Offshore Flywheel Charging for Fast Low-Emission Vessel Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels face inefficiencies and environmental concerns with diesel engines and rechargeable batteries, including high emissions, high operating costs, limited lifespan, and hazardous waste, particularly when idling offshore.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flywheel-based power system that stores kinetic energy for efficient and rapid recharging, reducing emissions, and utilizing offshore charging buoys to swap power between vessels, enabling fast charging and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If diesel engines are used to power marine vessels, then the vessels can maintain stationary position and power electrical systems, but emissions are high and operating costs are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the diesel engine mechanical power system with an electrical power system using flywheels as energy storage devices. The flywheels store kinetic energy and convert it to electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for combustion and thus reducing emissions and operating costs associated with diesel fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy (diesel fuel) to kinetic energy (flywheel rotation). This parameter change enables rapid energy discharge and recharge cycles, allowing the vessel to maintain power without continuous fuel consumption, thereby reducing both emissions and operating costs.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If rechargeable batteries are used to power marine vessels, then emissions are reduced, but recharging time is extensive and lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical battery systems with a mechanical flywheel energy storage system. The flywheels store energy kinetically and can be recharged much faster than chemical batteries because they simply require mechanical input to spin up, rather than undergoing slow chemical reactions. This mechanical system enables rapid energy transfer without the time constraints of battery charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic spinning and braking of flywheels to charge and discharge energy rapidly. During operation, excess energy spins the flywheels up; during power demand, the flywheels are braked to generate electricity. This periodic mechanical action enables fast energy cycling without the extended recharging times inherent in battery systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If rechargeable batteries are used, then power storage is achieved, but heat generation can damage batteries and electrical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical energy storage in batteries with mechanical energy storage in flywheels. The flywheel system stores energy as rotational kinetic energy without the chemical reactions that generate heat in batteries. The mechanical system dissipates minimal energy as heat during storage, and any heat generated during charging/discharging can be more easily managed through conventional cooling methods.
4Loss of time
If flywheels are used for power storage, then recharging speed is fast, but energy storage capacity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flywheels into a single integrated energy storage system. By combining several flywheels that can be independently charged and discharged, the system achieves both fast recharging (since individual flywheels can be quickly spun up) and increased total energy storage capacity (by aggregating the kinetic energy of multiple rotating masses).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the energy storage system into multiple independent flywheel units rather than using a single large storage device. Each flywheel can be charged and discharged independently and in parallel, enabling the system to deliver high power rapidly while maintaining substantial total energy capacity through the cumulative effect of multiple units.
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
Flywheels provide a sustainable, cost-effective, and long-lasting power solution with minimal environmental impact, allowing for rapid recharging and efficient power distribution to marine vessels, reducing operational costs and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
flywheels configured to generate sufficient power to operate marine vessels... Flywheels are kinetic energy storage devices that may be used for vessel stabilization purposes on marine vessels
Data Source
AI summary
An offshore electrical charging system and process may include a marine vessel. Multiple flywheels may be stored on the marine vessel. An electrical power network or system may be positioned on the marine vessel, and be electrically connected to the flywheels. An electrical connector may be in electrical communication with the electrical power network to enable electrical power from the flywheels to flow via the electrical connector to supply power from the marine vessel. At least one power switch may be disposed on the electrical power network, and be configured to enable electricity to flow between the electrical connector and flywheels. A controller may be configured to control the at least one power switch to enable and disable electrical power to flow between the flywheels and the electrical connector via the electrical power network.