GB2555080B

GB2555080B - WATTS - The "BIG" idea

Info

Publication number: GB2555080B
Application number: GB1613602.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Young Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-08
Filing date: 2016-08-08
Publication date: 2019-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-08
Also published as: GB2555080A

Description

WATTS - The “BIG” idea

DESCRIPTION (See Diagram Figure 1 and figures 2 to 6 )

The design is based specifically upon the configuration of its main component; an “Extremely Large”, “Buoyant", “High Mass", floating structure and its "Restraint System”. (Referred to hereafter as “The Island”).

The project is designed to provide a consistent base line electrical output due to the rise and fall of the Island following changes in tide levels and to bring together three other well known green energy generation systems all located upon it.

The Island will provide a single secure site upon which four different electrical generation systems will be accommodated, each contributing to its overall high total electrical generation capability.

For the purpose of this proposal the order of size envisaged will be as follows :-

Each buoyancy chamber will be approximately the size of the worlds largest ship (500m long by 50m diameter).

The Island decks will be 1000m by 1000m.

The configuration will be in the form of a square.

The Island overall weight 20,000,000 tonnes.

The above parameters are provisional only and may be varied as development of the design progresses.

In the diagram (Fig 1), Items 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9, are components forming the Island structure. Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, are complementary systems housed upon and within the structure. Items 15 and 16 represent low and high tide levels respectively.

Item 1,

Buoyancy Chambers:-

An array of individual chambers upon which the whole deck superstructure will be mounted and attached. Each chamber will be designed to provide; a high level of mechanical strength, a predetermined high level of buoyancy, and will be secured to the underside of the lower deck and to its neighbouring chambers such that in the event of damage, individual chambers can be removed for repair or replacement without putting the overall structure at risk.

Item 2,

The lower deck:-

Will provide a flat surface upon which beams will be mounted to provide lateral support across the structure, it will also provide a base for the establishment of a protected internal space between the lower and upper decks over its entire area. The interior beams and walls, between the lower and upper decks, will be designed to add high strength and rigidity to the overall structure.

The enclosed space described above will provide a secure weather proof space suitable for the accommodation all the electrical generation plant and equipment associated with; tidal rise and fall, and wave power energy generation.

It will also house all necessary storage facilities for; the plant and equipment required for the provision of a fresh water supply, a sanitation system, plant maintenance equipment, spare parts, tooling, safety equipment, a workshop and any other items necessary for the upkeep of the island facilities.

It will house; the control room, staff accommodation facilities and any other facility deemed necessary for uninterrupted operation of the total system.

Item 3,

The upper deck:-

Will provide a flat surface adequate to accommodate the installation of wind turbines and solar panel arrays which will be installed be upon it when the Island is completed and in place.

Item 4,

Tie Rods :-

Provided to support a stabilising chamber.

Item 5,

Stabilising Chamber:-

Attached to the underside of the buoyancy tubes and designed to house ballast weights which will enhance the overall stability of the Island. (This arrangement may not be required but can be included, if found necessary after initial testing of the system)

Item 6,

Restraints (Support and Positioning Columns):- A set of high strength columns positioned around the periphery of the Island and secured to the sea bed, several on every side.

The number of columns and there load bearing capacity will be established such that they are capable of withstanding the tensions imposed upon them by the tie lines during movement of the Island in any direction.

The connections between the generator sets (Item 7) and the columns will also serve to maintain the Island in its fixed geostatic location.

Item 7,

Electricity Generation Set:-

Designed to convert the high level of energy made available, by the low speed linear movement of the Island following the changing tide levels, into rotary motion capable of driving high output electrical generators.

Item 8,

Lower Tie :-

Attached to the columns such that, when the island is rising the tension created in them, due to the structures buoyancy, will be available both to turn the generator and to rewind the upper tie onto its drum.

Item 9,

Upper Tie:-

Attached to the columns and generator sets such that, when the island is falling, due to gravity, the tension created in them will be made available both to turn the generator and to rewind the lower tie onto its drum.

The potential energy; created by buoyancy, during the rise of the Island from low to high tide, and by gravity during the fall of the Island from high to low tide, will be converted from low speed linear motion into high speed rotary motion which will then be used to drive the generation equipment.

Each generation set, housed on the lower deck adjacent to each column, and comprised of; a gearbox with dual low speed input shafts and a single output shaft providing the torque and high speed required to drive the generator unit.

The ties (Items 8 and 9) could be either cables, chains or of rack and pinion design depending upon the conclusions arrived at following initial trials. However the principles as describe above would still apply.

The rate of rise and fall will be determined by computers which will control the electricity generation system such that the forces induced in the tie lines and thereby into each column, will be balanced and will provide, via the tie lines, the torque subsequently used to generate a consistently high baseline electrical output sustained throughout each twenty four hour period i.e. both day and night.

In the UK the tide rises and falls between 4 and 10 meters twice each day and at different times in different locations. A brake system will be included, incorporated in the generation set, and will be used as necessary to adjust the rates of rise and fall such that the generator output levels can be adjusted to match demand.

Item 10,

Wave Power generator sets :-

Attached to the lower deck and designed to include a fulcrum, which will be maintained at a consistent height above sea level thus allowing the simplification of the overall wave system design.

Item 11, A lever arm:-

Designed to pivoting around the above fulcrum, attached at its inner end to the generation unit and to a float at its outer end.

Item 12, A float:-

Attached to the outer end of a lever arm such that it will rise and fall following the undulations created by passing waves.

The Lever Arm will transmit the movement of the float, back to the generation set such that it induces, either mechanically or hydraulically powered, rotary motion, capable of driving a generator and thereby producing an electrical output.

Generation units comprised of items 10,11 & 12 will be spaced evenly around the periphery of the island to create substantial quantities of electrical energy.

Item 13, A large Solar Panel array:-

Covering the entire island will be installed on the upper deck such that it takes maximum advantage of the available light to create substantial quantities of electrical energy.

Item 14,

Wind Turbines:-

Of an appropriate size, will be installed on top of each support column and on the upper deck, spaced evenly on The Island such that they take maximum advantage of the prevailing wind to create substantial quantities of electrical energy.

Item 15,

Control System,

All the four sources of energy production will be controlled through a centralised control room, sited on the Island, and fed into the on-shore national grid via a single route.

Possible variations considered:-

Although the simplest shape for manufacture and transportation of the Island into its position at sea, would be a square, other shapes may prove to be more appropriate when testing and development of the principles outlined herein has been undertaken.

For example the Island periphery could be circular or multi faceted but the principles of construction and operation described herein would still apply.

The buoyant floating structure may further include staff facilities for fresh water, waste products, air conditioning, heating and ventilation. It may further include fish farms sited within the buoyancy chambers, Radar and Sonar systems, a harbour arrangement, a heliport, a submarine pen incorporated within a buoyancy chamber, and an electrically powered ship to shore service.

ADVANTAGES

The major advantage provided by the design lies in the fact that, due to the rise and fall of its primary component (The Island) following changes in tide levels, the proposed system will provide a predictable and consistently high level of green electrical energy output, this output being guaranteed throughout every twenty four hour period, i.e. both day and night.

The primary advantage being made possible by the “large scale and mass” of the structure which will make it stable, impervious to adverse weather conditions and to the most violent of sea states.

Further advantage is gained from the fact that it is specifically designed to provide a safe stable platform upon which several other complimentary but somewhat less consistent or predictable forms of green energy production equipment will be installed to significantly enhance the overall electrical output.

The Island provides the ability to bring together, on a single site, the following forms of green energy production equipment:- a) Tidal Rise and Fall system, (primary system) b) Solar Panel Array c) Wind Turbine Array d) Wave powered energy generation system.

The complimentary systems can be installed at much lower cost than can be achieved in open water sites.

The “total output” from the project will be achieved with no fuelling costs of any kind.

The project will operate with no environment contamination or disturbance of any kind.

The complimentary systems will be installed without attracting the objections frequently associated with land based installations. It will also make the land, which would be covered by such installations, available for agricultural and many other desirable uses

All the equipment utilised is; well known, relatively simple, safe and readily available.

All the technologies employed are well known, reliable and proven.

End of life costs will be minimal and environmentally friendly.

The system will ensure enhanced security of UK energy supply.

The project will provide accommodation with all necessary facilities for its operational and maintenance staff such that it will be possible to maintain continuous operation at all times.

Several “Islands” could be sited anywhere offshore around the 10,000 miles of UK coast but within the twelve mile limit and within a short distance from major conurbations.

Advantage gained in comparison with Nuclear Energy production

True cost of Nuclear Energy Proposed system a) Initial Build Cost Very High Comparatively Low b) Running Cost Very High Virtually Free c) Maintenance Cost Very High Low d) Site Security Cost Very High Relatively Low e) Radioactive Waste Initial Handling Cost Very High Not Applicable f) Radioactive Waste Transportation Cost Extremely High Not Applicable g) Waste Transportation Security Cost Extremely High Not Applicable h) Final Waste Storage Cost (Long Term 500yrs) Extremely High Not Applicable i) Plant Decommissioning (End of Life) Cost Extremely High Very Low j) Cost of Power Produced Very High Very Low

Nuclear is presently the only realistic method of producing a Consistent ' Carbon Free' supply of electricity.

The project on offer could replace Nuclear over a period of time by positioning a number of units strategically around the coast but within domestic waters, all with absolutely no contaminants of any kind being produced and no environmental or safety issues for man or beast.

Project Positives : - 1 - A combination of existing well established industries would be employed to build the system. 2 - The complete system is based on well known simple and proven technology. 3 - The Main Plant has relatively low design and build cost, due to its availability and simplicity. 4 - Complimentary technologies; Solar, Wind and Wave are commercially available now. 5 - No controversial environmental or visual disturbance created. 6 - No bye products of any kind would be produced. 7 - Anticipated relatively short timescale between acceptance and commissioning. 8 - The production of atmospheric carbon emissions would be Zero. 9 - Low staffing levels needed once established. 10 - Easy staged maintenance of all plant and equipment possible with a maintained base line supply. 11 - Provides a possible base for other appropriate industries/activities. 12 - Removes the need to provide significant high cost and controversial land base sites. 13 - Significantly reduces the cost of electrical energy production. 14 - Dramatically reduces the installation costs associated with offshore wind farms. 15 - It has an anticipated long lifespan as all worn out or damaged parts can be readily replaced. 16 - As no contaminants are present it would be easy to dispose of at the end of its useful life. 17 - Tidal Flow acting on the Island would increase the power produced. 18 - Wind acting on the structure would increase the power produced. 19 - The output can be controlled to meet both peak and off-peak demand. 20 - It provides a politically acceptable solution for all political parties in the UK. 21 - It is a project of our time when Global Warming is high on the political agenda, worldwide. 22 - It would be deployable World Wide 23 - The No fuel importation requirement will ensure UK wide security of supply

Problems avoided : - a) - No visual objections envisaged. b) - Zero environmental objections envisaged. c) - Frees land, currently necessary for the establishment of Wind and Solar farms, and makes it available for agricultural, housing, or other preferred use.

Plant Design & Manufacture : - c) Skilled Technical workforce is readily available from existing relevant industries. d) Skilled Manufacturing workforce readily available from existing relevant industries. e) Plant Manufacture/Build equipment readily available from existing relevant industries. ( Many existing industries, notably; the steel, oil exploration, ship building, and other industries, are currently looking to re-deploy staff.)

Plant Operating Costs : -

Plant fuel costs - Zero.

Plant running costs low. (Eow manning levels envisaged)

Maintenance costs low. (All equipment largely protected and relatively simple to maintain or replace)

Originalitv:-

No other known proposal provides a site of this scale, on which four different green energy systems can be accommodated, with a common control centre, staff accommodation quarters and a single cable route into the on-shore grid.

No other completely environmentally neutral, socially acceptable and financially viable system in the world will consistently provide the quantity of electrical energy made available by this Island project. I have looked at the patent search results provided by “Innovate Product Design Ltd” and have concluded that this proposal would not infringe any patents shown therein. I have searched the internet on my own behalf and have come to the same conclusion.

Conclusion:- “Element Array My Dear Watts On ”

Claims

CLAIMS 1) A buoyant floating structure constrained within a set of columns which are attached to the sea bed such that the buoyant floating structure can rise and fall within the set of columns following changing tide levels, the potential energy made available, due to the buoyant floating structure’s buoyancy when the tide is rising and gravity when the tide is falling, being converted from linear into rotary motion sufficient to drive electrical generators housed within the structure, wherein the buoyant floating structure is characterised by; being 1000m by 1000m in size, the inclusion of an array of individual buoyancy chambers upon which the lower deck of the buoyant floating structure is attached, an arrangement of beams attached to the lower deck providing lateral support for the floating structure and support for a flat upper deck also creating a protected internal enclosed workspace between the two decks suitable for the accommodation of people and equipment, and by the inclusion of a stabilising chamber for the housing of ballast weights.
2) A buoyant floating structure according to claim 1, with individual buoyancy chambers positioned into groups of ten chambers mounted side by side with their longitudinal axes parallel, four groups of ten chambers being positioned into a block of forty chambers forming a square within which each group of ten chambers is positioned such that the longitudinal axes of chambers within each group of ten chambers is positioned normal to the longitudinal axes of the ten chambers within each of its neighbouring groups.
3) A buoyant floating structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, with the buoyancy chambers connected to the underside of the lower deck and to each adjacent chamber in a manner which will facilitate the ability to remove any individual buoyancy chamber, for maintenance purposes or replacement.
4) A buoyant floating structure according to any preceding claim, further including an array of Solar panels mounted on the upper deck of the buoyant floating structure.
5) A buoyant floating structure according to any preceding claim, further including, an array of Wind Turbines sited on the upper deck of the buoyant floating structure.
6) A buoyant floating structure according to any preceding claim, further including Wave Energy Generators sited on the buoyant floating structure, 7) A buoyant floating structure according to any preceding claim, further including a control room with control equipment to control the electrical generating systems. 8) A buoyant floating structure according to any preceding claim, further including a Staff accommodation area. 9) A buoyant floating structure according to any preceding claim, further including a workshop and storage space to accommodate spare parts and tooling.