Floating Desalination Vessel with Vertical RO and Wind-Wave Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse osmosis (RO) systems for seawater desalination are land-based, requiring extensive planning, significant power supply, and infrastructure, which is costly and environmentally impactful, and marine-based systems face stability issues due to wind and wave forces, impacting marine life and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A floating, renewable energy-powered desalination vessel integrating a wind turbine generator and wave energy converter to power an onboard reverse osmosis system, with vertically positioned cylindrical sections and a low-profile buoyancy chamber, providing enhanced stability and reduced mass through strategic buoyancy and ballast distribution, and the ability to operate with shore-based power during calm periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a marine surface vessel is used for desalination, then mobility and flexibility are improved, but stability under wind and wave forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is divided into multiple cylindrical sections (first cylindrical section with wind turbine, second cylindrical section with RO system, third cylindrical section with ballast) connected in series along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing stability through distributed buoyancy and mass along the vertical axis, reducing the impact of wind and wave forces on any single section.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal deck arrangements to a vertical cylindrical configuration. The RO system, wind turbine, and ballast are arranged vertically along the longitudinal axis rather than horizontally across the deck. This vertical arrangement reduces the surface profile exposed to wind and waves, lowering the vessel's vulnerability to environmental forces while maintaining mobility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a large surface profile vessel is used, then stability is improved, but vulnerability to wind and wave forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel adopts a vertical cylindrical configuration with components arranged along the longitudinal axis rather than spreading horizontally. This reduces the surface profile and exposed area to wind and wave forces, lowering vulnerability while maintaining stability through the vertical distribution of buoyancy and mass.
Solution Approach 2:
A ballast section is positioned at one end of the vessel to provide counterweight and stabilize the vertical arrangement. The ballast compensates for the top-heavy configuration of having the wind turbine and RO system above water, reducing the vessel's vulnerability to overturning forces from wind and waves.
3Productivity
If extensive infrastructure is used for land-based RO systems, then desalination capacity is improved, but capital and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the desalination system, wind turbine generator, and ballast into a single integrated floating vessel. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate land-based infrastructure including pipelines for seawater intake and brine discharge, extensive power supply connections, and large construction projects, thereby reducing both capital and operating costs while maintaining desalination capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating vessel is self-powered through its integrated wind turbine generator, eliminating dependence on external power supplies. The system draws seawater directly from the surrounding ocean and discharges brine naturally, requiring no external infrastructure for water supply or waste disposal, thus reducing infrastructure complexity and costs.
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 solution reduces capital and operating costs, enhances stability against wind and wave forces, minimizes environmental impact, and provides reliable desalinated water and power, with a significant mass reduction in the desalination platform, leading to lower costs and increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine generator (WTG)
Implementation Method 2
a wave energy converter (WEC) generator or hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 3
onboard reverse osmosis system
Implementation Method 4
Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems
Implementation Method 5
a low-profile buoyancy chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a novel floating and renewable energy-powered desalination vessel, which also functions as a wind turbine generator and wave energy generator platform. With energy derived from the wind and waves, the vessel performs reverse osmosis within a vertically positioned cylindrical section extending below a buoyancy chamber. The cylindrical section contains reverse osmosis membranes located above a seawater screening and filtration system, which serve as ballast. The entire vessel and power systems are configured to have the center of mass below the center of buoyancy, forming a vertically stable floating structure with minimum pitch, roll, and wave heave in high sea states. The electric power generated is utilized internally to produce desalinated water or hydrogen from the desalinated water's electrolysis, power an onboard data center, or power delivery to a shoreside power grid. In addition to a wind turbine generator and a wave energy generator, a photovoltaic array or a marine current generator may be utilized to power these applications. Alternatively, the desalination vessel operates with the assistance of shore-based power provided by cable.