AU2020200799B2

AU2020200799B2 - Energy Platform

Info

Publication number: AU2020200799B2
Application number: AU2020200799A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tom Engelsman; Michael Reginald Vernon Fisher
Original assignee: Envirotek Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Envirotek Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-11
Filing date: 2020-02-04
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-11
Also published as: AU2020200799A1; AU2009222637A1; AU2018201083A1

Abstract

An energy platform for generating electricity, the energy platform comprising a plurality of interconnected units forming a structure adapted to float on water and 5 including a buoyancy tank for ballasting the platform, and one or more of the units supporting a device for generating electricity from wave energy. 12083572_1 (GHMatters) P95788.AU.2 * ~T110 P (P

Description

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Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian Application No. 2018201083, which is in turn a divisional application of Australian Application No. 2009222637, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field The present invention relates to an energy platform, also described as an 'energy recovery island' used to generate electricity from wave energy.

Background of Invention A need for the recovery of energy from oscillating fluid movement has been defined for some time. Traditional focus has been on the development of individual units or structures, with single umbilical connection formats for any produced energy or water.

Major problems have been found with regard to the ability to leverage Oil and gas Technology in the construction of a suitable energy capturing device, and specifically with regard to the mooring (fixing) of the same into an operating location.

The present "Energy Recovery Island" seeks to resolve many of the industrial issues to date.

Summary In accordance with the present invention there is provided an energy platform for generating electricity, the energy platform comprising a plurality of interconnected modular units forming an open framework structure having a honeycomb configuration and adapted to float on water and including a buoyancy tank for ballasting the platform, and one or more of the units supporting a device for generating electricity from wave energy wherein the device for generating electricity from wave energy is an oscillating water column (OWC) which includes a hexagon-shaped OWC chamber.

In some embodiments, the or each OWC is constructed as a separate chamber spaced apart from subsequent chambers. In some embodiments, the energy platform may further comprise a wind turbine for generating power from wind. The chambers are spaced from each other by a distance equal or greater than a width of the chamber.

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In accordance with the present invention there is further provided an energy platform for generating electricity, the energy platform comprising a plurality of interconnected modules forming an open framework structure having a honeycomb configuration and adapted to float on water, wherein each module comprises a device to generate electricity from wave energy and are spaced from one another in an annular arrangement, wherein the devices for generating electricity from wave energy are oscillating water columns (OWC) which each include a hexagon-shaped OWC chamber.

In some embodiments, each OWC is constructed as a separate chamber spaced apart from a subsequent chamber.

In some embodiments, the energy platform may further support a wind turbine for generating power from wind.

In accordance with the present invention there is still further provided a method of assembling and installing an energy platform offshore, including: interconnecting a plurality of modules to form an open framework structure having a honeycomb configuration and adapted to float on water, wherein one or more of the modules supports an oscillating water column (OWC) which includes a hexagon-shaped OWC chamber; floating the energy platform offshore; and ballasting the energy platform by selectively filling a buoyancy chamber with ballast.

In some embodiments, the or each OWC is constructed as a separate chamber spaced apart from a subsequent chamber.

In some embodiments, the energy platform may further support a wind turbine for generating power from the wind.

Advantages and embodiments described herein include:

A unique design encompassing the benefits of both wind and wave generated power into a single "island" allowing for a far better use of a large structure to

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17686715_1 (GHMatters) P95788.AU.2 be able to generate a consistent stream of electrical power (or desalinated water). • A hexagon overall model, using individual hexagon modularised chambers which will capture energy on the basis of an Oscillating Water Column concept. Variations on the hexagon shape may also be used, since data has shown that shape can determine power output. • The use of natural settling of the structures (gravity based) into the sea bed, so that no further mooring or location pinning devices are required. The ballasting of the buoyancy tanks may also assist in the overall installation process and cost. The integration of various forms of energy recovery into the single "island", hence avoiding the problems of multiple coupling. • The overall "bee-hive" construction of the system so that the overall stresses caused by waves and storms can be transferred and bome by the overall structure. This feature will also add substantially to the overall stability of the structure. • Modular standard construction, within the requirements of the certification organizations, such that the complete system can be fully insured for marine applications. The modularisation will also ensure that the island lends itself to bulk manufacturing techniques. • Integrated energy recovery technologies, such that the overall P50 and P75 power profiles are the most suitable to the energy grid. • Balance chambers can be individually flooded at various times during the manufacturing and installation periods, so as to facilitate in the overall cost of all processes. In effect, the units can have "infinite positioning" during the fabrication and installation process. • The replication of the same modular design will allow for the use of standard steel sheet sizes, conventional flat plate, as well as manufacturing technologies well defined in the marine industry. Given that all of the components are made from flat sheet steel, all of the items can be pre-cut, and then "packaged" into standard containers, and shipped to the eventual assembly site for erection. On effect, lower cost of labour can be used for the preparation of the components, and hence reduce the overall cost of the structure.

An embodiment, incorporating all aspects of the invention, will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

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Figure 1 is a plan view of an energy platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side sectional view of the energy platform of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of area "A" shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a front side view of the energy platform;

Figure 5 illustrates schematically a number of energy platforms interconnected by electrical umbilical connections; and

Figure 6 illustrates units of the energy platform in an assembly jig.

The following notes refer to the attached diagram (referred to as the "Energy Island").

1. Individual modular constructed chambers 2, from standard size steel plates, and with conventional welding procedures. 2. Specific design openings within each of the modules 2, such that the water can ingress into the chamber during the operating period to ensure uninterrupted flow into each of the hexagonal OWC systems 3. Figure 1 illustrates 6 such OWC systems (6 x 1 Mega Watts). Pre-constructed "locking arms 19" so that the individual modules 2 can be interconnected, and build the optimal strength "honeycomb" hexagonal structure such that the stresses can be evenly balanced over the entire "island 1" during operation. 3. Use the central column 4 as a means to avoid any possible turning moment on the overall structure, and also ensure that the weight is evenly spread across the individual modules. Propellers 5 are located in at least one of three possible locations on the island 1 (Figure 1 illustrates 3 such propellers 5). 4. Given the nature of the modules, all of the same can be fully tested prior to load out, such that installation time/cost can be substantially reduced, and the margin of error with regard to load out properly planned. 5. The modules, and the overall integrating arms and supports, can all be mass produced, and shipped in high density formats in order to optimise the overall cost structure. The island 1 further comprises: a deck land 13, gravity base 14, suction pile /gravity base 15, buoyancy tank/gravity base 16, buoyancy/gravity

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17686715_1 (GHMatters) P95788.AU.2 bag 17, and a suction skirt 18. 6. With the modular construction, and the pre-defined connections of the hexagons, it will be possible to have a fully assembled electrical umbilical cable 7 ready for the systems as well as for connection to the sea bed 11 based main power connection cable 8. The electrical umbilical connections 7 are one of the main installation issues for the offshore power sector, and the ability to pre-fabricate and install is a major benefit. 7. Given the overall modular nature of the components, there will be increased pre commissioning of the various operating systems prior to the actual "float out" and hence reducing the time needed at the site. The normal cost of installation is of the order of ten times higher when done in the ocean 10 versus the near land. As such, the importance of the design is geared to having absolute maximum "on shore" (or near shore) work completed, such that the units need only to be mechanically connected (with minimal amount of on-site welding and structural inter-connection). 8. On the basis of this design, the hexagon energy island system 9 can effectively compete and tested before the tow out, hence reducing the need for expensive installation and certification equipment in the ocean 10. This will be even more important in the event that the unit 1 has to be re-floated and towed back in for maintenance.

Future improvements/adaptations There are several additional components or market applications which could be available to this invention, with the main items (at present) being as follows:

• Application of prior know-how in a unique and simple manner • Optimisation of manufacturing processes, whilst at the same time leveraging artful application of engineering knowledge • Simplification of the overall structure from a manufacturing as well as installation process, whilst retaining the substantial benefit of load distribution and stress reduction • Variations of the hexagon model • Overall improvements during the engineering phases.

All of the above will mean that the unit will be able to produce substantial energy, over a wide operating window, and be one of the lowest forms of renewable energy available

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17686715_1 (GHMatters) P95788.AU.2 to date.

Given that the operating components are all proven and commonly available products, the current invention is an artful and unique design to leverage cost and overall efficiency.

Commercial modelling of the cost base, as well as the operating output (also attached) are clearly leading edge with regard to the energy sector.

In summary, described herein is a method of constructing an energy recovery island 1 which encompasses the benefits of both wind and wave generated power into a single "island" allowing for a far better use of a large structure to be able to generate a consistent stream of electrical power (or desalinated water). The method comprising forming a hexagon overall model using individual hexagon modularised chambers 2 which will capture energy on the basis of an Oscillating Water Column 3 concept, using natural settling of the structures (gravity based 14, 15, 16) into the sea bed 11, so that no further mooring or location pinning devices are required. The ballasting of the buoyancy tanks 12 (where the individual cans float to an assembly jig) may also assist in the overall installation process and cost, integrating of various forms of energy recovery including wind turbine 6 (6 MW) into the single island 1.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

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Claims

Claims:

1. An energy platform for generating electricity, the energy platform comprising a plurality of interconnected modules forming an open framework structure having a honeycomb configuration and adapted to float on water and including a buoyancy tank for ballasting the platform, and one or more of the modules supporting a device for generating electricity from wave energy, wherein the device for generating electricity from wave energy is an oscillating water column (OWC) which includes a hexagon shaped OWC chamber.

2. The energy platform claimed in claim 1, wherein the buoyancy tank is provided at a base of the platform structure.

3. The energy platform claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising multiple buoyancy tanks that are provided at a base of multiple units.

4. The energy platform claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including balance chambers adapted to be flooded with water to balance the energy platform during manufacture and/or installation.

5. The energy platform claimed in claim 4, comprising multiple OWCs.

6. The energy platform claimed in claim, wherein the OWCs are spaced from one another in an annular arrangement.

7. The energy platform claimed in claim 6, comprising six OWCs equally spaced in a hexagon arrangement.

8. The energy platform claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein electricity generated from a wind turbine is integrated with the electricity generated from wave energy.

9. The energy platform claimed in claim 8, wherein the wind turbine is located centrally of the structure.

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10. The energy platform claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular units are dimensionally the same and modularly connected.

11. The energy platform claimed in claim 10, wherein the modular units are constructed from flat sheet steel.

12. The energy platform claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electrical umbilical cable through which electricity generated by the energy platform can be used.

13. The energy platform claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular units are interconnected through integrating arms and supports.

14. An energy platform for generating electricity, the energy platform comprising a plurality of interconnected modules forming an open framework structure having a honeycomb configuration and adapted to float on water, wherein each module comprises a device to generate electricity from wave energy and the modules are spaced from one another in an annular arrangement, wherein the devices for generating electricity from wave energy are oscillating water columns (OWC) which each include a hexagon-shaped OWC chamber.

15. The energy platform claimed in any one of claims 1-14, wherein the or each OWC is constructed as a separate chamber spaced apart from a subsequent chamber.

16. The energy platform claimed in claim 15, wherein the chamber and the subsequent chamber are spaced apart from each other by a distance equal or greater than a width of the chamber.

18. A method of assembling and installing an energy platform offshore, including: interconnecting a plurality of modules to form an open framework structure having a honeycomb configuration and adapted to float on water, wherein one or more of the modules supports an oscillating water column (OWC) which includes a hexagon-shaped OWC chamber; floating the energy platform offshore; and ballasting the energy platform by selectively filling a buoyancy tank with ballast.

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19. The method claimed in claim 18, wherein the or each oscillating water column is constructed as a separate chamber spaced apart from a subsequent chamber.

20. The method claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, including towing the energy platform offshore.

21. Use of an energy platform assembled and installed offshore according to the method of any one of claims 18 to 20 to power a desalination plant.

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FIGURE 6 6 12 FIGURE 4 19 5 4 3 1 8 3 10 FIGURE 1 8 18 14 9 1 8 11 2 8 FIGURE 2 13 17 1 7 5 1 FIGURE 5 18 8 FIGURE 3 14 16 04 Feb 2020 2020200799