Transfer of energy or energy carriers in the maritime sector

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing energy or an energy carrier in the maritime sector, wherein energy or an energy carrier is transferred from an energy source (2) to a main store (3) by means of at least one mobile secondary store (4), wherein the main store (3) is arranged on or below the water surface. The invention further relates to a supply device (1) in the maritime sector for energy or energy carriers, comprising an energy source (2), a main store (3) and a mobile secondary store (4), wherein the energy source (2), the main store (3) and the mobile secondary store (4) each comprise connection devices (5), which are designed in such a way that the mobile secondary store (4) can connect to the energy source (2) and to the main store (3) for transferring energy or for transferring an energy carrier, wherein the main store (3) is designed in such a way that it can be operated on the water surface or under water.

Description

2024PF00436 1 TRANSMISSION OF ENERGY OR ENERGY CARRIERS IN MARITIME ENVIRONMENTS TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a method for transmitting energy or energy carriers in a maritime environment. The invention further relates to a supply device for energy or energy carriers in a maritime environment. BACKGROUND

[0002] To overcome long distances using electrical energy for propulsion or to operate various devices (such as HVAC ("Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning"), tactical equipment, navigation, and communication) over extended periods, a large amount of stored electrical energy is required. Space in mobile applications is limited, and consequently, so is the amount of stored energy.

[0003] Without the use of new, technically improved storage technologies, this measure massively increases the required volume and weight, which in turn leads to higher energy consumption during operation. A significant increase in capacity beyond a technical optimum is not practical.

[0004] Especially in areas where no charging infrastructure is available, e.g. at sea, energy consumption must be minimized or so-called "range extenders" must be used.

[0005] A range extender is a technology used in electric vehicles to increase their driving range. Essentially, it's an additional drive system that recharges the electric vehicle's battery when its charge is running low. This allows the vehicle to travel further than would be possible with the battery capacity alone. A range extender typically consists of a small combustion engine that drives a generator or another energy source (e.g., a fuel cell). The generator produces electrical energy that either directly powers the vehicle's electric motor or recharges the battery. While increased range, greater flexibility, and reduced charging times are beneficial, there are also disadvantages. For example, integrating a range extender increases the vehicle's energy consumption. 2024PF00436 2 Range extenders increase the complexity and cost of the vehicle; they take up additional space and increase the vehicle's weight, which can affect efficiency, and they produce emissions if the range extender is an internal combustion engine.

[0006] In the field of strategic maritime navigation, new questions arise concerning new large consumers, e.g., the charging of a swarm of unmanned vehicles, which requires a significant amount of additional energy.

[0007] On submarines, some surface ships, and electric vehicles, the primary energy source is a battery. The entire network is a DC network.

[0008] The primary energy storage system (usually batteries) is charged via a stationary power supply, generator, or fuel cells. The maximum range depends on the battery capacity, the number of liters of diesel or hydrogen, and the resulting energy consumption of the vehicle's electrical system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The problem directed towards a process is solved by a process for providing energy or an energy carrier in a maritime environment, wherein energy or an energy carrier is transferred from an energy source to a main storage device by means of at least one mobile secondary storage device, wherein the main storage device is arranged on or below the water surface.

[0010] Such a method offers several advantages. For example, mobile secondary storage systems can more easily reach remote or difficult-to-access maritime locations where fixed infrastructure may be lacking. The mobility of the secondary storage systems also allows for flexible adaptation to changing energy demands and sources. Fewer fixed installations generally mean lower associated costs. Furthermore, the system can be easily scaled by simply adding more mobile secondary storage systems without requiring extensive construction work. Typically, mobile secondary storage systems can be flexibly deployed to maintain energy supply during adverse weather conditions or other disruptions. Efficiency and sustainability should also improve.For example, mobile secondary storage devices can be designed to minimize energy losses and maximize energy transfer efficiency. Another advantage of mobile secondary storage is its ease of maintenance. 2024PF00436 3 They can be easily serviced or replaced as needed, without requiring extensive work on fixed infrastructure. Maintenance work can also be carried out without completely interrupting the power supply.

[0011] The main storage can be provided on a floating platform at sea. A floating platform can be easily relocated to different locations to adapt to changing energy needs or sources. The platform can be deployed in remote or difficult-to-access marine areas where fixed infrastructure may not be available. Floating platforms can be moved and reused as needed, reducing long-term investment costs. They also have a lower impact on the seabed and surrounding environment compared to fixed structures.

[0012] The main storage unit can also be located below the water's surface. This provides better protection against extreme weather conditions, such as storms or waves, as well as against sabotage or other security threats. There are also technical advantages to submerging the main storage unit. Underwater environments offer a more stable and cooler temperature, which can improve the efficiency and lifespan of the main storage unit. Furthermore, water's high thermal conductivity allows for efficient heat dissipation and reduces the need for additional cooling systems.

[0013] It is advantageous for the main storage system to be powered by two or more mobile secondary storage units. Using multiple mobile secondary storage units creates redundancy, which increases security of supply. If one mobile secondary storage unit fails, the others can continue to supply power. Multiple mobile secondary storage units also allow for flexible adaptation to changing energy demands and sources. Additional secondary storage units can be deployed as energy demand increases. While one mobile secondary storage unit is supplying power, the others can be recharged or prepared for the next transport, thus reducing overall transport time. Using multiple mobile secondary storage units also simplifies maintenance, as individual units can be serviced independently without interrupting the entire power supply process. 2024PF00436 4

[0014] Finally, it can be advantageous to use a mobile storage unit as the primary energy storage system. This can be easily relocated to different sites. For example, a power supply system can be easily scaled by adding additional mobile storage units to cover greater distances or higher energy demands without requiring extensive construction work. Furthermore, using a mobile storage unit creates redundancy, which increases security of supply. If one storage unit fails, another can be quickly deployed to the required location.

[0015] The problem, which is directed towards a supply facility for energy or energy carriers in a maritime environment, is solved by a supply facility comprising an energy source, a main storage unit and a mobile secondary storage unit, wherein the energy source, the main storage unit and the mobile secondary storage unit each comprise connection devices designed in such a way that the mobile secondary storage unit can connect to the energy source or to the main storage unit for the transmission of energy or for the transmission of an energy carrier, wherein the main storage unit is designed to be operated on the water surface or underwater.

[0016] The latter offers high flexibility because the main storage system can be deployed in various marine environments depending on requirements and environmental conditions. Underwater operation, for example, provides protection against extreme weather conditions such as storms or waves and reduces mechanical stress from surface phenomena. The risk of sabotage or other security threats can also be reduced by underwater operation. Furthermore, underwater environments offer more stable and generally lower temperatures, which, due to comparatively good heat dissipation, can improve the efficiency and lifespan of the main storage system.

[0017] Connection devices can be both energy interfaces and protective devices. In the marine context, the term "energy interfaces" refers to the points where different energy systems are interconnected. These interfaces enable the exchange of energy between different systems or components of a vessel. Examples of energy interfaces include charging interfaces for the transfer of electrical energy and coupling interfaces. 2024PF00436 5. A mechanical connection between two units through which an energy carrier such as liquid fuel or gas is transferred. Protective devices in the marine environment are devices or systems designed to ensure the safety and reliability of energy systems. They protect both equipment and, where applicable, personnel from potential hazards. Examples of protective devices include circuit breakers and fuses that interrupt the circuit in case of overload or short circuit; devices such as surge arresters that protect against voltage spikes; fire extinguishing systems and smoke detectors that detect and extinguish fires; and systems that interrupt the power supply in an emergency to minimize damage. These energy interfaces and protective devices are crucial for the safe and efficient operation of ships and other maritime installations.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the energy source is a source of electrical energy. Using an electrical energy source as the energy source offers high efficiency, flexibility, ease of control, safety advantages, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, making it an attractive solution for energy supply.

[0019] In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the energy source is a source of an energy carrier. This solution is also very attractive for energy supply due to its high energy density and flexibility.

[0020] Due to the associated high flexibility and easy scalability, it is advantageous if the main memory is mobile.

[0021] It is advantageous if the main storage unit is an autonomous vehicle, particularly a watercraft. This leads to increased flexibility, security of supply, ease of maintenance, autonomy, and scalability.

[0022] External systems, e.g., unmanned underwater vehicles, can be used to charge the main memory, but can also be charged from it.

[0023] The loading of unmanned underwater vehicles (swarms) in the operational area or its peripheral areas takes place away from manned units (submarines or surface units), thereby reducing the risk to life and limb. 2024PF00436 6 FIGURES

[0024] FIG. 1 shows the power supply device according to the invention during the charging of the mobile secondary storage device and

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the supply device according to the invention when the main memory is being charged by the mobile secondary storage device. DESCRIPTION

[0026] FIG. 1 shows the supply device 1 according to the invention in a maritime environment for energy or energy carriers. It comprises an energy source 2, a main storage device 3, and a mobile secondary storage device 4. The energy source 2, the main storage device 3, and the mobile secondary storage device 4 each include connection devices 5 configured such that the mobile secondary storage device 4 can connect to the energy source 2 and to the main storage device 3 for the transmission of energy or for the transmission of an energy carrier. In FIG. 1, the mobile secondary storage device 4 is charged by the energy source 2. The energy flow direction 6 is from left to right.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows the supply device 1 according to the invention when the main memory 3 is being charged by a mobile secondary storage device 4.

Claims

2024PF00436 7 REQUIREMENTS The following is claimed:

1. Method for providing energy or an energy carrier in a maritime environment, wherein energy or an energy carrier is transferred from an energy source (2) to a main storage device (3) by means of at least one mobile secondary storage device (4), characterized in that the main storage device (3) is arranged on or below the water surface.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the main memory (3) is supplied by two or more mobile secondary storage devices (4).

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein a mobile main memory (3) is provided as the main memory (3).

4. Supply device (1) in a maritime environment for energy or energy carriers, comprising an energy source (2), a main storage device (3) and a mobile secondary storage device (4), wherein the energy source (2), the main storage device (3) and the mobile secondary storage device (4) each comprise connection devices (5) which are designed such that the mobile secondary storage device (4) can connect to the energy source (2) and to the main storage device (3) for the transmission of energy or for the transmission of an energy carrier, characterized in that the main storage device (3) is designed so that it can be operated on the water surface or underwater.

5. The supply device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the energy source (2) is a source of electrical energy.

6. The supply device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the energy source (2) is a source of an energy carrier.

7. The supply device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the main storage device (3) is mobile.

8. The supply device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the main storage device (3) is an autonomous vehicle, in particular a watercraft.

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