Flywheel Energy Storage for Redundant Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dynamic positioned vessels require fully redundant, electrically isolated energy distribution systems, leading to over-dimensioning to handle power outages, which increases complexity and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two electrically isolated power distribution systems connected via a flywheel for energy transfer, allowing for mechanical energy storage and redistribution between the systems, reducing the need for over-dimensioning and enhancing redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two fully redundant, electrically isolated energy distribution systems are implemented to handle power outages, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and efficiency decreases due to over-dimensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flywheel energy storage system as an intermediary component that mechanically connects the two electrically isolated power distribution systems. This flywheel acts as a mediator to transfer energy between systems during power outages, enabling the systems to support each other without direct electrical connection, thus maintaining reliability while reducing the need for over-dimensioning and lowering overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic energy management where the flywheel's rotational energy storage capacity can be dynamically adjusted to meet varying power demands. The system can rapidly charge or discharge the flywheel to balance load fluctuations between the two power distribution systems, providing flexible and adaptive power management that reduces complexity compared to static over-dimensioned systems
2Reliability
If two fully redundant, electrically isolated energy distribution systems are implemented to handle power outages, then reliability is improved, but efficiency decreases due to over-dimensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy recovery through the flywheel system, which captures and stores kinetic energy during periods of low demand or excess generation, and releases it during peak demand or power outages. This recovery mechanism eliminates the need to continuously over-dimension power systems to handle peak loads, significantly improving energy efficiency while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel energy storage system operates in periodic cycles of charging and discharging, smoothly transferring energy between the two power distribution systems. This periodic energy exchange allows the systems to operate at optimal efficiency levels most of the time while still providing full redundancy capability when needed, thereby improving overall energy 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
The system provides a safe, reliable, and efficient power supply by reducing peak and average power requirements, minimizing cooling needs, and enabling controlled shutdowns, while improving grid redundancy and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a flywheel adapted to provide and receive energy to and from the system
Implementation Method 2
allowing for mechanical energy storage and redistribution between the systems
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for regenerating and distributing energy, such as employed on a vessel or floating offshore installation, the system including a first power distribution system, a second power distribution system electrically isolated from the first power distribution system, and a flywheel mechanically connected to both the first and second power distribution systems. Each of the first and second power distribution systems may include a motor/generator mechanically connected to the flywheel and a drive module electrically connected to its respective motor/generator. The flywheel drive modules may be connected to a common flywheel control module that includes a control algorithm for operating the system.