour of the day. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one reflector (150) (not shown in the figures) is located behind the solar panel (40). The reflector (150) reflects sunlight, thereby providing a solar panel (40) capable of converting sunlight coming from both sides into electrical energy. In Figure 2, a rear perspective view of the drinking water production facility (10) according to the invention is shown. Thanks to the reflector (150) placed, the sunlight hitting the back of the solar panel (40) can also be converted into electrical energy.

[0035] In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one electrical room (21 ) is located within the platform (20). The electrical room (21 ) is the room where the electrical components that provide the necessary electrical energy during the conversion of saline water into drinking water are located. A representative perspective view of the electrical room (21 ) is shown in Figure 4. Another energy source used in the drinking water production facility (10) is at least one fuel cell (50). The fuel cell (50) is located in the electrical room (21 ). The fuel cell (50) provides higher electrical energy compared to the solar panel (40) and the wind turbine (30). In a possible embodiment of the invention, when there is a need for a high amount of drinking water that cannot be achieved with the electrical energy obtained from solar and wind energy, the fuel cell (50) can be used. The fuel cell (50) essentially enables the generation of a large amount of electrical energy with a small amount of hydrogen.

[0036] At least one hydrogen tank (160) is located on the platform (20). The hydrogen tank (160) stores pure hydrogen gas to be used in the fuel cell (50). The fuel cell (50) located in the electrical room (21 ) produces electrical energy through a chemical reaction between the hydrogen coming from the hydrogen tank (160) and the oxygen taken from the air. The electrical energy obtained from the wind turbine (30), solar panel (40), and fuel cell (50) may be in different types and cannot be stored directly. At least one inverter (70) located in the electrical room (21 ) converts the AC electricity generated by the wind turbine (30) and the DC electricity generated by the solar panel (40) into a single type of current for storage. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one DC box is provided, which receives the DC energy coming from the renewable energy sources and manages the transmission of this energy to the mentioned inverter (70) (not shown in the figures). After the inverter (70) performs the conversion under a single current, it transfers the electrical energy to at least one battery (60) located in the electrical room (21 ). The battery (60) stores this electrical energy and enables its use when needed.

[0037] At least one mechanical room (22) is located within the platform (20). The mechanical room (22) is the room in which the mechanical components that enable the conversion of saline water into drinking water are located. After the electrical energy coming from renewable energy sources is made usable in the electrical room (21 ), saline water is first drawn in the drinking water production facility (10). This intake of saline water is carried out by means of at least one feed pump (90). The feed pump (90) is designed to continuously supply water and has a corrosionresistant structure. The feed pump (90) transfers the saline water to at least one holding tank (80). The holding tank (80) removes particles, organic substances, and certain chemical impurities in the water, thereby preventing clogging and abrasion of materials in the later processes. The carbon sands and graphite inside the holding tank (80) play a critical role in this treatment process. The feed pump (90) performs an intermittent (start-stop) water transfer depending on the water level in the holding tank (80). In Figure 3, a representative perspective view of the mechanical room (22) is shown. As seen from here, the drinking water production facility (10) according to the invention comprises at least one reverse osmosis system (100). The reverse osmosis system (100) is the system in which the saline water drawn by the feed pump (90) is converted into drinking water. The saline water in the holding tank (80) is transferred to the reverse osmosis system (100) by means of a transfer pump. The reverse osmosis system (100) comprises at least one pressurizing pump (101 ). The pressurizing pump (101 ) provides the high pressure required for the filtration of the water. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pressure in the range of 55-80 bar is typically required for seawater treatment. By means of the pressurizing pump (101 ), the water is forced into at least one membrane (102) under high pressure, thereby enabling molecular-level filtration of the water. The membrane (102) allows the passage of water molecules while retaining salt and other impurities. Thus, the drinking portion of the water and the concentrated saline portion are separated. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the membrane (102) within the reverse osmosis system (100) has a capacity sufficient to convert 1 ton of saline water per hour and 24 tons per day into drinking water.

[0038] The reverse osmosis system (100) comprises at least one backwash pump (103). The backwash pump (103) ensures the periodic cleaning of the membranes (102) in order to prevent clogging and to maintain their performance. The backwash pump (103), which operates at specific intervals, uses high-pressure water to clean the deposits and dirt on the membrane (102). In the drinking water production facility (10) according to the invention, at least one control board (120) is present, which monitors the water quality in the reverse osmosis system (100) and provides the necessary mineral supplementation. The control board (120) monitors the salinity and mineral levels of the water coming from the reverse osmosis system (100) and, when necessary, provides mineral supplementation to ensure that the water complies with drinking water standards.

[0039] The drinking water obtained in the drinking water production facility (10) is stored in at least one drinking water tank (110) (not shown in the figures). In the embodiment of the invention, the purified drinking water is transferred to and stored in the said drinking water tank (110) by means of a freshwater pump. The drinking water tank (1 10) can be accessed via at least one access passage (130) located within the platform (20). The drinking water tank (110), which requires maintenance at specific intervals, can be accessed through the said access passage (130) located on the floor of the platform (20).

[0040] In light of all the above, the invention operates as follows: On the platform (20), which is fixed to the seabed on all four sides by means of steel cables (140), there are four wind turbines (30), a solar panel (40), and optionally a fuel cell (50). With all these renewable energy sources, the drinking water production facility (10), which operates offshore and independently of the grid, is capable of generating its own electrical energy. Thanks to the reverse osmosis system (100) located in the facility, saline water is converted into drinking water and stored in the drinking water tank (110). In cases where the electricity generated by wind and solar energy is insufficient, the fuel cell (50) can be used to convert a much larger amount of saline water into drinking water.

[0041] Therefore, a drinking water production facility (10) is obtained, which is fixed to the seabed at the correct angle on the water surface, can fully meet its energy requirements through the use of a fuel cell (50) in addition to wind and solar energy, and is independent of the grid.

[0042] The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the claims provided in the annex and shall by no means be limited to the embodiments described in this detailed description for exemplary purposes. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may develop similar embodiments in light of the above descriptions without departing from the main concept of the invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE DRAWINGS

[0043] 10 Drinking Water Production Facility

[0044] 20 Platform

[0045] 21 Electrical Room

[0046] 22 Mechanical Room

[0047] 30 Wind Turbine

[0048] 40 Solar Panel

[0049] 50 Fuel Cell

[0050] 60 Battery

[0051] 70 Inverter

[0052] 80 Holding Tank

[0053] 90 Feed Pump

[0054] 100 Reverse Osmosis System

[0055] 101 Pressurizing Pump

[0056] 102 Membrane

[0057] 103 Backwash Pump

[0058] 110 Drinking Water tank

[0059] 120 Control Board

[0060] 130 Access Passage

[0061] 140 Steel Cable

[0062] 150 Reflector

[0063] 160 Hydrogen Tank

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A drinking water production facility (10) comprising at least one platform (20) that can float on the water surface in order to convert saline water into drinking water to make it usable, characterized in that; it comprises at least one wind turbine (30) located on the platform (20) to generate energy without the need for a grid by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy, at least one solar panel (40) that converts sunlight into electricity, and additionally a fuel cell (50) that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy, at least one electrical room (21 ) comprising electronic components that make the electrical energy obtained from the said renewable energy sources usable, and at least one mechanical room (22) comprising mechanical components that convert saline water into drinking water by using the electrical energy obtained in the said electrical room (21 ).

2. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one battery (60) in which the electrical energy obtained from the wind turbine (30), solar panel (40), and fuel cell (50) is stored.

3. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a reverse osmosis system (100) located in the mechanical room (22), which converts saline water into drinking water.

4. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one steel cable (140) connected to the seabed in order for the platform (20) to remain stationary on the water surface.

5. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one feed pump (90) that allowssaline water to fill at least one holding tank (80) located in the mechanical room (22).

6. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one inverter (70) that converts the energy generated by the solar panel (40), wind turbine (30), and fuel cell (50) in different currents (AC / DC) into the type of current that can be stored by the battery (60).

7. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one drinking water tank (110) in which the drinking water obtained from the reverse osmosis system (100) is stored.

8. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one access passage (130) that allows access to the drinking water tank (110).

9. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one control board (120) that measures the salinity of the drinking water obtained from the reverse osmosis system (100) and controls the transfer of minerals such as magnesium and sodium.

10. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one reflector (150) for the solar panel (40) to benefit from sunlight coming at different angles.

11. The drinking water production facility (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one hydrogen tank (160) located on the platform (20) to supply the hydrogen required for the fuel cell (50).

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