Modular Barge Energy Collection System for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing threat of power outages due to natural disasters or intentional attacks on the power grid, coupled with peak demand issues during severe temperature conditions, necessitates a reliable and mobile backup power solution that can be quickly deployed and adapted to various locations.
Innovation Solution
A modular, transportable energy collection and storage system utilizing solar, wind, and wave energy, with deployable and retractable equipment on a barge or land-based platforms, storing energy in batteries for later use in the affected area, ensuring a stable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fixed-in-place wind, solar, or water power generation is used, then power generation capability is improved, but mobility and rapid deployment capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is divided into modular units (wind turbines, solar panels, wave energy converters, battery storage) that can be independently deployed and configured on barges of different sizes, allowing the system to be segmented and reconfigured for different deployment scenarios while maintaining overall power generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-in-place generation to dynamic mobile generation on barges that can be rapidly deployed, repositioned, and scaled. The modular architecture enables the system to dynamically adapt its configuration and capacity based on specific power needs and deployment conditions
2Reliability
If large-scale energy storage systems are deployed, then power supply reliability during outages is improved, but system complexity and deployment time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is divided into multiple modular battery units that can be independently deployed and scaled. Each module contains complete power conversion and control systems, allowing for simplified deployment where modules can be independently installed and activated without requiring complex system-wide integration
Solution Approach 2:
Battery storage modules are pre-assembled and pre-tested as complete functional units before deployment. The modular design includes pre-integrated power management systems and connection interfaces, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly and reducing deployment time while maintaining reliability
3Power
If multiple renewable energy sources (solar, wind, wave) are integrated, then energy collection capability is improved, but device complexity and coordination requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The barge platform is designed as a universal multi-functional platform that can accommodate different combinations of energy collection devices (wind turbines, solar panels, wave energy converters) and battery storage modules. The standardized mounting systems and power integration architecture allow any combination of devices to be easily configured and coordinated without requiring complex custom integration for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple energy collection systems (wind, solar, wave) and battery storage systems are merged into a single integrated power generation platform on the barge. The systems share common power conversion, control, and grid connection infrastructure, reducing overall complexity compared to separate distributed systems while maintaining the ability to collect energy from multiple sources simultaneously
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 rapid deployment and retraction of renewable energy collection systems, providing supplemental power during emergencies, reducing downtime and ensuring day-to-day electricity needs are met, both residentially and commercially.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels that can be quickly deployed and retrieved
Implementation Method 2
arrangement of air displacement tubes that have a lower end immersed in water, and which feed into a plenum with an arrangement of check valves so that the air in the tubes that is displaced by wave action in the body of water is fed to an air turbine that powers an electric generator
Implementation Method 3
optionally can include wind turbines for this purpose
Implementation Method 4
The captured energy is stored on a bank of on-board storage batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A floating power generation station comprises a floating hull with a shelter structure containing photovoltaic solar panels are arranged on a chain of floats, each hinged one to the next. The system can be deployed onto a large flat area, e.g., surface of inlet or bay, where the solar panel chain(s) can be extended out. The power generation station may include air displacement tubes that have a lower end immersed in water, and which feed into a plenum where check valves direct air unidirectionally to an air turbine that powers an electric generator. Air turbines or wind turbines on the barge can be raised or tipped up for collection of wind energy. The captured energy is stored on a bank of on-board storage batteries. Energy can be collected and stored, and the barge can be brought to shore when and where needed. This arrangement can be configured for ground-based deployment. The power generation station can be configured for use on dry land.