U.S. patent application number 11/300783 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for maritime hydrogen generation system.
Invention is credited to David Wayne Nicholson.
Application Number | 20070138021 11/300783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38172178 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070138021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nicholson; David Wayne |
June 21, 2007 |
Maritime hydrogen generation system
Abstract
An off shore, stable floating system that uses several wind
turbines for power output and hydrogen production by electrolyzing
water while being able to easily and safely relocate for better
wind conditions with on board maintenance of the equipment. The
produced hydrogen gas is either compressed and stored in strong
tanks or liquefied and placed into insulated tanks for quick
helicopter transfer to shore, or transferred to surface ships with
insulated containers.
Inventors: |
Nicholson; David Wayne; (Sun
City Center, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DENNIS G. LAPOINTE;LAPOINTE LAW GROUP, PL
PO BOX 1294
TARPON SPRINGS
FL
34688-1294
US
|
Family ID: |
38172178 |
Appl. No.: |
11/300783 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
205/628 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63J 3/04 20130101; Y02E
60/36 20130101; F03D 13/25 20160501; Y02E 10/72 20130101; Y02E
10/727 20130101; B63H 19/00 20130101; F05B 2220/61 20130101; E02B
2017/0091 20130101; F03D 1/02 20130101; F05B 2240/93 20130101; F03D
9/32 20160501; F03D 9/008 20130101; C25B 1/04 20130101; F05B
2240/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
205/628 |
International
Class: |
C25C 1/02 20060101
C25C001/02 |
Claims
1. A maritime hydrogen generation system comprising: a maritime
vessel having a deck; a plurality of vertically mounted and
spaced-apart wind turbine/fan electrical generators, the wind
turbine/fan electrical generators being supported by a collapsible
framework and oriented such that rotor blades of each of the
plurality of the wind turbine/fan electrical generators are
pointing into the wind; means for collapsing the framework so as to
orient the plurality of wind turbine/fan electrical generators from
a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical orientation
for operating the wind turbine/fan electrical generators; one or
more electrolyzers in electrical communication with the plurality
of wind turbine/fan electrical generators, wherein the one or more
electrolyzers produce hydrogen and oxygen; means for supplying
water to the one or more electrolyzers; and means for collecting
and storing the produced hydrogen for eventual transport to
shore.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the maritime vessel is
a multiple hull vessel.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the maritime vessel is
a single hull vessel.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for supplying
water to the one or more electrolyzers further comprises means for
demineralizing the water before introducing the water into said one
or more electrolyzers.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for
collapsing the framework further comprises counterweight means
comprising one or more hollow chambers capable of filling with or
discharging with sea or lake water as desired to facilitate the
elevating and collapsing of the framework.
6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising crane means
for facilitating the repair of the plurality of wind turbine/fan
electrical generators.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the maritime vessel
includes thruster means for maintaining the maritime vessel in a
direction pointing into the wind.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for
collecting and storing the produced hydrogen is a compressor and
tank system suitable for storing hydrogen.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for
collecting and storing the produced hydrogen is a liquefier and
insulated tank system suitable for storing hydrogen in a liquid
form.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to wind power generation systems
mounted on a ship to produce hydrogen for transfer to ships or land
base operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This proposed inventive system to obtain hydrogen would
operate freely floating or anchored while facing into the wind. The
system would consist of a wide and tall, vertical framework
supported by a deck spanning between and supported by two hulls
thereby forming a catamaran. The framework would contain one or
more tall vertical towers which would rise from the catamaran deck
onto which forward facing turbines would be mounted one above the
other. This catamaran anchored from the bow would naturally point
into the wind and the wind driven waves and therefore no yaw motion
is required for the turbines. Any tendency for small catamaran
oscillations could be automatically countered by bow and stem
thruster actions. If the vessel were floating freely the thrusters
would keep it directed to face the wind as it moved down wind. The
main engines could idle against the wind to maintain a fixed
location or to reposition the system upwind. Therefore this system
can easily be relocated to a new site with better winds, move out
of the way of a severe storm or return to the home port for major
maintenance. It is anticipated that the crews would be transferred
to and from shore by ship or helicopter with no interruption of
hydrogen production.
[0003] Some structural members of the frame would be hollow with
elevators or ladders to permit access into the rear of each turbine
nacelle for inspection and maintenance. While at dock the frame
would lay flat on the aft part of the catamaran deck with all the
turbines pointing upwards. That orientation would permit passage
under some bridges, and would be extremely stable in rough ocean
weather. While at dock the shore crane could easily remove any
blade and or turbine and quickly install replacements so that the
ship could go back out to sea quickly. The design would permit the
replacement of any rotor blade or nacelle while at sea when the
frame is horizontal.
[0004] Several wind turbines would be rigidly mounted with angle
braces to the front surface of the vertical framework with their
rotor blades facing forward. By mounting the wind turbine nacelles
by their rear surface no individual yaw motion is possible and that
arrangement would simplify and lighten the standard turbine design.
Also the turbine blades would be further out in front of the wind
disturbance caused by the framework and so would not have to be
mounted at an angle to compensate for the danger of the flexed
rotors striking the support frame. This arrangement will thereby
improve efficiency and reduce the cyclic forces on the rotors.
[0005] The lower edge of the vertical framework would be a hinged
joint attached to the catamaran deck.
[0006] In preparing to operate, the framework carrying the turbines
would be pivoted by a counterweight and locked to the vertical
position by braces connected to the deck by slider joints and
pinned to the rear of the vertical framework. Before a storms
arrival or for high speed relocation of the catamaran, the
framework would be pivoted backwards and onto the rear surface of
the deck. Maintenance could be accomplished during this time. If
needed, the shift in the center of gravity would be countered by
ballast adjustment. The vessel can easily be relocated to a new
site with better winds. It is anticipated that the vessel would be
in port only for maintenance of the hulls or propulsion
systems.
[0007] Generally, the invention is therefore a maritime hydrogen
generation system comprising:
[0008] a maritime vessel having a deck;
[0009] a plurality of vertically mounted and spaced-apart wind
turbine/fan electrical generators, the wind turbine/fan electrical
generators being supported by a collapsible framework and oriented
such that rotor blades of each of the plurality of the wind
turbine/fan electrical generators are pointing into the wind;
[0010] means for collapsing the framework so as to orient the
plurality of wind turbine/fan electrical generators from a
generally horizontal position to a generally vertical orientation
for operating the wind turbine/fan electrical generators;
[0011] one or more electrolyzers in electrical communication with
the plurality of wind turbine/fan electrical generators, wherein
the one or more electrolyzers produce hydrogen and oxygen;
[0012] means for supplying water to the one or more electrolyzers;
and
[0013] means for collecting and storing the produced hydrogen for
eventual transport to shore.
[0014] The maritime vessel can be a multiple hull vessel, such as a
catamaran or tri-hull vessel, or a single hull vessel
[0015] The means for supplying water to the one or more
electrolyzers further comprises means for demineralizing the water
before introducing the water into said one or more
electrolyzers.
[0016] The means for collapsing the framework further comprises
counterweight means comprising one or more hollow chambers capable
of filling with or discharging with sea or lake water as desired to
facilitate the elevating and collapsing of the framework.
[0017] The system also includes crane means for facilitating the
repair of the plurality of wind turbine/fan electrical
generators.
[0018] The maritime vessel includes thruster means for maintaining
the maritime vessel in a direction pointing into the wind.
[0019] The means for collecting and storing the produced hydrogen
is a compressor and tank system suitable for storing hydrogen or a
liquefier and insulated tank system suitable for storing hydrogen
in a liquid form. A benefit of the compressor and tank system is
that the vessel can also utilize the produced hydrogen for its own
operations.
ADVANTAGES OF THIS SYSTEM
[0020] 1. Can move away from storms or icing conditions or to
another area with good winds. [0021] 2. The first of many
catamarans can be built quickly. [0022] 3. This system is the
fastest method to generate large quantities of hydrogen with the
least public opposition. [0023] 4. Large power and hydrogen output
is possible and can be 45 Mega watts and greater for a large system
with multiple currently available turbines. [0024] 5. The rotating
frame concept can be applied to a single hull ship with the
counterweights outside the ships gunwales and it will be stable as
long as the ship points into the wind and the oncoming waves.
[0025] 6. Each turbine can receive minor internal maintenance
during operation while the frame is vertical. [0026] 7. While at
sea any repair could be completed by lowering the frame, removing
the blades and nacelle and installing new parts followed by raising
the frame to resume full power generation. [0027] 8. Quick turbine
replacement would result in a fast turnaround on shore. [0028] 9.
The two hulls can be reworked old oil tankers and thousands are
available since they can no longer be used for oil transport. Also
decommissioned military ships could be retrofitted for the
catamaran or single hull arrangements. [0029] 10. These tall
systems will be out of sight from the shore. [0030] 11. All parts
of the system use present technology therefore little development
is needed. [0031] 12. A malfunctioning turbine could be shut down
while the others continue to operate. [0032] 13. Each turbine could
power one electrolyzer and its hydrogen output would blend with
others before going into the common liquefier or compressor for
tank storage. [0033] 14. The turbine speeds would be different
which would reduce the maximum peak vibration forces of the entire
system while maximizing the power output of each turbine. [0034]
15. This is a simple movable system, no under water piping or
wiring is used to connect to the sea surface, bottom or shore.
[0035] 16. The rotors can turn faster than land based units because
there would be no noise or vibration restrictions that are
disagreeable to humans nearby. [0036] 17. If the wind speed is too
high the downwind drift speed can be increased to reduce the wind
speed over the rotors so that operation can continue. [0037] 18.
Except for the initial construction of materials this system is
pollution free and would not do any environmental damage to the
surface or sea bottom. [0038] 19. In the open sea, the transfer of
the hydrogen would be accomplished safely to a surface ship located
between the hulls. [0039] 20. Bird and bat kills would be
negligible compared to those caused by land based turbines. It can
be moved away from bird flyways depending upon the season of the
year. [0040] 21. This system can be used anywhere in the world and
can bring hydrogen power to energy poor areas. [0041] 22. In the
future, hydrogen can replace the power generated from nuclear, oil,
coal and natural gas plus gasoline and diesel for transportation.
[0042] 23. The wind will be available forever and will always be
available for harvesting. [0043] 24. The US Department of Energy
February 2004 report said that wind turbines and electrolyzing of
water is the best way to produce hydrogen. [0044] 25. The corrosion
and saltwater damage should not be more than the bottom mounted
turbines that are presently located near to the shoreline. [0045]
26. Because this system can be relocated easily for better wind
energy, the production rate should be much greater than the usual
30% from a wind turbine whose location is fixed. [0046] 27. Storm
damage will be less because of the ability to move away from severe
weather. [0047] 28. This tall arrangement and active pointing into
the wind permits large amounts of wind energy to be harvested.
[0048] 29. This vessel could be fossil fuel free by using the
electricity from the turbines and the hydrogen energy to power all
of the on board systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] FIG. 1 is a front view of a double hull catamaran in full
hydrogen production mode.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a side view of the catamaran with the frame stored
on the deck and the top portion of the upper frame shown in
production mode.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a top view of the catamaran with the frame in
hydrogen production position.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a view showing the frame on the deck and
preparations to replace the rotor blades and nacelles.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a partial side view showing the removal of a
rotor.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a partial side view showing the removal of a
nacelle.
[0055] FIG. 7 is the front view of the single hull vessel concept
in full hydrogen production mode.
[0056] FIG. 8 is the side view of the single hull concept in full
hydrogen production mode and a partial view of the frame lying on
the deck.
[0057] FIG. 9 is the top view of the single hull vessel with the
frame on the deck.
[0058] FIG. 10 is the schematic of the proposed system that
captures wind energy, converts it into electricity, electrolyses
water, captures the hydrogen and stores it for transfer to the
shore as gas or as liquid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0059] FIG. 1 shows the concept in the hydrogen generating mode as
it faces into the wind. The vessel consists of a wide and tall,
vertical framework 1 that is supported by a deck 2 spanning between
and supported by two hulls 3 & 4 thereby forming a catamaran.
This arrangement shows three vertical towers 5, 6 & 7 which
rises from the catamaran deck 2 onto which several forward facing
wind turbines 8 are mounted one above the other. The wind turbines
8 are rigidly and perpendicularly mounted along with two angle
braces 9 to the front surface of the main vertical members of the
framework with their rotor blades facing away from the framework
1.
[0060] FIG. 2 shows the concept in the most stable arrangement with
no hydrogen being produced. The vessel is viewed from the side with
framework 1 resting on the deck 2 with the wind turbines 8 pointing
upwards. This figure also shows a partial view of the frame in the
vertical position for hydrogen production with the wind turbines 8
pointing into the wind. The frame 1 is supported by a shaft 10 and
its bearings 11 at one end and on cushioned supports 12 at the
other end of the frame. The shaft 10 and bearings 11 form a hinged
joint to the catamaran deck 2. A hollow counterweight 14, typically
in the form of one or more tanks or hollow chambers, is rigidly
attached to shaft 10 and rotates with the vertical members. Water,
typically sea or lake water, is pumped into the counterweight 14
until it balances the frames weight and thereby provides most of
the force during the raising and lowering of the framework. The
large force from the counterweight is eliminated when the frame is
vertical because the counterweight is submerged in water and the
frame can be lowered quickly as long as the counterweight contains
the correct amount of water. The vessel could also be designed for
the counterweight to be above the water when the frame is vertical.
The framework 2 is secured in the vertical position by the shaft
10, rear braces 15 and a locking pin feature that is contained in
the bracket underneath the forward edge of deck 2. The pin or
similar feature would engage a hole in a tang that is attached to
the lower end of the framework. The pin would be disengaged prior
to the frames rotation to the horizontal position. As shown in this
figure, the rotation of the frame 1 is controlled by several braces
15, which are pinned to the frame at one end and connected to
another sliding pinned joint 16 that is contained and guided on the
deck 2 surfaces. These slider joints incorporate a bottom tang that
extends through a slot in the deck and connects with a linear
motion system that may be controlled by a hydraulic motor/pump 17
or similar means. There is a positive locking feature 18 that is
separate from the motion control system which can lock the rack at
any location in case of a power failure. The frames rotation could
be accomplished by other means and might include such features as
gears, levers, chains, cables and air or hydraulic cylinders. Also
in this Figure, a movable crane 19 is shown that is used to replace
rotors and/or nacelles at sea. A door 20 allows the selected
nacelles and rotors to be lowered into the hollow deck 2 for repair
as well as to obtain replacement parts. The pilot house 21 is
located on the bow of hull 3. Thrusters in the bow 22 and stem 23
keep the vessel pointed into the wind.
[0061] FIG. 3 shows the view of the vessel from above with the wind
turbines 8 in full hydrogen production position. The helipad 24 is
shown on the bow of the port hull 4 and the pilot house 21 on the
starboard bow 3. The nacelle 25 lifting tabs 26 are shown in this
view as well as the slots 27 through the deck 2 and guide system 28
for the slider joints 16. This view shows the locking feature 18
engaged with the deck and thereby securing the frame 1 in the
vertical position. Cushion supports 12 are shown which support the
frame when it is lying on the deck. The crane 19 is used to replace
parts.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows the frame resting on the deck in preparation to
remove any of the wind turbine blades 29 from the turbine hub 30.
The crane 19 is shown after it has removed and or relocated the
diagonal braces 30 to obtain adequate working space.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows the removal of one rotor blade 29 from the
turbine shaft hub 30 by the use of the crane 19 which then places
it into its transporter/storage rack 32 ready to lower into the
interior of the deck 2 through the door 20. After all of the rotor
blades 29 are removed from the hub 30 the two brackets 9 are
disconnected from the sides of the nacelle 25.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the vessel with the frame 1
lying on the deck 2. It shows the removal of the nacelle 25 from
the frame 1 by using the crane 19 and placing the nacelle 25 into
its transporter/work fixture 33. After securing the bottom edge of
the nacelle 25 to the fixture 33 it is then tilted down to the
horizontal position with the cover 34 of the nacelle on top to
permit access to all of the interior areas. This fixture 33 that
now contains the nacelle is therefore ready to be placed by the
crane into the lower work area of the deck 2. The replacement
nacelles and rotors are assembled in the reverse order of the steps
shown in this figure and those steps shown in FIGS. 5 and 4.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows the front view of a single hull 35 arrangement
of the hydrogen generator vessel in full operation facing into the
wind. This vessel arrangement consists of a framework of two
vertical towers 36 which rise from the deck 37 onto which several
forward facing wind turbines 38 are mounted one above the other.
The framework contains a shaft 39 that is supported by two or more
bearings 40. One counterweight 41 is shown on the port side and
another 42 is on the starboard side. Each counterweight 41, 42 is
typically in the form of a one or more tanks or hollow chambers.
Both are rigidly attached to shaft 39 and the vertical frame. The
edge of the helicopter pad 43 and the pilot house 44 is shown on
this view also.
[0066] FIG. 8 shows the single hull vessel from the side with the
framework that contains two towers 36 in the vertical position to
generate hydrogen. It also shows a partial view of the towers 36 in
the horizontal position resting on the cushioned supports 45. The
wind turbines 38 are rigidly and perpendicularly mounted along with
two angle braces 46 to the front surface of the framework with
their rotor blades facing away and into the wind. The starboard
counterweight 42 provides half of the force to raise the framework
to the vertical position. As it is shown submerged it minimizes the
forces on the bearings 40 and on the hull 35. The vessel could be
designed for the counterweights to be above the waterline when the
frame is vertical. The framework 36 is secured in the vertical
position by the shaft 39, rear braces 47 and a locking pin feature
that is contained in the bracket underneath the forward edge of
deck 37. A pin contained in this bracket or similar feature would
engage a hole in a tang that is attached to the lower end of the
framework 36. The pin would be withdrawn prior to the frames
rotation to the horizontal position. If the counterweights contain
the proper amount of water a rapid lowering of the towers is
possible without overloading the rear bracket system. The slider
joints 48 are guided by tracks 49 on or below the surface of the
hollow deck 37. The speed and position of the sliders [are] can be
controlled by a hydraulic motor/pump or similar system 50 inside
the deck. A slot 51 through the top surface of the deck would
permit the slider to be controlled by the system below. A failsafe
locking feature 52 is present on the slider that will lock the
slider in any position in case of a power failure. The rotation of
the framework could be accomplished by other methods and might
include features such as gears, levers, chains, cables and air or
hydraulic cylinders. The vessel is pointed into the wind by the bow
53 and stem 54 thrusters. The pilot house 44 is shown located near
the helicopter pad 43. The movable crane 55 is used to remove
malfunctioning parts and lower them into the hollow deck through
door 56 for repair.
[0067] FIG. 9 shows the view of the single hull 35 vessel from
above with the framework resting on the deck 37. The pilot house 49
is located far enough up wind of the turbines to cause little
turbulence. The helicopter pad 43 is on the bow and the crane 55 is
positioned to replace any rotor blade or nacelle as described in
FIG. 5 and 6. Those parts removed would be lowered by the crane
through door 56 into the hollow deck for repair or storage.
[0068] FIG. 10 is a schematic describing the conversion of the wind
energy to storing the energy in the form of hydrogen. The figure
shows the wind energy moving around two or more wind turbines 57
causing their fan blades 58 to rotate, and thereby turning the
shaft of the turbine which turns a generator inside the turbine
housing. The generator produces electricity which is routed to the
electrolyzer 59. Inside the electrolyzer 59, the electricity in the
form of direct current is applied to the anode and cathode poles
which are immersed in water that has been demineralized and
prepared in 60. The resulting current between the poles separates
the hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The oxygen and other incidental
gases may be released to the atmosphere and the hydrogen is
collected and routed to a compressor 61 or liquefier 62.
[0069] The compressed hydrogen gas is then stored in structurally
strong tanks 63 awaiting transfer to shore by boat or helicopter.
Some of the hydrogen gas may be used on board for ancillary uses
such machinery as a gas fired turbine for main propulsion of the
ship. Also some of the electricity from the wind turbines can be
used to satisfy on board demands.
[0070] The liquefied hydrogen would be stored in insulated
containers 64 at pressures near atmospheric and at a temperature
near to -423 F waiting transfer to shore by helicopters or
container ships. These ocean going container ships would be similar
to those that currently transport liquefied natural gas (LNP) at
-260 F.
[0071] It is understood that the components described are examples
of typical components needed to produce hydrogen. The components
may be located at any desired location, including on the deck, or
in an interior compartment inside the deck or hull of any of the
above described vessel embodiments.
[0072] The following are advantages of the above described
exemplary embodiments of the present invention: [0073] 1. A
multiple of wind turbines can be mounted high above the waters
surface on a vessel to generate electricity that will be used to
electrolyze water and produce hydrogen. [0074] 2. Because this
system can be relocated easily for better wind energy, the
production rate should be much greater than the usual 30% from a
wind turbine whose location is fixed. [0075] 3. This vessel can be
anchored or free floating. [0076] 4. The ship can move away from
storms, icing conditions or bird flyways and hunt for better wind
energy. [0077] 5. The ship will be positioned to face the wind and
incoming waves by the action of stem and bow thrusters and or the
main propulsion propellers and rudders. [0078] 6. No yaw motion is
required for each individual wind turbine because the ship is
always facing the wind and therefore the wind turbine nacelles will
be simpler and lighter. [0079] 7. Several wind turbines are rigidly
and perpendicularly connected to the surface of a large framework
by the back end of the nacelle and angle braces. [0080] 8. When the
framework is in the horizontal position the vessel is more stable.
[0081] 9. When the tall framework with the attached turbines is
vertical, their height produces the largest power output possible.
[0082] 10. The framework can easily and quickly be raised to the
vertical position or lowered because the counterweight is mounted
on the other side of the pivot shaft. This design minimizes the
forces that are required from the rear bracket system. [0083] 11.
The force exerted by the hollow metal counterweight can be easily
changed by adding or subtracting ballast water. [0084] 12. The
framework will be secure in the vertical position by several braces
that are pinned to the rear of the framework and terminate in
slider joints that are locked to the rear deck plus the main shaft
and the lock feature between the frame and the bracket below the
leading edge of the deck. [0085] 13. The velocity of the raising
and lowering motions of the framework can be controlled by a rack
and pinion pair driven or retarded by hydraulics or other similar
type system. [0086] 14. A failsafe feature will lock the slider
joints in any position in case of a power failure. [0087] 15. The
rotateable framework feature is the foundation of this concept and
can be used with multiple hull vessels with the counterweight
located between the hulls. [0088] 16. The rotateable framework
feature can be applied to a single hull ship with the
counterweights mounted outside the ships gunwales. [0089] 17. Each
turbine can be inspected and receive minor internal maintenance
during operation while the frame is vertical with access through
the rear of the nacelle from the hollow frame member that may
contain a ladder or an elevator. [0090] 18. The normally operating
rotor blade tips will not strike the frame because the distance
from rotor hub is equal to the total length of the nacelle. [0091]
19. While at sea the turbines can be replaced by lowering the
frame, removing the blades and or the nacelle and installing new
parts followed by raising the frame to resume full hydrogen
generation. [0092] 20. This system is the fastest method to
generate large quantities of hydrogen with the least public
opposition. [0093] 21. The hulls can be reworked old single wall
oil tankers and thousands are available since they are now illegal
to be used for oil transport. [0094] 22. Decommissioned military
ships could be retrofitted for the multiple or single hull
arrangements. [0095] 23. Each turbine could operate at the maximum
efficiency of speed and blade pitch and therefore deliver the
maximum power to its own electrolyzer. [0096] 24. A malfunctioning
turbine could be shut down while the others continue to operate.
[0097] 25. Liquid cooling of the equipment in the nacelles is
possible because the nacelles are rigidly mounted to the hollow
vertical columns that would contain the plumbing lines. [0098] 26.
The hollow columns will contain the electrical output cables and
control wiring. [0099] 27. Except for the initial construction of
materials and use of fossil fuel on board, this system is pollution
free and would do no environmental damage to the sea surface or
bottom. [0100] 28. The generated power can be 45 Mega watts or
greater for a large system with nine of the worlds largest turbines
and two of the largest oil tanker hulls. [0101] 29. When the
framework is horizontal a shore crane can quickly replace all the
wind turbines resulting in a fast turnaround on shore. [0102] 30.
The turbine rotors can turn faster than land based units because
there would be no noise or vibration restrictions that are
disagreeable to humans living nearby. [0103] 31. In the open sea,
the transfer of the hydrogen would be accomplished safely to a
surface ship positioned between the hulls of a multiple hull ship.
[0104] 32. Helicopters can transfer the hydrogen to shore either as
compressed gas or liquid. [0105] 33. This concept can be applied to
all sizes of vessels. [0106] 34. Preparing collected rain water for
electrolysis requires less energy than for seawater. [0107] 35. The
potential for storm damage will be less than for a fixed location
wind turbine.
[0108] It should be understood that the preceding is merely a
detailed description of one or more embodiments of this invention
and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made
in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. The preceding description,
therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention.
Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *