Offshore Energy Generation System With Dynamic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offshore energy generation systems fail to efficiently produce clean energy, freshwater, and ammonia for hydrogen while navigating extreme wind and current forces, and lack the capability to meet the net zero emissions target and freshwater scarcity challenges.
Innovation Solution
An offshore energy generation system utilizing a dynamically positioned floating facility equipped with seawater collection, steam generation, electric power, freshwater, hydrogen, and ammonia production systems, coupled with a dynamic positioning system and export infrastructure to maintain stability and deliver energy products effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a floating facility is used for offshore energy generation, then the system can be deployed in deep water and access larger ocean areas, but the facility is exposed to extreme wind and current forces that compromise stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system that actively adjusts the floating facility's position and orientation in real-time to counteract wind and current forces. The system includes controllable propellers and rudders that respond to sensor feedback, allowing the facility to maintain stable positioning while floating in deep water areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to fixed structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy production systems (electricity, freshwater, hydrogen, ammonia) are integrated into the floating facility, then the system can meet diverse energy needs and contribute to net zero emissions, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The floating facility is designed as a multi-functional platform that simultaneously generates electricity through photovoltaic panels and wind turbines, produces freshwater via desalination systems, and synthesizes hydrogen and ammonia from captured carbon dioxide and water. This universal design allows a single facility to address multiple energy and environmental challenges, reducing the need for separate specialized structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple energy production and resource management systems into a single integrated floating facility. The electricity generation systems power the freshwater production, hydrogen synthesis, and ammonia production processes, creating a synergistic system where waste heat from one process can be utilized by another, and shared infrastructure reduces overall complexity.
3Reliability
If the floating facility is equipped with dynamic positioning system and multiple production systems, then it can effectively deliver clean energy products, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating facility is divided into modular segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled at the deployment location. Each module contains specific functions (e.g., photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, desalination units, hydrogen synthesis reactors) that can be produced using standardized manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining system reliability.
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 system effectively addresses the climate challenge and freshwater scarcity by providing clean energy, ammonia, and hydrogen, achieving net zero emissions and optimizing land use while ensuring safety and reliability in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generation system, operatively coupled with the seawater collection system, configured for generating steam from the volume of seawater collected by the seawater collection system
Implementation Method 2
an electric power generation system, operatively coupled with the steam generation system, configured for generating electric power by using at least one of: the steam generated by the steam generation system, a nuclear fission, a nuclear fusion, a hydrogen (H2) fuel cell
Implementation Method 3
a freshwater generation system, operatively coupled with the seawater collection system and the steam generation system, configured for distilling freshwater by using the volume of seawater collected by the seawater collection system and a residual thermal energy generated by the steam generation system
Implementation Method 4
a hydrogen (H2) generation system, operatively coupled with the freshwater generation system and the electric power generation system, configured for generating hydrogen by using the distilled freshwater from the freshwater generation system and the electric power generated by the electric power generation system
Implementation Method 5
an ammonia generation system, operatively coupled with the electric power generation system, the hydrogen (H2) generation system and the nitrogen (N2) generation system, for configured generating ammonia by using the hydrogen (H2), the nitrogen (N2) and the electric power generated by the hydrogen generation system, the nitrogen generation system and the electric power generation system, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an offshore energy generation system (OEGS) that eliminates greenhouse gas emissions during operation, mitigating earthquake and tsunami impacts, and nuclear meltdown safety. The OEGS comprises a floating facility configured for dynamic positioning to a target site via a system that is communicably coupled to the floating facility. The floating facility is coupled to seawater collection system; steam generation system; electric power generation system that uses at least one of: steam, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion or hydrogen fuel cells for generating electric power; ammonia, freshwater, nitrogen and hydrogen generation systems, cooling water system, electric power, freshwater, and ammonia export systems, multiple offshore cranes, living quarters and helideck; automation, control and safety system for controlling one or more components. The OEGS is effective, affordable and a reliable solution for climate change as it delivers clean energy in the form of electricity, ammonia and/or freshwater.