Electric Heave Compensation Using Supercapacitors for Fast Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heave compensation systems face challenges in managing dynamic behavior and force control during vessel movements, particularly during load transfer and splash zone transitions, and require complex passive compensation systems that are prone to leakage and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained mobile active heave compensation system using supercapacitors to store and supply electric power to an electrically driven actuator, combined with an energy management system for bi-directional energy flow, eliminating the need for gas springs and allowing almost instantaneous torque and force control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive compensation systems (gas springs) are used, then heave compensation can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and prone to leakage and maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical passive compensation system (gas springs) with an electrically driven actuator system. The actuator uses an electric motor coupled to a reel through a gear box, substituting mechanical gas spring compression/expansion with electrical motor-driven wire rope winding/unwinding. This eliminates leakage risks associated with gas springs while maintaining compensation functionality through active control based on vessel motion sensors.
2Speed
If traditional energy storage (batteries) is used, then power supply is available, but response time is slow and energy management is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from traditional batteries to supercapacitors. Supercapacitors provide nearly instantaneous energy discharge capability due to their electrostatic energy storage mechanism, enabling rapid actuator response during critical load transfer operations. The energy management system intelligently switches between supercapacitor fast-response energy and battery sustained energy, optimizing both response speed and energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If force control is used during load transfer, then dynamic behavior is managed, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial active force control only during critical load transfer phases rather than continuous control. The energy management system activates the supercapacitor-powered actuator selectively during load transfer operations where force control is most beneficial, while relying on passive system behavior during stable phases. This reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining operational control when needed.
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 system provides increased uptime, simplified maintenance, and rapid load transfer with almost instantaneous response, while reducing complexity and environmental spillage risks, and enabling quick engineering for new loads.
Implementation Method 1
an electric power source provided with supercapacitors, such that, in a first heave compensation phase, when the heave compensation part generates energy, electric power is stored in said supercapacitors and, in a second heave compensation phase, when the heave compensation part requires energy, electric power stored in said supercapacitors is supplied to said electrically driven actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile active heave compensation system (10) provided with a first attachment device (12) allowing said mobile active heave compensation system (10) to be suspended from a load bearing device (14) and provided with a second attachment device (16) allowing said mobile active heave compensation system (10) to carry a payload (18), said mobile active heave compensation system (10) comprising: - a control unit (20), - a heave compensation part (22) comprising an electrically driven actuator (24), - a sensor arrangement (26) producing input signals for said control unit (20) to control the heave compensation part (22), - an electric power source (28) provided with supercapacitors (30), such that, in a first heave compensation phase, when the heave compensation part (22) generates energy, electric power is stored in said supercapacitors (30) and, in a second heave compensation phase, when the heave compensation part (22) requires energy, electric power stored in said supercapacitors (30) is supplied to said electrically driven actuator (24).