The purpose of our project was to investigate the potential of a combined offshore wind & wave system with hydrogen production and storage.
As an outcome of our research and work we concluded that our design and idea can provide a signifant aid in developing future hydrogen economy.
Below are presented the most important remarks and conclusions:
The system is more eco-friendly than traditional offshore wind solutions - i.e. reduced impact on the marine life
Implementing the system on a larger scale allows better control of the grid balance - dispatchable generation thanks to energy storage
Combining wind & wave technology can provide significant benefits for energy operators - i.e. improved efficiency
Technically viable in 2018, however feasibility and economic justification depends on the future usage of green energy in shipping (e.g. in hydrogen propulsion systems) and other factors (such as new materials for hydrogen tanks, development of large offshore wind turbines etc.)
We have designed stable and vital offshore buoy - the H.u.b. capable of accomodating large wind turbine and hydrogen production & storage facilities
Potential directions of further research:
Detailed financial investigation
Further development of storage methods
Investigation into other storage types (e.g. methane, flow batteries etc.)
Viability of large-scale applications
Risk assessment study
Feasibility of using decomissioned oil rigs as hubs
