Renewable Energy System Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current renewable energy systems for electrical power generation, such as wind and solar, face challenges in energy storage, leading to waste during periods of excess production and reliance on non-renewable sources during demand surges, as they do not provide a means to store energy for later use.
Innovation Solution
A system that collects and purifies water using renewable energy to electrolyze it into hydrogen and oxygen, which are stored and later used in fuel cells or gas turbines to generate electricity, allowing for energy storage and utilization during periods of low renewable energy availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable energy systems (wind, solar) are used to generate electrical power, then environmental harm from fossil fuels is reduced, but energy storage capability deteriorates (no means to store energy for later use)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrogen as an intermediary substance that stores energy from renewable sources. Excess electrical energy from wind or solar power drives electrolysis to produce hydrogen, which is then stored and later converted back to electricity through fuel cells or combustion, bridging the gap between intermittent renewable generation and continuous demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of energy from electrical form (difficult to store) to chemical form (hydrogen, easily storable). This parameter transformation allows energy to be stored in a stable, transportable medium that can be retained indefinitely and converted back when needed.
2Device complexity
If renewable energy systems operate without storage, then system complexity is reduced, but energy waste increases during periods of excess production
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding excess renewable energy during periods of high production, the system captures and stores it as hydrogen through electrolysis. This recovered energy can then be utilized during periods of low renewable generation, preventing waste while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
3Reliability
If hydrogen is produced and stored for later energy generation, then energy storage capability is improved, but device complexity increases (electrolysis system, storage vessels, fuel cells)
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen production system serves multiple functions: it acts as an electrolyzer during excess generation periods, a storage medium during transition periods, and a fuel source during demand periods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated storage infrastructure, thereby limiting complexity growth.
4Loss of energy
If excess renewable energy is converted to stored hydrogen, then energy waste is reduced, but loss of time increases (time required for electrolysis, storage, and conversion processes)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by producing and storing hydrogen during periods of excess renewable energy generation. This advance preparation ensures that energy storage media are ready before demand surges occur, eliminating the need for rapid, inefficient last-minute energy acquisition from non-renewable sources.
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 the conversion of excess renewable energy into a storable form, reducing waste and reliance on non-renewable sources by allowing stored hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity when needed, promoting sustainable energy use and reducing environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolysis system, the electrolysis system configured to use the source of electrical energy to convert the water into hydrogen and oxygen
Implementation Method 2
the collected hydrogen and oxygen and combusted, for example in a hydrogen fuel cell to create electricity
Implementation Method 3
in a gas turbine, which drives an electrical generator
Implementation Method 4
in a gas turbine, which drives an electrical generator
Data Source
AI summary
A system for using electrical energy generated by renewable sources is used to hydrolyse water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen can be used on-site for the generation of electrical power, or stored in liquid form for later use. Exhaust from a power generator can provide a system for purifying water from non-potable sources, and as an input stream for the electrolysis system. Also described is a self-contained fueling station that can provided purified hydrogen for vehicles running on such a fuel.