Renewable energy barge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high costs and inefficiencies of commercially available offshore wind energy systems, including the need for stationary turbines and limited energy harvesting due to sea-level positioning, which does not utilize increased wind power at higher elevations, and the lack of a cost-effective method for constructing and maintaining these systems.
Innovation Solution
A renewable energy barge equipped with horizontal axis wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, and sea-wave generators, allowing for the integration of multiple renewable energy sources and the ability to rotate to maximize wind energy capture, with energy storage options and a modular design for cost-effective construction and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wind turbines are positioned at sea level, then installation and maintenance are simpler, but wind energy capture is reduced due to lower wind speeds at lower elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal wind turbine arrangement to vertical arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to access higher wind speeds while maintaining accessibility for maintenance. The vertical axis wind turbine extends upward from the barge platform, capturing wind energy at higher elevations where wind speeds are greater, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and energy capture efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple wind turbines are spaced 300m apart, then aerodynamic interference is minimized, but system complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wind turbines onto a single barge platform, merging what would traditionally be separate turbine installations into one integrated system. This allows multiple turbines to operate in close proximity without requiring 300m spacing, reducing overall system complexity and installation costs while maintaining individual turbine performance through proper positioning on the barge.
Solution Approach 2:
The barge platform serves multiple functions: it provides a stable foundation for multiple wind turbines, acts as a floating installation platform that simplifies deployment, and serves as a base for maintenance operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate infrastructure elements, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stationary wind turbines are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing wind directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational capability to the wind turbine system, allowing the turbines to dynamically adjust their orientation to face changing wind directions. The barge platform can rotate or the turbines can be positioned to optimize wind capture from different directions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural stability through the rigid barge construction and controlled rotation mechanism.
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 barge system provides a cost-effective and efficient method for harvesting renewable energy, optimizing wind energy capture by rotating to face the wind, integrating multiple energy sources to compensate for climate variations, and reducing maintenance costs through modular assembly and storage solutions.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with horizontal axis wind turbines
Implementation Method 2
harvesting wind energy capture
Implementation Method 3
photovoltaic panels
Implementation Method 4
sea-wave generators
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A barge for renewable energy recourses is disclosed that comprises a plurality of horizontal axis wind turbines, a plurality of photovoltaic panels; and a plurality of sea- wave generators. The energy harvested by the renewable energy recourses is transformed to electrical energy and the electrical energy is transmitted to a grid onshore. A fleet of a plurality of barges located in deep waters is disclosed as well.