Floating Hydrogen Platform With Integrated Storage and Flexible Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing floating hydrogen production systems face inefficiencies in offshore hydrogen production due to limited storage capacity and complex mechanical structures, particularly under high humidity conditions, and lack flexibility in hydrogen transfer and distribution.

Innovation Solution

A floating hydrogen production plant comprising interconnected floating platforms with internal chambers and hydrogen production devices using vapor phase water electrolysis, utilizing solar energy and direct air electrolysis units, with a single-walled casing for hydrogen storage and flexible tube connections for enhanced storage and transfer capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If hydrogen is stored in separate containers inside floating platforms, then hydrogen storage capacity is achieved, but mechanical structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen storage capacityVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the hydrogen storage function with the floating platform structure itself. The floating platform is designed with an elongated hollow structure that provides both buoyancy and internal storage space for hydrogen, eliminating the need for separate storage containers and reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The floating platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides buoyancy to keep the electrolysis units afloat, supports the solar panels and electrolysis equipment, and stores the produced hydrogen within its hollow structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If rigid piping is used to connect hydrogen production devices to storage chambers, then fluid connection is achieved, but system flexibility and adaptability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid connection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible hoses instead of rigid piping to connect the electrolysis units to the hydrogen storage chambers. These flexible connections maintain reliable fluid transport while allowing the floating platforms to move independently and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static rigid connections to dynamic flexible connections that can adapt to the movement of floating platforms. The flexible hoses allow the platforms to move with waves and currents while maintaining hydrogen transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate floating platforms are used for production and storage, then functional separation is achieved, but interconnection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional module independenceVSAvoidinterconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hydrogen production and storage functions into a single integrated floating platform structure. The electrolysis units and solar panels are mounted on the same platform that contains the hydrogen storage chambers, eliminating the need for complex interconnections between separate platforms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves efficient hydrogen production and storage under offshore conditions with simplified mechanical design, allowing for flexible transfer to onshore locations and increased storage capacity through bi-directional hydrogen production and distribution.

Implementation Method 1

each of the floating platforms is provided with a plurality of hydrogen production devices for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water in the ambient air through solar energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy: Solar Energy

Implementation Method 2

producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water in the ambient air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

the floating member of at least one floating platform has an internal chamber for storing hydrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4656771A1A floating hydrogen production plant and an offshore hydrogen production system

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SOLARDUCK HLDG BV

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

A floating hydrogen production plant (2) comprises a plurality of interconnected floating platforms (6) which are movable with respect to each other. Each floating platform (6) comprises a floating member (7). The floating member (7) of at least one floating platform (6) has an internal chamber (8) for storing hydrogen. Each of the floating platforms (6) is provided with a plurality of hydrogen production devices (3) for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of water in the ambient air through solar energy. The hydrogen production devices (3) have respective hydrogen ports which are fluidly connectable to the internal chamber (8) of the floating member (7) of the at least one floating platform (6).