WO2018044401A1 - Solution au réchauffement planétaire - Google Patents

Solution au réchauffement planétaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018044401A1
WO2018044401A1 PCT/US2017/042293 US2017042293W WO2018044401A1 WO 2018044401 A1 WO2018044401 A1 WO 2018044401A1 US 2017042293 W US2017042293 W US 2017042293W WO 2018044401 A1 WO2018044401 A1 WO 2018044401A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
freshwater
solar energy
floating
carbon dioxide
global warming
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PCT/US2017/042293
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English (en)
Inventor
Yew Cheng Wan
Original Assignee
Yew Cheng Wan
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Publication date
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Publication of WO2018044401A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018044401A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G6/00—Devices for producing mechanical power from solar energy
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B63B2035/4433—Floating structures carrying electric power plants
    • B63B2035/4453—Floating structures carrying electric power plants for converting solar energy into electric energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
    • F03D9/007—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations the wind motor being combined with means for converting solar radiation into useful energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/93—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a structure floating on a liquid surface
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/46—Conversion of thermal power into mechanical power, e.g. Rankine, Stirling or solar thermal engines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the problem of global warming and discloses a technical solution to remove excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere using sodium from the oceans.
  • the energy to achieve this is obtained by harvesting solar energy on the surface of the oceans.
  • the main field of this invention is the collection of solar energy through its four major derivatives that are abundantly found on the surface of the oceans: ⁇ Fresh water - from the natural conversion of ocean solar heat energy that evaporates ocean water into water vapor which subsequently condenses and falls over the oceans, and collected as fresh water precipitation;
  • a second field of this invention is the development of a technology for the deployment and positioning control of a multitude of floating structures that support devices to collect these derivatives, extensively covering millions of square kilometers of ocean surface in total and capable of withstanding natural ocean forces.
  • a third field of this invention is the conversion of these derivatives into renewable energy that can be used to avoid further global warming, and renewable chemicals to reduce ocean acidification.
  • a fourth field of this invention is the development of a technology for atmospheric carbon dioxide capture and sequestration applied on a global scale.
  • a fifth field of this invention is the use of a method of dissemination of information to people in order to overcome the inertia of current economic and social systems that prevent the urgent adoption of a new energy regime based on renewable fuels to avoid further global warming.
  • A.2 Technical Problems A.2.1 Global Warming– Brief Introduction: According to the United Nations International Panel on climate Change (IPCC), present day global warming is largely caused by anthropogenic carbon dioxide from combustion of fossil fuels. Concentration of this greenhouse gas has recently breached the 400 ppm level.
  • A.2.2.1.1 Power and Heat Production The largest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere is the use of fossil fuels to generate energy and heat. In order to reduce such emissions, alternative fuels for energy and heat production is required on a massive scale.
  • A.2.2.1.2 Fertilizer Production The present day manufacture of fertilizers uses large quantities of fossil fuels as feedstock. This process, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, is another major contributor to global warming. Since modern agricultural crop production requires vast amounts of fertilizers, an alternative renewable source of fertilizers is required.
  • A.2.2.1.3 Cement Production The present day manufacture of cement for concreting works uses large quantities of fossil fuels in the calcination of limestone This process releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from both the fossil fuels and the limestone feedstock, is another major contributor to global warming. Since modern infrastructure development requires vast amounts of concrete, an alternative renewable source of cement is required.
  • A.2.2.1.4 Water Desalination Global fresh water availability is reaching crisis levels, with many nations experiencing water stress even to the extent of potential conflict over fresh water resources. A popular modern day solution is to desalinate seawater, but this solution requires use of energy mainly from fossil fuels. An alternative new source of fresh water without use of fossil fuel energy is required.
  • A.2.2.3 Ocean Acidification An equally serious problem of ocean acidification accompanies the global warming problem caused by excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This acidification is due to the dissolution of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean waters causing the formation of excessive amounts of carbonic acid, especially in its upper layer. The resultant increase in acidity damage plankton life directly and, through the food chain, affects adversely most of the ocean ecology. A viable solution has to address this potentially catastrophic event.
  • transmission grids face the additional problem of storage; unless it can be stored or immediately used, the excess energy produced is wasted.
  • the necessary equipment such as PV panels and CSP mirrors need to be transported over significant land distances from their points of distribution using energy intensive modes of land transportation, and have to be assembled and supported on raised structures above ground level.
  • the PV panels and CSP mirrors are prone to deposition of particles from dust storms and other nearby land-surface-generated dust which adversely affects the efficiency of the panels and mirrors.
  • A.2.3.1.2 Land-based Wind Farms The main environmental impacts of land-based wind farms are noise, effects on wildlife and disruption of radio transmissions. Depending on severity, the
  • Land-based Biofuels such as ethanol competes directly with the agricultural food industries for land and fresh water resources.
  • Land-based algae farms not only require large areas of land but also compete with other industries for fresh water.
  • Present day large algae farms produce mainly for specialty foods and relatively little biofuels.
  • the current sources of alternative energy generated on land cannot be economically scaled up rapidly enough to replace fossil fuels for as long as fossil fuels are plentiful, and so will be insufficient to significantly avoid further global warming.
  • a major problem faced by such an endeavor is the difficulty to control the positioning of the conglomerate.
  • An obvious means to secure the conglomerate is to connect the individual members of the conglomerate adjacently to one another using flexible ties such as ropes and cables, and then using tugboats and other towing vessels secured to the conglomerate to control its position.
  • securing members of the conglomerate only to adjacent members becomes impractical and
  • Hydrogen is mainly produced from the reforming of natural gas, a fossil fuel, and generates carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as waste.
  • a renewable source of hydrogen together with a viable storage and distribution system, is required to replace fossil fuel use for the transportation industry.
  • A.2.4.3 Compensating for the Cost Disadvantage of Renewable Energy Some mitigation efforts try to improve the price competitiveness of renewable energy artificially. Due to the urgency of climate change, one proposal is for authorities to impose fiscal measures such as tax subsidies for the alternative energies, and carbon taxes on fossil fuels so that these artificial measures will shift the demand away from fossil fuels towards renewable sources. However, there are difficulties.
  • A.2.4.4 Global Dependency on Fossil Fuels The fossil fuel industry comprises coal, oil and gas exploration, production, transportation, refining and distribution. It makes up a large segment of the global economy, and provides energy to many downline industries such as power generation and distribution, transportation, agriculture and manufacturing.
  • a major aspect of the present invention is to harvest the derivatives of solar energy from the ocean surface on a large enough scale so as to provide alternative renewable fuels for the replacement of fossil fuels.
  • a marine solar energy farm able to withstand the dynamic forces of ocean currents, winds and waves is disclosed.
  • the farm comprises floating structures, rainwater collection bags and other catchment modules capable of supporting solar cell panels and wind turbines.
  • transparent waterproof covers above individual catchment modules funnel fresh rainwater into collection bags and protect the contents from contamination.
  • Thin film solar cell panels are incorporated with the covers.
  • Floating structures support wind turbines. Functioning also as bioreactors, the rainwater collection bags are used to cultivate microalgae and other forms of suitable biomass.
  • each module is small, and may be only of the order of tens of square meters. However, the total area covered is vastly increased by assembling many clusters of these modules together to form a conglomerate.
  • the floating structures and catchment modules of each marine farm has to cover several square kilometers of ocean surface. This requires a practical solution to secure the vast numbers of floating structures into a conglomerate such that the position of the entire marine farm can be controlled while subjected to ocean forces.
  • a solution that secures all the floating structures together by securing each floating structure only to its immediately adjacent ones is not technically feasible as the overall load from wind and current acting on several square kilometers of floating structures will require the securing means for every floating structure be able to sustain the tons of tensile load encountered.
  • This invention discloses an extensive underlying flexible frame using flexible joints strong enough to withstand the combined ocean dynamic forces to secure the conglomerate such that the securing means efficiently distributes the securing load through several graduated layers of flexible cable networks that underlie the marine farm.
  • the marine solar energy farm is integrated with auxiliary vessels such as towing boats, storage barges and processing vessels in order to process the collected energy and freshwater.
  • auxiliary vessels such as towing boats, storage barges and processing vessels in order to process the collected energy and freshwater.
  • the auxiliary vessels are secured to the extensive underlying flexible frame and connected to the floating structures and catchment modules of the farm to form a marine energy integrated complex. Collected Solar Energy Stored as Chemicals
  • a second aspect of the invention is that it enables the harvested solar energy to be stored as chemical energy.
  • the vast amounts of electrical energy generated from the solar cell panels and wind turbines are conducted through cables to the processing vessels.
  • the electrical energy is used in the processing vessels to produce hydrogen through the electrolysis of brine.
  • Accompanying by-products of such processes are sodium hydroxide and chlorine.
  • the hydrogen gas produced, together with nitrogen from the air, is then used to produce ammonia through other well-known processes such as the Haber Bosch process.
  • the ammonia may be stored as ammonium hydroxide, or converted with chlorine into ammonium chloride, and may also be used to produce ammonium nitrate through processes such as the Ostwald process.
  • Organic chemicals such as methane and methanol from the methanation process may also be produced.
  • derivatives of ocean solar energy are harvested and converted to chemical energy by the marine energy integrated complex and stored as chemicals.
  • a third aspect of the invention is that it enables mitigation of global warming by reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
  • Carbon dioxide from ambient air is removed in scrubbing vessels of the integrated complex using the sodium hydroxide solution produced from the processes stated above.
  • Large volumes of air can be continuously scrubbed using the energy resources available from the marine solar energy farms to channel air into the scrubbing tanks.
  • the resultant by-product is large quantities of sodium bicarbonate solution.
  • a fourth aspect of the invention is that it enables mitigation of global warming by increasing the albedo of the oceans where the marine solar energy farms situate. Since these farms occupy a significant area of the ocean surface, the catchment modules are enabled to reflect some of the solar radiant energy back towards the sky. Depending on the degree of albedo desired, an appropriate portion of the modules is coated with suitably reflective substances.
  • a fifth aspect of the invention is that it enables the reduction of ocean acidification, the conjugate of global warming through excessive atmospheric carbon dioxide. From the scrubbing process stated above, the resultant alkaline solution of sodium bicarbonate is input into the oceans’ upper layer in the vicinity of the farms to enhance its alkalinity. Through the course of time and mixing of ocean current flows, global ocean acidification will be gradually reduced. Bio-Energy as Alternative Energy
  • a sixth aspect of the invention is that it enables mitigation of global warming by providing cost competitive supplies of bio-energy sources to replace global use of fossil fuels.
  • biomass such as microalgae is cultivated.
  • Harvesting is continuously conducted by pumping portions of the algae through tubings into the auxiliary vessels of the integrated complex where the algae is converted mainly to biofuels such as biodiesel and char.
  • Other by-products are foods, food additives, fertilizers, phytochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. All these products are transshipped from the auxiliary vessels to visiting tankers for delivery to other global destinations for distribution.
  • a seventh aspect of the invention is that it enables mitigation of global warming by reducing deforestation by farmers to produce agricultural foods.
  • the present rate of deforestation in many areas of the world in order to grow agricultural crops such as oil palms and soybeans is causing the dense forests to be carbonized into the atmosphere and only to be replaced by plantations of reduced vegetation.
  • An eighth aspect of the invention is that it enables mitigation of global warming by providing cost competitive supplies of chemicals available for use as energy sources to replace global use of fossil fuels.
  • the ammonium hydroxide, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate and methanol, as stored forms of chemical energy derived from collected solar energy, may be transported to global destinations where reconversion back to other forms of energy is required.
  • Ammonia may be regenerated, and then converted back to hydrogen and nitrogen in processes such as the reverse of the Haber Bosch process.
  • the regenerated hydrogen together with methanol is then available for convenient use by power stations and by transportation vehicles, thus eliminating the use of fossil fuels.
  • a ninth aspect of the invention is that it enables mitigation of global warming by replacing global use of fossil fuels in the traditional production of ammonia based fertilizers which generates substantial amounts of carbon dioxide.
  • the ammonium chloride and ammonium nitrate produced as stated above are transshipped ashore and made available as fertilizers to replace those produced using fossil fuels. Cement from Renewable Source
  • a tenth aspect of the invention is that it enables mitigation of global warming by replacing global use of fossil fuels and limestone mineral in the traditional production of cement which generates substantial amounts of carbon dioxide.
  • calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are obtained as by-products during the process to concentrate seawater brine prior to electrolysis. These essential compounds can be delivered to global destinations as feedstock for cement production without generating carbon dioxide.
  • An eleventh aspect of the invention is that it enables mitigation of global warming by replacing global use of fossil fuels in the desalination of seawater to generate freshwater.
  • rainwater is continually collected into the catchment bags or bioreactors, portions of it is continuously drawn into the auxiliary vessels and transferred ashore for distribution.
  • This freshwater may be filtered, treated and transported onshore for use as potable water. It may also be used directly for agriculture, to recharge aquifers that are depleted, to grow vegetation in areas suffering desertification, and in general, to combat drought where it is economically feasible to distribute.
  • This freshwater will more than directly replace those produced by desalination of seawater using fossil fuel energy; it will alleviate the global water shortage.
  • a twelfth aspect of the invention is that it reduces hypoxia in the oceans by enhancing diffusion of air through the air water interface of the oceans in the vicinity of the marine solar energy farms.
  • Air may be electrically pumped through tubes lowered under the ocean surface throughout the areas covered by the farms.
  • the tiny bubbles of air vastly increase the air water interface area at the farms and will also compensate for the loss of interface due to the floating structures of the farms.
  • Oxygen from the air bubbles dissolve into the upper surface layer of the oceans and through the action of ocean currents will reduce deep ocean hypoxia. The large amount of electrical energy at the farms makes this possible. Offsetting Increased Water Vapour in the Atmosphere
  • a thirteenth aspect of the invention is that it reduces evaporation of seawater from the oceans in the vicinity of the marine solar energy farms. Since these farms occupy and cover over a significant area of the ocean surface, a decrease of water vapour into the atmosphere from the area of the farms will partially counteract the global warming positive feedback due to the general increase of water vapour from a warmer ocean. As water vapour in the atmosphere is an effective greenhouse gas, a decrease due to the farms will reduce the extent of global warming. Develop Global Economy
  • a fourteenth aspect of the invention is that it enables the global economy to improve from the current state of slow growth which is in danger of becoming the new normal.
  • the IMF in a recent report predicts a protracted period of slower growth in advanced and emerging economies.
  • Many nations are experiencing almost stagnant growth rates for several years, with no less an economic powerhouse as Japan being in economic stagnation for two decades.
  • the unemployment rate, especially for young adults has been critically high for nearly a decade. This is causing governments to incur enormous operational deficits and unsustainably high levels of debt, leading to the potential for global economic upheaval with financial and currency crises.
  • a fifteenth aspect of this invention is that it enables replacement of fossil fuel use without causing a severe dislocation to the global economy.
  • IPCC International Panel on Climate Change
  • AR5 Fifth Assessment Report
  • a sixteenth aspect of this invention involves the issue of global dimming.
  • Present day use of large quantities of fossil fuels has continuously discharged soot and other particulates into the upper atmosphere to such an extent as to cause a dimming effect on our planet by the reflection of solar radiation away from the planetary surface by these particulates. Without this dimming effect, the planet will be yet much warmer. If these particulates were to be removed, solar irradiation onto the planet surface will increase.
  • This increase from the loss of the dimming effect to be about 3 degrees Celsius. This global temperature increase will also accentuate the effectiveness of the greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and cause a yet further increase in global temperatures.
  • a seventeenth aspect of this invention is that the collection modules and other floating structures together with the extensive underlying flexible frame may be rapidly installed onto the ocean surface using factory vessels. Many of the necessary materials and parts may be manufactured on board these vessels, and the modules partially assembled prior to installation onto the ocean surface.
  • An eighteenth aspect of this invention is that it enables our collective
  • a nineteenth aspect of this invention is that it enables an opportunity to establish a framework for international cooperation.
  • a framework can be established for such and future cooperation. Obviates Desperate Geo-Engineering Risks
  • a twentieth aspect of the invention is to provide a viable alternative to geo- engineering methods such as those proposing to introduce vast amounts of soot and sulphur compounds into the upper atmosphere to reflect away solar radiation from our planet.
  • geo- engineering methods such as those proposing to introduce vast amounts of soot and sulphur compounds into the upper atmosphere to reflect away solar radiation from our planet.
  • These large scale methods to manipulate the environment are extremely risky for the delicate ecology of our planet.
  • These are last resort alternatives and based on desperate scenarios.
  • Such manipulation of our planet’s upper atmosphere may compound the global warming problem into a more severe ecological problem than the one it tries to solve.
  • Implementing this invention obviates such desperate risks.
  • the invention is a solution to the urgent problem of global warming by using sodium from the oceans to remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Energy used for this process is harvested at the ocean surface.
  • Marine solar energy farms consisting of a plurality of floating modular structures covering over several million square kilometers of ocean surface collect solar- electrical energy, wind-electrical energy, freshwater precipitation, and grow biomass for bio-energy.
  • the electrical energy is converted to chemical energy principally through electrolysis of seawater brine to generate hydrogen, chlorine and sodium hydroxide, and subsequently converted into other chemicals such as ammonia and methanol. These conversions are performed in auxiliary vessels integrated with the oceanic farms.
  • the sodium hydroxide is used to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air blown through scrubbing vessels, thus gradually reducing the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide and decreasing global warming.
  • Ocean acidification is reduced by enhancing ocean surface alkalinity using sodium bicarbonate, a by-product of the scrubbing process.
  • Deep ocean hypoxia is improved by enabling the ocean surface layer in the vicinity of the oceanic farms to be better aerated.
  • the decrease in our planet’s albedo through loss of ice in the polar regions is partially offset by enabling the floating structures to reflect away solar radiant energy.
  • Collected freshwater is distributed by tanker vessels to other global destinations to address the global water shortage.
  • This invention also discloses means to inform and convince the global community of the urgency to act by enabling them to access the opinions of scientists, world leaders, and spiritual leaders. References to scriptural literature are included for those who have a preference for such wisdom, as well as for those who have a fatalistic outlook. Because of the massive nature of this technological solution, it is essential that convincing the global community to act forms part of this solution.
  • D List of Drawings Fig 1 shows an assembly of floating structures of a Marine Solar Energy Farm.
  • Fig 2 shows a cross-section view of a floating catchment module.
  • Fig 3 shows an enclosed floating catchment module with a dam surrounding the cover.
  • Fig 4 shows an enclosed floating catchment module with a funneling hole in the cover.
  • Fig 5 shows a cluster of floating catchment modules.
  • Fig 6a shows the floating catchment modules secured within a honeycombed network of ropes.
  • Fig 6b shows the connecting strap handles of the floating catchment module.
  • Fig 7 shows a cluster attached to the initial underlying layer.
  • Fig 8 shows the eufframe consisting of layers of reinforcing networks.
  • Fig 9a shows the initial underlying layer consisting of a dense net of fine cables.
  • Fig 9b shows the second underlying layer consisting of a less dense net of coarse cables.
  • Fig 9c shows the final underlying layer consisting of a least dense net of coarsest cables.
  • Fig 10a shows the eufframe as a single compounded layer.
  • Fig 10b shows the eufframe as three layers of nets superimposed into a single compounded layer.
  • Fig 11 shows the Marine Energy Integrated Complex.
  • Fig 12 shows the catchment module cover incorporating a thin-film PV panel.
  • Fig 13 shows a wind turbine installed onto a floating buoy.
  • Fig 14 shows a collection module functioning as a bioreactor for microalgae cultivation.
  • Fig 15 is a flow chart for the cultivation, harvesting and processing of microalgae.
  • Fig 16 is a flow chart showing the chemicals produced following the electrolysis of seawater brine.
  • Fig 17 is a flow chart showing the procedure to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air to produce sodium bicarbonate.
  • Fig 18 shows a shipboard wind scrubbing tunnel to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  • Fig 19 shows how a floating catchment module cover may be coated to reflect radiant solar energy back towards the sky.
  • Fig 20 shows a floating catchment module compensating for the loss of air diffusion through the air-water interface.
  • Fig 21 shows the different towing vessels and towing devices for positioning of the marine solar energy farm.
  • Fig.1 shows a marine solar energy farm comprising a multitude of floating structures 101 on the ocean surface for the purpose of harvesting solar energy.
  • the floating structures are attached together and support apparatus and devices to collect the various forms of ocean solar energy such as solar radiant energy, wind energy, bio-energy and rainwater.
  • Auxiliary vessels are connected to the farm to process the collected energy and to provide integrated support services (described below).
  • the floating structures may comprise floating platforms, rafts, vessels and other containers, buoys, and float rings.
  • one of the floating structures is a float ring 201 that holds in place a flexible collection bag 203 for the purpose of collecting rainwater and other forms of freshwater precipitation 205.
  • the float ring illustrated is circular, but may be of any suitable polygonal shape. It is a toroidal ring made of water-impermeable material such as PVC or rubberized fabric. Other materials may be used including plastic coating wrapping a toroidal plastic foam core. In this first embodiment, it is a PVC membrane with an air inlet valve so that the float ring may be inflated, much like the inner tube of a car tire.
  • the float ring may be of any suitable size, for example 5 m outer diameter with a 600 mm cross-sectional tube diameter.
  • the flexible collection bag made of water-impermeable material such as PVC, is attached around the float ring which keeps the mouth of the bag open facing upwards. Attachment means could include plastic hot welding, sewing and using suitable adhesives and flexible ties such as ropes and straps.
  • the float ring and flexible collection bag function as a floating catchment module.
  • the bag may be of any suitable size, for example with a mouth diameter of 5 m and depth large enough to capture rainwater to a depth of 2 m. By this means, rainwater and other forms of freshwater precipitation can be collected. Freshwater, being less dense than seawater, will be substantially self-buoyant and will not rely significantly on the float ring for buoyancy.
  • a cover made of water-impermeable material is attached over the catchment module to form an enclosed floating catchment module.
  • the cover may be a flexible membrane, or made of a semi- rigid plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate formed into a convex shape. Collection using a Dam
  • a flexible membrane cover 301 is used.
  • the cover is attached over the float ring 201 by means similar to the attachment of the flexible bag.
  • the air space 303 under the cover is kept at a constant air pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure by a pneumatic pump 305 and an electrically operated outlet selector valve 306.
  • This underside pressure raises the cover and maintains it in the shape of a convex facing upwards.
  • the pneumatic pump 305 also functions to maintain the float ring at a suitably inflated pressure through the outlet selector valve 306.
  • a dam 307 of approximately 10 cm height is attached to the upper surface of the float ring and surrounds the cover.
  • the dam may be made of any lightweight plastic material such as PVC.
  • Outlet holes controlled by electrically operated valves 309 are installed through the dam. Some of the outlets are for freshwater, and they are interspersed with outlets for saltwater.
  • the freshwater outlets 311 drain into an enclosed freshwater channel 317, while the saltwater outlets 313 drain into the sea.
  • An electrically operated freshwater detection device 315 capable of distinguishing between freshwater and saltwater, is installed at the base of the dam within the surrounded area. Such detection devices are available commercially, and constitute freshwater detection means.
  • the freshwater outlet valves are closed and the saltwater outlet valves are open. Any saltwater falling onto the cover and collecting within the dam will be discharged through the saltwater outlets into the sea.
  • the freshwater outlet valves are opened and the saltwater outlet valves are closed. The freshwater drains through to a freshwater collection channel 317 into the collection bag 203.
  • the water from the collection channel may be pumped through a filtration and sterilization chamber before mixing with water in the collection bag.
  • freshly collected water may be pumped through a water diversion pump 319 with electrically operated inlet and outlet selector valves 321 into tube conduits and conducted to auxiliary process vessels (see below) for pretreatment before returning to the collection bag.
  • freshwater is automatically collected during rainfall into the floating catchment module or pumped to auxiliary process vessels for pre-treatment if necessary.
  • Other methods to control entry of freshwater and to prevent contamination are also possible. Collection using a Funneling Hole
  • the cover is a flexible membrane 401 similar to the first embodiment. Instead of a dam, it has a funneling hole 403 in the center of the cover to enable rainwater to funnel through into the collection bag. Funneling holes at other positions are also feasible.
  • An air bag 407 connected to an electrically operated pneumatic pump 409, is attached under the funneling cover directly below the funneling hole.
  • An electrically operated freshwater detection device 411 is attached to the upper face of the funneling cover near the funneling hole or at any position suitable for the detection of freshwater precipitation.
  • the detection device When no freshwater is detected, such as when it is not raining, the detection device maintains a signal to operate the pneumatic pump to inflate the air bag and to operate the selector valve 413 to close the air bag release valve to keep the air bag inflated at a suitable predetermined pressure.
  • the inflated air bag rises and floats on the surface of the water 415 within the collection bag. In this position, it raises the center portion of the funneling cover such that the funneling hole is at the highest position of the convex shaped cover.
  • the funneling hole is blocked by the float valve ball and prevents external contamination such as seawater spray from passing through the funneling hole. Any seawater spray falling onto the cover in this position will flow off the surface of the cover into the sea.
  • the detection device During rainfall, when the freshwater detection device detects freshwater falling onto the catchment module, the detection device maintains a signal to the electrically operated pneumatic pump to deflate the air bag, and a signal to open the air bag release valve.
  • the air bag sinks, thus lowering the center portion of the funneling cover such that the funneling hole is at the lowest position of the concave shaped cover.
  • Rainwater falling onto the cover then accumulates at the middle of the cover in the area of the funneling hole and the float valve. In this position, the float valve ball floats toward the top of the restraining chamber and uncovers the funneling hole.
  • the freshwater detection device, the air bag, float valve, pneumatic pump and pneumatic valve constitute means to control the shape of the flexible funneling cover.
  • the pneumatic pump 409 also functions to maintain the float ring at a suitably inflated pressure.
  • Electricity supply for the pneumatic pumps, the freshwater pumps, the electrically operated valves and controllers, and the freshwater detection device may be from an electric battery located on the catchment module or from other sources in the marine solar energy farm.
  • Floating structures and catchment modules may be rafted together by attachment to their immediately adjacent modules to form a floating cluster as shown in Fig 5.
  • Plastic welding, straps, ropes and nets may be used to attach the structures together.
  • the catchment modules are secured as a floating cluster within a hexagonal network of ropes 601 located on the sea surface such that each individual hexagon of the network holds a module. Within this cluster, other floating structures may be assembled. In this
  • buoys 603 are assembled to provide additional buoyancy.
  • the above described detection devices, water pumps, pneumatic pumps, and electric batteries may be located within these buoys as an alternative to being located directly within the catchment module.
  • Other collection apparatus and devices such as solar cell panels and wind turbines (described below) may also be installed onto these buoys.
  • Connecting strap handles 605 are attached to the float rings 201 of each module, as shown in Fig 6b, and these are secured to the hexagonal network.
  • This rafting together of catchment modules by the hexagonal network to form a cluster provides added stability to the modules during rough seas.
  • the hexagonal network is not intended to be the main structure to control the position of the cluster; that function is accomplished by the extensive underlying flexible frame described below.
  • the marine solar energy farm may consist of an assembly of multiple clusters.
  • catchment modules In order for a large number of catchment modules to be controlled in position in the open seas in such a way as to prevent individual modules and clusters from being carried away by wind and current, they need to be grouped together and secured.
  • the area of sea surface from which the solar energy is farmed has to be large enough to efficiently use the auxiliary vessels that process the collected energy and provide integrated support services such as processing of the collected energy and positioning control.
  • the means to secure the floating structures into a single conglomerate has to be strong enough to withstand the several tons of load from the forces of sea current and wind.
  • This conglomerating means also has to be designed such that its weight can be fully supported by the floating structures.
  • eufframe an extensive underlying flexible frame
  • eufframe is an extensive network of ropes and other flexible cables that form a flexible frame that underlies and secures the floating structures of the marine solar energy farm. It comprises several layers of reinforcing networks of cables. The position of the conglomerate is then controlled by towing vessels and other towing devices attached to the eufframe.
  • These layers of reinforcing networks are graduated by differing levels of strength using cables of differing load capacities.
  • the individual floating structures and catchment modules together with the hexagonal network of ropes are attached to an initial underlying layer which is the one with the lowest level of strength while the towing vessels are attached to the final underlying layer which is the one with the highest level of strength.
  • the floating buoys 603 assembled within the cluster 501 of catchment modules are also used to attach the cluster using securing ropes 701 to the initial underlying layer 703 that is able to withstand the towing load of the single cluster.
  • the respective initial underlying layers 703 for the individual clusters are in turn attached to a second underlying layer 801 of reinforcing network of a higher level of strength that is able to withstand the towing load of that multiple clusters.
  • the second layers 801 of reinforcing network are in turn attached to a third underlying layer 802 of reinforcing network of the next higher level of strength that is able to withstand the towing load of several multiple clusters.
  • the number of layers of reinforcing network is increased as necessary.
  • the initial underlying layer 703 to be a dense net of fine cables (see Fig 9a), while the second underlying layer 801 is a less dense net of coarse (stronger) cables (see fig 9b). Progressively underlying layers are yet less dense nets of yet coarser cables.
  • the final underlying layer 905 is the least dense net of the coarsest (strongest) cables (see fig 9c).
  • the floating structures are secured to the initial underlying layer, which in turn is secured to the second layer, and progressively secured to further layers, and eventually to the final layer.
  • the entire farm’s catchment modules are able to transfer their towing loads to the eufframe consisting of a hierarchy of layers of reinforcing network that is graduated by levels of strength starting with the initial layer of reinforcing network of the lowest level of strength to the final layer of reinforcing network of the highest level of strength.
  • the marine energy integrated complex comprises the marine solar energy farm that collects ocean solar energy and additionally incorporates functions such as production and storage for its energy products, towing and other forms of positional control for the farm, accommodation and support services for personnel. It further incorporates services to mitigate global warming and ocean acidification.
  • auxiliary vessels 1101 attached to the eufframe with mooring lines and other flexible ties such as rods, ropes, cables, wires and chains in order to secure the vessels to the farm.
  • the vessels are also connected to one another and to the catchment modules with electrical cables, hydraulic and pneumatic tubes and other control and
  • This complex constitutes the first means to produce alternative supplies of renewable energy that does not substantially increase emissions of anthropogenic carbon dioxide.
  • the auxiliary vessels include vessels such as storage tankers and barges, accommodation ships, process vessels and other special function vessels to process and to store the products from the various forms of energy collected by the farm. Products are transferred from storage vessels to visiting transport vessels for delivery to other global destinations. Electrical Energy from Solar Radiant Energy
  • PV panel equipment For the collection of solar radiant energy, there are many types of photovoltaic (PV) panel equipment available commercially which convert the radiant energy into electrical energy.
  • Solar cell panels may be mounted onto the top surface of floating structures, floating buoys and catchment modules.
  • Recently developed thin-film solar cell panels are flexible and lightweight. Some of these thin-film panels are printed on flexible substrates such as plastic film.
  • the means to collect and convert solar energy into electrical energy consist of lightweight thin film PV panels 1201 incorporated with the flexible cover 301 of the enclosed floating catchment module.
  • the PV panels may be attached with adhesive or other means such as fusion welding onto the cover. Alternatively, the PV panel may be made integrally as the cover itself.
  • Wind turbines of the marine solar energy farm convert the plentiful supply of wind energy on the ocean surface into electrical energy. These turbines need to be small and light enough to be installed on top of the floating structures. While smaller wind turbines do not have the output power of those conventional large wind turbines on land, they have an economic advantage in that they may be mass produced at a greatly reduced cost.
  • these small scale wind turbines 1301 are installed onto the top of floating buoys 603 that are assembled within the clusters. They may be of the horizontal axis or vertical axis types. Electricity generated from wind turbines is conducted to auxiliary processing vessels 1101 for further processing. Fresh Water Collection
  • the floating catchment modules containing water in the flexible collection bags may act as bioreactor containers to grow biomass such as microalgae, as shown in Fig 14.
  • the cover 1401 is made from transparent material that permits sunlight to penetrate through into the culture medium 1403.
  • Water and microalgae from the collection bags is continuously circulated into auxiliary vessels 1101 that process the biomass.
  • a mixture of sterilized water, biomass growth stock and biomass nutrients are returned to the bags.
  • algal biomass is grown in the floating catchment modules and harvested in the auxiliary processing vessels. Cultivation of Marine and Agricultural Products
  • Algal biomass from the bioreactors is harvested in the processing vessels and converted following commercially available processes into biofuels such as bio- diesel and char, into foods, phytochemicals, pharmaceuticals, plant fertilizers and other chemicals.
  • Fig 15 is a flow chart of the process. After removal of biomass the water is recirculated back into the bioreactors. Prior treatment such as filtration, sterilization and infusion with suitable nutrients may be necessary. Excess water is transferred to freshwater storage tanks for shipment ashore. Converting Electrical Energy to Renewable Chemical Energy
  • Fig 16 is a flow chart of the processes to convert electrical energy into various types of chemical energy.
  • Electricity generated by the marine solar energy farm is conducted to auxiliary vessels 1101 where electrolysis of seawater brine is performed.
  • flash distillation under partial vacuum and pre-treatment of seawater may be done to remove calcium and magnesium hydroxides and other compounds and to concentrate brine prior to electrolysis.
  • Well-known and established processes such as the chloralkali process and other commercially available procedures may be adopted.
  • Hydrogen gas is produced.
  • Accompanying by-products are chlorine and sodium hydroxide.
  • the hydrogen gas is then further processed as described below into other chemicals.
  • Chlorine gas is produced as a by-product through the above-stated electrolysis of seawater brine. It may be stored as liquefied chlorine, or combined with water to form hydrogen chloride solution.
  • Sodium hydroxide solution is produced as a by-product through the above-stated electrolysis of seawater brine. It may be stored as a solution or as a solid after evaporation of water. It may also be subsequently used to capture carbon dioxide in carbon sequestration processes (described below).
  • Ammonia is produced in the auxiliary vessels by combining the hydrogen produced with nitrogen from the air through processes such as the Haber Bosch process.
  • the ammonia produced may be stored as liquid ammonia, or further processed to form other chemicals of ammonia.
  • Ammonium hydroxide is produced by combining the ammonia with water. It may be further processed into other chemicals. - Ammonium Chloride:
  • Ammonium chloride a valuable fertilizer, is produced in the auxiliary vessels by combining the above-stated products of ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen chloride.
  • Ammonium nitrate an explosive fuel and a valuable fertilizer, is produced in the auxiliary vessels using the above-stated ammonia in processes such as the
  • Methane can be produced in the auxiliary vessels through the combination of hydrogen with carbon dioxide in the methanation process.
  • carbon dioxide recovered from scrubbing vessels (described below) is combined with the hydrogen produced in the chloralkali process.
  • fuels such as methane, methanol and ethanol are produced.
  • Other organic compounds may also be produced from the carbon dioxide using commercially available processes.
  • Fig 17 is a flow chart of the scrubbing process and recovery of sodium hydroxide solution.
  • ambient air blowing as wind on the sea surface may be channeled into open ended tunnels 1801 on board the auxiliary processing vessels 1101.
  • the processing vessels are maneuvered such that the orientation of the tunnels enables the wind to blow through.
  • a liquid solution of sodium hydroxide is sprayed to scrub the air that is blowing through.
  • Many other designs of air scrubbers are commercially available.
  • the treated air from the scrubbing tanks and tunnels is released back into the atmosphere.
  • the sodium bicarbonate solution may be pumped into a carbon dioxide scrubber recovery tank where the solution is heated to release the captured carbon dioxide.
  • the recovered solution of sodium hydroxide is then circulated back to the scrubbing tanks.
  • the sodium bicarbonate solution may be used to reverse the process of ocean acidification (see below).
  • the recovered carbon dioxide gas is then delivered to the biomass processing vessels where it is added to the nutrient solution that is circulated back to the bioreactors for the cultivation of algae and other biomass.
  • the recovered carbon dioxide gas may also be used in the methanation process stated above. Mitigating Global Warming by Increasing Albedo at the Oceans
  • Fig 19 shows the reflective coated portion 1901 of the covers with a suitable reflective substance in order to reflect solar radiant energy back towards the sky.
  • the transparent portion 1903 allows sunlight to pass through into the catchment module if it is used as a bioreactor.
  • semi-transparent coatings that permit certain wavelengths of light to pass through for biomass growth may be used. The degree of such reflective effect can be adjusted by the type of coating or reflective material used, and by the proportion of the floating structures and modules coated.
  • the alkaline sodium bicarbonate solution from the auxiliary scrubbing vessels is introduced into the upper surface layer of the ocean.
  • the solution of sodium bicarbonate from the scrubbing of ambient air is discharged from the auxiliary vessels or pump-injected into the ocean in the vicinity of the marine energy integrated complex. In the course of time and through the flow of ocean currents, this method to enhance ocean alkalinity reduces ocean acidification.
  • Air is introduced into the upper surface layer of the oceans in the vicinity of the marine solar energy farms.
  • Air pumps 305 from the floating catchment modules pump streams of air through tubes 2001 beneath the ocean surface.
  • the bubbles of air generated 2003 will increase the air water interface area at the farms.
  • the extent of such compensation, or even an enhancement over natural diffusion, may be adjusted by controlling the amount of air used, and by the size of bubbles generated.
  • the operations of the marine energy integrated complex uses energy collected by the marine solar energy farm. A considerable amount of waste heat is produced by the operations, and recovery of some of this energy is possible by using heat recovery steam turbines, heat transfer systems and similar purpose equipment where appropriate. Waste heat may directly be used for some of the processes described above such as to produce concentrated solutions of brine from seawater for the chloralkali process. Although the amount of energy collected by the farm may be vast and sufficient for the integrated services to be economically feasible, improvement in energy efficiency will reduce the amount of waste heat released into the environment of the oceans and the atmosphere. Auxiliary Vessels
  • auxiliary vessels In addition to the auxiliary vessels identified above, other special function auxiliary vessels include:
  • Fig 21 shows these vessels and towing devices attached to the extensive underlying flexible frame 1001. Use of submerged sea anchors may be advantageous when deep sea currents permit.
  • Vessels with automated systems based on satellite global positioning technology can be used. These vessels will transmit the farm’s position to navigation control systems to facilitate passage of other sea-going vessels traversing the vicinity. - Other special function vessels will be required to provide housing and
  • the preferred locations for the farms are at the equatorial belt of the oceans known as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zones (ITCZ), also known as the doldrums.
  • ITCZ Inter-Tropical Convergence Zones
  • the ITCZ also known as the doldrums.
  • the equatorial currents and counter currents will keep the farms migrating to and fro annually following the northerly and southerly migration of the ITCZ without excessive use of towing vessels.
  • solar radiation is adequate and rainfall is abundant.
  • Locating in other regions of the oceans further away from the equator with higher insolation is possible but may require the floating structures and the eufframe to be constructed of appropriate materials to withstand heavier seas and storms. As well, the size of the farms in such comparatively turbulent regions may need to be reduced to achieve this requirement.
  • references below, constituting fourth means, inform those concerned persons that: - global warming is largely caused by anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide; - unmitigated global warming will likely cause severe climate change;
  • the catchment modules may be used for breeding marine flora and fauna, for migratory birds to rest, and for many other ecological benefits.
  • other floating structures may be used to support lightweight PV films. Inflated plastic sheets, much like inflatable mattresses, may be laid onto the sea surface. The extensive underlying flexible frame may be used to secure floating structures in general and not necessarily for catchment modules.
  • Drawings provided are essentially schematic illustrations to enable an easy understanding of this complex and multi-faceted invention to solve the problem of global warming. Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims rather than by the examples given.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention est une solution au problème urgent du réchauffement planétaire utilisant du sodium provenant des océans pour éliminer le dioxyde de carbone en excès dans l'atmosphère. L'énergie, pour ce faire, est produite à partir de centrales solaires marines situées dans les océans. Les centrales récoltent également de l'eau de pluie et de l'énergie solaire et sont intégrées à des bâtiments auxiliaires pour transformer l'énergie en carburants renouvelables et en produits chimiques renouvelables. Le bicarbonate de sodium, un sous-produit, est utilisé pour réduire l'acidification de l'océan. Un cadre flexible sous-jacent étendu est déployé dans les océans et maintien en position un conglomérat de modules de captage flottants et d'autres structures flottantes. Le conglomérat est assemblé à la manière d'un radeau de manière flexible et porte des panneaux d'énergie solaire de poids léger et des éoliennes. L'eau de pluie fraîche est collectée et contenue dans les modules de captage qui fonctionnent également en tant que bioréacteurs pour faire croître des microalgues. Fabriqués à partir de membranes à film mince, les modules de captage à faible coût peuvent être rapidement déployés pour couvrir plusieurs millions de kilomètres carrés de la surface des océans.
PCT/US2017/042293 2016-08-29 2017-07-17 Solution au réchauffement planétaire WO2018044401A1 (fr)

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