Ocean Current Hydrogen Supply System with Floating Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen energy supply systems using ocean current power generation face challenges in efficiently converting seawater into hydrogen energy while minimizing costs and avoiding issues like frequency conversion and transmission loss, especially when generating power in distant sea areas.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple water wheel impeller type power generation devices supported by floating bodies in high ocean current areas, with a seawater electrolysis device and hydrogen liquefaction unit on a second floating body, allowing for efficient hydrogen production and transportation to land without the need for frequency adjustment and with reduced transmission losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power generators are installed in distant sea areas with high ocean current velocity to maximize power generation, then power generation efficiency is improved, but transmission loss and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power generation function into multiple distributed water wheel impeller type power generation devices (10 or more) that are independently deployed in the ocean current. Each device generates power locally, and the collective output is sufficient for the electrolysis needs, eliminating the need for long-distance transmission from a single centralized generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a floating body as an intermediary platform that hosts both the power generation devices and the seawater electrolysis device. This intermediary structure enables direct utilization of generated power at the point of consumption, avoiding transmission losses while providing a stable platform in the ocean environment.
2Power
If many power generators are installed in distant sea areas to generate sufficient electric power, then power generation capacity is improved, but system complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water wheel impeller type power generation device performs multiple functions: it generates electrical power from ocean currents and simultaneously serves as a structural component mounted on the floating body. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adequate power generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power generation function with the floating platform structure, and further integrates the electrolysis function on the same platform. This merging of functions into a single integrated system reduces complexity compared to having separate distributed generators, transmission infrastructure, and electrolysis facilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If generated electric power is transmitted over long distances to land, then hydrogen production location flexibility is improved, but transmission loss and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the floating platform to be self-sufficient by generating its own electrical power through water wheel impeller devices and immediately utilizing this power for seawater electrolysis on the same platform. This self-service capability eliminates dependence on external power transmission infrastructure while maintaining the flexibility to be deployed in various ocean locations.
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 configuration enables cost-effective hydrogen energy production and supply, utilizing ocean currents to generate electricity for seawater electrolysis, converting it into liquid hydrogen for land-based use, thereby addressing the inefficiencies and high costs of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
generate electric power by using ocean currents
Implementation Method 2
apply electrolysis to the seawater to generate a hydrogen gas
Implementation Method 3
converts the hydrogen gas generated by each electrolyzing means into liquid hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen energy supply system including 10 or more water wheel impeller type power generation devices that are supported to float in water by first floating bodies and generate electric power by using ocean currents; a second floating body on which a seawater electrolysis device, a hydrogen liquefaction device, and a liquid hydrogen tank are arranged; a hydrogen transporting ship that accommodates the liquid hydrogen stored in the liquid hydrogen tank and transports it by sea to land; an overland liquid hydrogen tank that stores the liquid hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen transporting ship; a small cylinder that accommodates the liquid hydrogen supplied from the overland liquid hydrogen tank; and a hydrogen transporting vehicle that transports the small cylinder to a consumer on land.