Deep Ocean Current Power Plant Relay Platform Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to construct and operate deep ocean current power plants effectively, as existing tidal power plants are limited to shallow seas, and there is no precedent for deep ocean current energy conversion into electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
A deep ocean current power plant comprising a current generator group, relay platform, generator anchorage system, and power transmission-and-distribution cable, with a novel constructing procedure that includes sea-throwing, cable-numbering, platform assembling, anchoring, and testing to reduce construction costs and enhance engineering reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If tidal power plants are built in shallow seas using existing technologies, then construction can be achieved, but the depth is limited to within 20 meters and cannot access deep ocean currents
Solution Approach 1:
The power plant system is divided into modular components: multiple current generator groups, relay platforms, anchorage systems, and power transmission cables. This segmentation allows the system to be constructed and deployed in deep water environments where single-unit designs would be impractical, enabling operation at depths exceeding 20 meters while maintaining construction feasibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If power transmission cables are laid on the seabed, then cable routing is simplified, but the cables are vulnerable to damage from geological changes and seabed conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission cables are elevated from the seabed plane to a suspended configuration above the seabed. The cables connect relay platforms and are positioned in the water column rather than on the seabed surface, creating a three-dimensional routing solution that avoids geological hazards while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay platforms serve as intermediary structures that support and position the power transmission cables above the seabed. These platforms act as mediators between the current generator groups and the land-based power grid, providing stable mounting points for cables while isolating them from direct contact with the seabed environment.
3Temperature
If current generator groups are placed in deep water, then access to deep ocean currents is achieved, but construction difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Relay platforms are deployed and anchored to the seabed before current generator groups are installed. This preliminary action creates a stable infrastructure in deep water that simplifies subsequent generator installation and positioning, reducing overall construction complexity despite the deep water environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a nested structure where current generator groups are positioned above and connected to relay platforms, which in turn are anchored to the seabed. This nested arrangement allows deep water current generation while organizing components in a hierarchical structure that simplifies construction and maintenance operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the conversion of kinetic energy from deep ocean currents into electrical energy, withstands harsh marine conditions, minimizes ecological impact, and reduces construction difficulties and costs by using composite materials and flexible anchoring systems, ensuring stable and reliable power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a current generator group (2), comprising turbines (21) and generators (22) which convert ocean flow into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
turbines (21) and generators (22) which convert ocean flow into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a deep ocean current power plant. In one embodiment, the deep ocean current power plant comprises at least one relay platform, a plurality of platform anchorage cables, a plurality of turbine generators, and power conversion equipment. The at least one relay platform floats and is submerged in a deep ocean current. The platform anchorage cables anchor the relay platform to a seabed. The turbine generators are anchored to the relay platform, and convert kinetic energy of the deep ocean current into electrical energy. The power conversion equipment is installed on the relay platform, gathers the electrical energy generated by the turbine generators to generate an electrical power, and modulates the electrical power to be transmitted to a land power station.