Floating Battery Storage for Offshore Wave Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave and tidal power generation technologies face spatial limitations and high costs due to the need for subsea cables and inefficient energy conversion, especially in coastal and distant sea areas.
Innovation Solution
A floating renewable energy storage system connected to a power generator that converts wave energy into electrical energy, using a cable with a float unit to prevent collisions and a flexible unit for movement, and includes adjustable turbines for optimal tidal power generation, allowing for energy storage and transfer without expensive submarine cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wave power generation devices are installed in distant seas and coastal offshore waters, then renewable energy generation capability is improved, but installation cost and energy transfer difficulty increase due to requiring expensive subsea cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from the traditional subsea cable infrastructure. Instead of using expensive subsea cables to transfer energy from distant wave power generation devices, the system uses floating energy storage devices that collect and store energy locally at sea, then transfer it to shore using conventional transportation methods. This eliminates the need for complex and expensive subsea cable installations while maintaining energy generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the wave power generation devices in distant seas and the onshore energy distribution system. These floating devices collect energy from multiple wave generators, store it in batteries, and serve as a mobile energy platform that can be transported to shore without requiring direct subsea cable connections, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Power
If tidal power generation turbines are installed, then electrical energy production is achieved, but efficiency decreases due to fixed installation positions and directions that cannot adapt to changing tidal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tidal power generation turbines adjustable rather than fixed. The turbines can change their installation positions and directions to optimize their orientation with respect to tidal flow directions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to changing tidal conditions, thereby improving power generation efficiency while maintaining electrical energy production.
3Use of energy by moving object
If subsea cables are used to transfer energy from wave power generators, then energy transfer is achieved, but economic efficiency deteriorates due to high installation and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conventional transportation methods (ships, barges, etc.) to transport floating energy storage devices and energy equipment to shore, replacing the expensive and permanent subsea cable infrastructure. These transportation methods are more cost-effective and flexible, allowing for easier installation, maintenance, and relocation of energy systems without the high costs associated with subsea cable deployment and repair.
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 system enhances economic efficiency by producing and storing power from wave energy in coastal and distant seas, efficiently adjusting turbine positions and directions for effective tidal power generation, and enables energy transfer through various transportation methods, reducing energy loss and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a renewable energy power generator 2 that produces power by converting wave energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a battery 4 configured to store the electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
a cable 3 with a float unit 31 to prevent collisions and a flexible unit 32 for movement
Implementation Method 4
adjustable turbines for optimal tidal power generation
Implementation Method 5
tidal power generation turbines, configured to effectively produce electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A renewable energy storage that floats in the sea and is connected to a renewable energy power generator that produces power by converting wave energy into electrical energy, includes a housing configured to be connected to the renewable energy power generator using a cable; a first cabin configured to be coupled to or separated from a battery, which is configured to store the electrical energy; and a second cabin configured to be coupled to or separated from a transportation, which is configured to transfer the battery.