Offshore Pumped Hydro Storage for Wind Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind turbines face challenges in maintaining consistent energy production due to varying wind speeds, leading to inefficiencies in energy distribution and increased CO2 emissions, and there is a need for energy storage solutions to manage peak demand and ensure reliable power supply, especially during hurricane seasons when oil platforms must shut down.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a floating structure with an energy storage and power generation unit anchored to the sea floor, utilizing a large chamber for hydroelectric energy storage and conversion, where water flows through turbines to generate electricity during low energy periods and is pumped out during excess energy production, with a control system to manage energy flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If wind turbines are placed far offshore where wind is regular, then energy production stability is improved, but transmission distance and power loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing excess energy in the form of pumped water in an elevated reservoir before it is needed. During periods of high wind generation, surplus electricity powers pumps to move water uphill and store it gravitationally. This pre-stored energy can then be rapidly converted back to electricity during peak demand or low wind periods, eliminating the need for long-distance transmission of all generated power and reducing overall power losses.
2Reliability
If energy storage capacity is increased to handle peak demand, then power supply reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulics through pumped hydroelectric energy storage, using water as the storage medium. Electric motors drive pumps to move water from a lower reservoir to an elevated upper reservoir during off-peak periods. During peak demand, the stored water flows back down through turbines connected to generators, converting gravitational potential energy back to electricity. This hydraulic approach provides a proven, scalable technology for increasing power supply reliability without requiring complex chemical battery systems or multiple distributed storage units.
3Productivity
If fossil-fueled plants run at constant base-load, then operational efficiency is improved, but inability to handle peak loads reduces power supply flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the peak load handling function from the fossil-fueled power plants by implementing pumped hydroelectric storage at the load center. This allows base-load plants to continue operating at their optimal constant output levels, while the hydro storage system independently handles peak demand periods by releasing stored water through turbines. The extraction of this function maintains the high operational efficiency of thermal plants while providing the necessary adaptability to meet varying demand patterns.
4Productivity
If wind capacity is increased without storage, then renewable energy penetration is improved, but grid stability deteriorates due to variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by creating a hybrid system where wind turbines provide renewable energy during generation periods, and pumped hydroelectric storage provides continuous power during low wind or peak demand periods. The system maintains uninterrupted power supply by continuously cycling water between reservoirs - pumping during excess generation and generating during deficits. This continuity enables higher renewable penetration while maintaining grid stability, as the storage system acts as a buffer that smooths out wind variability and ensures consistent power delivery to the grid.
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 system enables continuous electricity generation, load-leveling for increased efficiency, reduced emissions, and provides backup power for offshore platforms, allowing for safe continuation of oil production during hurricanes, thus addressing the variability of wind energy and peak demand challenges.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a large chamber for hydroelectric energy storage and conversion, where water flows through turbines to generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
water is pumped out during excess energy production
Data Source
AI summary
A system for harvesting, storing, and generating energy, that includes floating structure supporting machinery to extract energy from wind, waves, surface generators, or currents. At least one energy storage and power generating unit is anchored to the seafloor and adapted to tether the floating structure to the unit. The unit includes an internal chamber into which water flows through a hydroelectric turbine to generate electrical energy. A pump is provided, powered by energy from the floating structure machinery, to evacuate water from the unit and a control system directs power from the machinery to pump water out of the unit during periods of excess energy extraction by the machinery and to allow water to flow into the chamber through the hydroelectric turbine to generate electrical energy during periods of lower energy extraction by the machinery. The same internal chamber design can be utilized to store hydrocarbons in the vicinity of undersea wellheads during “shut-in” procedures when the wellhead would otherwise be secured.