FLOATING ELECTRICAL GENERATION PLATFORM

Abstract

A floating platform for providing electrical power to a requester of electrical power includes a power generator structured to produce electrical power in excess of 1 Megavolt-Ampere (MVA), at least one high-voltage electrical connector that is structured to couple to an electrical connection from the requester, and a power delivery system that is structured to supply the electrical power in excess of 1 MVA to the requester through the high-voltage electrical connector. The power generator may be turned by an engine running on biofuel. Methods of supplying power from a floating platform to a requesting vessel are also described.

Claims

1. A floating platform for providing electrical power to a requester of electrical power, the floating platform comprising: a power generator structured to produce electrical power in excess of 1 Megavolt-Ampere (MVA); at least one high-voltage electrical connector that is structured to couple to an electrical connection from the requester; and a power delivery system that is structured to supply the electrical power in excess of 1 MVA to the requester through the high-voltage electrical connector.

2. The floating platform according to claim 1, in which the power generator comprises: an electrical generator; and an engine coupled to the electrical generator.

3. The floating platform according to claim 2, in which the engine is fueled by methanol.

4. The floating platform according to claim 2 in which the floating platform has a deck, and further comprising a fuel tank disposed on the deck that is structured to store fuel for the engine.

5. The floating platform according to claim 4, in which the floating platform is formed on a floating hull, and in which the fuel tank is a first fuel tank, the floating platform further comprising: a second fuel tank disposed within the floating hull; a first liquid communication path between the second fuel tank and the first fuel tank; a second liquid communication path between the second fuel tank and the first fuel tank; a pump structured to cause fuel from the second fuel tank to be transported to the first fuel tank through the first liquid communication path; and a release structured to alternately prevent or allow fuel to gravity flow from the first fuel tank to the second fuel tank through the second liquid communication path.

6. The floating platform according to claim 1, in which no identified hazard zones extend beyond a side of a deck mounted to the floating platform that is closest to the requester of electrical power.

7. The floating platform according to claim 6, in which one or more identified hazard zones extend beyond a side of the deck furthest from the requester of electrical power while the floating platform is providing the electrical power in excess of 1 MVA to the requester.

8. The floating platform according to claim 1, in which the at least one high-voltage electrical connector complies with an IEC/IEEE 80005-3 standard.

9. The floating platform according to claim 1, in which the at least one high-voltage electrical connector comprises an Alternating Current connector that complies with an IEC/IEEE 80005-3 standard and a Direct Current connector that complies with an IEC/IEEE 80005-4 standard.

10. A floating platform for providing electrical power to a requester of electrical power, the floating platform comprising: a hull having a port side and a starboard side; an engine that uses a biofuel; a power generator coupled to the engine and structured to produce electrical power in excess of 1 Megavolt-Ampere (MVA); at least one high-voltage electrical connector according to an IEC/IEEE 80005 standard that is coupled to the power generator and further structured to couple to an electrical connection from the requester; and a power delivery system that is structured to supply the electrical power in excess of 1 MVA to the requester through the high-voltage electrical connector.

11. The floating platform according to claim 10, further comprising: a fuel storage tank located in the hull; and a refueling port structured to couple the fuel storage tank to an external fuel supply container located separate from the floating platform, in which a hazard zone exists centered around the refueling port during times during which the refueling port is coupled to the external fuel supply container, and in which the hazard zone extends beyond no more than one of the starboard side and the port side of the hull.

12. The floating platform according to claim 11, in which the hazard zone does not extend beyond the hull during times during which the refueling port is not coupled to the external fuel supply container.

13. The floating platform according to claim 10, further comprising an emergency stop apparatus structured to selectively disconnect the power generator from the at least one high-voltage electrical connector based on user input.

14. The floating platform according to claim 10, in which the engine is fueled by methanol.

15. A method for providing electrical power from a floating platform to a requester of electrical power, the method comprising: coupling at least one high-voltage electrical connector according to an IEC/IEEE 80005 standard between the floating platform and the requester; producing in excess of 1 Megavolt-Ampere of electrical power on board the floating platform; and causing the electrical power produced on board the floating platform to be communicated to the requester through the at least one high-voltage electrical connector.

16. The method according to claim 15, in which producing in excess of 1 Megavolt-Ampere of electrical power comprises powering a methanol-fueled engine that is coupled to an electrical generator.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising removing exhaust gasses from exhaust produced by operating the engine.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising halting a transfer of electrical power between the floating platform and the requester after an emergency stop activated.

19. The method according to claim 15 in which the requester is a cargo vessel, cruise ship, container ship, LNG carrier, or a tanker.

20. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: storing electrical power produced by the electrical generator in one or more storage batteries; coupling at least one Direct Current (DC) electrical connector according to an IEC/IEEE 80005-4 standard between the floating platform and the requester; and causing electrical power stored in the one or more storage batteries to be communicated to the requester through the at least one DC electrical connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a mobile floating platform clean energy generator, viewed from the port side, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the mobile floating platform clean energy generator of FIG. 1A, viewed from the starboard side.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the clean energy generation of the mobile floating platform of FIGS. 1A-1B.

[0009] FIG. 3A is a plan view of a mobile floating platform, showing potential hazardous vapor emission zones, according to embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the mobile floating platform of FIG. 3A.

[0011] FIG. 3C is a plan view of the mobile floating platform of FIG. 3A, with emission zones omitted.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view conceptual rendering of a mobile floating platform transferring electrical power to a cargo ship, according to embodiments.

DESCRIPTION

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a floating mobile platform having a clean energy generator for providing electrical power to other vessels or other requesters of electrical power. Such clean energy generation is strategic to lowering emissions from ships, especially ships located in harbors that are unable to connect to grid-supplied shore power due to space, infrastructure, or any other reason. As mentioned above, ships are generally capable of supplying their own electrical power needs by operating one or more generators, which are often powered by diesel engines. But operating the generators typically produces harmful emissions. Emissions that harm the environment are undesirable, or, in some cases, producing such emissions may violate environmental rules or laws. So, as an alternative to the ships producing power by operating their on-board diesel-powered generators, and producing the consequent harmful emissions, the floating platform is designed to transport the clean electrical power generating source directly to the ships themselves. The floating platform has electrical supply connections that are similar or identical to shore power connections. Thus, when the ship connects to the floating platform, the floating platform provides electricity directly to the ship as if it were connected to shore power. And the floating platform, using systems and methods described herein, produces the electrical power for the ship in a much cleaner fashion than the ship can produce by itself, reducing the harmful effects of noxious emissions. In some embodiments the floating platform provides lower net emissions than the emissions generated for the equivalent amount of shore power. Even when not required by local regulations or laws, some ship operators may choose to use the cleanly generated power provided by the floating platform due to its environmental benefit, or they may be financially incentivized to do so.

[0014] As described above, both government and private enterprise are interested in reducing greenhouse gas and other emissions harmful to the environment. Particular targets for emission reductions include shipping ports and harbors, where a variety of ships each generating their own power, typically from their own diesel generators, contribute significantly to area emissions. Port emission reduction initiatives are underway in most of the ports in the US, on both coasts and in the Gulf of Mexico. Similar emission reduction initiatives are being implemented throughout North America and are beginning to take hold worldwide. These port emission reduction initiatives mandate that harbor vessels, such as tugboats, crane barges, repair vessels, production platforms, and floating storage units, for example, are required to use shore power or approved on-board emission-controlled power generation. Similarly, ocean-going vessels, such as container and cargo vessels, cruise ships, roll-on/roll-off vessels, and tanker vessels soon must also be tied to shore power or utilize emission-controlled power generation. Since many of these ocean-going vessels may arrive from foreign ports, where emission standards are not as strict, they typically do not have autonomous power generation that satisfies the proposed emission control standards. When such vessels are anchored away from port, presently, there is no way for them to generate the necessary power for ship operation in compliance with regional emissions reduction targets.

[0015] Embodiments of the disclosed floating platform satisfy this need by cleanly generating electrical power on board the platform and by providing ship-to-ship transfer of that cleanly generated electrical power for any type of harbor or ocean-going vessel. In general, embodiments include a floating platform having reduced-emission power generation capabilities, which uses the generated power for operating, charging, or otherwise providing power to other vessels. As mentioned above, the floating platform may be positioned by another vessel for operation, such as being towed or pushed by a tugboat or other ship-moving vessel. In other embodiments, however, the floating platform is self-propelled and includes its own power plant, propeller, and steering capability used to move and position the floating platform alongside a vessel in need of externally generated power. In other embodiments, the floating platform includes water-jetted propulsion and steering for its mobility needs. In yet other embodiments the floating platform includes mixed types of propulsion, i.e., both propellers and one or more water jets. In the self-propelled embodiments, the floating platform generates its own power for propulsion using clean-generated power, described below, which may be in the form of mechanical power that directly operates the propulsion, or stored power in the form of batteries or other electrical storage that drives one or more electric motors and/or pumps to move the floating platform.

[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B show perspective views of a floating platform 100 for cleanly generating electricity and transferring electricity to other vessels, according to embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the floating platform 100 is structured to be a substantially flat-decked vessel with a deck 101 on which various components of the power generating and transfer system are installed and operated. The floating platform 100, much like other marine vessels, may be understood as having a bow 102 and a stern 104, with a port side 106 and a starboard side 108. FIG. 1A, for instance, shows the floating platform 100 as viewed from the port side 106, while FIG. 1B shows the floating platform 100 as viewed from the starboard side 108. The floating platform in FIGS. 1A and 1B does not include self-propulsion, although a self-propelled embodiment would appear materially the same as in these figures, as the self-propulsion and steering elements are mostly or completely submerged. Though the floating platform has a designated bow and stern in accordance with regulatory convention and convenience of reference, like many vessels of similar size operating in ports and harbors, it may be towed, pushed or self-propelled from either end due to its mobility and capability to operate in congested areas.

[0017] To generate electricity, the floating platform 100 has a central power generation space 110. As discussed in further detail below, an electric generation plant is housed in the central power generation space 110. This plant is fueled by a low or zero emission alternative to conventional diesel fuel, such as methanol or hydrogen. Such fuel is supplied to the power generation space 110 from day storage tanks 120 positioned near the bow 102 of the floating platform. There may be multiple day storage tanks 120 on the deck of the floating platform 100 depending on operating needs. Day storage tanks 120 temporarily store clean energy fuel during operation of the floating platform 100, but in some embodiments, the floating platform 100 stores fuel long term in its hull instead of or in addition to the day storage tanks 120. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the floating platform 100 has a double hull, meaning the floating platform 100 has two distinct watertight and buoyant structures below the deck 101one on the port side 106, and one on the starboard side 108. In some embodiments the double hull also extends to the bottom of the floating platform, giving two complete layers of watertight hull surfacean inner hull and an outer hull. For either design, this double hull provides redundancy in the case of damage, leaking, or failure of one of the two hull structures, minimizing the chances of hazardous conditions on the floating platform 100. Although a double hull design is described throughout the disclosure, in still other embodiments, a single hull, with independent pressurized fuel storage tanks in or on top of the hull, may be implemented dependent upon the operating location and the toxicity of the fuel source. In either the single-hull or double-hull designs, the hull tanks are generally divided into multiple, separated, tanks that may be coupled to one another through a series of pipes and controllable valves and pumps. Having multiple, independent, tanks reduces the risk of large fuel leaks or spills, such as could happen if the hull were ruptured, since each tank independently stores its fuel and fuel losses would be limited to only the ruptured tanks and not the entire contents of the floating platform. For convenience, in this disclosure, the hull tanks are described as being a collective set acting effectively a single tank, even though in practice they are formed of multiple, compartmented, tanks.

[0018] As mentioned, clean energy fuel is stored long term in the integrated or independent tanks in or on top of the hull structure of the floating platform 100. In this way, clean energy fuel may be loaded into the floating platform 100 in a manner similar to well-established methods of transferring fossil fuels onto marine vessels. That is, floating platform 100 has a refueling port for receiving clean energy fuel from an external fuel supply, such as a tank in a dedicated port space or another marine vessel.

[0019] Once fuel is loaded and stored into the hull tanks of floating platform 100, stored fuel may then be transferred into day storage tanks 120 to serve the power generating machinery while the floating platform 100 is actively or preparing to generate electrical power. For instance, before generating electrical power, clean energy fuel is transferred, via a pump, from the hull tanks to day storage tanks 120 through pipelines forming a first flow path 122, which fluidically connects the hull tanks and day storage tanks 120. Once fuel is stored in day storage tanks 120, fuel can be further transferred from day storage tanks 120, through pipelines forming a second flow path 123, to machinery within the central power generation space 110 to generate electrical power. Day storage tanks 120 and the pipelines forming the first flow path 122 and second flow path 123, in embodiments, are self-draining back to tanks within the double hull.

[0020] Specifically, pipelines forming a third flow path 124 fluidically connect day storage tanks 120 and the hull tanks for transferring fuel back to the hull tanks. In embodiments, a release valve is included to alternately prevent or allow gravity-driven flow of fuel from the day storage tanks back to the hull tanks through third flow path 124. In embodiments, the release valve is a remote-activated, electrically-actuated valve, such as a butterfly valve, that can be activated by an operator on the floating platform 100. When the floating platform is actively generating electrical power, or preparing to do so, the release valve is set to prevent this gravity-driven flow and ensure fuel travels from day storage tanks 120 to machinery within the central power generation space 110. Conversely, when the floating platform is not actively generating electrical power, or during times of emergency, the release is set to allow the gravity-driven flow of fuel back to the hull tanks, draining day storage tanks 120 and the pipelines forming the first flow path 122, second flow path 123, and third flow path 124. Accordingly, in some embodiments, tanks and piping above the main deck only contain combustible fuel during generation and transfer of electricity, or preparation to generate electricity, minimizing the potential for hazards when moving and refueling the platform.

[0021] Electrical power generated within the central power generation space 110 can be stored in battery arrays, described in further detail below. Stored electrical power can then be transferred from the floating platform 100 to other vessels via electrical connections 130 located on the deck 101 of the floating platform 100. Notably, electrical connections 130 are located nearest the stern 104, safely away from the generator, storage tanks, and pipelines carrying combustible fuel. Consequently, electrical connections 130 are located away from hazardous vapor zones on the deck 101, described further below, ensuring safe transfer of electrical power to other vessels and reducing danger of fire or explosion. A set of sheathed, marine rated electrical cables provide the electrical connection between the power generation space 110 and the electrical connections 130, which, as described below, are used to provide power to a requesting vessel. Although the sheathed cables themselves provide one level of safety, some embodiments further encase the sheathed cables in solid, fixed, metal conduit 132 providing another level of safety protection for the floating platform 100. Encasing the cables in the metal conduit 132 provides physical protection, fire protection, and electrical protection to the cables within, and additionally protects the cables from the elements.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, floating platform 100 also has an office 140 for housing controls and other equipment to be accessed by crew on board. The office 140, similar to electrical connections 130, is located near the stern 104 of the floating platform 100. Accordingly, the office 140 is also located away from hazardous vapor zones on the deck 101. The office 140 and electrical connections 130 both being positioned toward the stern 104 thus provides a safe environment for a crew member operating the floating platform 100 during generation and transfer of electrical power to another vessel. Additionally, the positions of the office 140 and electrical connections 130 provide maximum visibility of the other vessel and the surrounding environment, unobstructed by other components on the deck 101, so a crew member can supervise the power transfer with clear view of the electrical connections 130, the corresponding components of the receiving vessel, and potential approaching external hazards.

[0023] In general, embodiments of the floating platform may include many or all of the major components shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. As mentioned, in embodiments the clean energy fuel may be methanol, but in other embodiments the fuel may be hydrogen, ammonia, or other low-emission fuel. These clean fuel options have varying emission profiles, and the floating platform may be configured to separately store these fuels in any combination. One benefit to using methanol as a fuel in a harbor setting is that methanol dissolves readily in water and is quickly absorbed by the surrounding ecosystem without significant negative environmental impact. Accordingly, small amounts of byproduct methanol needing to be removed from the floating platform 100 can be safely released and dissolved into the surrounding water.

[0024] Although embodiments of the floating platform, such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, utilize liquid fuels, additional or alternative embodiments of the floating platform 100 may use gaseous fuels, such as methane and low-sulfur methane. Methane is also known as natural gas. Other gaseous fuels may include hydrogen, propane, and other commercially available fuels. The gaseous fuels may be stored in low pressure gaseous or highly pressurized liquid form. Different fuels may be stored in different fuel tanks, and the floating platform may include multiple different types of stored fuel in various capacities.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram detailing a process 200 of cleanly generating electrical energy aboard the floating platform, according to embodiments. As mentioned, a fuel source 202 is stored within or on the floating platform, and the fuel source 202 is chosen to generate electricity with minimal harmful emissions. In some embodiments, the fuel source 202 is methanol. In embodiments, fuel source 202 undergoes a preparation process 204 before being supplied to a generator 206, such as pressurizing the fuel source. In some embodiments, fuel is gravity fed from day storage tanks 120 (FIG. 1) to multistep process of pressurizing, cooling, then further pressurizing the fuel source before feeding the fuel source to generator 206. In some embodiments the generator 206 is coupled to an engine that runs on methanol or other low-emission fuel. The fuel powers the engine to turn the generator 206, generating electricity. In embodiments of the disclosed process 200, an industry standard methanol fuel generator is used to generate electricity using methanol input. Nonetheless, other industry standard technologies using clean energy fuels are implemented as the source of power generation, in other embodiments, such as fuel cells, small nuclear reactors, reformers, or digestors. The output of the generator 206, or other electricity producers, is electrical power that may be stored in battery reserve 208 as direct current (DC) power or delivered directly from an output of the generator 206 to the receiving vessel as alternating current (AC) power, depending on the needs and configuration of the receiving vessel. In embodiments, battery reserve 208 includes arrays of individual cells arranged in banks. The floating platform may include multiple banks of batteries in the battery reserve 208, depending on the required energy reserve capacity for the port application it will serve. Energy reserve applications will vary depending on the number and types of electric powered vessels operating within an individual port. Additionally, the generator 206 may incorporate or be coupled to a frequency converter used to match the output of the generator to the AC power needs of the receiving vessel.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 2, once electrical power is generated and stored in battery reserve 208, the electrical power is used for supplying power from the floating platform to other vessels. In this way, power stored in the battery reserve 208 is transferred from the floating platform to another vessel via vessel electrical connections 210 aboard the floating platform. In some embodiments, the floating platform is capable of storing 2 to 20 Megawatt Hours of reserve electrical power in the battery reserve, which may be divided into several separate banks. In still other embodiments, larger amounts of battery storage may be required and enabled by adding additional battery banks. Furthermore, embodiments of the floating platform implement a modular battery system, so that individual banks of batteries may be replaced or expanded without the necessity of disturbing the remaining banks of batteries. As stated above, the battery reserve 208 is an optional component and not necessary to be present in all embodiments. In embodiments without the battery reserve 208, electricity is passed directly from the generating source, such as the generator 206, through a power delivery system directly to the vessel electrical connections 210, through which the electrical power can be further transmitted to a requesting vessel or facility. In general, when the floating platform is supplying AC power to the requester, the power is supplied directly from the generating source, such as generator 206, through the electrical connections 210 to the requester. In embodiments where the floating platform is supplying DC power, the power is supplied to the electrical connections 210 from the battery reserve 208, which is then further transmitted to the requesting vessel or facility.

[0027] Although FIG. 2 illustrates a process 200 for generating electricity on the floating platform, embodiments of the floating platform may also occasionally use utility-supplied shore power to charge the battery reserve 208 instead of or in addition to using the generator 206 itself. For example, the platform may be moored to a pier when not serving a vessel, and if grid-supplied shore power is available, the shore power may be used to charge the battery reserve 208 for later transfer to other vessels. Such recharging is intended to minimize the fuel consumption and emissions by the onboard power generating system, further enhancing the environmental benefit and safety of the floating platform, as well as reducing operating costs.

[0028] As mentioned, in embodiments, generator 206 is an industry standard methanol generator. For instance, embodiments of the floating platform implement a Wartsila M32 dual-fuel methanol generator available from Wartsila Corporation of Helsinki Finland. Other configurations may run on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Ammonia, Fuel Oils, such as Marine Fuel Oil or Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), or liquid biofuels, such as ethanol, biomethane, hydrotreated vegetable oils, and fatty acid methyl ester. Some embodiments operate on mixtures of different fuels. Nonetheless, other generators using clean energy fuels may be implemented. Additionally, or alternatively, other clean energy technologies such as fuel cells, small nuclear reactors, reformers, or digestors may also be used to generate power as generator 206. In some embodiments clean diesel generators may be used, either for startup purposes or for continued power generation.

[0029] In many cases the floating platform 100 includes exhaust scrubbing technology to reduce NOx emissions, such as a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system also available from Wartsila Corporation. Further, especially in the case of diesel generators, the floating platform may include one or more diesel particulate filters to minimize emissions.

[0030] Differently than vessels that provide low amounts of electrical power to other vessels only for the purpose of running a crane or operating cargo doors, embodiments according to the disclosure provide electricity, in the form of AC or DC voltage, to power the neighboring vessel as it would be powered if the vessel were coupled to shore power. In other words, by use of embodiments of the disclosure, a floating platform 100 provides the necessary electrical power needs of the neighboring vessel, allowing that neighboring vessel to function without the necessity of the neighboring vessel running its onboard electrical generators, which are typically powered by diesel motors that generate hazardous emissions. By using power generated by the floating platform 100 instead of these onboard generators, overall emissions in the environment are significantly reduced, since the floating platform 100 is specifically produced to generate electricity using low-emission methods, as described herein. Electrical power generated by the floating platform 100 may be used by the neighboring vessel for any purpose that may be needed, such as to power personnel lights, pumps, radios, navigation equipment, navigation lights, galley equipment, anchoring equipment, cranes, powered doors, cooling and/or heating equipment, as well as for other purposes, such as smaller vessel electric propulsion battery charging. In some embodiments the floating platform 100 is structured to provide greater than 1 Megawatt (1 MW) or 1 Megavolt-Ampere (1 MVA) of AC electrical power to the neighboring vessel using the components and methods described herein. By using larger battery storage in the battery reserve 208, or properly configured electrical generators 206, other embodiments of the floating platform 100 are structured to provide DC electrical power of varying levels to the neighboring vessel through its electrical delivery system.

[0031] Components are arranged on the floating platform such that potentially hazardous zones are strategically isolated. For instance, FIG. 3A shows a plan view of a floating platform 300, similar to the platform described above with regard to FIGS. 1A-1B, detailing several hazardous zones 350. Hazardous zones 350 are circular zones required to be identified by U.S. Coast Guard regulations, indicating boundaries on a vessel where hazardous vapors have the potential to collect and reach explosive levels. Not all of the hazardous zones 350 are labeled in FIG. 3A, although each circular zone reflected in FIG. 3A represents an individual hazardous zone 350. Each of the hazardous zones 350 has a radius corresponding to the maximum achievable pressure of the vapor and the distance explosive volumes of the vapor could potentially travel upon release.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3A, hazardous zones 350 are concentrated around a central power generation space 310 on a deck 301, which houses a power generation system 312 as well as fuel system controls 314, power management 316, and fire suppression equipment 318. Although the power generation system 312 is shown as a methanol generator in FIG. 3A, it should be noted that still other power generation systems using clean energy fuels may be implemented with floating platform 300 in the central power generation space 310. Although concentrated around the central power generation space 310 in the embodiment shown, hazardous zones 350 are present due to vents, valves and other openings that may release vapors intentionally or inadvertently from storage tanks in the hull or hulls, day tanks and fuel transfer piping flow paths. The central power generation space 310 itself is vapor tight, preventing potentially explosive vapors from reaching and interacting with ignition sources in the central power generation space 310, in embodiments.

[0033] As shown, the largest hazardous zones 350 encircle portions of the floating platform 300 containing the power generation system 312 and day storage tanks 320. The largest hazardous zone 352 is created by a high-velocity pressure-vacuum valve of the storage tanks in the hull or hulls of the floating platform 300, which creates the illustrated zone 352 only during loading of fuel into the hull storage tanks or offloading fuel from the tanks. Specifically, when fuel is loaded into the hull storage tanks via a refueling port, the fuel is pumped at a high flow rate, causing a buildup of pressure due to fuel vapors and air displaced by the incoming fuel. Buildup of air and fuel vapor below a threshold pressure level, in embodiments, may be vented to a safe area, or in still other embodiments, returned to shore through a return-vapor hose. However, buildup above the threshold pressure level, amounting to extreme overpressure, causes the high-velocity pressure-vacuum valve to open and vent excess air and vapor directly to the environment. This venting due to extreme overpressure can only potentially occur during refueling and is what creates the largest hazardous zone 352. Thus, during times when fuel is not being loaded or unloaded from the floating platform 300, the associated hazardous zone 352 is not present at all, or the size of the zone is much reduced compared to the size of the zone while fueling, which is represented in FIG. 3A as hazardous zone 353.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3B, electrical connections 330 are positioned on the port side 306 near the stern 304, enabling cables to be received from another vessel on this port side 306. In this way, embodiments of floating platform 300 are designed such that the port side 306 will abut or be positioned near a receiving vessel during transfer of electrical power without any of hazardous zones 350 extending into the receiving vessel. Thus, the electrical transfer from floating platform 300 to the receiving vessel occurs without endangering either the receiving vessel or the floating platform. For instance, if an emergency situation, such as a fire or explosion, arose on the floating platform 300 during power transfer, the isolation of hazardous zones 350 prevents that emergency situation from spreading to the receiving vessel and thus increasing the magnitude of the emergency.

[0035] In some embodiments, none of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 extend beyond the footprint of the deck 301 of the floating platform 300 at any time, even when the floating platform 300 is transferring fuel. This design goal may not be achievable in all embodiments, however, depending on the footprint of the deck 301.

[0036] In other embodiments, some of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 may extend beyond the footprint of the deck 301 when the floating platform 300 is loading fuel via a refueling port, but none of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 extend beyond the footprint of the deck 301 when the floating platform 300 is generating and transferring electrical power. For example, when the floating platform 300 is providing electrical power to an adjacent vessel, none of the 350, 352, 353 extend beyond the footprint of the deck 301, provided that the floating platform is not also transferring fuel while providing the electrical power.

[0037] In further embodiments, some of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 may extend beyond the footprint of starboard side 308 of the deck 301 when the floating platform 300 is transferring fuel, but none of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 extend beyond the footprint of the port side 306 of the deck 101. In this embodiment, even when the floating platform 300 is being refueled via a refueling port, the floating platform 300 could safely provide power to another vessel without any of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 extending to the neighboring vessel, since none of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 extend beyond the footprint of the port side 306 of the deck 301, even when refueling.

[0038] In another embodiment, some of hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 may extend beyond the footprint of starboard side 308 of the deck 301 even when the floating platform 300 is not being refueled, i.e., during regular operation, but still none of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 extend beyond footprint of port side 306 of the deck 301 at any time. This embodiment still allows the floating platform 300 to safely provide power to another vessel on its port side 306 without any of the hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 extending to the neighboring vessel.

[0039] In a final embodiment, some of hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 may extend beyond the footprint of both the port side 308 and starboard side 308 of the deck 301 even when the floating platform 300 is not being refueled, i.e., during regular operation. With this embodiment, extra care or extra safety measures are in place during transfer of electrical power to the other vessel.

[0040] Notably, the office 340 is positioned on a portion of the floating platform 300 where hazardous zones 350, 352, 353, do not reach. In all of the described embodiments, the office 340 is positioned near the stern, but in other embodiments the office may be positioned at the bow or any other area on the deck 301 where the hazardous zones do not reach. A crew member on the floating platform 300 can thus safely occupy the office 340 for monitoring control systems outside any of these hazardous zones 350 during operation. And, because the electrical connections 330 are also positioned outside of the hazardous zones 350 in all described embodiments, the crew member is safe from hazards while making the necessary connections between the floating platform 300 and the receiving vessel. Consequently, hazardous zones 350, 352, 353, are strategically isolated so crew-occupied spaces during operation of the floating platform 300 are not reached by any of the hazardous zones 350.

[0041] As mentioned above, if an emergency situation arises, such as a fire or explosion on either the floating platform or vessel receiving electrical power, the isolation of hazardous zones 350, 352, 353 prevents that emergency situation from spreading to the receiving vessel and increasing the magnitude of the emergency. Additionally, in embodiments, the floating platform 300 includes an emergency shutdown facility that allows the floating platform to rapidly stop providing electrical power to the adjacent vessel. Such a facility incorporates a series of strategically positioned emergency stop buttons located in the office 340 and elsewhere on the vessel in prominent locations, such as on or near the central power generation space 310, the power generation system 312, fuel system controls 314, power management 316, and fire suppression equipment 318. The emergency stop buttons may be located at all of these locations, or, depending on implementation details, may be located at the most appropriate of these locations.

[0042] In some embodiments pressing any of the emergency stop buttons disconnects power from the power generation system 312 reaching the electrical connections 330, although the power generation system may still be running. In other embodiments pressing any of the emergency stop buttons actually causes the power generation system 312 to completely shut down and stop producing any electrical power. In these latter embodiments, pressing the emergency stop button may simultaneously disconnect the power connection between the power generation system 312 and the electrical connections, as well as shut down the power generation system by cutting its fuel supply or turning off its ignition, similar to shutting down a car or other machinery. In yet other embodiments pressing the emergency stop switch may automatically cause the fuel stored in the day storage tanks 120 to be moved to hull storage, either by auxiliary safety pumps or by gravity flow. In some embodiments, several separate buttons are provided for distinct purposesfor instance, a button to disconnect the electrical connections from the power generation system 312, a button to shut down the power generation system 312 completely, and a button to drain fuel to the hull storage. Still other distinct emergency stop buttons may implemented in further embodiments, depending on the implemented power generation system, the chosen fuel source, the power generation needs, or any combination of these and other safety considerations.

[0043] Although floating platform 300 is shown as being designed so mooring for power transfer generally occurs on the port side 306, floating platform 300 otherwise does not have any orientational limitations for approaching or mooring to another vessel. And, in yet other embodiments, floating platform 300 is not limited to power transfer occurring on the port side 306, described further below. Put differently, floating platform can approach either side of a vessel from any direction, as long as the floating platform 300 is positioned to abut the side of the vessel to be approached. In this way, the configuration of components on the deck 301 provides both safety and versatility. Without significant orientational limitations, floating platform 300 can easily be moored to a receiving vessel without significant time spent positioning the floating platform 300.

[0044] Still other safety features are provided by the configuration of components on embodiments of floating platform 300. FIGS. 3B and 3C show additional views of floating platform 300 detailing these components and their corresponding safety features. For instance, FIG. 3B shows a side elevational view of floating platform 300. In particular, FIG. 3B shows a cofferdam 319 separating the methanol generator 316 from the deck 301. The cofferdam 319 is a vapor tight void between the deck 301 and a floor within the central power generation space 310 on which the methanol generator 316 sits. In embodiments, the cofferdam 319 is a gap of at least 24 inches. In additional or alternative embodiments, the cofferdam 319 is a gap of at least 36 inches. Because this cofferdam 319 separates the methanol generator 316 from the deck 301, any vapors coming through the deck 301 must also pass through a second vapor tight boundary formed by the cofferdam 319 before reaching the methanol generator 316. In this way, the cofferdam 319 provides additional protection from the possibility of combustible vapor entering the operating space of the methanol generator 316 and causing a fire or explosion. As shown in FIG. 3B, the cofferdam 319 also provides a gap between the deck 301 and other components of the floating platform 300, such as the office 340, and the day storage tanks 320.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3C and as previously mentioned, power generation system 312 is contained within a deckhouse referred to herein as the central power generation space 310. As mentioned, although FIG. 3C illustrates a methanol generator in the central power generation space 310, other generators using clean energy fuels or other installed power generation technologies are contained within the central power generation space 310, in embodiments. Accordingly, features of the central power generation space 310 discussed herein are applicable to a variety of power generation systems and are not intended to be limited to methanol generators.

[0046] Central power generation space 310 is equipped with appropriate ventilation and vapor monitoring to ensure that the contained space in which operation of the power generation system 312 occurs does not trap excess hazardous vapor that could cause a fire or explosion on the floating platform. Additionally, central power generation space 310 is equipped with fire suppression equipment in close proximity to the power generation system 312 for use in the event of an emergency.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows a floating platform 400 in use, according to embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a floating platform 400 connected to a receiving vessel 450 for transfer of electrical power. As shown, and as previously discussed, floating platform 400 abuts the receiving vessel 450 on its port side 406. However, in still other embodiments, floating platform 400 will also serve the vessel's starboard side, depending on the configuration of the vessel. Accordingly, although FIG. 4 illustrates the service side of the floating platform as the port side 406, embodiments of the floating platform 400 are not limited to the service side being on one particular side of the platform. Floating platform 400, just as discussed in some embodiments in reference to FIG. 3A, has no hazardous zones extending beyond the footprint of the floating platform 400 on its service side, or the port side 406 shown in FIG. 3C. Accordingly, any combustible vapors released from floating platform 400 are contained in the space of floating platform 400 and do not endanger the receiving vessel 450.

[0048] As mentioned, floating platform 400 may approach the mooring position with receiving vessel 450 shown in FIG. 4 from any direction. That is, floating platform 400 may approach from either the bow or stern of the receiving vessel 450 and on either side of the vessel. As described above, embodiments of the floating platform 400 are designed such that hazardous zones cannot extend beyond one or both sides of the floating platform. Accordingly, floating platform 400 may approach from any side, with a service side adjacent to the receiving vessel 450 that will not endanger either the receiving vessel 450 or the floating platform with hazardous vapors.

[0049] Although not illustrated in FIG. 4, a mechanical mooring mechanism may be implemented with floating platform 400 to maintain a steady connection between floating platform 400 and receiving vessel 450. For instance, articulating arms with suction mounts may be implemented with floating platform 400, and the articulating arms may be temporarily affixed to a surface of the receiving vessel 450 to maintain a positive connection and fixed position between the hull of the receiving vessel and the hull of the floating platform 400 while electrical power is transferred. Other, known, methods of docking alongside the receiving vessel 450 may also be used without deviating from the inventive aspects of the floating platform. For instance, conventional mooring lines, winches, or spuds may be implemented with embodiments of the floating platform. Embodiments of floating platform 400 having emergency stop buttons, such as the examples described above, incorporate disengagement of a mechanical mooring mechanism into the emergency stop features. That is, an emergency stop button may be included in embodiments, in which pressing the emergency stop button detaches the floating platform 400 from the receiving vessel 450 and also shuts down the power generation, disconnects the electrical connections, or drains fuel back to the hull storage. Additionally or alternatively, a separate emergency stop button is provided causing only the disengagement of the mechanical mooring, while other separate emergency stop buttons carry out other described purposes.

[0050] Once a physical mooring connection is established between the floating platform and the receiving vessel 450, electrical cables 452 from the receiving vessel 450 are dropped down to the deck of the floating platform 400 to be secured to the electrical connections 430. In yet other embodiments, floating platform 400 includes a crane system structured to lift electrical cables 452 housed on the floating platform 400 up to the deck of the receiving vessel 450. In embodiments of floating platform 400 having a crane system, the crane system is stowable such that either mode of physically transferring electrical cables 452dropping down from the receiving vessel 450 or lifting up to the receiving vessel 450can be implemented, depending on the needs and specific cable management configurations of the receiving vessel 450.

[0051] As mentioned above, with regard to embodiments, electrical connections 430 are capable of receiving industry standard cables used for shore power transfer to marine vessels. In this way, electrical cables 452 are existing components of receiving vessel 450 and receiving vessel 450 can be electrically connected to floating platform 400 without altering or adding any electrical components already present aboard the receiving vessel 450. Electrical connections 430 may include a variety of different connections to attach to a variety of different vessels. An electrical standard, IEC/IEEE 80005, published by the IEEE Standards Association on Mar. 18, 2019, and amended by 80005-1a-2021 and 8005-1b2023, all of which are incorporated by reference herein and collectively referred to as the Standard, describes high-voltage connection (HVSC) systems for supplying a ship with electrical power from shore. The Standard defines different electrical standards and physical plugs based on the amount of electrical power needed to be supplied. Electrical needs <1 Megavolt-Amperes (MVA) are defined in the Standard as low voltage shore connection systems (LVSC), while electrical needs greater than 1 MVA are defined in the Standard as high voltage shore connection systems (HVSC). Embodiments of the disclosure, and specifically the electrical connections 120 (FIGS. 1A-1B), 320 (FIGS. 3A-3C), and 420 (FIG. 4), include the same connections onboard the floating platform as would be found for connecting to HVSC systems, i.e., when power needs of the neighboring vessel are greater than 1 MVA. The IEC/IEEE 80005 specifications call for the HVSC electrical connections 430 to provide 7 kVAC nominal voltage, at a nominal frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Particular plugs to receive cables from the neighboring vessel may include any of the plug types identified in the HVSC IEC/IEEE 80005-1 standard having physical dimensions according to IEC 62613-2, which provides specific plug types based on types of vessels as reproduced in Table 1.

[0052] Thus, depending on the particular configuration of the floating platform, the electrical connections 430 include at least one HVSC electrical connection according to the IEC/IEEE 80005-1 Standard for providing electrical power to an adjacent vessel. Other embodiments may include 2-20 HVSC electrical connections, either of different plug types, or having multiple instances of similar plug types, depending on the configuration of the floating platform. Further other embodiments of the floating platform may include at least one HVSC electrical connection according to the IEC/IEEE 80005-1 standard as well as at least one LVSC electrical connection according to the IEC/IEEE 80005-3 standard, which allows the floating platform to additionally or alternatively power vessels that only require less than 1 MW of power through LVSC connections. Other embodiments may contain, for example 2-10 HVSC electrical connections as well as 2-20 LVSC electrical connections. Furthermore, embodiments of the floating platform may include one or more low voltage DC shore connection (DCSC) electrical connections according to the IEC/IEEE 80005-4 standard, which defines standards for DCSC systems up to and including 1500 V DC. Specifically, the IEC/IEEE 80005-4 defines power supplies at or in excess of 500 kW. Other embodiments may include multiple DCSC electrical connections, such as between 2-20.

[0053] The number and type of particular electrical connections 430 of the floating platform 400 may be configured based on the particular power supply functions desired by the manufacturer or operator of the floating platform. Some embodiments of the floating platform may provide DCSC electrical connections, only, for service only to vessels requiring DC power, while other embodiments may provide only LVSC or HVSC electrical connections. Other embodiments of the floating platform 400 may provide both LVSC and HVSC electrical connections, while omitting DCSC connections entirely. Yet other embodiments of the floating platform may include DCSC as well as either or both LVSC and HVSC electrical connections.

[0054] The electrical connections 430 described above typically take the form of female plugs, which accept corresponding male-ended cables from the vessel receiving electrical power, such as the cables 452 illustrated in FIG. 4. In other embodiments the electrical connections may include various combinations of male and/or female plugs and electrical cables structured to couple the receiving vessel 450 to the electrical connections 430 supplied by the floating platform 400.

[0055] Once the cables 452 are connected to the electrical connections 430 of the floating platform 400, electrical power may then be transferred from the floating platform 400 to the receiving vessel 450.

[0056] In the event of an emergency during power transfer between floating platform 400 and the receiving vessel 450, floating platform 400 is equipped with control systems capable of rapidly terminating operations to enable the floating platform 400 to be moved safely away from the receiving vessel 400. As described above, an electrical shutdown function may be initiated by a crewmember pushing an emergency stop button, which disconnects disconnect the power connection between the power generation system of the floating platform 400 and the electrical connections 430, and, in some embodiments, simultaneously shuts down the power generation system by cutting its fuel supply or turning off its ignition. Depending on configuration, the emergency stop button can also disengage the mooring mechanism. Consequently, in an emergency situation, no risk of electrical shock or fire from the electrical connections is present should the floating platform 400 be quickly moved from the receiving vessel 450 without fully disconnecting the electrical connections. And, because the floating platform 400 can be rapidly disengaged and moved away, no emergency-causing circumstance on board the floating platform 400 can spread to the receiving vessel 450. Some embodiments of the floating platform 400 may include separate emergency buttons for a) disconnecting the power connection between the power generation system and the electrical connections, b) shutting down the power generation system, and c) activating the mooring detachment function. In some embodiments the mooring detachment may, in addition to physically disengaging the mooring mechanism coupling the floating platform to the receiving vessel 450 as described above, also cause a physical separation of the electrical cables 452 of the receiving vessel from the electrical connections 430 of the floating platform 400, allowing the receiving vessel to distance itself and move away from the floating platform without endangering it or anyone on board.

[0057] Although clean energy fuel systems have been described throughout the disclosure as powering the floating platform and generating electrical power to be transferred to other vessels, other forms of power generation, such as a small conventional diesel system may also be implemented with embodiments of the floating platform. In such embodiments, long term diesel storage tanks may be included in the hull, and day storage diesel tanks may be included on the deck of the floating platform. The diesel system may be used to efficiently power lighting and other minor electrical loads when the primary power generation system is not in use. In addition, in the event of a failure or other emergency situation involving the clean energy fuel systems, the diesel system may automatically take over to maintain essential systems for powering the floating platform and its safety features.

[0058] Overall, embodiments of the floating platform described herein enable clean generation of electrical power with minimal emissions. And, as mentioned, embodiments of the floating platform are capable of being electrically connected to shore power, avoiding any need to use the generation systems on board in port settings. Finally, in embodiments implementing methanol and/or hydrogen as a clean energy fuel source, byproduct fuel can be readily released into open water or the atmosphere with minimal ecosystemic harm. In combination, these features enable the floating platform itself to be powered with clean energy that is minimally emissive.

[0059] Furthermore, embodiments of the floating platform discussed throughout the disclosure allow for transfer of that cleanly generated electrical power directly to other vessels using existing equipment on those vessels, without requiring the vessel to occupy an available dock. Electrical power may thus be transferred to vessels regardless of whether they are in port or in deep water. Moreover, isolation of hazardous zones on board the floating platform and other fail-safe features of the floating platform enable the transfer of electrical power directly to other vessels without posing a danger to those other vessels.

[0060] Finally, although direct transfer of electrical power has been described as occurring between the floating platform and other marine vessels, embodiments of the floating platform have broader beneficial potential. For instance, embodiments of the floating platform may be utilized to supply electrical power to communities isolated during power outages, such as island communities. Additionally, or alternatively, embodiments of the floating platform can supply emergency power for grid-charged electric ferries, auxiliary charging for port vehicles and cranes, and interim shore power during landside grid power installation.

[0061] The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that were either described or would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill. Even so, all of these advantages or features are not required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, systems, or methods. All features disclosed in the specification, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0062] Additionally, this written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other aspects and embodiments.

[0063] All features disclosed in the specification, including any claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including any claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.