Floating Hydrogen Harvesting for Large-Scale Ocean Solar Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for harvesting and transporting renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and ocean energy, face challenges related to energy density, intermittency, and high capital costs, particularly when scaling up for large-scale and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A floating renewable energy extraction and transportation device that converts solar, wind, wave, ocean-current, tidal-current, and lightning energy into electricity, which is then used to produce compressed hydrogen or solid metal hydrides for efficient storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large geographical areas are used for solar energy production, then the energy collection area is increased, but the transportation cost and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrogen as an intermediary energy carrier that converts solar energy into a storable and transportable form. Solar panels convert sunlight to electricity, which then electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen. This hydrogen can be stored in tanks and transported to consumption points, eliminating the need for direct electrical transmission over long distances and reducing transportation energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and storage parameters of solar energy by converting it from electrical energy to chemical energy (hydrogen). This transformation allows the energy to be stored at high density and transported efficiently, changing the fundamental parameters of energy storage and transmission.
2Quantity of substance
If solar energy is stored in batteries, then the energy storage capacity is increased, but the weight and capital cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage medium from electrochemical batteries to chemical hydrogen storage. Hydrogen has much higher energy density by weight compared to battery systems, allowing the same energy storage capacity with significantly reduced weight. The system produces hydrogen through electrolysis and stores it in lightweight pressurized tanks.
3Productivity
If fixed infrastructure is used for electrolysis, then the hydrogen production efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to different locations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrolysis system into modular, transportable units that can be deployed at various locations. Rather than a single fixed infrastructure, the system uses containerized electrolysis units that can be positioned near solar panels in different geographical locations, maintaining efficiency while enabling flexibility in deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed infrastructure to dynamic deployable units. The electrolysis equipment can be moved and repositioned as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different solar resource locations and optimize hydrogen production based on local conditions while maintaining operational efficiency.
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 enables the large-scale and cost-effective harvesting and transportation of renewable energy, addressing issues of energy density and intermittency, while reducing capital costs through the use of lightweight satellites and floating oceanic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panels convert the sunlight into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyzer converts the electrical energy into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen by electrolyzing the water
Implementation Method 3
which have highly reflecting foils to reflect sunlight at scale onto the floating oceanic energy conversion and transportation devices
Data Source
AI summary
Large scale harvesting of renewable energy is proposed by using floating devices which use solar, wind, ocean current, and wave energy to produce compressed hydrogen by electrolysis of deep sea water. Natural ocean currents and winds are used to allow the devices to gather energy from over a large area with minimum transportation cost. The present approach uses a combination of well understood technologies in an optimized manner and at scale. Hydrogen produced in this manner would pave the way for carbon free energy economy.