A WATER BASED MODULAR POWER PLANT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a water based modular power plant system having the features of the first portion of claim 1. By water based is in this context meant to be understood a modular power plant system adapted to be arranged in a water based environment, e.g. in coastal waters, in the ocean, off shore, in a river or similar. BACKGROUND

For several reasons, such as environmental, economic, political, incidents and risks associated with nuclear power, and last but not least due to the fact that fossil fuels reserves are not infinite, renewable energy is constantly gaining more and more attention. Even if renewable energy actually has been attractive for a long time period of time by now, the fact that several problems are still unresolved, it has not become such a wide spread use as would have been desirable, or even is necessary. Some of these problems are associated with the nature of renewable energy sources in varying accessibility with location, climate, time, and the availability may be varying, instable and unpredictable. Solar energy for example requires sun; wind energy depends strongly on the wind conditions and water power depends on streams or waves etc. These problems would have been less serious, had it not been proven to be difficult both also to store excess energy produced for example during hours of low demand or produced under favourable conditions in general, and to distribute energy from renewable energy resources. Most known systems for producing electric power from renewable energy sources are based on a single renewable energy source, e.g. wind or wave energy. This even more accentuates the problems associated with the supply not being stable and continuous, and not being easily adaptable to actual demands and, in addition thereto, the unsatisfactory storing and distribution capabilities.

Known attempts to solve these problems have often resulted in expensive and complicated systems, or it has to be relied on back ^¬ up systems based on non-renewable energy sources.

WO 2012/0226883 proposes the use of floating modular platforms for deployment on a body of water to harvest solar, wind, wave and/or current energy, several energy converters being arranged on the same platform. A plurality of polygonal platforms may also be attached to one another in a modular way. This arrangement does however not solve outstanding problems concerned with storing and distribution capabilities, and furthermore it is a vulnerable, small-sized platform not capable of producing any amounts of energy, and also in several other respect it does not have properties needed to solve the problems referred to above.

US 2010/0269498 shows a hydrogen based energy system with a generating station with a vertical axis radial-flow turbine, which may be arranged on a floating structure, for receiving energy from a fluid energy source such as wind, solar, wave waste energy, an electrolysis station for producing and dispensing of hydrogen, a water supply and distribution station providing water to the electrolysis station, a hydrogen distribution system (water pipeline) for distributing hydrogen dissolved in water and a separator and delivery system for depressurizing, extracting and delivering hydrogen as a fuel at a location disposed apart from the electrolysis station.

This system is complicated and inflexible, and not as efficient as would be needed, and furthermore relies on the use of water filled pipelines.

SUMMARY

What is needed is therefore a water based modular power plant system as initially referred to through which one or more of the above mentioned problems can be solved.

It is particularly an object to provide a water based modular power plant system which is flexible and allows a stable production of energy and which efficiently can store and supply power. It is particularly an object of the invention to provide a system which is adaptable, and can be customized to prevailing conditions and/or demands. A particular object is to provide a system for which the production is independent of which energy source is available or used at any time.

It is also an object to suggest a system providing for a high degree of redundancy.

Still further it is a particular object to provide a system which is easy to install, and which is based on constituent parts which are easy and comparatively cheap to fabricate. Another object is to provide a system for which operation and maintenance is easy, straight forward and does not involve high costs, and in addition thereto requires far less man hours than hitherto known energy producing systems providing similar amounts of energy. Another particular object is to provide a system, the constituent parts of which being easy to transport. Still other particular objects are to provide a system which is reliable, which does not involve risks for man or environment, which does not affect the environment where it is located and which is aesthetical. It is particularly an object to provide a system which enables a steady production of energy in an extremely environmentally friendly way. It is also an object to provide a system which allows continuous updating and adaption to different needs technological development. Therefore water based modular power plant system as initially referred to is provided which has the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments are given by the appended sub-claims.

A particular advantage of the invention is that any dependency on a particular energy source can be avoided, and that advantage can be taken of different energy sources in an optimized manner, and that a flexible system is provided which allows for appropriate customization.

Particularly it is an advantage that a power plant is provided through which it is possible to simultaneously collect or harvest energy from a selectable, variable, number of energy source handling or collecting modules in one and the same structure. Optional modules may be added, removed due to the modular building of the power plant, preferably it may also be selected which modules are to be activated, for how long, and which modules will be used for simultaneous operation. Hence a plurality of modules e.g. for collecting or harvesting energy may thus be activated and operate simultaneously. Also other modules can be selected, added, replaced: all modular building being dependent on which are the current needs, preconditions, such as weather, wind, currents, waves etc. Particularly, via a plurality of permanent, internal magnet generators, a constant amount of hydrogen gas can be produced, e.g. by controlling which energy collecting modules are active simultaneously, which is used to drive an internal second hydrogen production module system. This hydrogen production module system is based on a flexible number of engines adapted to drive a permanent magnet generator, which in advantageous embodiments is adapted to be capable of delivering a constant amount of electric power (e.g. about 2-12 MW) . This makes the power plant self- sufficient or self-supplying, independently of the availability of power from respective renewal energy sources and how much energy is available from each of them.

Known systems, e.g. as described in EP 2 216 546 and AU 718719 and US 2011/0139299, use separate structures for each renewal energy source, activated one at a time, whereas according to the present invention all (or a selectable number, a plurality of) can be active and used at the same time. The power plant according to the invention comprises and is built of, a plurality of modules which can be implemented, added, removed, exchanged depending on the current circumstances, such as which are the needs, where the power plant is located, and which renewal energy sources are available, in which combination, to what extent geographic conditions etc., as well as which functionalities that should be implemented.

In some embodiments the power plant is implemented as a floating platform which comprises a number of modules, in other embodiments it comprises a floating platform in a displaceable manner (in a vertical direction and optionally also rotatably) connected to a telescopic pipe construction adapted to be fixedly arranged at the sea bottom, at the bottom of a lake or river. The floating platform will then automatically adjust to be located on the appropriate level or height with respect to the water surface, by moving up and down with a movable telescopic element of the telescopic construction. The telescopic element which is to be fixedly arranged into the sea bottom or similar is preferably vibrated into the bottom. In advantageous embodiments no adjusting mechanisms or supports are needed for providing an appropriate positioning or levelling.

In advantageous embodiments rotation of the rotating mechanisms of the modules is further supported and enhanced, e.g. maximized, by means of provisioning of permanent, inductive, magnets.

It is also a particular advantage of the invention that a solution is provided which can be implemented in water based environments in general, in a new manner, allowing also implementation in lakes, basins etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will in the following be further described in a non- limiting manner, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a power plant system according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Fig.2A is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the invention, without a wind energy collecting module,

Fig.2B is a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the invention, also optionally without a wind energy collecting module,

Fig. 2C is a schematic view in perspective from above of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2B,

Fig.3 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment comprising a river based implementation,

Fig.4 is an "exploded" view schematically illustrating structural elements or modules of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-3,

Fig.5A is a view from above of an energy collecting module comprising a wave energy converting module,

Fig.5B is a cross-sectional side view of the wave energy converting module in Fig.5A,

Fig.5C is a schematic illustration of an embodiment using a repelling magnet system,

Fig 6 is a perspective view from above of a system similar to the system shown in Fig. 1, Fig 7 is a view in perspective from above of exemplary energy collecting modules connected to an anchoring module,

Fig 8 is a view in perspective of the arrangement in Fig. 2A more clearly showing the wave energy converting module,

Fig.9 is a view in perspective from above showing a multi-gear transmission module and an exemplary hydrogen production and storing modular system,

Fig.10 is a side view of the multi-gear transmission module system and the hydrogen production and storing modular system of Fig. 9,

Fig.11 is a schematic view of an exemplary surface water energy collecting module for harvesting surface water energy,

Fig.12 is a schematic view from below of an exemplary deep water energy harvesting module,

Fig.l3A is a schematic side view of an exemplary, optional wind energy collecting module,

Fig.l3B is a view in perspective of the wind energy collecting module in Fig 13A,

Fig.l3C is a view from above of the wind energy collecting module in Fig 13A, Fig.l3D is a schematic view from below of the wind energy collecting module in Fig 13A,

Fig.14 shows a schematic constellation including a multi-gear transmission module system according to one embodiment,

Fig.15 shows a multi-gear transmission module and a module of a first power production module system according to one embodiment,

Fig.l6A is a view in perspective of a second power production system and hydrogen production and storing modules according to one embodiment, Fig.l6B is a side view of the modules shown in Fig. 16A,

Fig.l6C is a schematic top view of the central permanent magnet generator system 60 in Fig. 16A, Fig.l6D is a very schematic side view of the central permanent magnet generator system 60 in Fig. 16A,

Fig.17 is a schematic side view of a telescopic anchoring module system, and

Fig.18 schematically illustrates a plurality of modular power plant systems according to the invention arranged to form a power park. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a modular power plant system 100 according a first embodiment of the invention. It comprises an anchoring module system, here comprising a mono-pillar telescopic anchoring pipe module 20A adapted to be mounted in the seabed. The anchoring pipe module 20A is adapted to be anchored deep into the seabed through for example a vibration process. It is adapted to receive a floating modular marine system unit (see Fig. 17) as will be further described below which forms a telescopic system with the mono-pillar 20A such that the marine system arranged in the mono-pillar can be adjusted to the actual sea level, the system being fixed by means of e.g. rollers received in a rail system to be movable inside the mono- pillar 20A, particularly comprising rails arranged on the inner side of the mono-pillar walls. The modular marine system unit e.g. comprising a floating machine department, a machine house module, may comprise rollers adapted to allow the system to, in a controlled manner, be moved vertically in the rail system while still preventing it from any rotational or spinning with respect to the fixedly mounted mono-pillar 20A.

A wave energy converting module 10 here comprises a basic floating carrier platform adapted to act as a wave converter, particularly a wave-to-stream converter. In a particular embodiment it comprises a floating platform or a vessel arranged to carry other floating modules comprised in the system as will be further discussed below. Particularly it comprises a ring formed, tube like floating wave converter which is connected to a central platform to which two machine house modules are connected as also will be further discussed below. Protruding below the wave converting energy module 10 a surface stream energy collecting module 90 comprising a rotor is provided which is adapted to harvest surface water streams. The waves converted to surface water streams by the stationary wave converter module system can then also be harvested by the surface water stream energy collecting module which comprises a rotating floating module arranged accurately in the surface of the water and comprises a horizontal rotor system with flexible rotor blades organized in pairs. The surface water or stream energy collection module 90 comprises a power transmission crank rim running around a central upper machine house module as will be described below and which is arranged above the water level. It is connected to a power transmission multi-gear system (not shown in the figure) which also will be discussed below, e.g. with reference to Figs. 9, 10.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the system also comprises a deep water energy collecting or handling module 115A adapted to harvest energy from deep water streams. (In the following the different renewable energy handling or collecting modules are simply denoted energy collecting modules.) It particularly comprises a tube shaped body with flexible rotor blades which are mounted vertically on the outside of said tube shaped body. The body has a power transmission crank rim placed above the sea water level and is also connected to the common power transmission multi-gear system as referred to above (see Figs. 9, 10) such that energy can be harvested also from deep water streams. This module will be further described with reference to Fig. 2B. An upper machine house module 85u is provided above the seawater level and is preferably arranged to house a power transmission module system, a control system and a first power production system as will be further discussed below and which comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of mid-size permanent magnet generators. (In preferred implementations the power generating system comprises a first as well as a second power production system as will be discussed below.)

In this embodiment the system also comprises a renewable energy source handling module comprising a wind energy collecting module 80 for harvesting energy from the wind, which comprises a rotating ring 83 provided on top of the telescopic portion which comprises the upper machine house module 85u. The wind energy handling or collecting module 80 comprises a sail ring with sail bars and masts holding sails which will be further described with reference to Figs. 13A-13D and which are provided with, in this embodiment, a stroboscopic warning light 82 on top of a mast 89i, to make it clearly visible at sea.

Fig. 2A shows an alternative embodiment of a system 200, in many aspects similar to that of Fig. 1, but here without a wind energy harvesting or collecting module. As in Fig. 1 it comprises an anchoring pipe module 20A adapted to be mounted in the seabed. The dashed arrow A indicates that, in different implementations, the mono-pipe anchoring module may be introduced into the seabed, for example hammered into the seabed, to different extent, e.g. to such an extent that between 30 and 50 per cent of its total length is disposed in the seabed. The sea level below the anchoring pipe 20A is introduced into the bottom is indicated "S" in the figure. As in Fig. 1 the system comprises a wave energy converting module 10, a surface stream energy collecting module 90 comprising a rotor, an upper machine house module 85u and, in addition thereto, an energy collecting module comprising a tidal water stream energy collecting module 110 with a tidal rotor body 22 and rotor blade fenders 23 for automatic adjustment of the rotor blades 110. In Fig. 2A reference number 25 indicates the level of the telescopic and anchoring module 20A just above or at a location wherein a housing for a hydrogen storage system module to be further described below is provided. The dashed dotted line X-X in the figure indicates that the anchoring pipe 20A can be of different lengths. The arrow B indicates that the system is capable of adjusting to differences produced by the tide water level due to it having a telescopic design allowing an adaption as will be further described also with reference to Fig. 17. For similar features already discussed with reference to Fig. 1, the same reference numerals are used. Reference is also made to Fig. 8 wherein the functioning in one embodiment is described.

Fig. 2B illustrates an embodiment similar to that described in Fig. 2A, similar features being indicated by the same reference numerals, and wherein the difference consists in the provisioning of an energy collection module comprising a deep water stream energy collecting module 115A with a rotor for collecting deep water streams as discussed with reference to Fig. 1, and to some extent also tidal streams if no separate tidal power collecting module is provided, or alternatively in addition thereto. The deep water stream collecting module 115A comprises a plurality of rotor blades 116A, in some embodiments also with a fender 116A on each or some of the respective blades for automatic adjustment. Also in this embodiment there is no wind energy collecting module, but the upper part of the upper machine house module 85u is advantageously provided with a communication mast 89o optionally also provided with a stroboscopic warning light for reasons of security at sea. The upper machine house module 85u is or may be provided with a door 88 allowing access to the upper and lower machine house. It should be clear that the embodiments shown in Fig. 2A and 2B may optionally also be provided with a wind energy collecting module.

Fig. 2C is a view in perspective from above of the system 300 shown in Fig. 2B, like features bearing the same reference numbers. The upper machine house module 85u is provided with a cover 85o and a communication system mast 89o for a remote control. In the figure is illustrated that the wave energy converting module 10 comprises a triple curved outer surface 11, which allows it to take up power irrespectively of size, height and direction of waves etc. Fig. 3 shows still another embodiment with an anchoring pipe module comprising an anchoring mono-pipe 20B adapted to be mounted in a river bed or in shallow waters in general, e.g. also in lakes or basins. In the shown embodiment there is no wind energy collecting module. The water based modular power plant system 400 in Fig. 3 is designed as a floating device with a rotor body HOB continuously rotating around a submerged machine house module, not shown, inside the anchoring pipe 20B. As in the preceding embodiments it comprises a wave converting module 10, an upper machine house module 85u and a rotor HOB. ri in the figure illustrates the river bed on the shore side and r ₂ illustrates the river bed profile towards the middle of the river or similar. The rotor body HOB comprises a number of rotor blades 111B provided around the tubular rotor body HOB. Particularly the rotor blades 111B are double curved, each provided with a respective deflection fender 23B for positioning of the rotor blade angle towards the power direction of the stream in the river. The rotor body HOB upper end comprises a crank rim 112B (not shown in Fig. 3, cf. Fig. 4) arranged to transmit the stream power to a power receiving module in the submerged machine house module. Fenders 23B are arranged on the rotor blades so as to provide a self-adjusting fender mechanisms arranged to reposition the blades to their power receiving position on the river stream side. The river or shallow water energy collecting module comprises a rotor system with a hollow floating tube formed rotor body HOB equipped with a gear ring arranged to transmit the motion of the rotor to a varying number of power receiving modules in the submerged machine house as referred to above. The energy collecting modules (also denoted energy handling modules) are in turn arranged to transmit the collected power to drive shafts on a multi-gear transmission module inside the submerged machine house module as will be further discussed below.

Preferably the gear rotor blades 111B are mounted on individual vertical shafts outside the tubular rotor body and the blades are preferably designed as triple curved blades with different curves on the deflection side and on the power side to enable obtaining of a maximum power from the water flow downstream on the power side and to cause a minimum counterforce on the deflection side when moving counter flow.

In a most particular embodiment, and in order to assure a maximum uptake of flow power, the blades are provided with self-adjusting mechanisms automatically adjusting the blade angles to the optimal position both on the stream power side and on the deflection side of the rotor. The self-adjusting mechanisms are simultaneously activated for all the blades around the tubular rotor body by means of the forces exerted by the streaming water on the fender mechanisms on each rotor blade. This mechanism will, in a manner similar to an organic organism, eliminate counter flow power by forcing the rotor blades moving counter flow to collapse towards the tubular rotor body. It is an advantage that by means of the shallow water or river energy collecting module HOB it becomes possible to harvest the energy or power in continuously streaming waters and rivers or the mass movements of water in different types of rivers, seas etc. forming part of the water cycles on earth. In a particular embodiment the river or shallow water energy collection module HOB is automatically controlled, operated and supervised by means of a central computer system provided in a control unit in the upper machine house module.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view showing a plurality of modules and components, some of which being compulsory and some of which being optional in different embodiments of the invention. Which modules are used depends on the particular implementations, needs and prevailing conditions and where the water based modular power plant system is to be provided, for example at sea or in shallow waters, e.g. in a river, a lake, a basin or similar, with or without wind energy collecting module etc.

Thus, in the figure are shown an anchoring pipe module 20A adapted to be used at sea, an anchoring pipe module 20B adapted to be used in rivers or shallow waters, a wave converting module 10 comprising a wave-to-stream converter comprising a basic floating carrier platform for other modules, a sea bed or river bed foundation and scour protection and anchoring element module 30, an upper machine house module 85u, which may comprise a control system 86 (not shown in this figure) , and which is capable of carrying a wind energy collecting module 80, and an outer telescopic element comprising a levelling system part (of a submerged machine house module 85 _L ) adapted to be arranged in the wave converter module 10 and connected to the anchoring pipe module 20A or 20B. Figure 4 further shows a deep water energy collecting module 115A with a deep water rotor, a shallow water, or river, energy collecting module 115B comprising a shallow water rotor, a tidal or river collecting water flow energy collecting module 110 and a flexible surface stream energy collecting module 90, in an advantageous embodiment comprising a propelling permanent magnet ring drive module 95. In the figure is also shown a wind energy collecting module 80 adapted to be mountable on the upper machine house module 85u by means of a rotating ring 83. It is preferably provided with a (optionally also for communication) mast 89χ on top of which may be provided a stroboscopic warning light. The system further comprises a power transmission module system 55 connected to a multi-gear multi-drive module system 50 by means of a first power production system 40 comprising a plurality of, preferably four, directly driven mid-sizes permanent magnet generator modules (for example between 30 and 400 kW) . The functioning of the transmission module system and the first power generating system will be explained below.

The power plant system according to the invention also comprises a central permanent magnet generator module comprised in a second power production system 60 (for example 0.5-12MW) adapted to be driven by means of activated hydrogen motors, particularly activated hydrogen electric hybrid motors, which hence can be used for driving the central power generating module 65. Thus the second energy production system comprises a mega-watt- sized permanent magnet generator, which may be of a flexible size, driven by a flexible number of hydrogen electric hybrid engines, e.g. in tandem pairs, (and their backup engines, which are optional), 65 comprised in a hydrogen electrolysis production module 71. In order to be able store excess power on board the modular power plant system, at low demand hours on the grid or to distribute power to land-based systems as power of fuel, a modular hydrogen storage modular system is provided which comprises a first high pressure hydrogen storage system module 72A and an expansion pressure hydrogen storage system module 72B arranged to compress and liquefy produced hydrogen gas. The liquefied hydrogen is then stored in (floating) hydrogen storage module units 72A, 72B adapted to be positioned under the water level inside the mono-pillar system 20A or 20B respectively, or located outside, e.g. floating. The storing modules 72A, 72B may be multiplied by being coupled in vertical series depending on space in the used anchoring mono- pillar 20A; 20B. Preferably each storing module 72A, 72B has a plurality of tanks from which a distribution pump (not shown) may transfer hydrogen to either an internal system for the central power generating module 60 or via seabed pipelines or cables to land based storage systems or to end users.

It should be clear that not all modules are needed or used in one and the same system. An anchoring system, for example e.g. anchoring system 20A or 20B, can be used, or the system may be implemented as a floating, mobile system, or be anchored in some other manner. A central platform carrying the modules as for example the wave converting module 10 is needed as well as one or more energy collecting modules, such as for example one or more of the wind energy collecting module 80, the deep water energy collecting module 115A, the shallow or river energy collection module 115B, the tidal or river energy collecting module 110, the surface stream energy collecting module 90. They may be provided in any number and in any combination.

The fact that energy collecting modules may comprise propelling magnets facilitates or enables the use in lakes or particularly in basins. The system comprises a first energy production system comprising smaller or mid-sizes generator modules and their transmission module to which optional energy collecting modules can be connected in any desired manner as well as machine housing. It generally also comprises a hydrogen production module 71 and a hydrogen storage module, 72A and/or 72B or any appropriate hydrogen storage module, a central power generating module 65. The first energy production system may be used alone or take over in case of malfunctioning of the second power production system, also for storing energy or delivery on the grid. It should thus be noted that the first power production system can be used not only for internal purposes, but also for the grid, and e.g. provide up to 1.6 MW; it can thus be used for the grid, and if the second power production system does not work properly, if it is not implemented, or in addition thereto, or simply if large amounts of energy is collected . Fig. 5A shows more in detail a wave energy converting module 10 adapted to a harvest power from the mass movement of the waves. It comprises a ring formed floating body 10i connected to a central platform (1C in Fig. 5B) with orthogonally arranged bearing frames 13 in four directions, preferably constructed in a same way as the center portion of an airplane with a saucer formed surrounding wing that can float. The form of the outer ring formed floating body 1 0 i has a slightly concave shape with an angled bow line towards the center as can be seen in Fig. 5B IO ₄ to convert wave power of a moving water masses into a surface water stream by forcing the moving water mass under the wave converter module 1 0 independently of from which direction the waves are incoming towards the wave converter module 1 0 .

To convert the waves into a directional water flow the outer surface of the ring is constructed or formed as a floating body such that it instantly will be turned towards, faces the waves by having a shape which is curved towards the center of the system and above the rotors .

The floating wave converting module 1 0 is automatically positioned in the water surface and at such a depth that it always will convert the maximum of the wave power into a water stream that can be harvested by the surface and/or deep water energy collecting modules 90 ; 1 15A; 1 15B ; 1 1 0 ; H OB . Preferably the wave converter module 1 0 is adjustable allowing it to be arranged at different depth levels in the water to be suitable under varying wind conditions by filling or emptying internal ballast tanks within the body of the wave converter. The external frame system is permanently or releasably connected to the upper machine house module 85u which is placed in the center of the ring formed wave converter module 1 0 . It will thereby be automatically adjustable to the actual water level through the telescopic design, cf. Fig. 17 , whereby the entire floating system floats inside the anchoring pipe system with the pipe vibrated into the seabed. The principle of an advantageous embodiment will be explained with reference to a very schematic illustration in Fig. 5C. It relates to a system SI with permanent magnets which are used to levitate and push the floating wave energy converting module 90 (the surface stream energy collecting module) comprising the floating surface flex rotor, see Fig.4, showing the repelling ring 95 see also Fig.11, repelling ring 95 and repelling ring 10 ₃ in Figs. 5A, 5B . The system SI comprises permanent magnets used to form repelling levitation devices comprising a circular endless track of permanent magnets mounted on a top of the surface flex rotor S3; particularly the propelling permanent magnet ring drive 95; cf. Fig. 4, and on the bottom of, and inside a permanent magnet levitation ring S4 mounted above the surface flex rotor S3 on the inner side of the wave converting platform; the wave energy converting module 10. The levitation function is accomplished through the permanent magnets mounted on the lower wall of the levitation ring S4 in such a pattern and such that the north poles of all the magnets point towards the center of the power plant, both on the levitation ring and equally mounted on the top of the rotating surface flex rotor S3; 90; 91 (surface rotor ring, cf. Fig. 11) .

The system SI also comprises repelling push drive devices incorporated in the levitation magnet tracks; both in the upper, stationary, and in the lower rotating, track. They are equidistantly mounted, evenly distributed throughout the entire track. It comprises a horizontal, S10, rotating permanent magnet track S5 evenly distributed on top of a number of, equal to the number of, under the track, evenly distributed evenly distributed push activating, positioning and double pushing permanent magnet wheels, S7, with a vertical rotation, S9, and with the same magnetic pole facing outwards, S8. These wheels are maintaining a constant simultaneous rotation with the surface flex rotor, S3; 91. The permanent magnetic bars in the push track, S5, are arranged in a manner so as to obtain a maximum push by mounting the bars horizontally allowing for taking advantage of magnetic north pole being located against magnetic north pole simultaneously with magnetic south pole against south pole. Due to the simultaneous rotation of the wheel and the rotor, the repelling magnets will be in a neutral position during movement, and in a maximum repelling position just in time, partly moved by the levitation track and positioned by a lever on the rotor.

The combination of these features further contribute to enabling the constant production of renewable power continuously converted to hydrogen gas, that either may be used for driving tandem sets of hydrogen engines on an internal main power production unit, or for being compressed and/or being liquefied for distribution to hydrogen gas filling stations for transportation purposes or pipelined to the industrial sector, power plants or for house heating.

The permanent magnet repelling pushing wheel that creates the counterpart to the track on the floating surface flex rotor comprises an even number of magnets mounted with the same type of magnetic pole facing in the same direction, normally with the magnetic north pole towards the outer rim of the wheel. The permanent magnets, both in the lower track and in the upper pushing wheels, will normally have the same magnetic repelling power. A positioning of the magnets needed to provide maximum magnetic push, may e.g. be achieved through mechanical self-regulating mechanisms mounted on each of the two members of the advantageous permanent magnet repelling pushing and levitation system.

A maximum height of the wave converter module is about two meters above the water surface and the entire upper machine house module 85u is connected to the wave converter module 10 and these two modules will act together as a single floating body in the water. Preferably a light system is incorporated on top of the outer ring of the wave converter module in order to prevent any sea vessels from colliding with the water based power plant system. It may also incorporate an acoustic warning system which is automatically activated during misty weather conditions. Preferably the wave converter module is operated, supervised and controlled automatically by a central computer system inside the wave converter module 10 comprises an outer ring formed floating body 10i, an inner ring formed body IO ₂ interconnected or carried by means of frames 11, 12 connecting to a central frame 13. It may also be provided with a communication mast, not shown, for remote communication, monitoring and/or control.

Fig. 6 is a perspective transparent view from above of a system as in Fig. 1 with an anchoring mono-pipe 20A, a wind energy collecting module 80 with a mast 89i with a stroboscopic light 89 ₂ on top of it, a number of sails 81 and a rotating ring 83 arranged to be provided on top of an upper machine house module, (not shown) also illustrating the inner and outer rings of the wave converter module 10 and e.g. a deep water energy collecting module 115A.

Fig. 7 shows an alternative implementation which is similar to that described with reference to Fig. 6 but with the difference that there is no wind energy collecting module, thus showing an upper machine house module top 85i, although a wind energy collecting module might be disposed thereon.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a water based modular power plant system IOO ₂ according to the invention which comprises an anchoring pipe module 2OA ₂ , a wave converter module IO ₂ , an upper machine house module 85i ₂ with a communication mast 89o. The wave converter module IO ₂ here corresponds to the wave converter module described with reference to Fig. 7, but the system here comprises a tidal deep water energy collecting module IIO ₂ but of different dimensions similar to the tidal or river rotor module shown in Fig. 2A, comprising a number of rotor blades 112 ₂ and anti- deflection fenders III ₂ . The tidal and/or deep water energy collecting module IIO ₂ is designed as a floating device continuously rotating around a submerged machine house module 85 _L (Fig. 4) . The rotor comprises a hollow floating tube formed body equipped with a gear ring on top, which transforms a motion of the rotor to varying number of drive shafts in the submerged machine house. The rotor blades 112 ₂ are mounted outside the tubular body 112 ₃ on individual vertical shafts that only allow them to move from the power position parallel to the radius and 90 degrees backwards in the deflection position. The rotor blades 112 ₂ are designed with double double-curved surfaces both on the deflection side and on the power side in order to obtain the maximum power from the water flow down streams on the power side and to cause minimum counterforce on the deflection side when moving counter flow, the blade further being designed to prevent cavitation.

In order to secure the maximum uptake of the flow power of the blades are created to be automatically self-adjusting by a self- adjusting mechanism activated by the force created from the blade that moves on the counter flow side of the rotor. The adjusting mechanism consists of a water- or air-filled fender body III ₂ that easily deforms when forced to collapse towards a body due to the counter flow on the deflection side and to reshape itself when the pressure from the deflection ends at the position parallel to the direction of the upstream flow. The reshaping of the mechanism forces the rotor blade 112 ₂ back to the power position orthogonal to the current or the stream. This mechanism behaves substantially like an organic organism and eliminates the counter flow powers by forcing the blade that moves counter flow to collapse towards the tubular body 112 ₃ and hence secures a function where the maximum power from the tidal flow can be obtained.

The tidal and/or deep water energy collecting module IOO ₂ is hence designed to be floating in a substantially weightless manner in the water and the rotor blades 112 ₂ have surfaces designed to face or receive the maximum power from the water stream and be adapted to the varying speeds of the flow and also to receive power from the waves converted to a water flow by means of the wave converter module referred to above. The tidal deep water energy collecting module is preferably fully operated, supervised and controlled automatically by means of the/a central computer system on board the upper or lower machine house module.

A view from above can be seen in Fig. 12 also showing a crank rim IIO ₅ adapted to assist in transmitting the stream power to the transmission module (not shown in this figures) inside the submerged machine house module 85 _L .

Fig 9 schematically illustrates a multi-gear transmission module system 55 adapted to be connected to the first energy collecting module system 40 connected to multi-gear multi-drive module system 50 as will be more thoroughly described with reference to Figs. 14, 15. The multi-gear multi-drive module system 50 is connectable to mid-size permanent magnet generators 41 that may be connected to the wind power energy collecting module 80 (see Fig. 4) when wind power can or should be harvested. By means of a surface and wave power energy collection module input 52 of the multi-gear multi-drive system 50 (see Fig. 10) surface and wave power can be harvested and by means of deep streaming or tidal energy collection module connectors 55 of the multi-gear multi-drive system harvesting of deep stream and tidal power from the respective modules is enabled.

In the figure is also shown the hydrogen electrolysis production module 71 to which the multi-gear multi-drive system 50 is connected and a manway 78 to a floating hydrogen storage module 72A adapted to be provided inside the anchoring system module of the mono-pillar or the lower machine house module and a second hydrogen storage module 72B adapted to be provided in the mono- pillar under the water level. Preferably the manway to the hydrogen storage module 72A in one embodiment comprises a 70 and a 700 bar compressor and high pressure tanks.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the modules shown in Fig. 9 illustrating a hydrogen electrolysis production module 71 comprising a hydrogen collector and purifiers 73, a hydrogen production and storage computer control system 74 and a hydrogen compressor 75 step 1 for example for 70 bar compression of the hydrogen gas and a hydrogen electrolysis stack 76. The hydrogen production and storing modules 71, 72A, 72B preferably provide a complete offshore, on-board self- sufficient system comprising a modular unit based on the electrolysis system containing the electrolysis stack 76, the hydrogen purification unit, the compressor system and a feed system for pure water (not shown) , a seawater desalination system (not shown) , and an integrated computer based control system provided in the machine house.

In addition to ¾, also O2 will be produced, which can be used and taken advantage of in different manners, e.g. in the internal process to improve the combustion of the engines or released to the atmosphere.

The hydrogen system is preferably adapted to store all the hydrogen produced in submerged, on-site hydrogen storage modules containing a number of high pressure tanks and it also contains its own compressor system for liquefying the hydrogen gas before storing it in the tanks or storage modules. The storage modules can be multiplied and connected and be arranged in different manners, e.g. under the water level inside the mono-pillar anchoring module. Depending on the water depth and the height of the mono-pillar, it may be possible to have more hydrogen storage modules.

The electricity needed for production of hydrogen can be fully supplied by the energy collecting modules of one or more different types as discussed above, harvested via the first energy collecting system comprising the mid-size permanent magnet generators 41 and the multi-drive multi-gear module 50.

The hydrogen system is preferably mainly used for supplying the on board central power production system driven by hydrogen electric hybrid engines. Excess hydrogen may be stored for periods when there is supposed to be low or insufficient amounts of energy collected by the energy collecting modules. Once a predetermined backup volume of hydrogen is stored on board in the hydrogen storage modules, the production system may start to supply via off shore pipelines to land based installations or to other units on the network not yet filled up to predetermined maximum backup levels, which is extremely advantageous.

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates an example of a surface water module 90 for harvesting surface water energy, and comprises an outer floating, hollow, surface rotor ring to which a plurality of rotor blades 96 pairwise are connected, an inner floating, hollow transmission ring 97 for transmitting surface stream power to power collecting or receiving units as mentioned above with respect to other energy collecting modules. In a particular embodiment, to which the invention of course not is restricted, it further comprises a permanent magnetic pushing support ring for the rotor system and a plurality of support rings (not shown) between the outer floating surface rotor ring 91 and the permanent magnetic pushing support ring (repelling ring) 95. The surface wave energy collecting module is designed as a horizontal floating device with the floating outer ring and the floating inner ring being balanced to assure that the center in both ends of the shafts on which the rotor blades are disposed, are positioned accurately in the water surface, and the blades, that are of a hollow construction, are balanced to match a point where it will be weightless with respect to the surrounding water. The entire construction is designed to eliminate the counter force on the rotor counter stream sides. The rotor blades are arranged as a flexible number of rotor blade pairs adapted to be, instantly upon water contact, brought to rotation in the water surface layers that are around the machine house module . In an advantageous embodiment there are four pairs of rotor blades 96 and the outer floating ring formed by a hollow body is connected via frames and rotor blade pairs to the inner floating ring formed as a hollow body and which comprises a gear rim adapted to transfer the motion of the surface energy collecting module to a varying (controllable) number of drive shafts in the power house depending on the available power in the surface water layers from the streams and waves converted to streams.

Preferably the rotor blades are mounted as pairs around the inner floating ring and connected on individual shafts to both the outer and inner floating rings. The rotor blades are preferably provided with different surface curves on the deflection side and on the power side in order to receive or experience a maximum power from the surface stream and to cause a minimum counter force on the deflection side when a blade is moving counter flow. The outer blades are also designed so as to prevent cavitation, each blade particularly being constructed partly as a hollow body with a weight as low as to only allow it to support a self-adjusting hydraulic mechanism maneuvered by the water flow. It should be clear that the number of rotor blades and the shapes of the rotor blades can be different from what is described here. Fig. 12 is a view from above of the tidal deep water rotor module IIO ₂ shown in Fig. 8 and discussed above.

Fig. 13A is a schematic side view of a wind energy collecting module 80 which is adapted to be mounted on top of the upper machine house module (cf . Fig. 4) . The wind energy collecting module is a flexible wind rotor system which is adjustable to varying wind conditions. It comprises a hollow outer router ring 87 connected by means of sail bars 84 (cf. Figs. 13B-13D) to a central rotor head module 88i which hence carries the outer rotor ring 87 with the sail bars 84. It further comprises a central mast 89i. Sails 81 are attached on a top ring 82 on the top, whereas in the bottom, the sails are connected to the sail bars 84 by means of rings mounted on moving, adjustable sliders (not shown) . The sails 81 are in an advantageous embodiment included in a motorized retractable system so that they may be protected against for example hurricanes and huge, e.g. monster, waves, the adjusting system being capable of actuating the sail sliders and sail retracting/sail activation individually on demand as controlled by means of the internal control system in the machine house module as discussed above. An internal crank rim 88 is provided enabling transmission of the wind power to the mid-size permanent magnet generators 40 (cf. Fig. 4) via wind expansion shaft and clutch on the multi-drive multi-gear transmission system 50, 55.

Depending on the amount of wind power that is available, or needed, or on current weather conditions, it is responsible for activating one or more of the inside generator modules 40 via the multi-gear multi-drive modules and/or the connected power transmission module 55. The wind energy collecting module 80 here comprises a mast 89i adapted to hold the sails 81 on top of the rotor head 88i, a rotor ring carried by the sail bars 84 connected to the rotor head, wherein said sail bars 84 are adapted to perform, hold and adjust the sails 81. Preferably for the entire functioning of activating one or more sails, the extent to which they are extracted etc., the central control unit in the power house module is responsible, automatically or more or less by means of operator control, manually, or via remote monitoring and control means.

Inside the rotor head 88 ₁ a rotor crank rim 88 ₃ is connected to drive shafts connected to the mid-size permanent magnet generator modules 40, for example here up to four generators, which preferably can be implemented in any order and in any combination at any times by means of the gear and transmission modules 50, 55, depending on activation state of the magnetic coupling systems.

According to one embodiment of the invention a wind energy collecting module is mounted on the top of top of the upper machine house 85u which preferably is stationary. The outer sail ring or rotor ring 87 carries the sail bars 84, which are adapted to control the shaping of the sails 81. The sail bars 84 thus hold the sails 81 and shape them to allow collecting a maximum, or desired amount, of the available wind power, and means are provided for retracting the sails to the mast 89i when the wind is too strong, or when they are not needed, by means of retractable sail carriers arranged on the bars (not shown) .

The sails 81 are preferably carbon reinforced in order to better catch the wind on the power side and to give a maximum slip of the wind on the deflection side. On the top of the mast 89i a stroboscopic warning light 89 ₂ may be provided to indicate the presence and location of the power plant and to warn ships and airplanes. The rotor head 88 ₁ is adapted to be rotatably arranged on shaft 88 ₂ by means of a bearing connection. A crank rim 883 is adapted to enable transfer of collected wind power to the multi- drive multi-gear transmission system 50, 55 driving the mid-size generators 40 in the upper machine house module 85u (see Fig. 4) . With reference to Figs. 14, 15 the multi-drive multi-gear module system 50 and the directly drivable mid-size PMG generator modules 40 will be discussed. Fig. 14 thus shows a constellation of four mid-size generator modules 41 arranged in a first power production system 40 and comprising a multi-drive multi-gear modular system by means of which it is possible to alternate the harvesting of different energy sources and to utilize selected energy sources for collection in here 42 different constellations. The number of modules can however be varied according to the specific implementations of the invention e.g. depending on which energy collecting modules are to be implemented for optimal, selective activation .

Fig. 15 here shows a first power production system comprising a permanent magnet generator module 40 and multi-gear multi-drive module system 50 comprising a power receiving module 52 adapted to be connected to a surface water energy collecting module 90 and it comprises a sealed and waterproof crank rim with roller bearings arranged on a vertical axis and adapted to be driven by the floating surface rotor crank rim as discussed above. It is adapted to transmit the harvested power to a crank wheel 54 ₂ on a main drive shaft 47 connected to the mid-size permanent magnet generator 41. When an appropriate amount of power is available from the surface energy collecting module 90, which may be predetermined, and preferably as monitored by the control system in the machine housing, the system is adapted to activate the power to the main drive shaft 47 by means of an activation of a magnetic clutch 53i. A second power receiving module 52 ₂ is adapted to be connectable to the deep water energy collecting module (115A) and comprises a sealed and water proof crank wheel with roller bearings arranged on a vertical shaft. It is adapted to be driven by the floating surface rotor crank rim, and is further adapted to transmit the harvested power to the crank wheel 54 ₂ on the main drive shaft 47 connected to the mid-size permanent magnet generator 41. When a predetermined or desired amount of power is available from the deep water module as monitored by the central computer control system, the control system will activate the power to the main drive shaft by means of activation of a magnetic clutch 53 ₂ .

In a corresponding manner a magnetic clutch 43 is used for activation/deactivation of collection of wind power energy from the wind energy collecting module, and another magnetic clutch 42 is provided allowing activation/deactivation transfer of the wind power to the mid-size permanent magnet generator 41. A power receiving crank wheel 44 is connected to the crank rim (see Figs. 13A-13B) of the wind energy collecting module and the permanent magnet generator 41 preferably is a low speed permanent magnet generator. Preferably also a magnetic clutch 46 is provided which is used to activate and deactivate respectively the power transmission from the energy collecting modules for the surface water streams, the deep water streams, the tidal streams, the wave converter and it is preferably controlled by means of the central computer system.

This means that different renewable power sources can be selected to be used separately or simultaneously in any combination by means of optional connections to the advanced multi-gear system comprising four or more, here an arbitrary number of, drive shafts and a corresponding number of transmissions with crank wheels each connected to respective energy collecting modules. Preferably all the drive shafts are coupled directly to the mid-size generator drive shafts. At each energy collecting point the drive shafts have a respective crank wheel which via a magnetic coupling can be attached to the drive shaft to transmit the power to the generator for direct electric power production.

Figs. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D illustrate the central permanent magnet generator module system 60. The central power generating module system is the main power production unit of the power plant according to the present invention. The central generator is a megawatt generator for example between 0.5MW and 12MW, or more, is preferably of a permanent magnet type and is here driven by a double set of hydrogen electric hybrid engines which e.g. may be of any conventional type. The engines are working in couples and are adapted to drive a vertical generator rotor.

The double set of hydrogen engines 65 adapted to drive the vertical generator are fed with pure hydrogen supplied from a modular hydrogen generation system unit on board the power plant. Such a system comprises an electrolysis system 75 with an electrolysis stack, a hydrogen purification unit and a hydrogen collection tank, a hydrogen compressor step 1, e.g. for 70 bar compression of the hydrogen gas, 76, a feed system for pure water (not shown) from a seawater desalination system (also not shown) and is connected to the control system of the machine house module. The figures 16A, 16B illustrate the exhaust pipes 77 from the pure hydrogen engines, comprising a double set of hydrogen engines 65 adapted to drive the vertical generator, a water or air based cooling system 61 on the central generator 60, an internal generating control system 66 and a bearing system of the generator, a hydrogen compressor tank 73, hydrogen collector tank and purifiers 74 and an electrolysis hydrogen production system 75. There is a manway 78 to a hydrogen storage module with both 70 and 700 bar compressors and high pressure tanks. In the figures is also illustrated a first hydrogen storage module 72A adapted to be located inside the anchoring module or the mono-pillar, or inside the submerged part of the machine house 85 _L . Fig. 16C is a schematic top view of the central permanent magnet generator system 60 in Fig. 16A showing the two sets of hybrid tandem hydroelectric engines arranged on a bridge e.g. in a submerged production unit according to the invention. Fig. 16D is a very schematic side view of the central permanent magnet generator system 60 in Fig. 16A, shown to particularly illustrate the combined fly and drive wheel 67 driving the vertical permanent magnet generator, one set at a time to guarantee a constant (e.g.24 hours seven days a week) power production from the central, main, power generating system.

In Fig. 16B also an optional expansion pressure hydrogen storage module 72 is illustrated. Thus, the hydrogen system storing all the hydrogen produced under water on site in hydrogen storage modules is adapted to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen engines from a number of high pressure tanks. The electricity production on board typically ranges from 2-10 MW if state of the art generator technology is used and is in one embodiment controlled by the central computer control system in the machine house module and can be delivered to land based power transmission stations via sea pipelines or cables. It should however be clear that the invention is not limited to be use of any specific generator technology or specific generator, such that also a higher or a lower production yield can be provided. As referred to above, optionally or additionally, the first power production system 4 0 comprising midsize magnetic generators may be used for delivery on the grid, or storing of, energy e.g. in case of malfunctioning of the second power production system, or as a supplement.

Fig. 17 schematically illustrates an implementation of an anchoring system 2 0 here comprising a telescopic levelling and anchoring module system. Several modules of the modular power plant system according the invention have to be provided accurately at the water surface in order to enable utilization of different kinds of natural energy sources to an optimal extent. It is therefore, as discussed above, designed as a floating device adapted to be anchored to the bottom by means of a pipe, in a preferred embodiment a single mono-pipe 7 0 adapted to, at the same time, act as the inner part of a telescopic system together with a submerged machine house module 85 _L floating with its upper connection to the basic platform (wave converter module) 1 0 (not shown in this figure) above the water surface.

The mono-pipe 2 0 is adapted to e.g. be vibrated down into the seabed depending on the depth of the water. The telescopic part of the floating submerged machine house module, wherein the telescopic part here is indicated 20 i , will move up and down between the two outer walls of the submerged machine house module 85 _L . Particularly the height of the telescopic part of the submerged machine house module is designed to be adapted to specific environmental installation conditions, for example offshore or in a river, in a lake etc. The housing, being made from tubular modules, can be multiplied and therefore also be adapted to fit tidal differences in water levels.

Between the two moving parts of the telescopic levelling and anchoring system, rails and rollers are provided which prevent the rotation of the power plant around the anchoring pipe 2 0 . The rollers preferably comprise a dampening break system preventing the floating unit from moving fast, but still allows the floating device to adjust to the actual water levels. In case of extremely large waves, the floating device may be chained to the mono-pipe as an additional security measure to prevent it from being displaced from the mono-pipe 2 0 .

In the figure the telescopic part of the floating submerged machine house module bears reference number 2 0 and reference number 2 0 ₃ indicates the location in the mono-pipe wherein the hydrogen storage tank modules may be located in a schematic manner. The X reference indicates a parting line, the intention with which is to show that the mono-pipe can assume different lengths. The surface where the machine house module is attached to the basic floating carrier platform 1 0 is referenced 2 0 o whereas the letter W indicates a surface of the sea, the lake or the river water, Z indicating the difference in tidal water levels, and telescopic movements. Thus, reference numeral 2 0 indicates the outer telescopic part of the submerged machine house module moving on the outside of the mega pipe module whereas reference numeral 2Ο ₂ indicates the submerged machine house module moving inside the mono-pipe 2 0 . Finally Fig. 1 8 shows an implementation of the inventive concept comprising a plurality of power plant systems 1 0 0 arranged to form a power park. It should be clear that due to the flexible modular arranging of the power plant modules, modules may be arranged as a separate power plant or plants may be combined into a power park with any number of power plant systems 100. Due to the fact that the separate power plants 100 can be built in different manners, it can easily be implemented and adapted to local surroundings, available space and variations in water environment as well as adapted for different weather conditions, geographical conditions and needs. The modules included in the system can be adapted as well to shallow waters, coastal installations as well as to ocean installations or different river or lake environments. It can be set up with appropriate modules depending on local variations, and be flexibly controlled depending on current conditions. An embodiment as shown in Fig. 18 may for example be implemented as a local power park on the coast in a water depth of about 7-15 meter. An advantage of the invention is that it does not require any large areas and do not affect the environment from an esthetical point of view since the power plants neither are extremely high, nor very large and, in addition, are well adapted to conditions on for example sea. As an exemplifying comparison a power park with power plants according to the present invention will typically use less than 10% of the space of a conventional wind power park. The power park shown in Fig. 18 is a typical small power park of for example 12-60 MW in a coastal or shallow sea environment .

It should be clear that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments but that it can be varied in a large number of ways within the scope of the appended claims. It is an advantage of the invention that an extremely flexible system is provided which in addition thereto is easy to fabricate, to mount, to adapt to new varying conditions, to set up, to control, maintain and transport, in addition to other advantages discussed earlier in the application.