Modular Underwater Power Supply with Swivel Pressure Vessels

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy supply systems for underwater applications face challenges in providing energy with varying power and energy characteristics, as they need to accommodate both high peak power requirements during operations like drilling and low base load requirements for monitoring, without a connection to a surface power supply.

Innovation Solution

A modular energy supply apparatus comprising independently chosen air-independent power generators such as battery, fuel cell, Stirling motor, and air-independent Diesel modules, each with its own pressure vessel, allowing for easy assembly and adaptation to meet different energy demands, with modules like battery modules providing peak power and fuel cell or Diesel modules offering base load energy, and the ability to recharge battery modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single type of power generator is used underwater, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot meet both high peak power and long-term low base load energy requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy supply system is divided into separate modular components: peak power modules (battery, capacitor) and base load energy modules (fuel cell, air-independent Diesel generator). Each module operates independently and can be selected/combined based on specific application requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different power and energy demands without requiring a completely different system design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If air is supplied to power generators underwater, then the generators can operate efficiently, but additional equipment is required to supply air from the water surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generator operationVSAvoidair supply equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply requirement is extracted and eliminated by using air-independent power generators (fuel cells and air-independent Diesel generators) that do not require external air supply. These generators produce their own oxygen or carry it onboard, removing the need for complex air supply equipment and surface connections while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If undersea cables are used to provide energy underwater, then continuous power supply is possible, but the cost increases significantly with depth and distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply durationVSAvoidenergy transmission cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The energy supply system becomes self-sufficient by using autonomous power generators that produce energy onboard without requiring external power transmission through undersea cables. The system generates its own power independently, eliminating energy transmission costs and making the supply duration independent of cable length or depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Power

If battery modules are used for peak power, then high power can be delivered in short time, but the energy capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak power deliveryVSAvoidenergy capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges battery modules (for peak power delivery) with fuel cell or Diesel generator modules (for base load energy production). The battery provides high power bursts when needed, while the fuel cell or Diesel generator supplies sustained energy over long periods, creating a hybrid system that combines the advantages of both energy sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modular system effectively provides both high peak power and long-term low power energy autonomously underwater, ensuring reliable energy supply across diverse applications from shallow to great depths, with modules designed for easy maintenance and transport.