DE102020110382B3 - Energy generation and energy supply device and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy generation and energy supply device in a salty body of water or in the deep sea, by means of electro-reverse osmosis, with a first chamber (3) with a vessel or mesh (4) for receiving soluble substances or salts, which have at least one closable filler neck (5) can be introduced and regulated from the vessel (4) via an outlet and / or released into the first chamber (3) in an uncontrolled manner via the fabric mesh (4), the first chamber (3) via at least one two-way valve (6 ), for filling or discharging air, and a first inlet valve (7) for the body of water / water and a first outlet valve (9) for a concentrated body of water / water in a second chamber; and the second chamber has a suction and pressure pump (11) with an electro-reverse osmosis membrane (12) and a second inlet valve (8) for the water and a second outlet valve (10) for the concentrated water / water; and a control module (13), an energy management communication interface module and at least one accumulator (14), which are connected to one another. Furthermore, the invention relates to an energy generation and energy supply method in a substance-containing and / or salty body of water and / or in the deep sea using reverse electric osmosis.

Description

The invention relates to an energy generation and energy supply device in a salty body of water or in the deep sea, by means of reverse electric osmosis.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an energy generation and energy supply method in a substance-containing and / or salty body of water and / or in the deep sea by means of reverse electric osmosis.

The invention is a technology that serves as an underwater laboratory or benthic test platform for energy and data feed technologies (energy harvesters) and at the same time for energy and data consumers (underwater filling station). Energy management is also provided via interfaces (energy on demand). A scalable energy harvester supplies the platform as an integral part. This scalable harvester is described by the "emma POWER-TUBE" or just Power tube, which as a new technology has a unique selling point.

In the prior art, publications on so-called osmotic power plants or salt gradient power plants, such as from the U.S. 3,906,250 A known who use the difference in salinity between freshwater and seawater to generate energy and electricity.

Also the WO 2007/009 196 A1 shows such a salt gradient power plant as a "combination of a desalination plant and a salinity gradient power reverse electrodialysis plant and use therof".

From the U.S. 3,978,344 A an osmosis process for generating energy is known.

There have been further research and development projects since the second half of the 1990s. As the world's first prototype of an osmotic power plant, Statkraft put a micro power plant into operation on November 24, 2009 in Tofte, Norway on the Oslofjord, cf.

Grotelüschen, Frank: The idea of generating electricity with the help of salt. 24.11.2019.URL: https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/osmosekraftwerk-innorwegen-die-idee-von-der-stromgewinnung.871.de.html?dram:article_id=464082 [accessed on 19.03.2020], the It was in operation until the end of 2013 but was not developed further for economic reasons.

From the publication Sanna, A .; Kaltschmitt, M .; Ernst, M .: PV-operated reverse osmosis system for seawater desalination - modeling and analysis of different energy supply variants. In: Chemie Ingenieur Technik, Vol. 91,2019, No. 12, pp. 1853-1873,, reverse osmosis is known as a very energy-efficient option for seawater desalination. Since it only requires electrical energy, a combination of reverse osmosis and photovoltaic (PV) systems is ideal for climate protection reasons. A PV-based reverse osmosis system for seawater desalination is designed and modeled for a location on land on the coast of Saudi Arabia. On the basis of this, various variants of a PV-supplied seawater desalination plant were examined and conclusions for the construction of such plants were derived.

From the DE 197 14 512 C2 a maritime power plant with a manufacturing process for the production, storage and consumption of regenerative energy is known, which uses, among other things, a reverse osmosis system for fresh water production on the sea.

The DE 699 24 411 T2 shows a pressurized seawater desalination apparatus and method with gravitational liquor recirculation.

The DE 10 2014 015 980 A1 shows a reverse osmosis water treatment plant.

From the EP 1 572 328 A1 a reverse osmosis system for raw water, in particular city and well water, for the extraction of low-salt permeate or diluate, is known, which is also used for the desalination and treatment of drinking water.

Today's technologies for energy supply under water rely on battery technology, i.e. the pre-calculated energy requirement is decisive for the dimensioning of the batteries to be carried. The use of underwater fuel cells is also discussed, but the associated technical problems have not yet been resolved.

The inventive method uses the well-known principle of osmosis, here electro-osmosis or electro-reverse osmosis, whereby the different salt content between seawater and fresh water or water supplied, or seawater with a relatively lower salt concentration, directly amounts to anions. and cation membranes generate electrical energy.

Natural osmosis occurs when two salt solutions of different concentrations are separated by a semipermeable membrane. This system aims to balance the concentration between the two salt solutions. A semipermeable membrane allows the passage of water, but not that of the salts dissolved in this water. Correspondingly, water molecules flow out of the more dilute solution and through the semipermeable membrane into the less dilute solution. This increases the number of water molecules in the less dilute solution, causing pressure from the less dilute solution to act on the more dilute solution. This pressure is known as osmotic pressure. The osmotic pressure counteracts the flow of water molecules through the semipermeable membrane. The system strives towards a state of equilibrium; as the less dilute solution is further diluted, the osmotic pressure increases and the difference in concentration decreases at the same time. From a certain point on, the osmotic pressure and the difference in concentration are balanced, the system no longer changes without external influences.

By exerting pressure in the direction of the concentration gradient, i.e. on the more concentrated solution, the previously described state of equilibrium changes. If the pressure exerted in this way exceeds the osmotic pressure in the equilibrium state, the direction of flow of the water is reversed. Water then flows from the more concentrated solution through the semipermeable membrane into the less concentrated solution. The more concentrated solution is thereby further concentrated, while the less concentrated solution is further diluted. This process is known as reverse osmosis. The concentrated solution is called concentrate, the diluted or desalinated solution is called permeate.

The inventive method uses this known principle of osmosis or reverse osmosis in the sea, especially in the deep sea, whereby electrical energy is generated directly on anion and cation membranes in a so-called electrodialysis separator due to the different salt content between seawater and concentrated seawater.

In an electrodialysis separator, the space between two electrodes is separated by a stack of alternating anion and cation exchange membranes. Each pair of ion exchange membranes forms a separate cell.

In technical systems, this stack of cells can consist of several hundred membrane pairs. If an electrical direct voltage is applied to the electrodes, the anions migrate to the anode. The anions can simply pass the positively charged anion exchange membrane, but they are each stopped at the nearest negatively charged cation exchange membrane. Because the same thing (of course with the opposite sign) also happens with the cations, the net effect of electrodialysis is an accumulation of salts in the cells with an odd number (anion exchange membrane / cation exchange membrane), while the cells with an even number (cation exchange membrane / anion exchange membrane) are depleted in salt . The solutions with increased salt concentration are combined to form the concentrate, while the low-salt solutions form the diluate.

Because of the large number of cells between the electrodes, electrochemical electrode reactions have practically no influence on the energy consumption of an electrodialysis separator. Taking into account the energy expenditure for pumping the solutions through the separator units, the energy expenditure for electrodialysis separations is proportional to the salt concentration of the input solution. For this reason, electroosmosis is more economical than z. B. reverse osmosis.

Reverse electrodialysis is the process of passing a saline solution and fresh water through a block of alternating cathode and anode exchange membranes. The difference in chemical potential between salt water and fresh water creates a voltage difference across each membrane. The total electrical potential of the system corresponds to the sum of the potential differences of all membranes.

In a reverse osmosis system, the working pressure acting in the direction of the concentration gradient is generated by a pump. The feed water is pumped into the reverse osmosis modules. These consist of pressure vessels with membrane elements arranged in them, as well as three connections: one each for feed water, permeate and concentrate. The membrane elements consist of a core through which the permeate flows and a semipermeable membrane arranged around this core, around which the concentrate flows.

The feed water flows into the reverse osmosis modules on the concentrate side, and the working pressure generated by the high-pressure pump acts accordingly from the concentrate side to the permeate side. As a result, part of the water flows through the semipermable membrane and onto the permeate side in accordance with the principle of reverse osmosis described above. The salts dissolved in the water through the semi-permeable membrane mainly on the concentrate side of the reverse osmosis modules held back. Permeate and concentrate flow separately from the reverse osmosis module.

Reverse osmosis is a continuous process. Feed water flows continuously into the reverse osmosis modules, while permeate and concentrate flow out continuously.

The inventive method only uses sea water and does not supply fresh water. To increase the energy balance, seawater is concentrated with defined additives, e.g. salt (NaCI). Seawater is filled with additives, e.g. salts, until a saturated solution is obtained. The greater the gradient between seawater and concentrated seawater, the higher the osmotic pressure, which means that a turbine can be driven with which electrical energy can be generated.

The energy is generated on demand and / or temporarily stored in accumulators and can also be distributed via the energy management communication interface module. This also enables the exchange of energy between external devices and the energy management of a device swarm.

The inventive device, also referred to as “emma POWER TUBE”, has a reverse osmosis system consisting of at least one hose, preferably made of UV-resistant and waterproof plastic. This hose has at least one controllable inlet and outlet.

The respective hose is divided into two chambers. The first chamber is the so-called inlet chamber for the untreated seawater. In the first chamber, the concentration takes place with the additives that are placed in a container, e.g. a net in the first chamber. The first and second chambers are separated from one another by a barrier layer that can be opened by means of a valve. Behind the barrier layer in the second chamber there is a membrane made of e.g. cellulose acetate or a thin polyamide film.

The device is transported to the place of use in a compact, folded state. All components of the device are integrated as a system of individual modules in a frame that is suitable for transport and storage on the seabed.

Before the device is sunk in the sea, the respective chambers, e.g. on board or on land, are filled with air from the environment before use, so that the same atmospheric pressure prevails in the first and second chambers.

The container in the first chamber, e.g. a plastic net, is filled with the additive, e.g. salt, via a filler neck. The input of similar substances, such as those that can lead to different concentration ratios in the vicinity of smokers in the deep sea, is not restricted as long as the function of the membranes is not restricted.

After immersion in the body of water, valves open the two chambers so that air escapes and seawater flows in. In the first chamber, the seawater is mixed with the additive, e.g. salt, and dissolves until it is saturated. The chamber does not have to be dimensioned in such a way that the volume allows the greatest possible concentration. With a smaller volume, saturation will already take place when parts of the salt are still present in an undissolved state.

In the second chamber there is only seawater in a non-concentrated solution.

As soon as energy is to be generated with the device, the pump is activated, which pumps the concentrated seawater into chamber two. Seawater flows into chamber one during pumping. If there is still undissolved salt, a further concentration takes place. If there is sea water with a higher salt content in chamber two, reverse osmosis begins and energy is generated. Due to its flexibility, the system is able to generate energy when it is needed. Likewise, the generated energy can, if desired, also be temporarily buffered in a rechargeable battery. In addition, the system can use the energy management to operate the pump using part of the energy generated after it has started up.

The invention supplies, for example, underwater laboratories or benthic test platforms and their platform-bound and mobile devices with energy as a so-called energy harvester and thus offers a simple, wireless, mobile, self-sufficient energy underwater filling station for AUVs, ROVs and / or diving boats definable interfaces.

Due to the modular structure, the inventive energy harvester is scalable and easily adaptable to the respective needs.

Communication and energy supply with the respective device to be supplied is provided via the at least one interface of the inventive energy harvester, which enables energy management or energy fleet management, e.g. delivery, absorption and / or distribution of energy to the respective device to be supplied, if necessary. different devices. Whereby also a combination of inventive systems is made possible with each other. The wireless energy and data coupling between internal components of the device, such as valves, flap, pump, membrane and accumulator, and external devices to be supplied, for example inductively, takes place via preferably standardized interfaces, bus or protocol systems.

Problems in the Prior Art

Solutions that are based on existing technologies for energy supply must provide the energy for a predetermined period of time and be appropriately dimensioned, i.e. oversized. This increases weight and costs considerably. Furthermore, accumulators based on e.g. Li-Polymer are environmentally harmful in the event of damage under water. The shipping of Li-Pol batteries is subject to strict conditions and can sometimes not be carried out or not within the time frame. If UW accumulators are in distant sea areas, expensive charging technology must be carried along for recharging, which is not available everywhere. The use of fuel cells in the deep sea is currently unsuitable.

Previously known solutions for underwater stations are not prepared and equipped for adaptive interfacing of different energy harvesters and are mostly fed via fixed energy connections under the sea.

Sensor networks in the area of the ISO / IEC 30140-30143 2018 standard. Underwater acoustic sensor networks, with self-configuring, mobile or stationary sensor nodes such as floats, gliders, AUVs, gateway buoys or ground nodes have the task of detecting, recognizing and logging events .

These events such as extreme environmental characteristics, passing whales or special ship events are usually very rare, the desired sensor operating times are in the range of several months. However, today's energy resources lead to periods of use of a few weeks or just days. A natural basic requirement is therefore to save energy for the main consumers such as modems and transmitter units. The acoustic forwarding of an event, however, is energy-hungry, saving is often not enough.

In order for a mobile ad hoc network to be able to last for months under water, additional energy generation and energy management are required during the sleep times of a sensor node, in order to then evaluate and log all sensor impressions when the event occurs or when an event is awake To be able to save time series.

The aim is to provide a product for energy supply through ambient energy harvesting. This “filling station” is supposed to supply autonomous devices with energy in such a way that they can carry out their tasks without any disruption. The generation of energy should be as non-consuming as possible and therefore particularly resource-saving thanks to the scalable cells / harvesters to be developed.

The invention focuses on the construction of an underwater filling station that allows bi-directional energy and data flows for different energy harvesters and, as a test platform in different sea areas, allows long-term evaluations of new technologies and series of measurements. The petrol station is itself a harvester that can generate energy for several months depending on demand.

A concentration makes significantly higher energy densities available. Due to the possibility of concentration, the system is location-independent and does not have to be used in areas that have a fresh water supply. Furthermore, the invention impresses with the ability that it can be folded and is thus easy to transport and can be provided in standardized, navigable containers with all the necessary equipment.

Research institutions and the navy use a number of unmanned submarines (UUV - Unmanned Undersea Vehicle, AUV-Autonomous Undersea Vehicle) that operate independently of humans. The problem with such submarines is the energy supply.

Marine, is currently testing systems for underwater wireless charging. In future, the AUVs will charge their batteries while they are in use. AUVs need to show up to charge.

The US Navy is already using AUVs for a variety of tasks. It is known from the US Navy's SSC Pacific that they use AUVs for mapping the seabed, for tracking down submarines or for mine search. At the moment, however, these underwater vehicles still have to interrupt their mission to charge. To do this, they must return to land or meet a supply ship on the surface of the water. Both of these exposes the AUV and restricts autonomous operations.

Increasing the sustainability of underwater sensor networks through ambient energy harvesting, the regenerative, self-sufficient energy generation underwater in the autonomous ones involved Devices is a key requirement for many applications under the water surface and especially in the deep sea.

The energy recovery and energy supply device in a salty body of water or in the deep sea, by means of electro-reverse osmosis, is designed with a first chamber with a vessel or tissue network for receiving soluble substances or salts, which can be introduced via at least one closable filler neck and out of the vessel controllable via an outlet and / or unregulated via the tissue network can be released into the first chamber, the first chamber via at least one two-way valve for filling or letting out air, and a first inlet valve for the body of water and a first outlet valve for a concentrated one Having waters / water in a second chamber; and the second chamber has a suction and pressure pump with an electro-reverse osmosis membrane and a second inlet valve for the water and a second outlet valve for the concentrated water / water; and a control module, an energy management communication interface module and at least one accumulator, which are connected to one another.

Furthermore, the first chamber can be designed to be foldable and the device can be held in a frame which has at least one, in particular rotatably mounted, stand suitable for receiving anchor weights.

Furthermore, the control module can be connected to the respective valves or the outlet, the suction and pressure pump of the electro-reverse osmosis membrane, the energy management communication interface module and the at least one accumulator via a control circuit.

The energy management communication interface module can provide an energy output / consumption unit, preferably with inductive coupling.

Furthermore, the energy management communication interface module can provide a data interface for receiving and outputting data, preferably with inductive coupling

• - Versenken der mit Umgebungsluft befüllten Kammern im Gewässer
• - Befüllen der Kammern mit Umgebungswasser
• - Aufkonzentrieren des Umgebungswassers in der ersten Kammer
• - Beschicken der Elektro-Umkehr-Osmose Membran über die Saug- und Druck-Pumpe mit Umgebungswasser und aufkonzentriertem Umgebungswasser und Erzeugen von Energie, wobei die Saug- und Druck-Pumpe mit Akkumulatoren-Energie angefahren wird, bis die Eigenenergieerzeugung die nötige Leistung erzeugt, um die Saug- und Druck-Pumpe zu betreiben
• - Betrieb der Saug- und Druck-Pumpe mit selbsterzeugter Energie und Speicherung selbsterzeugter Energie in Akkumulatoren.

The energy generation and energy supply method according to the invention is in a substance-containing and / or salty body of water and / or in the deep sea by means of electro-reverse osmosis, a first solution with a first concentration of at least one substance soluble in a solvent of the first solution and a second Solution from the surrounding water / water is provided, which has a second concentration of the at least one substance, wherein the first concentration can be changed by adding the soluble substance, is provided in a first chamber, and can be connected to a second chamber that has a suction - and pressure pump and an electro-reverse osmosis membrane, with at least the steps

• - Sinking the chambers filled with ambient air in the water
• - Filling the chambers with ambient water
• - Concentration of the surrounding water in the first chamber
• - Charging the electro-reverse osmosis membrane via the suction and pressure pump with ambient water and concentrated ambient water and generating energy, whereby the suction and pressure pump is started with accumulator energy until the self-generated energy generates the necessary power, to operate the suction and pressure pump
• - Operation of the suction and pressure pump with self-generated energy and storage of self-generated energy in accumulators.

Furthermore, the filling, loading and concentration can take place via a control module in connection with an energy management communication interface module, the valves switching according to a program and / or depending on sensors.

Furthermore, the external devices via the control module in connection with the energy management communication interface module can be coupled via the energy management communication interface module and managed in terms of energy technology, with energy being generated on demand by means of electro reverse osmosis and / or energy generated by means of reverse electro-osmosis can be released from accumulators or stored in accumulators.

The invention is based on the electro-reverse osmosis process. Known methods generate energy via the different salt content between seawater and fresh water supplied.

• - Verwendung von ausschließlich Meerwasser ohne Frischwasserzufuhr;
• - Zur Steigerung der Energiebilanz wird Meerwasser mit zuzuführendem Salz (z.B. NaCI) aufkonzentriert, im Maximum bis zur gesättigten Lösung. Je größer der Salzgradient desto mehr Energie kann erzeugt werden;
• - das Umkehrosmose-System ist Bestandteil der „emma POWER TUBE“ oder auch Power Tube, das ein UV-beständiger und wasserdichter als Schlauch ausgebildeter Kunststoff ist, wobei der Schlauch jeweils einen ansteuerbaren Ein- und Auslass besitzt und in 2 Kammern aufgeteilt ist, wobei Kammer eins die Zulaufkammer für Meerwasser bildet und die Aufkonzentrierung mit Salz erfolgt. Kammer eins und zwei sind durch eine Sperrschicht abgetrennt, die mittels Ventil geöffnet werden kann; hinter der Sperrschicht (in Kammer zwei) befindet sich eine Membrane;
• - exemplarisch sei ausgeführt: die Power Tube wird an Bord oder an Land vor dem Einsatz mit Luft gefüllt. (Atmosphärischer Druck in Kammer eins und zwei) In Kammer eins ist ein Plastiknetz eingebracht, das über einen Füllstutzen mit Salz befüllt wird. Nach dem Eintauchen in das Gewässer öffnen Ventile die Kammern, so dass Luft entweicht und Meerwasser zufließt. In Kammer eins befinden sich das Meerwasser und das Salz und gehen in Lösung bis zur Sättigung. Die Kammer muss nicht so bemessen sein, dass das Volumen die größtmögliche Aufkonzentrierung erlaubt. Bei einem kleineren Volumen wird die Sättigung schon erfolgen, wenn noch Salz ungelöst vorhanden ist. Die Kammer zwei trägt nur Meerwasser.
• - die Power Tube ist in einen Absetzrahmen integrierbar und auf den Meeresboden versenkbar und lösbar zu verankern.
• - sobald Energie mit der Power Tube erzeugt werden soll, wird die Pumpe aktiviert, die das aufkonzentrierte Meerwasser in Kammer zwei pumpt. Während des Abpumpens fließt Meerwasser in Kammer eins zu. Ist noch ungelöstes Salz vorhanden erfolgt eine weitere Aufkonzentrierung;
• - befindet sich Meerwasser mit höherem Salzgehalt in Kammer zwei beginnt die Umkehrosmose und Energie wird erzeugt;
• - das System ist durch seine Flexibilität in der Lage Energie dann zu erzeugen, wenn sie gebraucht wird;
• - gleichermaßen kann erzeugte Energie, falls gewünscht, auch in einem Akku zwischengepuffert werden.

The principle of this world differs as follows and also has the following properties:

• - Use of only sea water without fresh water supply;
• - To increase the energy balance, seawater is concentrated with the salt to be added (eg NaCl), to a maximum of saturated Solution. The greater the salt gradient, the more energy can be generated;
• - The reverse osmosis system is part of the "emma POWER TUBE" or Power Tube, which is a UV-resistant and waterproof plastic designed as a hose, the hose each having a controllable inlet and outlet and being divided into 2 chambers, whereby Chamber one forms the inlet chamber for sea water and the concentration takes place with salt. Chamber one and two are separated by a barrier that can be opened by means of a valve; behind the barrier layer (in chamber two) there is a membrane;
• - as an example: the Power Tube is filled with air on board or on land before use. (Atmospheric pressure in chambers one and two) A plastic net is inserted into chamber one, which is filled with salt via a filler neck. After immersion in the body of water, valves open the chambers so that air escapes and seawater flows in. The seawater and salt are in chamber one and dissolve to saturation. The chamber does not have to be dimensioned so that the volume allows the greatest possible concentration. In the case of a smaller volume, saturation will take place when salt is still undissolved. Chamber two only carries sea water.
• - The Power Tube can be integrated into a lowering frame and can be lowered and anchored to the seabed in a detachable manner.
• - As soon as energy is to be generated with the Power Tube, the pump is activated, which pumps the concentrated seawater into chamber two. Seawater flows into chamber one during pumping. If there is still undissolved salt, a further concentration takes place;
• - if sea water with a higher salt content is in chamber two, reverse osmosis begins and energy is generated;
• - Due to its flexibility, the system is able to generate energy when it is needed;
• - Equally, the generated energy can, if desired, also be temporarily buffered in a battery.

• - mobil, modular und adaptiv und skalierbar;
• - geeignet für Einsätze in Gewässern und in der Tiefsee, zudem auch in Flüssen, Seen, Stauseen, Baggerseen, künstliche Reservoirs, Höhlenseen, Meer, Ozean;
• - das System stellt Energie „on demand“ bereit, d.h. durch entsprechende Triggerung durch Parameter, wie Zeit, Druck, Threshold, Anforderung von „außen“;
• - Verbraucher als auch Erzeuger (Harvester) können angeschlossen werden;
• - skalierbar, auch für große Leistungen aber eben auch für kleinere Leistungen bei kleinem Formfaktor;
• - ausschließlich durch das Umgebungswasser bedient, d.h. „frei verfügbare Energie“;
• - druckneutrale Umkehr-Osmose in offshore Arealen; standortunabhängige Meerwasserosmose; Umkehr-Osmose Tiefwasser-System.

The advantages of the system can be summarized as follows:

• - mobile, modular and adaptive and scalable;
• - suitable for use in bodies of water and in the deep sea, also in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, quarry ponds, artificial reservoirs, cave lakes, sea, ocean;
• - the system provides energy “on demand”, ie by appropriate triggering by parameters such as time, pressure, threshold, request from “outside”;
• - Consumers as well as producers (harvesters) can be connected;
• - Scalable, also for large capacities but also for smaller capacities with a small form factor;
• - served exclusively by the surrounding water, ie "freely available energy";
• - Pressure-neutral reverse osmosis in offshore areas; location-independent sea water osmosis; Reverse osmosis deep water system.

• - Unterwasser Monitoring, wie z.B. Wasserqualitäten, Strömungen, etc. durch gespeiste Sensorik;
• - Tankstelle für Unterwasserfahrzeuge (USV);
• - Kommunikationsplattform;
• - LBL-Knoten;
• - Akustische Referenz-Position;
• - Noise-Measurement;
• - Unterwasser-Raum-Überwachung für Fahrzeuge, Marine Säuger; Schallmessungen bei Baumaßnahmen (Gründungen, etc.); Schutz kritischer Areale vor Auf-Wasser- und Unterwasser-Attacken;
• - UW-Druck-Monitoring (über Wassersäulenketten) für z.B. Tsunami-Frühwarnungen;
• - Detektieren von Austritten, wie Gas, Süßwasser, gelöste chemische Substanzen, Öl;
• - Boden-Knotennetze für Langzeit-Messreihen;
• - Erfassung hochauflösender, breitbandiger Meeresgrundaktivitäten allgemein, wie Subduktionsverläufe / -geschwindigkeiten, tektonisch kritischer Areale;
• - Aktivitäten Schwarzer Raucher;
• - biologische / chemische Prozesse;
• - druckneutrale Umkehr-Osmose in offshore Arealen.

The purposes for which the inventive system can be used are diverse, e.g. to support / as:

• - Underwater monitoring, such as water quality, currents, etc. through powered sensors;
• - Underwater vehicle filling station (UPS);
• - communication platform;
• - LBL node;
• - acoustic reference position;
• - Noise measurement;
• - Underwater space surveillance for vehicles, marine mammals; Sound measurements during construction work (foundations, etc.); Protection of critical areas from on-water and underwater attacks;
• - Underwater pressure monitoring (via chains of water columns) for, for example, tsunami early warnings;
• - Detection of leaks such as gas, fresh water, dissolved chemical substances, oil;
• - Soil node networks for long-term series of measurements;
• - Recording of high-resolution, broadband seabed activities in general, such as subduction processes / speeds, tectonically critical areas;
• - Activities of black smokers;
• - biological / chemical processes;
• - Pressure-neutral reverse osmosis in offshore areas.

Essentially, from an economic point of view, it is a system platform as an underwater filling station. Underwater stations / test platforms / filling stations for harvesting modules for analysis are not known in the prior art.

A concentration makes significantly higher energy densities available. Due to the possibility of concentration, the system is location-independent and does not have to be used in areas that have a fresh water supply.

• Es zeigen:
  • eine beispielhafte schematische Abbildung der erfinderischen Vorrichtung;
  • ein Schaubild zur Erläuterung der Abläufe in einer Elektro-Umkehr-Osmose Membran (Stand der Technik);
  • ein Bild einer „Unterwasser-Tankstelle“ (Stand der Technik);

The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures in the description of the figures, which are intended to explain the invention and are not to be regarded as restrictive:

• Show it:
  • an exemplary schematic illustration of the inventive device;
  • a diagram to explain the processes in an electro-reverse osmosis membrane (prior art);
  • a picture of an "underwater gas station" (state of the art);

In a schematic embodiment of the inventive energy generation and energy supply device is shown, which is designed for use in a salty body of water or in the deep sea. The inventive energy generation and energy supply device generates the energy by means of electro reverse osmosis.

A first chamber ( 3 ) via a vessel or tissue network ( 4th ) for absorbing soluble substances or salts, shown here as an example of NaCl cubes. The vessel or tissue network ( 4th ) we in the example have a closable filler neck ( 5 ) filled. If an impermeable vessel is used, the release of NaCI as bulk material from the vessel can be regulated via an outlet into the first chamber ( 3 ) submitted. In the case of a mesh ( 4th ) the bulk material is passed through the meshes in the fabric network ( 4th ) unregulated into the first chamber ( 3 ) submitted. The combination of a vessel with a surrounding tissue network ( 4th ) is included. Above the filler necks ( 5 ) bulk material can be refilled from an external reservoir. For this purpose, the device is either recovered or supplied in situ.

The first chamber ( 3 ) has at least one two-way valve ( 6th ), for filling or releasing air. The filling with air from the environment is preferably carried out after the folded device has been removed from a transport container, which contains all the equipment necessary for operating the device, on board a ship. After the device is lowered into the water, ambient water is introduced through a first inlet valve ( 7th ) into the first chamber ( 3 ) and the air can be discharged through the two-way valve ( 6th ) escape. Via a second inlet valve ( 8th ) the second chamber with the electro-reverse osmosis membrane ( 12th ) flooded, the air through the second exhaust valve ( 10 ) escapes. A first exhaust valve ( 9 ) establishes the connection to the passage for a concentrated body of water / water into the second chamber. In the second chamber there is a suction and pressure pump ( 11 ) connected to the second inlet valve ( 8th ) and the first exhaust valve ( 9 ) and the electro-reverse osmosis membrane ( 12th ) connected is. The second inlet valve ( 8th ) is inserted between the surrounding water and the second chamber. The second exhaust valve ( 10 ) is in the effluent of the electro-reverse osmosis membrane ( 12th ) used for the release of concentrated water into the environment. The device has a control module ( 13th ), an energy management communication interface module ( 14th ) and at least one accumulator, which are connected to each other and the valves via the control module ( 13th ).

In shows a diagram to explain the processes in an electro-reverse osmosis membrane (prior art). The inventive method uses the well-known principle of osmosis, here electro-osmosis or electro-reverse osmosis, whereby the salt content between seawater and fresh water or water supplied is usually lower or seawater with a relatively lower salt concentration, here than Feed solution, electrical energy is generated directly on anion and cation membranes and tapped here at the anode and cathode.

Natural osmosis occurs when two salt solutions of different concentrations are separated by a semipermeable membrane. This system aims to balance the concentration between the two salt solutions. A semipermeable membrane allows the passage of water, but not that of the salts dissolved in this water. Correspondingly, water molecules flow out of the more dilute solution and through the semipermeable membrane into the less dilute solution. This increases the number of water molecules in the less dilute solution, causing pressure from the less dilute solution to act on the more dilute solution. This pressure is known as osmotic pressure. The osmotic pressure counteracts the flow of water molecules through the semipermeable membrane. The system strives towards a state of equilibrium; as the less dilute solution is further diluted, the osmotic pressure increases and the difference in concentration decreases at the same time. From a certain point on, the osmotic pressure and the difference in concentration are balanced, the system no longer changes without external influences.

By exerting pressure in the direction of the concentration gradient, i.e. on the more concentrated solution, the previously described state of equilibrium changes. If the pressure exerted in this way exceeds the osmotic pressure in the equilibrium state, the direction of flow of the water is reversed. Water then flows from the more concentrated solution through the semipermeable membrane into the less concentrated solution. The more concentrated solution is thereby further concentrated, while the less concentrated solution is further diluted. This process is known as reverse osmosis. The concentrated solution is called concentrate, the diluted or desalinated solution is called diluate.

The inventive method uses this known principle of osmosis or reverse osmosis in the sea, especially in the deep sea, whereby electrical energy is generated directly on anion and cation membranes in a so-called electrodialysis separator due to the different salt content between seawater and concentrated seawater. In an electrodialysis separator, the space between two electrodes is separated by a stack of alternating anion and cation exchange membranes. Each pair of ion exchange membranes forms a separate cell.

In technical systems, this stack of cells can consist of several hundred membrane pairs.

In shows a picture of an "underwater filling station" from the prior art. The photo shows an AUV with an inductive interface on the lower fuselage of the AUV. The underwater filling station shows a cable connection with an inductive interface as a platform. With its inductive interface, the AUV can connect to the platform of the underwater filling station and charge the AUV's batteries without having to go up. The underwater filling station is supplied with energy via the cable connection, e.g. shore power.

List of reference symbols

1

Frame

2

Stand

3

First chamber

4th

Vessel or tissue network

5

Filler neck

6th

Two-way valve

7th

First inlet valve

8th

Second inlet valve

9

First exhaust valve

10

Second exhaust valve

11

Suction and pressure pump

12th

Electro reverse osmosis membrane

13th

Rule module

14th

Energy management communication interface module

Claims (8)

Energy generation and energy supply device in a salty body of water or in the deep sea, by means of electro-reverse osmosis, with a first chamber (3) with a vessel or mesh (4) for receiving soluble substances or salts, which can be introduced via at least one closable filler neck (5) and regulated from the vessel (4) through an outlet and / or through the mesh ( 4) can be released into the first chamber (3) in an uncontrolled manner, wherein the first chamber (3) has at least one two-way valve (6) for filling or discharging air, and a first inlet valve (7) for the body of water / water and a first outlet valve (9) for a concentrated body of water / water in a second Has chamber; and the second chamber has a suction and pressure pump (11) with an electro-reverse osmosis membrane (12) and a second inlet valve (8) for the water and a second outlet valve (10) for the concentrated water / water; and a control module (13), an energy management communication interface module and at least one accumulator (14) which are connected to one another. Energy generation and energy supply device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the first chamber (3) is foldable and the device is held in a frame (1) which has at least one particularly rotatably mounted stand (2) suitable for receiving anchor weights. Energy generation and energy supply device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the control module (13) with the respective valves (6, 7, 8, 9, 10) or the outlet, the suction and pressure pump (11), the electro-reverse osmosis membrane (12) the energy management communication interface module and to which at least one accumulator (14) is connected via a control loop. Energy generation and energy supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Energy management communication interface module provides an energy output / consumption unit, preferably with inductive coupling. Energy generation and energy supply device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy management communication interface module provides a data interface for receiving and outputting data, preferably with inductive coupling Energy generation and energy supply method in a substance-containing and / or salty water and / or in the deep sea by means of reverse electro-osmosis, wherein a first solution with a first concentration of at least one substance soluble in a solvent of the first solution and a second solution from the surrounding water / water is provided, which has a second concentration of the at least one substance, wherein the first concentration can be changed by adding the soluble substance, is provided in a first chamber (3), and can be connected to a second chamber that has a suction - and pressure pump (11) and an electro-reverse osmosis membrane (12), with at least the steps - Sinking the chambers filled with ambient air in the water - Filling the chambers with ambient water - Concentration of the surrounding water in the first chamber - Charging the electro-reverse osmosis membrane (12) via the suction and pressure pump (11) with ambient water and concentrated ambient water and generating energy, whereby the suction and pressure pump (11) is started with accumulator energy until the self-generated energy generates the power required to operate the suction and pressure pump (11) - Operation of the suction and pressure pump (11) with self-generated energy and storage of self-generated energy in accumulators. Energy generation and energy supply method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the filling, charging and concentrating takes place via a control module (13) in connection with an energy management communication interface module (14), the valves according to a program and / or switches depending on the sensors. Energy generation and energy supply method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the external devices via the control module (13) in connection with the energy management communication interface module (14) can be coupled via the energy management communication interface module (14) and managed in terms of energy technology, with energy being generated on-demand by means of electro-reverse osmosis and / or energy generated by means of electro-reverse osmosis being released from accumulators or stored in accumulators.

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