EP3504430A1

EP3504430A1 - Floating device comprising an interchangeable insert passing through a float and associated electrical production system

Info

Publication number: EP3504430A1
Application number: EP17719655.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pierre Guerin; Guillaume GROS
Original assignee: Bardot Group
Current assignee: Bardot Group
Priority date: 2016-08-25
Filing date: 2017-03-31
Publication date: 2019-07-03
Also published as: US20190186474A1; WO2018037168A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a floating device (1) for cooperating with an insert (2) via a reversible interlocking connection, comprising a float and having a main hole (Lp). In order to propose a floating device adaptable to a very large number of applications, proposing, in particular, an optional multi-step installation, the main hole (Lp) of such a device is arranged to receive said insert (2). Moreover, the floating device (1) comprises reversible attachment means arranged to maintain a relative position of said device (1) along the insert (2). The invention further concerns a floating system (20) comprising a floating device (1) according to the invention and an insert (2) cooperating with said floating device (1) via a reversible interlocking connection, said insert (2) being designed to produce electrical energy (E1) by means of the thermal gradient of the oceans.

Description

Floating device having an interchangeable insert passing through a float and production system

associated electric

The invention relates to the field of devices and systems for the production of energy, preferably but not exclusively, of electrical energy using, in particular, technologies based on the Thermal Energy of the Seas or marinerhemic (also known by the abbreviation "ETM" and in the English terminology "Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion - OTEC"). These are used for all types of use and preferably but not exclusively, at sea, in application with the energy supply of isolated sites, such as for example a production site or offshore drilling in tropical areas. Today, oil, a natural mineral oil and a mixture of hydrocarbons, is used extensively, thus being at the heart of everyone's life and therefore at the heart of the world economy. It is not for nothing that this source of fossil energy is nicknamed "black gold". Indeed, the oil:

provides most liquid fuels, such as, by way of non-limiting examples, LPG, fuel oil, gas oil, kerosene, gasoline; is at the base of many objects of everyday life, such as by way of non-limiting examples, textiles, cosmetics, fertilizers, detergents, etc., in the form of naphtha when it is produced by refining, then transformed thanks to petrochemicals; also included in the composition, among others, bitumens, lubricants and paraffins. On the other hand, oil has many advantages, being a source of liquid energy, it is easy to pump, store, transport and use. In addition, it offers a high density of energy. Nevertheless, like any fossil fuel or fuel, oil is a non-renewable energy source, since it takes millions of years to build up and oil resources are depleted faster than they are not produced. Finally, oil and other fossil fuels are not considered as sources of green energy, since their use has a direct or indirect impact on the environment. Indeed, on sites of locations, for example in the direct vicinity of a hotel center, in particular to produce electricity independently, generators can be used. Such groups, however, are tedious to implement, since they involve a supply of fuel or fossil fuel, expensive and not very clean. Alternatively or additionally, other devices and / or systems for producing electrical energy are deployed by exploiting for example solar energy. Although less polluting, such devices and / or systems however have a number of disadvantages, since their smooth operation is relative to the sun.

To overcome such drawbacks, humans have had to look for solutions from resources that are almost inexhaustible and present on our planet. Because of their extent on the Earth, the oceans and seas act such a huge solar radiation sensor, allowing the heating up of the upper layers of said oceans and said seas. These upper layers described as "hot" do not mix with the lower layers described as "cold", present in depth. In fact, the density of the water increases when the temperature of the latter decreases. Based on this difference in temperature, power generation systems, such as for example electricity, were subsequently developed by the use of technologies based on ETM or OTEC. Figure 1 schematically illustrates the operation of a power generation system based on known ETM technologies. Such a system for producing electrical energy E1 is advantageously supplied with cold water and hot water respectively by cold water inlet CWI and hot water WWI taking deep seawater and water. sea surface to ultimately provide electrical energy E i.

Such thermal power generation systems are nevertheless and generally usable only in the intertropical zones, to obtain a sufficient production yield. Indeed, it depends on the temperature difference between the hot and cold water sources, said difference to operate optimally to be of the order of twenty degrees Celsius. In addition to the production of electrical energy, such systems may possibly allow the generation of other "energies", useful for example for cooling an atmosphere in a room or for irrigating cultivated land. Conceptually, ETM systems produce energy by the presence of a working fluid, such as ammonia, seawater or any other fluid whose dew point corresponds to a temperature close to four degrees Celsius. Such an ETM system generally comprises an evaporator in which said working fluid is vaporized, in contact with hot water previously drawn from the surface. Once vaporized, such a working fluid is conveyed within a turbine to drive the rotation of said turbine and finally produce electricity. Then, in order to be condensed again, the working fluid is sent to a condenser included in the system in contact with cold water this time, previously drawn in depth. Although generally having the same elements, systems employing ETM technologies may operate in different cycles or embodiments.

According to a first embodiment, an ETM system can operate in an open cycle: hot seawater is advantageously and directly used to produce electricity. Indeed, said hot water is first pumped into a low pressure tank or under vacuum, said tank thus making it possible to vaporize said hot water. The water vapor is pure. It is then conveyed to a turbine that rotates, said turbine being connected to an electric generator. The steam is then introduced into a condenser by being exposed to cold seawater from the depths, to recover its liquid state. Said water, produced in liquid form in fine, can advantageously be used as drinking water for irrigation or for aquaculture. However, the electric power generation systems employing an open operating cycle have disadvantages: first, the cycle being open, it is often difficult to perform a complete air vacuum within the system, generally decreasing the operating efficiency of such an open cycle. Then, the low pressure present in the system requires the use of a large turbine, resulting in cost and manufacturing processes, installation and maintenance expensive and complex.

According to a second embodiment, an ETM system can operate in a closed cycle, most often modeled by an "Organic Rankine Cycle-ORC" (Anglo-Saxon terminology and abbreviation). In this case, such an ETM system for producing electrical energy firstly comprises an evaporator in which circulates hot water previously pumped to the surface. The hot water thus makes it possible to vaporize a working fluid advantageously having a low boiling point. This is the case, for example, with ammonia. The ETM system then comprises a turbine in which the vaporized working fluid passes. Said turbine is thus driven by the vaporized working fluid, for itself driving an electricity generator connected thereto. The working fluid in gaseous form is expanded in the turbine. The pressure of said fluid is therefore lower at the turbine outlet. The ETM system then comprises a condenser allowing the condensation of said working fluid, said condenser circulating within it. cold sea water to allow such condensation. The working fluid in liquid form is then conveyed by a circulation system, for example a pump, to feed the evaporator again and thus allow a repetition of the cycle.

According to a third embodiment, an ETM system can operate in a hybrid cycle. Such a hybrid cycle combines the characteristics of open and closed cycle systems. In this configuration, an ETM system for producing electrical energy comprises a vacuum chamber inside which is introduced salt water and vaporized very quickly, like the evaporation process within the cycle open. The water vapor in turn vaporizes a working fluid, such as ammonia, present within a closed cycle circuit, positioned opposite the working fluid vaporizer. The latter thus vaporized drives a turbine, which in turn actuates an electricity generator. Although it makes it possible to take advantage of the previously described open and closed electric power production cycles, the said hybrid cycle has other drawbacks, particularly in terms of investment, installation and maintenance costs, since twice as much materials are needed to implement such a hybrid cycle. In addition, by a significant "discharge" of cold water surface, the use of said hybrid cycle leads to a greater phenomenon of cooling of surface water, which can be harmful to wildlife and flora.

The implementation of the ETM systems or central units is essential for the implementation of these systems or power stations. In fact, since ETM systems rely on a thermal gradient of at least twenty degrees Celsius induced between hot water on the surface and cold water deep in the seas or oceans, they must have access to these water resources. in tropical areas, that is to say they must be installed near or on the seas or oceans. Two types of ETM systems infrastructures are now distinguished, namely terrestrial and floating systems. Terrestrial systems, usually installed as one or more buildings, are located on the shoreline near the water. Such terrestrial systems have the advantage of not requiring sophisticated mooring systems, infinite feeder cables and intensive maintenance due to their installation at sea. Moreover, such terrestrial systems can advantageously be placed in sheltered and possibly protected areas. Nevertheless, these terrestrial systems remain exposed to the problems of coastal erosion and extensive damage due to possible hurricanes and other storms. Moreover, their efficiency and efficiency are more modest because of the difficulty of obtaining a thermal gradient sufficient to function optimally. In fact, the cold water used in the systems is mainly drawn from deep seawater, around a thousand meters deep. Also, these devices require the use of very long pipes to draw cold water, such conduits being susceptible to material failures, but also expensive manufacturing and installation costs. Thus, in some cases, in particular in order to draw cold water in a facilitated manner, to exploit a larger thermal gradient and thus to generate electricity more efficiently, floating systems are preferred. The said floating systems operate in a manner similar to terrestrial systems, relying on the use of a thermal gradient between hot and cold water. Thus, the floating systems being located directly at sea, the routing of cold water directly to the heart of the system is facilitated, since one or more conduits are deployed vertically, facilitating the installation and maintenance of said duct or conduits. In addition, the delivery of hot water is also easy, since hot water from the surface is close to the floating systems.

Nevertheless, in the context of the development of floating systems dedicated to ETM technologies, one of the frequent problems lies in the installation and maintenance of the technological core. Indeed, floating systems currently in use are usually specifically dedicated to ETM technologies and are installed on site as "all-in-one" systems. The installation and maintenance of such floating systems then cause many drawbacks, including significant bulk during transport and a complete replacement of the installation, mobilizing a multitude of trades and equipment directly on site to manage for example possible docking stresses of the floating system, in particular mechanical, fluidic or electrical, consequently resulting in exponential costs for said operations. The invention makes it possible to meet all or some of the disadvantages raised by the known solutions.

Among the many advantages provided by a floating device according to the invention, we can mention that it allows:

to facilitate and improve the installation and possibly the maintenance of floating systems installed at sea, such as, for example, electric power generation systems of the ETM type;

to propose a modular floating device, adaptable to a very large number of technological applications, by proposing in particular a multi-step installation, such as for example the deployment of a plurality of floats independently of the system or systems as such that cooperate in fine with the one or more floats;

to reduce the number of equipment and devices used by facilitating installation and maintenance through the use of pre-assembled devices, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs by reducing the number of equipment business required simultaneously;

to guarantee a saving of time of installation and important maintenance and consequently a significant reduction of the costs. To this end, it is in particular provided a floating device for cooperating with an insert according to a reversible embedding connection, comprising a float and having a main light. In order to propose a modular floating device, adaptable to a very large number of technological applications and to reduce the number of devices and devices deployed, the main light of a floating device according to the invention is arranged to accommodate said insert , said main lumen having a section greater than or substantially equal to the section of the outer wall of the envelope of a portion of said insert and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the waterline of said device, once it has been water. Such a floating device further comprises reversible fixing means arranged to maintain a relative position of said device along the insert.

Advantageously, to ensure a permanent installation of a floating device according to the invention, the envelope or the structure of said float may be mainly made of steel and / or polymer.

Alternatively or in addition, the float of a floating device according to the invention may be composed of several dissociated elements respectively cooperating in pairs in a mechanical connection type embedding.

To ensure a durable buoyancy on site of a floating device according to the invention, the float of the latter may be composed of several compartments cooperating respectively in pairs according to a connection connection. In order to protect the structure of a floating device according to the invention from possible impacts, the envelope of said device may have a skirt type structure.

Preferably, but not exclusively, the fixing means of a floating device according to the invention can exploit bolts.

Alternatively or in addition, when the application implemented by a floating system according to the invention requires the use of fluid conduits for its operation, a floating device according to the invention may also have a secondary light of axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main light arranged to house a water conduit.

Advantageously but not limitatively, to prevent the drift of a floating device 1 according to the invention and ensure a durable installation and operability of the latter, said floating device may further comprise or cooperate with anchoring means.

In a preferred but nonlimiting manner, the anchoring means may comprise at least one mooring line.

According to a second object, the invention relates to a floating system comprising a floating device according to the invention and an insert cooperating with said floating device according to a reversible embedding connection. According to a preferred but nonlimiting application, the insert of a floating system conforms to the invention is advantageously designed to produce electrical energy by means of the thermal gradient of the oceans.

To implement the production of electrical energy, preferably but not limited to, the insert of a floating system according to the invention may comprise:

first and second supply circuits respectively hot and cold water; a working fluid supply circuit; first and second heat exchangers fluidly cooperating respectively with said first and second hot and cold water supply circuits and said working fluid supply circuit;

a turbine fluidly cooperating with the first and second heat exchangers;

an electricity generator cooperating with said turbine in a mechanical connection.

Alternatively or additionally, advantageously but not limitatively, when a floating device according to the invention has one or more secondary lights, the first and second supply circuits respectively hot and cold water of the insert a floating system according to the invention may comprise water conduits, at least one of said conduits being hosted in the secondary light of said floating device.

Other features and advantages will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows and examining the figures that accompany it, among which:

FIG. 1, previously described, illustrates a schematic view of the operation of an electrical energy production system based on known ETM technologies;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a graphic description of a first embodiment of floating device and floating system in accordance with the invention;

- Figure 3 schematically describes a second embodiment of a floating device according to one invention;

- Figure 4 schematically illustrates a non-limiting example of the structure of the insert of a floating system according to the invention, said system being advantageously arranged to produce electrical energy.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a first embodiment of a device and a floating system in accordance with the invention. Figure 3 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a floating system according to the invention, the arrangement of which differs from the structure of the floating device. The invention can not, however, be limited to these examples of embodiment.

According to a first example of a preferred application, a floating system according to the invention may consist of generating electrical energy from the thermal gradient of the oceans. Such a system can advantageously consist of different subsystems, such as exhaustively a floating device, comprising or cooperating with, by any mechanical connection, possibly an anchoring system and means for catching and rejecting water, a subsystem or technological insert arranged to generate electrical energy and a a subsystem for conveying the electricity thus produced to a storage unit or to one or more infrastructures having electrical energy requirements.

Preferably, such an electric power generation system employs ETM technologies, consisting mainly of methods using a thermal gradient between deep cold seawaters and warm tropical surface seawaters to produce electricity without carbon emission. At present, to function optimally, electric power generation systems require a temperature gradient of about twenty degrees Celsius between the cold water and the hot water pumped. Thus, in order to obtain a source of cold water at temperatures of the order of five to six degrees Celsius, it is now necessary for cold water to be pumped to depths close to one thousand meters. However, with the progress of technological advances to reduce this thermal gradient and thus to take cold water at lower depths. In this case, the electrical energy production system according to the invention may advantageously be adaptable and / or adapted. According to a first object of the invention, the latter relates to a floating device for cooperating with an insert, also known as a "process" according to an Anglo-Saxon terminology, according to an advantageously reversible embedding connection. Within the meaning of the invention and throughout the document, the term "insert", any structure or system comprising the technological core, that is to say comprising the elements or materials necessary for the implementation of the application desired. Such an insert can also be described as an "interchangeable battery". As already mentioned, by way of nonlimiting examples, said floating device is advantageously adapted to be used in connection with an insert in the form of a system for generating electrical energy from a thermal gradient , also referred to as heat exchange, observed between deep water and surface water at sea. However, the invention can not be limited to this single application example.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 3 show two exemplary embodiments of such a floating device. Said floating device 1 first has a main light Lp. Within the meaning of the invention and throughout the document, the term "light" means any orifice, recess or central cavity arranged in the floating device to allow the passage or the maintenance of an insert 2. Thus, the Lp main light is arranged to accommodate said insert, namely in the case of our preferred example of non-limiting application, a system for generating electrical energy, the establishment within said floating device can be carried out at sea while said device floating is already set up on site, that is to say possibly anchored at sea. We can thus qualify the insert of "interchangeable". Indeed, any other insert could instead be introduced into said floating device, depending on the application or services desired. It suffices for this that the structural and / or functional arrangements are in adequacy with mainly the configuration of the main light arranged in said floating device. Thus, said main light Lp advantageously has a section whose dimensions are substantially greater than or equal to that of the section of the portion of the outer wall of the envelope of said insert 2 passing through said floating device 1. Moreover, said section can advantageously be square, circular, oblong or any other shape that can be adapted for the outer wall of the casing of an insert whose portion slides or passes through the main light Lp, or possibly several inserts. As a preferred but nonlimiting example, such as that described in connection with Figures 2A to 2C and 3, such an outer wall of the casing of the insert may have a substantially cylindrical section. Thus, the light Lp may also have a substantially cylindrical section, similar to that of the outer wall of the insert 2. As non-limiting examples, a main light Lp, also called a "central well", may, if it occupies a central position of longitudinal axis Alp substantially perpendicular to the waterline of the device, advantageously having a diameter of between two meters and fifteen meters, when the section of said main light is preferably cylindrical. However, the invention can not be limited to the presence of a single main light Lp. Indeed, the invention may provide that a floating device according to the invention has several main lights Lp, of different or identical dimensions or configurations, arranged to optionally accommodate several identical or different inserts.

Said main light Lp also has a longitudinal axis Alp. Throughout the document, the term "longitudinal axis of the main light", any axis passing through the floating device in the direction of its length. In view of the configuration of the floating device 1, as described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C and 3, a longitudinal axis Alp traversing the latter is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of an insert 2, said insert being pregnant by said device. As non-limiting examples, when the main light Lp has a circular and constant section, as described in connection with Figures 2A to 2C, the longitudinal axis Alp may be substantially parallel, or even coincident with the axis of revolution of the main light Lp. Furthermore, a floating device 1 according to the invention being advantageously installed and maintained at sea, the longitudinal axis Alp of the latter is advantageously defined as substantially perpendicular to the waterline of said floating device 1.

Furthermore, said floating device 1 according to the invention advantageously comprises a float, that is to say a one-piece or multi-block body, or more generally any flotation means, configured or adapted to float on the surface of the water and support or maintain the surface of a portion or the entirety of the insert 2, such an insert 2 is generally a submersible body. By way of nonlimiting examples, the shell or, more generally, the structure, ie the body, of such a float can principally consist, preferably, of steel and / or polymer (s). ). The float can also be arranged so that the draft of said float, and more generally of said floating device, remains limited after the impoundment of said floating device 1. Preferably, but without limitation, the structure of the float can be designed so that that the draft remains less than five meters. According to FIGS. 2A to 2C, the envelope of the float of a floating device 1 according to the invention may advantageously have a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the invention can not be limited to this single configuration. Alternatively (not shown in the figures), the float can advantageously be defined by a polyhedron shape, defining for example a square section, triangular or any other section adapted to said floating device 1. The float envelope of such a floating device 1 may also include a plurality of faces. Such a multi-surface configuration makes it possible in particular to improve the stability of said floating device, by presenting a particular hydrodynamic profile having the least possible impact on the stability of the floating system comprising the floating device 1 cooperating with the insert 2. According to a preferred embodiment but not limiting, described in particular with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, the float can be likened to a cylinder: according to this advantageous embodiment, the outside diameter of the section of the float can advantageously be chosen between ten meters and thirty meters and the height of said cylinder may be between six and twenty meters. Nevertheless, the invention can not be limited to these ranges of values or to this cylindrical configuration and generally depends on the application or services desired.

As has been described, the float of a floating device 1 according to the invention may be mainly of a one-piece body, possibly consisting of one or more independent sealed compartments. Alternatively or additionally, in accordance with a second embodiment described in particular with reference to FIG. 3, the float may, advantageously, consist of a plurality of dissociated elements cooperating respectively in pairs in a mechanical connection of the embedding type. According to Figure 3, the float of a floating device 1 according to the invention may advantageously but not limited to three elements I ', I', '' '' '' dissociated and joined two by two by means of suitable mechanical connections. Thus, a float, in the form of a plurality of dissociated elements, makes it possible to limit the intrinsic volume of said float according to the extent of the receiving surface of an insert.

Alternatively or additionally (not shown in the figures), as already mentioned, the element or elements of such a float, whether it is thus monoblock or multi-block, can be composed of several compartments separated by radial partitions. Such a configuration by means of a plurality of compartments notably allows the float, that it consists of one or more elements, and finally the floating device, to ensure its function, even if one of the compartments would eventually undergo a waterway or any other damage and could no longer perform its function.

Furthermore, alternatively or in addition, the envelope or elements of said float may comprise a skirt-type structure surrounding said envelope. Such a skirt structure may optionally consist mainly of steel or polymer. The presence of said skirt proves particularly clever, since it not only makes it possible to protect the structure from possible impacts, but also to improve the hydrodynamic profile of the floating device according to the invention, by accentuating roll damping or in pitch, that could possibly undergo a floating device 1 according to one invention.

To allow perennial cooperation and maintenance of an insert 2 within a floating device

1 according to the invention, such a floating device 1 further comprises fixing means (not shown in the figures). Such fixing means are, advantageously, reversible, that is to say that they provide interchangeability of said insert 2, after installation. However, such fastening means are advantageously arranged to maintain a relative position of said floating device 1 along the insert

2 and to coat all or part of said insert 2. Advantageously, but not exclusively, such means for attaching a floating device according to the invention may comprise a plurality of bolts or any other suitable equipment. Once installed within said floating device 1, the insert 2 is then advantageously maintained by the gravitational force and the presence of said bolts. Alternatively or additionally, such bolts may advantageously be replaced by supports or any other fastening means capable of providing said fastening function and maintenance. In addition, it could be provided that the insert 2 and the floating device 1 are mutually arranged, by their structures, to cooperate and hold together. By way of non-limiting example, the floating device 1 and the insert 2 may have shoulders, said shoulders being mutually arranged so that the insert 2 bears on the floating device 1 at their respective shoulders by the simple force gravitational.

Alternatively or in addition, when the application implemented by a floating system according to the invention requires the use of fluid conduits for proper operation, according to an embodiment described in connection with Figures 2A to 2C , a floating device 1 according to the invention may have one or more secondary lights. Like a main light Lp, or secondary lights are understood as "lights" or orifices, recesses or cavities emerging or not arranged in the floating device to allow the passage or the maintenance of fluid conduits or any other cables necessary for the implementation of the desired application or services. Like a main light Lp, when it is present on the floating device 1, each secondary light Ls also has a respective axis Als substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Alp of the main light Lp. By way of nonlimiting examples, such secondary lights Ls are advantageously arranged to house fluid conduits 3 respectively. In the context of the preferred application in connection with an electrical energy production system based on ETM technologies such secondary lights Ls can advantageously be provided in the body of the device to accommodate for example plugs and / or discharges of cold water and / or hot, in the form of ducts. Such conduits could also be, alternatively or in addition, cooperate with the outer wall of the float, with one or more fasteners, or any other equivalent means to secure it. According to a preferred but nonlimiting arrangement, described in particular with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, two secondary lights Ls can be arranged in the floating device 1 according to the invention. Moreover, when the float of a floating device 1 according to the invention is similar to a hollow cylinder or a hollow ring, with regard to the main light Lp, each secondary light Ls can be arranged so that said lights secondary have respectively longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of revolution of the main light, if the latter has a circular section. Said longitudinal axes Alp and Als different main and secondary lights may be respectively perpendicular to a diameter of a section of said float of a floating device 1 according to the invention. Such longitudinal axes Als and Alp are generally substantially vertical after impoundment of the device 1. In addition, in accordance with one embodiment of a floating device 1 according to the invention, the secondary lights Ls can be arranged on either side. other of the main light Lp.

Moreover, to prevent the drift of a floating device 1 according to the invention, an anchoring system is generally implemented. Also, advantageously, a floating device 1 according to the invention may further comprise or cooperate with anchoring means cooperating with the float in a possibly reversible embedding connection. According to the geomorphology of the implantation site or sites of a floating device and a floating system according to the invention, the anchoring means of said floating device can be advantageously arranged to moor such a floating device at one or more depths required. Advantageously, the anchoring means of such a floating device may comprise at least one mooring line 4. In order to optimize the stability of a floating device according to the invention, the anchoring means of this The last may preferentially comprise six to eight lines of mooring, although the number of mooring lines in no way limits the invention. Such mooring lines can be composed of chains, cables steel or polymer cables, a combination of these elements or any other element capable of ensuring the use of a privileged element for the benefit of another dependent on the conditions at sea.

According to a second object, the invention also provides a floating system 20 comprising a floating device 1 according to the first object of the invention and an insert 2 cooperating with said floating device 1 according to an advantageously reversible embedding connection. In the context of the preferred but nonlimiting application, said insert 2 is advantageously designed to produce electrical energy by means of a thermal gradient or heat exchange, based on ETM technologies. In this application framework, such a floating system 20 can advantageously and commonly be described as floating OTEC. FIGS. 2A to 2C show a non-limiting embodiment of such a floating system. The insert 2 of the latter represents the heart of the system 20, designed to allow rapid installation of said system and to facilitate maintenance processes. Preferably, such an insert 2 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the invention can not be limited to this single form, the form advantageously depending on the desired application or services: according to this advantageous embodiment, the outside diameter of the section of the insert 2 can advantageously be chosen between two meters and fifteen meters and the height of said cylinder may be between two and twenty meters. Nevertheless, the invention can not be limited to these beaches alone of values or to this cylindrical configuration and usually depends on the desired application or services.

Preferably, such an electric power generation system employs ETM / OTEC technologies, consisting mainly of methods using a thermal gradient present between deep cold seawaters and hot tropical surface seawaters to produce heat. electricity without carbon emissions. To do this, said insert 2 is arranged to implement an ETM technology in a closed cycle. Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of the structure of the insert 2 of a floating system according to the invention, arranged to produce electrical energy.

For this purpose, to operate such a system for producing electrical energy 20, the insert 2 of a floating system 20 according to the invention may comprise, in a non-exhaustive manner, a first hot water supply circuit. WW having one or more first pumps 110 and a first WWI hot water inlet cooperating with said first pumps 110. Such a first hot water supply circuit WW, represented by a plurality of solid continuous lines, makes it possible to put in communication fluidic all the elements contained in said first feed circuit and to convey WW hot water to the electric power generation system. Similarly, the insert 2 may comprise a second CW cold water supply circuit comprising one or more second pumps 190 and a second inlet CWI cold water cooperating with said second pumps 190. Such a second CW cold water supply circuit, represented by a plurality of solid dotted lines, makes it possible to put in fluidic communication all the elements contained in said second supply circuit. and to convey CW cold water to the electric power generation system. As mentioned above, said first and second WW and CW cold water supply circuits respectively comprise a first hot water inlet WWI and a second cold water inlet CWI. Such first and second respective hot water WWI and CWI cold water inlet can convey hot water and cold water to their respective supply circuit and can advantageously be embodied in the form of one or several ducts (also known by the English name "intake pipe"), advantageously and mainly made of high density polyethylene. Since the first CWI hot water inlet is positioned in the surface waters, its maintenance can in certain cases be complex, due to the presence of currents and waves. In order to guarantee the stability of said inlet and to limit its movement, such a first hot water inlet CWI may also comprise or cooperate with one or more suitable weighting and / or buoyancy means (also known by the English name "ballast"). And / or "buoyancy"). The dimensions of the second cold water inlet CWI, for its part, are advantageously arranged to be able to convey cold water from a sufficient depth, for example seven hundred or a thousand meters deep, so that said cold water CW drawn is at a temperature of about four to seven degrees Celsius.

Moreover, the insert 2 of such a floating system 20 according to the invention may also comprise a working fluid supply circuit WF, the latter comprising a working fluid supply circuit WF comprising a pump circulation 130 of said working fluid WF. By way of non-limiting example, in order to provide the system with sufficient pressure to generate electrical energy, while using non-dangerous refrigerant fluids, possibly respecting the problems of global warming, such a working fluid WF is preferentially and mainly consisting of 1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane, since this is non-flammable and nontoxic. The working fluid supply circuit WF, advantageously closed, represented in FIG. 4 by a plurality of solid and close discontinuous lines, makes it possible to put in fluid communication all the elements contained in said supply circuit and to circulate the fluid WF working within the power generation system 20.

In addition, in order to implement the closed cycle of the electrical energy production system included in the insert 2, the latter may also comprise a first heat exchanger 120 cooperating fluidically, that is to say being in fluid communication with said first WW hot water supply circuit and said WF working fluid supply circuit. The hot water WW, advantageously taken from the surface at a temperature of the order of twenty-five to thirty-five degrees Celsius, is routed to the first heat exchanger 120 by means of the first supply circuit. The hot water WW then flows through the first heat exchanger 120 and transfers its heat in the form of calories to bring to boiling the working fluid WF, the latter passing to the vapor state. Thus, the first heat exchanger 120, also called first heat exchanger or evaporator, advantageously makes it possible to transfer heat energy in the form of heat from the hot water WW to the working fluid WF through a surface exchange guaranteeing the separation of WW hot water and WF working fluid. It is this transfer of heat energy or heat that allows the vaporization of said WF working fluid. As a preferred but nonlimiting example, the first heat exchanger 120 may advantageously consist of a plate heat exchanger, also known by the English names "Plate heat exchanger" or "Gasket heat exchanger type". Said first heat exchanger, advantageously with plates or any other exchanger technology guaranteeing the efficiency of the system 20, may comprise plates consisting preferably of titanium, to ensure a longevity of said heat exchanger.

Subsequently, the working fluid WF, in the form of steam, relaxes through one or possibly several turbines driving one or more generators to finally create electrical energy. Also, the floating electrical energy production system may comprise a turbine 140 cooperating fluidically, that is to say being in fluid communication, thanks to the fluid WF working, with the first heat exchanger 120. Preferably, but not limited to, such a turbine 140 consists of an impeller turbine with axial gas flow (also known by the English name "single axial impulse type turbine"), possibly fitted with a partial inlet (not shown in Figures 3A and 3B) of working fluid vapor WF, said partial admission for controlling the output power of the turbine. The kinetic energy of the working fluid WF in the form of steam makes it possible to drive in rotation blades, on which the action of the working fluid WF, and a shaft S operate, said vanes being present within said turbine 140. Thermal energy is thus converted into mechanical energy. All or part of this mechanical energy can then be converted into electrical energy. To do this, the floating electrical energy production system may include an electricity generator 150 cooperating with said turbine 140 according to a mechanical link. Thus, the turbine 140 and the electricity generator 150 of the electric power generation system can be connected and form a single entity, said entity being commonly referred to as "turbo-generator" or "turbo-generator".

Then, the electric power generation system operating in a closed cycle, the steam of the working fluid WF is again condensed in liquid to finally be recycled within said power generation system. To do this, said electrical energy production system 20 may also include a second heat exchanger 180 cooperating fluidically, that is to say being in communication fluidic, with said second CW cold water supply circuit and said working fluid supply circuit WF. CW cold water, advantageously taken at depths of the order of seven hundred to one thousand meters at a temperature of the order of four to seven degrees Celsius, is conveyed to the second heat exchanger 180 by means of the second circuit. 'food. The cold water CW then flows through the second heat exchanger 180 and transfers its thermal energy in order to condense the working fluid WF, the latter passing from the gaseous state to the liquid state. Thus, the second heat exchanger 180, also called a second heat exchanger or condenser, advantageously makes it possible to transfer thermal energy from the cold water CW to the working fluid WF through an exchange surface which guarantees the separation of CW cold water and WF working fluid. It is this transfer of thermal energy that allows the condensation of said working fluid WF. Advantageously but not limitatively, like the first heat exchanger 120, such a second heat exchanger 180 may consist of a double-walled exchanger. As a preferred but nonlimiting example, the second heat exchanger 180 may consist of a plate heat exchanger (also known by the English names "Plate heat exchanger" or "Gasket type heat exchanger").

Once the working fluid WF is again in the liquid state, a cycle of production of electrical energy through the production system 20 is again implemented. The hot water WW and the cold water CW, for their part, are subsequently conveyed outside the system, since their respective temperatures are no longer adequate to feed the first and second heat exchangers 120, 180, respectively to vaporize and condense the working fluid WF. For this purpose, the electrical energy production system 20 may comprise a water outlet WO cooperating fluidically, that is to say in fluid communication, with the first and second heat exchangers 120 and 180.

By virtue of its structure and functions, a floating system 20 for generating electrical energy in accordance with the invention is designed to preferentially accommodate a turbine 150 capable of producing electricity E i at a power of between two and three megawatt hours. . Nevertheless, the invention can not be limited to this single range of power values. Said system can advantageously be adapted to be able to produce powers between two hundred kilowatt hours and five megawatt hours.

As already specified according to an embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, a floating device 1 according to the invention may advantageously have two secondary lights Ls arranged, possibly on either side of the Lp main light, arranged to accommodate fluid conduits, more particularly water conduits 3. Water ducts, as part of a system for generating electrical energy, allow the taking and rejection of the water, more particularly in WW hot water and / or CW cold water, necessary for the operation of said system 20. Also, the first and second circuits supplying hot water WW respectively and CW cold water from an electrical energy production system may comprise water conduits, at least one of said ducts being accommodated in a secondary light Ls of said floating device 1 According to a nonlimiting example, the water conduit consisting of the hot water intake is located at shallow depth: said duct may then advantageously be positioned at the level of the insert 2 or along the float of the floating device 1 .

The water pipe consisting of the cold water intake, meanwhile, may advantageously consist mainly of High Density Polyethylene (also known by the abbreviation PHDE), because such a material has excellent flexural properties and a low density to reduce the voltages applied to said conduit. The invention, however, can not be limited to this material alone since the water pipe consisting of the cold water intake could possibly be made from other materials without limiting the invention. Similarly, the invention can not be limited to the use of a single conduit in hot or cold water intake. A floating system 20 according to the invention may optionally comprise a plurality of water pipes consisting of several cold water outlets and / or hot water. Similarly, said cold water intake duct may then be advantageously positioned on or under the insert 2 or along the floating device 1. The duct movement is certainly one of the main problems encountered in the process. depth. Such a movement is usually and directly induced by the movements of the floating device, then generating harmful stresses in the water pipe consisting of the cold water intake. In order to limit or even completely eradicate this phenomenon, in particular by attenuating stress variations, the water pipe consisting of the cold water intake may optionally comprise or cooperate with ballast means.

A floating system 20 according to the invention may also comprise an additional conduit, consisting of a discharge of cold water. Such additional duct may advantageously be positioned on the insert 2, opposite to the water duct consisting of the cold water intake. Similarly, the water conduit consisting of the cold water discharge may advantageously consist mainly of high density polyethylene and have a length of between one hundred and two hundred and fifty meters. Finally, a floating system 20 according to the invention may also include means for exporting electricity E i for transporting electricity to land or more generally to the site that it is desired to supply electricity. Such means of export or vector may advantageously comprise one or more power cables, independent or possibly positioned and / or hung along a mooring line or along a water conduit ensuring the water intake cold. Preferably, but not exclusively, the export means can be stabilized at the seabed to a coastal zone, or even to another float. The invention has been described in its use and / or application in connection with the production of electrical energy for, for example, a hotel complex located in an archipelago of isolated islands. It can also be implemented for all other categories of places, such as isolated communities, government and / or military installations, large industrial and / or commercial complexes, universities, airports or data centers ( also known in the English terminology "data centers") having the capacity to implement technologies of the "OTEC" type, that is to say in any place of the world where the necessary difference of temperatures that is, of the order of twenty degrees Celsius, between a hot source and a cold source can be observed throughout the year, typically in tropical waters.

It could also be envisaged that the device and system according to the invention guarantee other functions and / or applications than those previously described and / or mentioned, particularly preferably the production of electrical energy via a thermal gradient. The invention can not be limited to the application in which the device and system according to the invention are used.

Other modifications may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Floating device (1) for cooperating with an insert (2) in a reversible embedding connection, comprising a float and having a main light (Lp), said device being characterized in that:

the main light (Lp) is arranged to receive said insert (2), said main light (Lp) having a section greater than or substantially equal to the section of the outer wall of the envelope of a portion of said insert (2) and having a longitudinal axis (Alp) substantially perpendicular to the waterline of said device (1), once it is put in water;

- It further comprises reversible fixing means arranged to maintain a relative position of said device (1) along the insert (2). 2. Floating device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the envelope or the structure of said float is mainly made of steel and / or polymer. Floating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for which said float is composed of a plurality of dissociated cooperating elements (1 ', 1'',1''') respectively two by two according to a mechanical connection type embedding.

Floating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the float is composed of a plurality of compartments respectively cooperating in pairs in a recess connection.

Floating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the envelope of said device has a skirt-like structure.

. Floating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means operate bolts.

Floating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a secondary light axis (Als) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (Alp) of the main light (Lp) arranged to house a water pipe ( 3).

8. Floating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising anchoring means.

9. Floating device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the anchoring means comprise at least one mooring line (4).

10. Floating system (20) comprising a floating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an insert (2) cooperating with said floating device (1) in a reversible embedding connection, said insert (2) being designed to produce electrical energy (E i) by means of the thermal gradient of the oceans.

11. Floating system (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein the insert (2) comprises:

- First and second supply circuits respectively hot water (WW) and cold water (CW);

a working fluid supply circuit (WF);

first and second heat exchangers fluidly cooperating respectively with said first and second hot water (WW) and cold water (CW) supply circuits and said working fluid supply circuit (WF);

a turbine (140) fluidly cooperating with the first and second heat exchangers; - An electricity generator (150) cooperating with said turbine (140) in a mechanical connection.

Floating system (20) according to the claim

10, when the floating device is in accordance with claim 7, wherein the first and second supply circuits respectively hot and cold water comprise water conduits, at least one of said conduits being housed within the light secondary (Ls) of said floating device (1).