Pressure-Controlled Hydrogen Pipeline for Offshore Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a safe and efficient transportation system for hydrogen produced by wind turbines from offshore wind farms to onshore destinations, as traditional electrical power transmission is costly and inefficient over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wind turbine with an electrolyzer unit generating hydrogen, a pressure-controlled pipeline system for transporting the hydrogen, and a pressure control system to manage flow and prevent backflow or leakage, allowing for efficient and safe transportation of hydrogen from offshore wind farms to onshore facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electrical power is transmitted from offshore wind turbines to onshore stations, then electrical energy can be delivered, but transmission costs increase significantly over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrogen as an intermediary carrier substance. Instead of directly transmitting electrical energy through cables over long distances, the wind turbine converts electricity to hydrogen via electrolysis, and the hydrogen is then transported through pipelines to onshore facilities where it can be converted back to electricity or used directly. This intermediary approach reduces transmission losses and costs over long distances.
2Loss of energy
If a pipeline system is used to transport hydrogen from offshore wind turbines, then transportation costs are reduced, but safety concerns arise regarding hydrogen leakage and backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by installing pressure control systems and check valves before hydrogen can leak or backflow. The pressure control system continuously monitors and adjusts pressure to prevent backflow into the wind turbine, while check valves are positioned to automatically close if reverse flow is detected, preventing hydrogen leakage before it can cause harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring pressure in the pipeline and adjusting valve positions or pump operations to maintain safe pressure levels. This feedback mechanism detects pressure changes that could indicate leakage or backflow conditions and responds automatically to correct them, ensuring safe hydrogen transportation.
3Reliability
If a pressure control system is installed in the pipeline, then hydrogen transportation safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is designed with self-service capabilities through automatic pressure regulation and self-diagnostic functions. The system autonomously monitors pressure, detects anomalies, and adjusts control valves without requiring constant manual intervention. This automation maintains high safety standards while minimizing the operational complexity and training requirements for system operators.
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 enables the safe and efficient transportation of hydrogen from wind turbines to onshore destinations, reducing the costs associated with traditional electrical power transmission and providing a viable alternative for renewable energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyzer unit configured for generating fluid, e.g., gas or liquid, in particular electrolyzed gas, by using the generated electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transporting fluid generated by a wind turbine includes at least one wind turbine for generating electrical power, wherein the wind turbine includes a fluid producing unit configured for generating a fluid by using the generated electrical power, a fluid pipeline system coupled to the wind turbine for transporting the generated fluid, and a pressure control system coupled to the fluid pipeline system for controlling the fluid flow of the fluid in the pipeline system. The pipeline system includes a transporting pipeline and a connection pipeline, wherein the connection pipeline is coupled to the wind turbine and the connection pipeline such that the fluid is transportable from the wind turbine to the transporting pipeline via the connection pipeline.