| Stepstones |
In order to weigh up options, it is necessary to map out the state of the art,
data on the operational field and opportunities for synergies. |
| Information gathering |
Actual research on chemical capture of CO2, seawater
purification, bubble free electrolysis, ocean wave profiles and ocean currents
are references for establishing a timescale or a no-go decision.
|
| Second opinion |
An in-depth exchange of views would enable me to assess the realism of the concepts.
This will lead to modifications of the concepts.
|
| 3D print & Lab trial |
Some designs can be evaluated for their performance with scaled 3D printed models of Sea-wiggle.R and Sol-d'eau.R.
|
| Proof of net yield |
I am looking for expertise to draw up the energy balance of the proposed Seanergy.be. The net proceeds must be positive over the
life cycle of raw materials, construction, operation and dismantling. The size of the surplus is very relevant, but
in the light of a resilient and sufficient energy supply, other aspects are also decisive.
|
| Proof of Concept |
Technique depends on the subject:
- For Sol-d'eau.R, universities and research institutions can make an important contribution to the design by sizing
various interactions and mapping using multiphysics simulations.
- For the B.F-electrolyze.R, simulation would prove or disprove inventiveness and perhaps lead to an optimal electrode shape.
- For the Brine-barrie.R, an in-depth dialog and set-up of
some trials will confirm or disprove the strenth of physical
interactions.
- For the B.C-induce.R, input to an E.M modelling will confirm or disprove the operation of proposed configuration.
- For the speculative Roc-d'eau.R, an open mind and a second opinion is certainly in order.
|
| Iterative Assesments |
The study on sustainability and profitability in real conditions can be done by engineering company commissioned by operators or government.
The calculation of the impact of this third pillar on energy supply can be made at the government level.
|
| Indoor & Field Trials |
A second test with a "naked" model of the Sea-wiggle.R in an indoor hydrodynamic facility will certainly be indicative. |
| A decision matrix |
In April 2023, I found it desirable to make an attempt to draw up a
decision matrix.
(WiP) The essential question is: "At what size will this concept be capable of providing a positive net energy balance?
|
| 1.1 Unwanted Side-effects |
Electrolysis of salty water produces gas and/or precipitation of alkali- and nonmetals. How to cope with it ? |
| Weed of Herb ? |
A large number of fundamental research and practical studies have been ongoing for several years at top universities and
research institutions in Belgium and the Netherlands and in
China and in the USA.
I hope results will emerge that can be integrated into a compact electrolyser - which must withstand ocean conditions.
All I can do from my chair is look at it in a different way. Most of my ideas therefore need to be talked through
because I want electrodes that can last many cycles. Efficiency is not the biggest concern given the abundance of wave energy.
Example: The unwanted CL2 gas is harmful or toxic. Here I approach this phenomenon in two ways: Nuisance or Help.
And based on the goal, there are three strategies:
-
Stop: a) the catalytic way or b) the spherical obstruction or c) the other approach;
-
Alter: separate and integrate all gases into a synthetic process of by-products (with
reactive Cl-);
-
Avoid: Idea finished but theoretical proof is 'work in progress'.
|
| Try to prevent [1] |
Autonomous floating requires independent operation without frequent intervention.
-
Catalytical solutions are not an option as rare metals are to expensive and make this application vulnerable to piracy;
-
Sferical obstruction based on atomic size by a membrane (is partly already developed in Leiden NL).
But the barrier itself may not become a hindrance for H3O+ migration.
-
An other approach is under N.D.A.
|
| Turn into aid [2] |
Some solutions, such as dosing chemicals or heating, are not (well) feasible for this application in open ocean.
So why not exploit the chemical properties of chlorine in a chemical reaction to by-products. For separation of gases,
solutions exist or look at what is possible in electrolysis bath design.
|
| Go around it [3] |
Temporary work around if research solutions are not yet fully applicable.
For the Sea-wiggle.R, the approach has to be practical, but that also opens up certain possibilities.
The idea that came out of this situation is what I am exploring.
|
| Precipitation |
Electrolysis of salty water produces also a metallic Na en Na-hydroxide.
In a independently operating installation, a mechanism or a configuration must then be in place
to evacuate that precipitation.
|
| By Preference |
Green or grey hydrogen is good but circular HC on a large scale could become profitable with the Sea-wiggle.R |
| Knowing were to go |
Actual research on carbon capture are mainly oriented toward inert storage. This is a double effort on chemical bounding
and geological inert storage. This will cost a lot of energy and the generation of that energy will generate heat.
|
| A new Goal |
The objective of Seanergy.be is to use captured carbon dioxide to produce e-fuels and high-value chemicals as part of a
circular economy. Once the principle of the Sea-wiggle.R is confirmed, research can focus on simultaneously capturing
carbon-dioxide with a chemical catalytic process to produce R-hydrocarbon chains.
|
| 500 ppm |
That is the average concentration of CO2 in the air globally. This level promise that capturing CO2 will be hard.
A plus of the Seanergy.be abondonned platforms can be equipped with sails or filters (passive / active ventilation) in which CO2
can be captured.
|
| Re-orientate |
Research could also focus on in which intermediate form - chemical and physical - captured CO2 can best be stored
to optimise both processes. |
| Modelling: no constant |
The proposed configurations of a solenoid needs confirmation by an EM specialist with simulation software. |
| Why a new configuration |
Most generators and engine have a 'start to end' cyclus. A combustion or a pneumatic engine must perform a full
stroke length. An electric motor must rotate 360°. But that doesn't correspond to the waves profiles and
conversion mechanism would be complex an have a high chance of blocking. To convert the random motion of waves, it
was easier to come up with a generator that generate current with random motion. |
| Steady current |
I assume that electrolysis works just as well with fluctuating currents as long as the potential is reached. |
| Liquid magnetism |
To develop this idea, as a chemist, I went back to my engineering courses.
It remains speculative because I miss the deep feeling with this discipline
(Maxwell equations). But if it is feasible, then we have a way to exploit
any random motion. For an EM engineer specialising in the development of
electric motors and generators, verification would not take very long. |