초록 ▼

A system is described for the conversion of the energy in the wind over oceanic regions into hydrogen which can be used as a supplement to or replacement for fossil fuels. The system is based on the use of modified sailing vessels which serve as water electrolysis plants. In operation, the wind prop

A system is described for the conversion of the energy in the wind over oceanic regions into hydrogen which can be used as a supplement to or replacement for fossil fuels. The system is based on the use of modified sailing vessels which serve as water electrolysis plants. In operation, the wind propels the vessel through the water in the manner common to all sailing vessels except that the vessel in this system does not carry a mast and does not need the ballasting characteristic of conventional sailcraft. The propulsion of the vessel causes an immersed screw propeller to power an electromagnetic generator, the electric current from which electrolytically decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored on board the vessel by allowing it to combine with suitable metal alloys such as the Fe-Ti alloys to form a hydride. The metal alloy hydride is stored in cannisters which are allowed to desorb their hydrogen at sea for use as a fuel source, or alternatively may be discharged ashore through pipelines at suitable intervals.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for converting wind energy to elemental hydrogen comprising incombination, an ocean going vessel, water driven propeller means fixedly mounted below the waterline and outboard of the hull of said vessel, D.C. electrical generating means carried upon said vessel, linkage means connecting

An apparatus for converting wind energy to elemental hydrogen comprising incombination, an ocean going vessel, water driven propeller means fixedly mounted below the waterline and outboard of the hull of said vessel, D.C. electrical generating means carried upon said vessel, linkage means connecting said water driven propeller means in driving relationship to said generator means, water electrolysis means carried upon said vessel, electrical connecting means adapted to supply said electrolysis means with the output of said generating means, metal alloy storage means carried upon said vessel, a hydride forming metal alloy contained in said storage means, conduit means adapted to collect the hydrogen output of said electrolysis means and to deliver said output to said metal alloy storage means, gas compression means positioned within said conduit, a sail carried by said vessel, tether lines adapted to be attached to said sail, power winch means carried upon said vessel adapted to mechanically ease and retract said tether lines when said sail is aloft and attached to said tether lines, a lighter than air balloon having a lifting capacity sufficient to carry said sail aloft, attached to said sail.