Maximising the returns of offshore energy collection requires ample storage to hold the energy while its in transit, power the facility, and prevent any wastage. Additionally, environmentally beneficial techniques like hydrolysis require input energy to perform, meaning having energy ready will improve the efficacy of these processes.
At
UTM Consultants, we aim to match talent with the offshore energy projects around the globe that need them the most. With innovations in energy storage constantly pushing the offshore industry forward, now is the best time to get involved. Ahead, we’ll cover some of the most prolific recent innovations, outlining their impact on the energy industry as a whole.
Whether you’re a business looking to secure skilled workers, or a professional looking to put your name out there,
get in touch today.
Floating Battery Storage Systems
Floating batteries are known under a number of different names such as Floating Battery Energy Storage Systems (Floating BESS), Floating Energy Storage (FES), and Buoyancy Energy Storage Technology (BEST). Each of these offshore energy innovations performs effectively the same thing – storing energy as electricity in offshore areas.
The first Floating BESS was pioneered in Singapore in 2020 due to their land constraints. The new system would take up 40% less space than the same system would on land, dramatically improving the space-efficiency. Additionally, cooling from seawater improves the efficiency of the system itself, with up to a
90% efficiency and the potential for extremely high capacity of around 8GW.
Floating BESS enables storage of excess energy generated by wind farms that would otherwise be expensive or impossible to send across transmission infrastructure, maximising the output over a longer period of time.
Advancements in Battery Technology
Supporting offshore energy innovations are advancements in the baseline technology itself. Battery technology has come strides in recent years, with several innovations each adding their own benefits and new angles to work off. Some key advancements include:
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Silicon-based anodes which improve energy density
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Electrolyte solutions like supercapacitors
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Solid state batteries offer advancement on traditional lithium solutions
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Battery management systems to control battery storage, intake, and output
Hydrogen Energy Storage (HES)
HES systems have a high energy capacity, making them suitable for offshore locations like wind farms producing a sizeable amount of energy. They’re best suited for offshore energy farms that produce water byproducts, where you can use electrolysis to separate out hydrogen, called green hydrogen, which can in turn be converted into energy via fuel cells.
Fuel cells can store energy for a long time, with near infinite cycles, meaning the infrastructure itself is very cost effective. However, it does have a low total efficiency due to the low individual efficiencies for fuel cells and electrolysers –
60% and 70% respectively.
Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)
Currently the main offshore energy storage technology, with
164.7GW installed worldwide in 2021. PHS involves pumping water from a low reservoir to a high one to store it. This is effectively the same as storing energy, as when the water is released through traditional hydroelectric infrastructure, it converts the potential energy stored in the water into electricity.
Pumped Hydro Storage systems are in such high use largely due to their extremely high cycle efficiency and expected lifespan, alongside the availability of the technology.
Offshore Transmission Infrastructure
Aiding with offshore energy transmission are a number of different infrastructure components. This range of assets includes:
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Convertors
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AC grids
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HVDC links
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Power oscillation dampening
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Low-voltage ride-throughs
For example, power oscillation dampening helps with preventing blackouts, system failure, and power loss from low-frequency oscillations which follow disturbances. Meanwhile, voltage ride-throughs connect new wind and other offshore energy farms to the grid.
Techniques for improving offshore transmission and storage infrastructure include using power flow analysis to determine locally variable voltage at each node, and using reactive power control to measure and maintain an ideal AC voltage amplitude.
Transmission curtailment is another technique which ensures power transmission lines aren’t overloaded in times of peak generation. Energy storage resolves this issue, cutting down on costs for expensive transmission infrastructure and ensuring consistent access to offshore energy is available at all times – regulating and controlling the flow of energy to a consistent quantity.
Get involved with implementing and improving offshore infrastructure –
contact us today.
Flywheel Energy Storage (FES)
FES systems store energy kinetically using a fast-moving flywheel. This rotor is hooked onto a generator, which it releases its energy through when required. They’re generally used commercially, such as for electric vehicle charging points, but they do have the potential to provide extremely high efficiency for offshore energy storage.
So far, the largest example is a 20MW system in New York by Beacon Power, marking the first big step of this technology’s progression. However, further developments are needed to support offshore wind farms that produce power in the gigawatts.
Supercapacitor Energy Storage (SCES)
Also known as ultracapacitors or double-layer capacitors, SCES systems utilise a layer of electrolytic fluid between two electrodes. They’re highly efficient, low maintenance, and extremely fast charging. Their fast charge rate does lend them to self-discharge quickly too, making them unviable for long-term storage. Importantly, their main usage is not for the storage of energy but the transmission of it, enabling the rapid charging of long-term batteries rather than acting as energy storage mechanisms themselves.
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
There are two notable operational examples of CAES systems, which include Huntorf CAES in Germany, and McIntosh Power Plant in the US. CAES began to see use as early as 1978, but hasn’t been used much since due to difficulties with construction these systems.
CAEF stores energy as compressed air in pressurised underground spaces like natural caverns or man-made spaces. It has lower efficiency and more difficult implementation compared to other storage techniques which make it less desirable, but it’s still worth mentioning as a nod to previous pioneering technologies and what we can learn from them.
Convertor Control
Convertor control involves controlling energy conversions to limit loss and improve the efficiency of energy storage systems.
Research from Carbon Trust found that while there is a case for implementing convertor control in the UK, it has a unique combination of challenges in the form of new commercial arrangements, integration with the grid, and other emerging technologies.
Still, enhanced conversion technology could improve the viability of other storage systems, making the most out of our offshore energy infrastructure.
Wave Energy Technology
Wave energy isn’t a form of storage, but instead an emerging form of offshore energy generation. It’s complementary with wind energy technology as it uses the kinetic energy generated from wind pushing the water to make waves. The energy production of wave energy generators continues even when wind has died down, making it continue its output while wind farms would otherwise halt.
Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) Energy Storage & Topology
OWFs require specific consideration around energy storage placement and infrastructure needed to convert between different energy types. There is no standard for OWF layouts, so each individual one requires its own solution.
Engineers need to consider the advantages of storing energy offshore versus onshore, and the costs of each both financially and to the environment. It involves finding a balance between the amount of wastage from implementing offshore storage, as well as the transmission infrastructure needed to bring offshore energy on-land to store it.
Finding the right solution is the role of the growing talent in offshore energy. This is a dynamic field, with new things happening all the time, offering great personal development and impetus into the best way forward for offshore wind.
Linking Talent and Innovation for Offshore Energy at UTM Consultants
From floating batteries to flywheels, there are a number of different emerging technologies that are quickly being adopted by the offshore energy industry. However, to realise the full potential of these innovations – as well as find new angles for existing technology to coexist – trained professionals are a vital resource.
At
UTM Consultants, we aim to connect skilled workers with projects that need them most. If you’re interested in our services,
get in touch and our friendly team will walk you through the process.