Mobile Vessel Wave Energy Harvesting and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches for harvesting energy from waves, tides, and ocean currents, as well as offshore wind, face challenges such as high costs, dependence on specific locations, susceptibility to storm damage, environmental impact, and the need for expensive underwater transmission cables, which limits their effectiveness and adoption.
Innovation Solution
A modular system utilizing a water vessel equipped with wave energy harvesting apparatus and energy storage, allowing energy to be harvested, stored, and transported to onshore or offshore locations for release during peak demand times, eliminating the need for underwater cables and enabling flexible operation and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If offshore installations are used to harvest wave energy, then energy can be harvested from wave activity, but expensive underwater transmission cables are required to carry electricity to the on-shore grid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from the fixed offshore installation and places it on a mobile vessel. The vessel harvests wave energy, stores it in batteries onboard, and transports it to shore, eliminating the need for underwater transmission cables and fixed offshore infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static fixed offshore installations to a dynamic mobile vessel that can move between harvesting locations and discharge locations. This mobility allows the system to operate without permanent underwater cable infrastructure, reducing complexity and cost.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fixed offshore installations are used, then energy harvesting can be established, but the installations are susceptible to storm damage and require permanent infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile vessel can dynamically respond to weather conditions by moving to port or safer locations during storms, whereas fixed installations have no such flexibility. This mobility significantly improves reliability and reduces storm damage susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel serves its own needs by carrying its own energy storage systems and power conversion equipment, eliminating dependence on vulnerable fixed infrastructure. The vessel can independently operate, store energy, and transport it to shore without requiring permanent offshore installations.
3Productivity
If energy is produced directly at the harvesting location, then immediate power supply is possible, but production cannot be scheduled to coincide with peak demand times
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel performs preliminary energy harvesting and storage actions during off-peak times when wave energy is available, then transports and delivers the stored energy during peak demand periods. This preliminary storage action enables flexible scheduling of energy delivery to match demand patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile vessel acts as an intermediary between wave energy harvesting and grid delivery, using onboard energy storage systems to decouple the timing of energy production from energy delivery. This intermediary function enables scheduled energy release during peak demand times.
4Productivity
If permanently installed equipment is used, then continuous operation is possible, but the equipment suffers wearing effects from harsh marine environment and creates environmental degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile vessel can move between operating locations and maintenance ports, avoiding permanent exposure to harsh marine environments. This dynamic operation reduces cumulative wear and environmental degradation compared to fixed installations that remain stationary in harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel represents a temporary, replaceable installation rather than permanent infrastructure. When the vessel reaches end-of-life or requires major maintenance, it can be replaced or sent to port, avoiding the cumulative environmental degradation associated with permanently installed equipment.
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 reduces costs, minimizes environmental impact, allows for flexible energy production during peak demand, and can be scaled up, providing a more efficient and cost-effective means of renewable energy generation without the limitations of fixed installations.
Implementation Method 1
The energy harvesting apparatus may also be carried by the water vessel... during which the energy storage apparatus stores energy from the wave activity as harvested by the energy harvesting apparatus
Implementation Method 2
A system is disclosed which employs wave energy harvesting apparatus and a water vessel (e.g., a ship) which carries an energy storage apparatus such as an array of batteries
Data Source
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AI summary
A system employs wave energy harvesting apparatus and a water vessel (e.g., a ship) carrying an energy storage apparatus (e.g., array of batteries). The energy harvesting apparatus is preferably also carried by the water vessel, but may be fixed or carried by a separate water vessel. The water vessel is operated in an energy storing mode at an energy harvesting location subject to wave activity, during which the energy storage apparatus stores energy from the wave activity as harvested by the energy harvesting apparatus. The water vessel is operated in an energy transporting mode to transport the stored energy from the energy harvesting location to an energy releasing location (preferably onshore, but may be offshore) having a connection to an electrical power grid. The water vessel is operated at the energy releasing location in an energy releasing mode in which the stored energy is transformed into appropriate AC electricity supplied to the electrical power grid.