Floating Offshore Power Generator Using Water Level Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Renewable energy sources like wind, sunlight, and tidal power have irregular intensity and time of generation, leading to discontinuous power supply, which is challenging to manage effectively with existing storage solutions due to high costs and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
An offshore floating power generator system utilizing a sea water reservoir with a high water tank and a low water tank, connected by a water turbine generator and inlet/outlet pipes, allowing for controlled water level differences to generate power predictably, incorporating features like reversible water turbine generators and concrete construction for stability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage batteries are used to store power generated from renewable energy sources, then power can be supplied at required times, but installation and maintenance costs become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical potential energy storage system (elevated water reservoir). Water is pumped to the high water tank during periods of excess renewable energy generation, storing energy as gravitational potential energy. When power is needed, water flows back through turbines to generate electricity, eliminating the need for complex battery systems while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of water from liquid at sea level to elevated liquid in the high water tank, utilizing gravitational potential energy. By changing the position parameter (elevation) of the water mass, energy is stored and can be converted back to electricity on demand, providing a cost-effective alternative to battery storage.
2Productivity
If renewable energy sources are used for power generation, then power can be generated without fear of depletion, but the intensity and time of generation are irregular and discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pumping water to the high water tank during periods when renewable energy is abundant or when electricity demand is low. This advance storage of water at elevation allows power to be generated on demand regardless of the irregular nature of renewable energy sources, stabilizing the power supply while maintaining the benefit of renewable energy utilization.
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
Enables predictable and efficient power generation by leveraging water level differences, reducing maintenance needs and installation costs, while allowing for flexible deployment and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
when sea water of the high water tank flows into the low water tank through the connection pipe due to a difference between the first water level and the second water level, power is generated by using the water turbine generator
Implementation Method 2
a water turbine generator provided on the connection pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
An offshore floating power generator includes: a sea water reservoir configured to store sea water and float on the sea surface, wherein the sea water reservoir comprises a low water tank having a first water level and a high water tank having a second water level higher than the first water level; an inlet pipe configured to guide the sea water flowing through an inlet portion to the low water tank or the high water tank; a connection pipe configured to connect the low water tank and the high water tank with each other; a water turbine generator provided on the connection pipe; and a water level adjustor configured to discharge the sea water stored in the low water tank to the high water tank, wherein, when sea water of the high water tank flows into the low water tank through the connection pipe due to a difference between the first water level and the second water level, power is generated by using the water turbine generator.