Distributed Offshore Electrolyzer on Wind Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-scale water electrolysis plants face high costs and significant power losses due to the need for offshore platforms and long-distance electrical power transmission from offshore wind farms.
Innovation Solution
A distributed offshore wind-powered electrolysis plant configuration where each wind turbine is equipped with a small-scale electrolyzer and its balance of plant, with a centralized main platform for the balance of plant and product exchange pipelines to minimize power losses and reduce capital expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a large-scale electrolysis plant is installed on an offshore platform within or close to the wind farm, then power losses are reduced, but the cost of constructing the offshore platform increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrolysis system into multiple distributed units, each attached to individual wind turbines, rather than consolidating everything into a single large offshore platform. This segmentation reduces the need for expensive large-scale offshore construction while maintaining low power losses through localized placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wind turbine structure itself serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the wind turbine and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the electrolyzer and balance of plant components. This eliminates the need for separate expensive offshore platforms.
2Loss of energy
If each wind turbine is connected to its own small-scale electrolysis plant, then power losses are minimized, but the number of components requiring service and repair increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrolyzer units and their balance of plant components onto a single offshore platform structure, rather than distributing them across multiple separate platforms. This merging reduces the total number of separate components requiring service while maintaining the power loss benefits of distributed electrolysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wind turbine structure itself serve as the mounting structure for electrolyzer components, eliminating the need for separate dedicated platforms. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components that need maintenance while preserving the low power loss advantage.
3Device complexity
If a centralized transformer is used at the electrolyzer platform, then system complexity is reduced, but power losses in transporting electrical power from distributed wind turbines increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a centralized transformer by directly connecting each wind turbine to its associated electrolyzer through distributed power electronics. This segmentation of the power transmission function reduces power losses while managing system complexity through modular control.
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
This configuration reduces power losses and system complexity, lowers capital expenditure, and increases the efficiency of hydrogen production by placing electrolyzers close to their power source, while also simplifying maintenance and reducing the number of components requiring service.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of wind turbines (100) of an offshore wind park (10)
Implementation Method 2
a distributed electrolyzer plant (11) comprising a plurality of electrolyzers (110)
Data Source
AI summary
A wind-powered electrolysis arrangement is provided including a plurality of wind turbines of an offshore wind park; a distributed electrolyzer plant including a plurality of electrolyzers, wherein each electrolyzer is arranged on a wind turbine platform; a balance of plant of the distributed electrolyzer plant, installed on a main platform in the wind park; and a plurality of product pipelines, wherein each product pipeline is arranged to convey a number of products between the balance of plant and a distributed electrolyzer. A method of operating such a wind-powered electrolysis arrangement is also provided.