Multi-Source Renewable Energy Barge for Deep-Water Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind energy systems face high setup and maintenance costs, and do not effectively utilize the increased wind power available at higher elevations, as they are typically stationary and limited to sea level.
Innovation Solution
A barge system integrating horizontal axis wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, and sea-wave generators that can be relocated and oriented for optimal energy harvesting, with energy storage options including batteries, pressure accumulators, and gravitational potential energy, and equipped with a computerized control system for efficient energy management and transmission to onshore grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If wind turbines are positioned stationary at sea level, then the setup and maintenance costs are high, but the wind power available at higher elevations is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the barge mobile rather than stationary. The barge can be relocated to different positions and orientations to optimize wind capture, allowing the system to dynamically access higher wind speeds at elevated positions while reducing fixed infrastructure costs and maintenance requirements associated with permanent installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning wind turbines at elevated heights on the barge structure. This allows the system to access stronger winds at higher elevations above the water surface, thereby improving energy harvest while the barge itself remains a movable platform that can be deployed in cost-effective configurations.
2Productivity
If multiple renewable energy resources are integrated on a single barge, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple renewable energy resources (wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, and wave energy converters) onto a single barge platform. This consolidation improves overall energy harvesting efficiency by utilizing complementary energy sources simultaneously while sharing common infrastructure such as the floating platform, mooring systems, and control facilities, thereby managing system complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The barge platform serves multiple functions: it supports wind turbines for wind energy capture, carries photovoltaic panels for solar energy conversion, and accommodates wave energy converters for ocean wave energy harvesting. This multi-functional design allows a single structure to perform diverse energy harvesting tasks, improving productivity while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate specialized platforms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If energy storage systems are added to the barge, then energy management flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service energy management by incorporating energy storage systems (batteries and pressure accumulators) that automatically regulate and store excess energy generated by the renewable resources. The system autonomously manages energy distribution, storing surplus energy during periods of high generation and releasing it during periods of high demand, thereby improving adaptability and flexibility without requiring complex external control infrastructure.
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 barge system reduces costs and maximizes energy harvesting by allowing for optimal orientation and storage of renewable energy, providing a cost-effective and efficient method for constructing and maintaining offshore renewable energy plants, and effectively utilizes wind and wave energy across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of horizontal axis wind turbines; wherein energy harvested by the renewable energy recourses is transformed to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of photovoltaic panels; wherein energy harvested by the renewable energy recourses is transformed to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of sea-wave generators; wherein energy harvested by the renewable energy recourses is transformed to electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
the flotation pipes are connected to the flotation system... capable of substantially floating the barge by injecting gas to a plurality of flotation pipes and semi-submerging the barge
Data Source
AI summary
A barge for renewable energy recourses is disclosed that comprises a plurality of horizontal axis wind turbines, a plurality of photovoltaic panels; and a plurality of sea-wave generators. The energy harvested by the renewable energy recourses is transformed to electrical energy and the electrical energy is transmitted to a grid onshore. A fleet of a plurality of barges located in deep waters is disclosed as well.