Abstract

Disclosed are dense fluids for use in offshore applications, such as wind turbine platforms, oil and gas platforms, gravity anchors, catenary weights as well as other gravity-based structures. The dense fluid can be mixed with low-density fluid and high-density solid particles to form an intermediate dense fluid. The intermediate dense fluid is mixed with intermediate-density solid particles having the same density as the intermediate dense fluid to form a dense fluid with the desired target density. The dense fluid can be produced cost-effectively by selecting intermediate-density particles which are plentiful and can be obtained cheaply.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 1/10 - Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving lift mainly from water displacement with multiple hulls
• B63B 21/26 - Anchors securing to bed
• F03D 13/25 - Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motorsMasts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
• B63B 39/03 - Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movementsApparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by displacement of masses by transferring liquids
• B63B 43/06 - Improving safety of vessels, e.g. damage control, not otherwise provided for reducing risk of capsizing or sinking by improving stability using ballast tanks

Abstract

Disclosed are dense fluids for use in offshore applications, such as wind turbine platforms, oil and gas platforms, gravity anchors, catenary weights as well as other gravity-based structures. The dense fluid can be mixed with low-density fluid and high-density solid particles to form an intermediate dense fluid. The intermediate dense fluid is mixed with intermediate-density solid particles having the same density as the intermediate dense fluid to form a dense fluid with the desired target density. The dense fluid can be produced cost-effectively by selecting intermediate-density particles which are plentiful and can be obtained cheaply.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 39/03 - Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movementsApparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by displacement of masses by transferring liquids

Abstract

A pumped hydro energy storage system and method are disclosed. The system employs a high-density fluid, such as a slurry, to improve power output. In some cases, the fluid is a binary fluid system, with a high-density fluid and a lower-density fluid, such as water. The lower-density fluid flows through the turbine unit of the system, avoiding the need to modify the system to handle the high-density fluid, while achieving improved power output. The system can be configured with one atmospheric reservoir for a higher-density fluid and another one for a lighter-density fluid. Each of them is connected to a pressurized cavity which is filled with the higher-density or lighter-density fluid. The atmospheric tanks may be at the same elevation, or the tank with high density fluid might be higher for increased energy output. For example, the system may be placed on a topographical elevation. The system further includes a fire extinguishing sub-system to utilize the water or lower-density fluid to extinguish fires occurring in the proximity thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 13/06 - Stations or aggregates of water-storage type
• F03B 17/00 - Other machines or engines

Abstract

A pumped hydro energy storage system and method are disclosed. The system employs a high-density fluid, such as a slurry, to improve power output. In some cases, the fluid is a binary fluid system, with a high-density fluid and a lower-density fluid, such as water. The lower-density fluid flows through the turbine unit of the system, avoiding the need to modify the system to handle the high-density fluid, while achieving improved power output. The system can be configured with one atmospheric reservoir for a higher-density fluid and another one for a lighter-density fluid. Each of them is connected to a pressurized cavity which is filled with the higher-density or lighter-density fluid. The atmospheric tanks may be at the same elevation, or the tank with high density fluid might be higher for increased energy output. For example, the system may be placed on a topographical elevation.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 13/06 - Stations or aggregates of water-storage type
• F03B 3/10 - Machines or engines of reaction typeParts or details peculiar thereto characterised by having means for functioning alternatively as pumps or turbines

Abstract

A pumped hydro energy storage system and method are disclosed. The system employs a high-density fluid, such as a slurry, to improve power output. In some cases, the fluid is a binary fluid system, with a high-density fluid and a lower-density fluid, such as water. The lower-density fluid flows through the turbine unit of the system, avoiding the need to modify the system to handle the high-density fluid, while achieving improved power output. The system can be configured with one atmospheric reservoir for a higher-density fluid and another one for a lighter-density fluid. Each of them is connected to a pressurized cavity which is filled with the higher-density or lighter-density fluid. The atmospheric tanks may be at the same elevation, or the tank with high density fluid might be higher for increased energy output. For example, the system may be placed on a topographical elevation.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03B 13/06 - Stations or aggregates of water-storage type