Maritime Hydrogen or Hydrocarbon Production Facility

Abstract

The present invention relates to a maritime facility for the production of large quantities of hydrogen or hydrocarbons, consisting of a plurality of interconnecting modules of two designs. The first module design (a generating module) converts the linear motion of wind into electrical energy. A second module (a refining module) converts the electrical energy into chemical energy stored in the form of hydrogen or hydrocarbons. Each module can also serve as a docking port for a detachable transport vessel, and all modules are interconnected using a plurality of ridged inter-modular trusses of a standard design that also permit the transfer of stress loads, electricity, gases/fluids, and control commands between all modules.

1 . A mobile maritime facility for the economical production of large quantities of hydrogen or hydrocarbons; said maritime facility comprising a plurality of interconnecting modules, including:
 said modules of first design comprising a wind turbine and means for converting the kinetic energy of wind captured by said wind turbine into electrical energy;   said modules of second design comprising refining apparatus, means for converting said electrical energy via said refining apparatus into chemical energy stored in the form of hydrogen or hydrocarbons, and means for controlling the operations and communications of said facility; and   inter-modular trusses comprising means for interconnecting said modules to form said maritime facility, providing stability and permitting transfers between said modules.   
   
   
       2 . The module of  claim 1 a, wherein said wind turbine is of vertical-axis design. 
   
   
       3 . The module of  claim 1 a, wherein said wind turbine is of horizontal-axis design. 
   
   
       4 . The module of  claim 1 b, wherein said refining apparatus produces hydrogen, expressed as H2, as the output product. 
   
   
       5 . The module of  claim 1 b, wherein said refining apparatus produces methane, expressed as CH4, as the output product. 
   
   
       6 . The module of  claim 1 b, wherein said refining apparatus produces gasoline, expressed as —CH2—, as the output product. 
   
   
       7 . The module of  claim 1 b, wherein said refining apparatus produces methanol, expressed as CH3OH, as the output product.