Offshore Gravity Structure Hydrogen Storage Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind farms face challenges in managing intermittent energy production due to the lack of immediate energy absorption and storage solutions, necessitating a large-scale hydrogen storage system that can meet the installed power requirements.
Innovation Solution
An offshore gravity structure with storage cells on the seabed, equipped with compression/decompression assemblies and inert materials for hydrogen storage, allowing for efficient hydrogen production, storage, and distribution using existing infrastructure, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, and desalination units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If offshore wind farms produce large amounts of renewable energy, then energy production capacity is improved, but energy storage and immediate absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrogen as an intermediary energy carrier between offshore wind production and end-use applications. Excess electrical energy from wind turbines is converted to hydrogen via electrolysis, stored in the GBS, and later converted back to electricity or used directly. This mediator resolves the contradiction by decoupling production from immediate consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and form of energy storage by converting electrical energy to chemical energy (hydrogen). This parameter transformation allows energy to be stored in a stable, transportable form that can be held indefinitely in the GBS, overcoming the limitation of immediate absorption requirements.
2Loss of substance
If conventional oil and gas structures are dismantled, then resource depletion is addressed, but infrastructure waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding end-of-life oil and gas infrastructure, the patent recovers and repurposes the GBS structure for hydrogen storage. The concrete gravity base structure, which would otherwise be decommissioned and potentially wasted, is retained and adapted for a new function in the hydrogen value chain, eliminating infrastructure waste while addressing resource depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The GBS structure transitions from a single-function hydrocarbon storage facility to a multi-functional platform serving hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. This universal application extends the lifecycle of the infrastructure and prevents waste while continuing to address energy needs.
3Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is stored at high pressure in large volumes, then energy storage capacity is improved, but safety hazards and public acceptance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as an intermediary medium to manage hydrogen storage safety. Hydrogen is stored in dedicated tanks within the GBS, separated from the surrounding environment by robust containment structures. The intermediary containment systems and monitoring infrastructure mediate between the high-pressure hydrogen and the external environment, reducing perceived and actual hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The GBS employs composite construction methods with reinforced concrete and specialized containment materials that provide both high strength for pressure containment and safety features. The composite structure integrates multiple material properties to simultaneously achieve high storage capacity and enhanced safety, addressing public acceptance concerns.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing pipelines are used for hydrogen transport, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but hydrogen purity and compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydrogen transport system into dedicated hydrogen-specific infrastructure components within the GBS (electrolyzers, storage tanks, compression equipment) while potentially sharing external pipeline connections. This segmentation allows for high-purity hydrogen handling in critical areas while utilizing existing infrastructure where compatibility is acceptable, balancing cost and purity requirements.
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 energy storage challenges by utilizing end-of-life oil and gas structures for hydrogen storage, enabling efficient energy management and distribution, supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compression/decompression set to bring the hydrogen via a transfer line to a determined pressure compatible with its storage in said at least one of the cells
Implementation Method 2
said at least one of the cells having been previously provided with a rigid or deformable inner shell covered, lined or formed of a material inert with respect to hydrogen
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of storage cells resting fixedly on the seabed and grouped around at least one foot emerging above sea level and supporting a platform comprising equipment enabling the introduction and extraction of a fluid into at least one of the cells
Implementation Method 4
or through fuel cells to convert it back into electricity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
offshore gravity structure (30) comprising a plurality of storage cells (32) fixedly resting on the seabed and grouped around at least one foot (36A, 36B) emerging above sea level and supporting a platform (40) comprising equipment for introducing and extracting a fluid into at least one of the cells of the plurality of storage cells, the fluid being hydrogen and the equipment further comprising at least one compression/decompression unit (52) for bringing the hydrogen via a transfer line to a predetermined pressure compatible with its storage in at least one of the cells and for removing it from the cells, at least one of the cells having been previously provided with a rigid or deformable inner shell covered, lined or formed of a material inert with respect to hydrogen.