KR102710837B1 - Vessels including methanol fueling system - Google Patents

Abstract

A vessel including a methanol fuel supply system according to one aspect of the present invention is a vessel including a methanol fuel supply system for supplying methanol from a methanol storage to a low-pressure demand source or a high-pressure demand source that uses methanol as fuel, wherein the methanol fuel supply system comprises a low-pressure fuel supply line through which methanol is transferred from the methanol storage to the low-pressure demand source; a high-pressure fuel supply line through which methanol is transferred from the methanol storage to the high-pressure demand source; a first return line through which methanol is returned from a downstream of a first pump provided in the low-pressure fuel supply line to an upstream of the first pump; and a second return line through which methanol is returned from a downstream of a second pump provided in the high-pressure fuel supply line to an upstream of the second pump; and the first return line or the second return line is characterized in that a degassing line is provided.

Description

Vessels including methanol fueling system

The present invention relates to a vessel including a methanol fuel supply system.

Recently, the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and carbon dioxide ( _CO2 ) contained in exhaust gases emitted from ships are being regulated by international agreements, and these regulations are being strengthened every year.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is being used as an environmentally friendly fuel as a response to exhaust gas regulations because it does not contain sulfur and produces less carbon dioxide.

However, since it is difficult to liquefy liquefied natural gas through pressurization alone and it is necessary to maintain an extremely low temperature of approximately -165℃ for liquefaction, the fuel tank or fuel supply system needs to be composed of special materials that can withstand extremely low temperatures, and additional equipment may be required to dissipate the heat of the liquefied natural gas, resulting in additional equipment costs for constructing the fuel tank, etc. In addition, since it is difficult to block all heat entering the tank, the liquefied natural gas may evaporate due to the infiltrating heat, which may deteriorate fuel efficiency due to the evaporated gas generated at this time.

Instead of this liquefied natural gas, methanol can be used as fuel for ships. In addition to being used as a material for synthetic resins and pesticides, methanol is also used as fuel mixed with gasoline, does not contain sulfur components, and is liquid even at room temperature, making it easy to handle.

The present invention has been created to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a methanol fuel propulsion vessel capable of reducing the amount of sulfur oxides and carbon dioxide emissions in exhaust gas by using methanol as fuel.

The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description below.

A vessel including a methanol fuel supply system according to one aspect of the present invention is a vessel including a methanol fuel supply system for supplying methanol from a methanol storage to a low-pressure demand source or a high-pressure demand source that uses methanol as fuel, wherein the methanol fuel supply system comprises a low-pressure fuel supply line through which methanol is transferred from the methanol storage to the low-pressure demand source; a high-pressure fuel supply line through which methanol is transferred from the methanol storage to the high-pressure demand source; a first return line through which methanol is returned from a downstream of a first pump provided in the low-pressure fuel supply line to an upstream of the first pump; and a second return line through which methanol is returned from a downstream of a second pump provided in the high-pressure fuel supply line to an upstream of the second pump; and the first return line or the second return line is characterized in that a degassing line is provided.

Specifically, the methanol storage unit may be installed at a higher location than the low-pressure fuel supply line or the high-pressure fuel supply line.

Specifically, the low-pressure fuel supply line may be equipped with a first-second pump, and a drum may be equipped in front of the first-second pump.

Specifically, the lowest water level of the drum may be higher than the height at which the impeller of the first-second pump can be immersed in methanol.

Specifically, the lowest water level of the drum may be 1.15 times the height of the first-second pump body.

A vessel including the methanol fuel supply system of the present invention has the following effects.

A vessel including a methanol fuel supply system according to the present invention can reduce the amount of sulfur oxides and carbon dioxide emissions in exhaust gas by using methanol as fuel.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a magnetic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a magnetic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of units according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the 10th embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a degassing device and a 1-2 pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The purpose, specific advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, when adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that, as much as possible, the same components are given the same numerals even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a methanol fuel supply system (1) equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel may include a methanol storage unit (10), a fuel supply unit (20), a fuel supply valve (30), a high-pressure pump (40), and a demand source (50).

The methanol storage unit (10) may be a facility equipped in the methanol fuel supply system (1) capable of storing methanol, and may include any type of facility, and the methanol storage unit (10) may be a tank-type storage facility.

In this specification, it is stated that the term “ship” is a concept that includes not only a commercial vessel that transports cargo from the point of departure to the destination, but also a marine structure that floats at a certain point in the sea and performs a specific task.

The fuel supply unit (20) can receive methanol from the methanol storage unit (10) and heat the methanol to an appropriate temperature for supplying it to a demander (50). The fuel supply unit (20) can be a low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS).

The fuel supply unit (20) is composed of equipment such as a pressure pump, a heat exchanger, a filter, and various valves and sensors for pressure control, flow control, venting, and nitrogen supply, and may additionally include a service tank, a nitrogen supply system, a glycol system, a gas-liquid separator, and a vent mast. In particular, the fuel supply unit (20) includes a pressure pump (not shown) and can pressurize methanol of about -10°C to 45°C to about 7 bar to 10 bar. When methanol is discharged from the fuel supply unit (20), the temperature of the methanol may be about 10°C to 70°C.

The fuel supply valve (30) is located between the fuel supply unit (20) and the high-pressure pump (40), and when the fuel supply unit (20) in the fuel supply line (L1) operates abnormally, the fuel supply unit (20) and the high-pressure pump (40) can be separated to effectively block the fuel supply. The fuel supply valve (30) can be composed of valves for double blocking and discharge, venting, pressure control, nitrogen supply, etc., as well as filters, various sensors, etc. The fuel supply valve (30) is a mechanism in which control valves for controlling the supply of methanol to a demander (50) are centrally arranged, and can be a fuel valve train (FVT).

The high pressure pump (40) can pressurize methanol before supplying it to the demand source (50). When the fuel supply unit (20) transfers methanol to the fuel supply valve (30) through the pressure pump, the high pressure pump (40) can additionally pressurize methanol and transfer it to the demand source (50). The high pressure pump (40) can be a high pressure pump train and can inject liquid methanol into the engine at high pressure. The pressure of methanol supplied from the high pressure pump (40) to the demand source (50) can be about 300 bar. A master valve (MGV) can be provided at the rear end of the high pressure pump (40). The master valve (MGV) can control the supply of methanol to the demand source (50).

In the existing fuel oil system, fuel is supplied to the demand source (50) through an injection pump and valve within the engine. At this time, a plunger within the injection pump rises and pressurizes the fuel above a certain pressure. When the fuel reaches a certain pressure, the fuel supply valve opens and the fuel is injected to the demand source (50), and the fuel can be combusted at the demand source.

The methanol fuel supply system (1) of the present invention is equipped with a high-pressure pump (40) outside the demand site (50), and can pressurize methanol to 300 bar or higher using the high-pressure pump (40) and supply methanol to the demand site (50) according to the required injection timing through the fuel injection valve.

The demand source (50) may be a methanol propulsion engine or a methanol power generation engine. The demand source (50) may use liquid methanol supplied through a high-pressure pump (40) to propel a ship or generate electricity to be used in the ship.

Methanol can be returned from the demand source (50) to the methanol storage unit (10) through the fuel return line (L2).

The methanol fuel supply system (1) may include an inert gas supply unit (60). The inert gas supply unit (60) is configured to supply an inert gas such as nitrogen gas (N2) or carbon dioxide gas (CO2), and may include a device for generating an inert gas or a device for storing an inert gas. The inert gas supply unit (60) may supply an inert gas to the fuel supply unit (20), the fuel supply valve (30), the high-pressure pump (40), the demand source (50), and the fuel supply line (L1), and may purge methanol as an inert gas within the fuel supply unit (20), the fuel supply valve (30), the high-pressure pump (40), the demand source (50), and the fuel supply line (L1).

The methanol fuel supply system (1) may include a drain header (70), a drain drum (80), and a drain pump (90). When the inert gas supply unit (60) purges the pipes or devices with the inert gas, methanol existing inside each pipe or device may be discharged to the outside of the pipe or device, and methanol may be returned to the methanol storage unit (10) through the fuel return line (L2).

Methanol inside the above pipe or device can be collected in the drain drum (80) through the drain header (70). The drain drum (80) is equipped with a level sensor (81), and when it is confirmed by the level sensor (81) that a certain level or more of methanol has been collected in the drain drum (80), the drain pump (90) can be operated. The methanol collected in the drain drum (80) by the drain pump (90) can be transferred to the methanol storage unit (10).

When all methanol in the drain drum (80) is discharged by the above level sensor (81), the drain pump (90) may stop operating.

When the pressure of methanol inside the drain drum (80) is high, the drain pump (90) is not operated and methanol can be delivered to the methanol storage unit (10) through the bypass line (BL) by bypassing the drain pump (90).

A valve (not shown) for preventing backflow may be provided in the fuel supply unit (20), fuel supply valve (30), high-pressure pump (40), demand source (50), and drain line (L3) connected to the drain header (70) from the fuel supply line (L1).

A pocket section (not shown) in which bubbles, gases, etc. existing in the drain line (L3) can be collected can be placed on the drain line (L3) to replace the drain drum (80).

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the case where the fuel supply unit (20) supplies methanol to two or more demanders (50), if methanol is supplied to another demander (50) while methanol is being supplied to one demander (50), the pressure of methanol in the demander (50) that was first supplied with methanol may drop sharply, and if the pressure drop is large, the supply of methanol may be stopped, and as a result, the operation of the demander (50) that was first supplied with methanol may be stopped. Here, the fuel supply unit (20) may be a concept that includes a methanol storage unit (10).

Therefore, in order to reduce pressure change during the process of supplying methanol, a buffer tank (100) may be provided, and a throttle valve (BV) may be provided in front of the fuel supply valve (30).

Specifically, the buffer tank (100) is filled with methanol, and the buffer tank (100) can be equipped with a common pipe (header, 110) for supplying methanol to multiple demanders (50). When the fuel supply unit (20) supplies methanol to two or more demanders (50), methanol in the buffer tank (100) can be additionally supplied to prevent a rapid drop in the supply pressure of methanol.

Similarly, by controlling the opening of the throttle valve (BV), the supply pressure of methanol can be prevented from dropping rapidly when the fuel supply unit (20) supplies methanol to two or more demand sources (50).

Meanwhile, in order to maintain the pressure of methanol supplied to the demand source (50) above a certain level, the demand source (50) may be placed at a relatively low location. In this case, when the demand source (50) is placed at a relatively low location, a hammering phenomenon may occur in the fuel supply line (L1) when methanol is filled in the fuel supply line (L1).

If air or gas is present in the fuel supply line (L1), the hammering phenomenon may occur more strongly, and if methanol and air are supplied together to the demand site (50), fuel efficiency at the demand site (50) may decrease and the function of the demand site (50) may be damaged.

Therefore, the demand source (50) should be placed at a relatively low height, but in order to prevent a strong hammering phenomenon, air, etc. should not move along the fuel supply line (L1).

In order to prevent air and the like from moving in the fuel supply line (L1), a bend may be formed in the fuel supply line (L1) to form a pocket section (120) that is a relatively high area, and air and the like may be collected in the pocket section (120). A level switch (121) may be provided in the pocket section (120), and it may be determined whether the fuel supply line (L1) is full of methanol by the level switch (121). A discharge means (not shown) capable of discharging the collected air to the outside may be provided in the pocket section (120).

When the fuel supply unit (20) supplies methanol to two or more demand sources (50), the throttle valve (BV), fuel supply valve (30), and master valve (MGV) can be controlled to prevent the pressure of methanol from dropping rapidly.

Referring to FIG. 2, for example, while supplying methanol to the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502), methanol can be supplied to the third demand source (503) and the fourth demand source (504). In order to supply methanol to the third demand source (503), the third throttle valve (BV3) is first opened below a certain level, and the third fuel supply valve (303) is kept closed until the pressure of methanol is recovered at the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502). When the pressure of methanol is recovered at the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502), the third fuel supply valve (303) is opened, and the third master valve (MGV3) is kept closed until the pressure of methanol is recovered at the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502). When the pressure of methanol is recovered at the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502), the third master valve (MGV3) is opened, and when the pressure of methanol is recovered at the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502), the opening degree of the third throttle valve (BV3) can be increased.

The increase (%) of the opening degree of the third throttle valve (BV3) can be determined by the decrease (%) of the methanol pressure. The smaller the decrease (%) of the methanol pressure, the larger the increase (%) of the opening degree of the third throttle valve (BV3). In other words, the increase (%) of the opening degree of the throttle valve and the decrease (%) of the methanol pressure can be inversely proportional.

If the level switch (121) is turned on for a certain period of time or longer, if the decrease in methanol pressure (%) is below a certain value when the opening degree of the third throttle valve (BV3) is increased, if the methanol pressure at the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502) is above a certain value when the opening degree of the third throttle valve (BV3) is increased, it can be determined that the fuel supply line (L1) is full of methanol. If it is determined that the fuel supply line (L1) is full of methanol, the third throttle valve (BV3) can be in a fully open state.

Until it is determined that the fuel supply line (L1) is full of methanol, the opening degree of the third throttle valve (BV3) can be increased, the third fuel supply valve (303) can be closed, the pressure of methanol can be waited for to be recovered at the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502), the third fuel supply valve (303) can be opened, the third master valve (MGV3) can be closed, the pressure of methanol can be waited for to be recovered at the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502), the third master valve (MGV3) can be opened, and the process of determining whether the fuel supply line (L1) is full of methanol can be repeated.

When the third fuel supply valve (303) is opened, if the pressure difference between the methanol pressures of the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502) and the methanol pressures of the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502) immediately before the third fuel supply valve (303) is opened is less than 0.5 bar, it can be determined that the methanol pressures of the first demand source (501) and the second demand source (502) have been recovered.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

When there are two or more demand sources (50), the pressures required by the demand sources (50) may be different from each other.

The low pressure demand source (51) receives methanol from the methanol storage unit (10), and the methanol can pass through the 1-1 pump (P11), the heat exchanger (HE), the 1-2 pump (P12), the throttle valve (BV), and the fuel supply valve (30).

Here, the 1-1 pump (P11) may have a relatively lower operating pressure than the 1-2 pump (P12), and a master valve (MGV) may be included in the fuel supply valve (30).

The high pressure demand source (52) receives methanol from the methanol storage unit (10), and the methanol can pass through the 1-1 pump (P11), the heat exchanger (HE), the PCV valve (PCV), the fuel supply valve (30), and the high pressure pump (40). Here, a master valve (MGV) can be provided downstream of the high pressure pump (40).

When methanol is supplied to either a low-pressure demand source (51) or a high-pressure demand source (52), if methanol is supplied to a demand source to which methanol has not been supplied, the pressure of methanol may drop rapidly at the demand source to which methanol was supplied first. Therefore, by controlling the opening of a throttle valve (BV) provided in a low-pressure fuel supply line (L11) or a PCV valve (PCV) provided in a high-pressure fuel supply line (L12), the supply speed of methanol to a demand source to which methanol is supplied later can be lowered, while preventing a rapid decrease in the pressure of methanol at a demand source to which methanol is supplied first.

The throttle valve (BV) and the PCV valve (PCV) are interchangeable configurations, and the pressure of methanol is controlled by controlling the opening of the throttle valve (BV) or the PCV valve (PCV) and the fuel supply valve (30) or the master valve (MGV), as described in Fig. 2, so a detailed description is omitted.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 4, methanol can be supplied to a demand source (50) along a fuel supply line (L1). Methanol can pass through a first pump (P1), a heat exchanger (HE), and a second pump (P2). At this time, a first return line (RL1) through which methanol is returned from downstream of the second pump (P2) to upstream of the heat exchanger (HE), and a second return line (RL2) through which methanol is returned from downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) to upstream of the first pump (P1) may be provided.

The first pump (P1) and the second pump (P2) may be connected in series, and the first pump (P1) may have a relatively lower operating pressure than the second pump (P2). The differential pressure (DP) of the first pump (P1) may be about 9 bar, and the differential pressure of the second pump (P2) may be about 4 bar.

A heat exchanger (HE) is provided downstream of the first pump (P1) to perform heat exchange with methanol passing through the first pump (P1) or to perform heat exchange with methanol returned from downstream of the second pump (P2) with glycol water. Since methanol returned from downstream of the second pump (P2) can undergo heat exchange in the heat exchanger (HE), there is no need to separately provide a heat exchanger for heat exchange with methanol passing through the second pump (P2). Accordingly, the configuration cost of the methanol fuel supply system can be reduced.

The capacity of the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the heat exchanger (HE) can be determined according to the amount of methanol returned. If the amount of methanol delivered from the methanol storage unit (10) to the first pump (P1) is 1 and the amount of methanol returned from the downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) to the upstream of the first pump (P1) is 0.5, the capacity of the first pump (P1) can be 1.5, and if the amount of methanol returned from the downstream of the second pump (P2) to the upstream of the heat exchanger (HE) is 2, the capacity of the heat exchanger (HE) can be 3.5. If 0.5, which is the amount of methanol returned from the downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) to the upstream of the first pump (P1), is excluded, the capacity of the second pump (P2) can be 3.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

If methanol and air are supplied together to the demand source (50) when air or gas is present in the fuel supply line (L1), fuel efficiency at the demand source (50) may decrease and the function of the demand source (50) may be damaged.

Accordingly, in order to remove air or gas within the fuel supply lines (L11, L12), the heat exchanger (HE11, HE12, HE2) may include a configuration for discharging air or the like to the outside, and in order to remove air or gas within the fuel supply lines (L11, L12), a drum (130) may be included.

If the heat exchanger (HE11, HE12, HE2) is of the shell-and-tube type, air, etc. can be collected at the upper part of the body of the shell, and if the heat exchanger (HE11, HE12, HE2) is of the shell-and-plate type, air, etc. can be collected at the upper part of the body of the shell or the discharge nozzle of the plate, and air, etc. can be collected at the upper part of the drum (130). In this way, air, etc. can be collected in a certain area and discharged to the outside.

Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Methanol can be supplied to a demand source (50) along a fuel supply line (L1). Methanol can pass through a first pump (P1), a second pump (P2), and a third pump (P3) connected in parallel, and can pass through a heat exchanger (HE). At this time, a return line (RL) through which methanol is returned from downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) to upstream of the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3) can be provided. The differential pressure of the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3) can be about 13 bar.

By configuring the pumps in parallel, methanol can be supplied even if one pump is not operating, and the design of the methanol fuel supply system can be changed little even if the methanol supply capacity is changed, and there is no need to have a separate drum for the pump.

The first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3) may each have a capacity equal to the total flow rate of the methanol fuel supply system so that they can individually perform the role of pressurizing the entire methanol of the methanol fuel supply system.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a magnetic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a magnetic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3) may be magnetic pumps (Magnetic Drive Pumps, MP). The magnetic pump (MP) has an external magnet attached to a motor rotating part and an internal magnet attached to a pump rotating part, so that when the motor rotates, the pump rotating part rotates and can be operated by the rotational force of the motor and the magnetic force of the magnets. The external magnet provided in the motor rotating part within the pump and the internal magnet provided in the pump rotating part can be designed to have different poles, and a magnetic force can be formed between the external magnet and the internal magnet.

A mechanical seal is applied to a general fluid transport pump, and the mechanical seal can seal the pump rotating part by using a spring and carbon packing to prevent the fluid from escaping into the pump rotating part. The mechanical seal generates a contact surface within the pump, and the friction occurring at the contact surface can cause wear to the packing, etc., and the fluid can leak due to the wear of the packing, etc.

Since the motor rotating part and the pump rotating part can be separated from each other by the diaphragm, structural sealing such as packing is not applied to moving parts such as the pump rotating part, so leakage of fluid due to wear of packing, etc. can be prevented.

In FIGS. 5 to 8, the number of pumps is set to three, including the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3), but this is for illustrative purposes only and the present invention is not limited by the number of pumps.

Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The low-pressure demand source (51) receives methanol from the methanol storage unit (10), and the methanol can pass through the 1-1 pump (P11), the 1-1 heat exchanger (HE11), the 1-2 pump (P12), the 1-2 heat exchanger (HE12), and the fuel supply valve (30). That is, the 1-1 heat exchanger (HE11) can be arranged in the 1-1 pump (P11), and the 1-2 heat exchanger (HE12) can be arranged in the 1-2 pump (P12).

The low pressure demand source (51) can receive methanol at about 13 barg using the 1-1 pump (P11) and the 1-2 pump (P12).

The high pressure demand source (52) receives methanol from the methanol storage unit (10), and the methanol can pass through the second pump (P2), the second heat exchanger (HE2), the fuel supply valve (30), and the high pressure pump (40).

The high pressure demand source (52) requires a relatively higher pressure than the low pressure demand source (51), the second pump (P2) pressurizes methanol to about 4 to 10 barg, and the high pressure pump (40) can receive methanol from the second pump (P2) and pressurize the pressure of methanol to about 300 barg.

A filter (not shown) may be provided in the low-pressure fuel supply line (L11) or the high-pressure fuel supply line (L12).

As shown in Fig. 1, drain pumps (91, 92) and the like may be provided for recovery of methanol, and when the low-pressure demand source (51) and the high-pressure demand source (52) are stopped, methanol can be recovered from the device or pipe through which methanol passes to the methanol storage unit (10). Considering the specifications of the pipes, devices, etc., the capacity of the drain pumps (91, 92) can be designed so that all methanol can be drained within 2 minutes, thereby optimizing the capacity of the drain pumps (91, 92).

In order to fill the low-pressure demand source (51) or the high-pressure demand source (52) with methanol, a fuel supply valve (30) may be provided in front of the low-pressure demand source (51) or the high-pressure demand source (52), and an inert gas supply unit (60) may be connected in front of the fuel supply valve (30) so that the inert gas from the inert gas supply unit (60) purges the low-pressure demand source (51) or the high-pressure demand source (52) in a certain sequence so that methanol is directed to the drain pump (91, 92), and the methanol can be recovered to the top of the methanol storage unit (10) through the drain pump (91, 92).

The methanol storage unit (10) may be installed at a higher position than the 1-1 pump (P11) so that the impeller of the 1-1 pump (P11) is immersed in methanol. It is preferable that the methanol storage unit (10) be designed to be located approximately 3.3 m above the 1-1 pump (P11). Of course, the methanol storage unit (10) may be designed to be located above the 2nd pump (P2).

The methanol storage unit (10) is positioned above the 1-1 pump (P11) so that methanol can fill the 1-1 pump (P11) and the second pump (P2). A level switch may be provided at the front end of the 1-1 pump (P11) and the second pump (P2), and it is possible to check whether the 1-1 pump (P11) and the second pump (P2) are filled with methanol through the level switch.

A first return line (RL1) through which methanol is returned from downstream of the 1-1 pump (P11) to upstream of the 1-1 pump (P11) and a second return line (RL2) through which methanol is returned from downstream of the 2nd pump (P2) to upstream of the 2nd pump (P2) may be provided. The return lines (RL1, RL2) may be provided with PCV valves (Pressure Control Valves, PCV11, PCV2), and since the PCV valves (PCV11, PCV2) are open, the upstream of the 1-1 pump (P11) or the 2nd pump (P2) may be filled with methanol.

A return line may be provided for returning methanol from downstream of the No. 1-2 pump (P12) to upstream of the No. 1-2 pump (P12), and a PCV valve (PCV12) may be provided in the return line.

A level switch is provided in front of the first-1 pump (P11) or the second pump (P2) to determine whether the first-1 pump (P11), the second pump (P2) and the return lines (RL1, RL2) are filled with methanol. If it is determined that the first-1 pump (P11) or the second pump (P2) and the return lines (RL1, RL2) are filled with methanol, the first-1 pump (P11) or the second pump (P2) can be operated.

A drum (130) may be provided in front of the 1-2 pump (P12) to discharge air, etc., in the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) to the drain line (L3). The water level of the drum (130) may be controlled so that the impeller of the 1-2 pump (P12) is immersed in methanol. When the 1-2 pump (P12) is determined to be filled by a level switch provided in the drum (130), the 1-2 pump (P12) may be operated.

The drain pump (91, 92) can be installed at the lowest position in the system supplying methanol. A level switch (not shown) can be provided at the same position as the drain pump (91, 92), and it is possible to check whether the drainage of methanol is complete through the level switch (not shown).

A cross line (CL) is provided to connect the first drain line (L31) connecting the front end of the low-pressure demand source (51) and the first drain pump (91) and the second drain line (L32) connecting the front end of the high-pressure demand source (52) and the second drain pump (92), so that the first drain pump (91) and the second drain pump (92) can back up each other.

If space constraints on board the ship require changes to equipment, redesigning the system and rearranging equipment can incur time and costs.

Therefore, by dividing the system into units, such as a low-pressure unit that supplies methanol to a low-pressure demand source (51) in a methanol supply system, a high-pressure unit that supplies methanol to a high-pressure demand source (52), and a heat source unit that supplies heat to a heat exchanger, and designing the system by separating and combining each unit, it is possible to reduce costs and time associated with changes in the design of the system.

The methanol supply system according to the present invention is a system that supplies methanol to a demand source (50), and the demand source (50) may be a propulsion engine, a generator, or a boiler. For example, if a design change is required to use a system used in a propulsion engine in a boiler, the design of the system can be easily changed by combining a high-pressure unit, etc.

FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of units according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 10, the high pressure unit and the low pressure unit can be arranged in parallel, and the fruit unit can be arranged so that one side is in contact with the high pressure unit and the low pressure unit.

Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 11, methanol passing through the 1-1 pump (P11) and the 1-1 heat exchanger (HE11) can be supplied to a low-pressure demand source (51) and a high-pressure demand source (52).

Here, a high-pressure pump (40) may be provided in front of the high-pressure demand source (52), and the required pressure of the high-pressure pump (40) may be about 4 to 10 barg, which may be lower than the pressure required by the low-pressure demand source (51), which is about 13 barg.

Accordingly, the discharge pressure of the 1-1 pump (P11) can be designed to match the required pressure of the high-pressure pump (40), and the capacity of the 1-1 pump (P11) can be designed to match the required flow rates of the low-pressure demand source (51) and the high-pressure demand source (52). By designing the 1-1 pump (P11) in this way, there is no need to additionally provide a pump to match the required pressure of the high-pressure pump (40).

Since the filter (F) is placed at the rear end of the 1-1 pump (P11), there is no need to provide a separate filter between the low pressure demand source (51) and the high pressure demand source (52).

Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system equipped on a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 12, methanol passing through the 1-1 pump (P11), the 1-1 heat exchanger (HE11), the 1-2 pump (P12), and the 1-2 heat exchanger (HE12) can be supplied to a low-pressure demand source (51) and a high-pressure demand source (52).

At this time, the methanol discharged from the 1-1 pump (P11) and the 1-2 pump (P12) meets the pressure condition of methanol required by the low-pressure demand source (51), and the pressure of methanol discharged from the 1-2 pump (P12) may be greater than the required pressure of the high-pressure pump (40), so a 2nd PCV valve (PCV2) is provided at the rear end of the 1-2 pump (P12) to lower the pressure of methanol supplied to the high-pressure pump (40).

Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the 10th embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 13, the low-pressure demand source (51) receives methanol that has passed through the 1-1 pump (P11) and the 1-2 pump (P12), and the pressure of the methanol may be about 13 barg.

The high pressure demand source (52) receives methanol that has passed through the second pump (P2), and the pressure of the methanol can be about 4 to 10 barg.

The methanol supply system is equipped with a crossline (CL), so that when the 1-1 pump (P11) that supplies methanol to the low-pressure demand source (51) cannot operate, the 2nd pump (P2) that supplies methanol to the high-pressure demand source (52) can be used to supply methanol to the low-pressure demand source (52), or when the 2nd pump (P2) that supplies methanol to the high-pressure demand source (52) cannot operate, the 1-1 pump (P11) that supplies methanol to the low-pressure demand source (51) can be used to supply methanol to the high-pressure demand source (52).

At this time, when using the 1-1 pump (P11) or the like that supplies methanol to the low-pressure demand source (51), the pressure of methanol can be adjusted to about 13 barg, and when using the 2nd pump (P2) or the like that supplies methanol to the high-pressure demand source (52), the pressure of methanol can be adjusted to about 13 barg, so even when using the 2nd pump (P2) or the like, the pressure of methanol required by the low-pressure demand source (51) can be adjusted.

However, since the methanol supplied by the high-pressure pump (40) must have a pressure of about 4 to 10 barg, if the 1-1 pump (P11), etc. is not operable and the pressure of the methanol supplied by the 2nd pump (P2) is adjusted to about 13 barg, or if the 2nd pump (P2), etc. is not operable and about 13 barg of methanol is supplied to the high-pressure demand source (52) using the 1-1 pump (P11), etc., a 2-2 PCV valve (PCV22) is provided at the rear end of the 1-2 pump (P12) to lower the pressure of the methanol supplied by the high-pressure pump (40).

Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 14, methanol can be supplied to a low-pressure demand source (51) along a low-pressure fuel supply line (L11). At this time, methanol can be supplied to the low-pressure demand source (51) by passing through the 1-1 pump (P11) and the heat exchanger (HE).

A heat exchanger (HE) is provided downstream of the No. 1-1 pump (P11) to exchange heat with a heat source such as glycol water for methanol passing through the No. 1-1 pump (P11), or to exchange heat with a heat source for methanol returned from the downstream of the No. 1-2 pump (P12).

A first return line (RL1) branching off from the downstream of the 1-2 pump (P12) and returning methanol upstream of the heat exchanger (HE), and a second return line (RL2) branching off from the downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) and returning methanol upstream of the 1-1 pump (P11) may be provided. The pressure and flow rate of the methanol supply system may be controlled through the first return line (RL1) and the second return line (RL1).

A high-pressure fuel supply line (L12) branching off from the heat exchanger (HE) downstream of the low-pressure fuel supply line (L11) and connected to a high-pressure demand source (52) may be provided. A high-pressure pump (40) may be provided in the high-pressure fuel supply line (L12).

A degassing line (DL) may be provided downstream of the heat exchanger (HE). The degassing line (DL) can degas residual gases in methanol when initially supplying methanol. The degassing line (DL) may be provided at a location where the first return line (RL1) branches off or a location where the second return line (RL2) branches off.

If deaeration is required during operation, and only an on/off valve is installed in the deaeration line (DL), a large amount of liquid together with gas may be discharged into the deaeration line (DL) due to the pressure difference between the deaeration line (DL) and the fuel supply lines (L11, L12), and thus the pressure of the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) may drop rapidly. A control valve (CV) may be provided on the deaeration line (DL) to prevent the pressure of the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) from dropping rapidly. The control valve (CV) may allow the deaeration to proceed slowly. Gas such as air existing in the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) may move along the deaeration line (DL) and be collected in the deaeration header (DH).

By monitoring the discharge pressure of the 1-1 pump (P11) or the 1-2 pump (P12), if the pressure of the pump drops, it can be determined that air is present in the front end of the pump, and in this case, degassing can be performed.

Methanol can be supplied to a high-pressure demand source (52) through a high-pressure fuel supply line (L12) branched off from the downstream of the heat exchanger (HE). The heat exchanger (HE) can heat the methanol supplied to the high-pressure demand source (52). There is no need to separately provide a heat exchanger for heat exchange of the methanol supplied to the high-pressure demand source (52).

Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 15, a first degassing line (DL1) may be provided in a line through which methanol is circulated from the rear end of the 1-1 heat exchanger (HE11) to the front end of the 1-1 pump (P11). The first degassing line (DL1) provided in the line through which methanol is circulated to the front end of the 1-1 pump (P11) may be positioned higher than the impeller of the 1-1 pump (P11) to prevent inert gas from being generated at the initial stage of methanol supply.

Additionally, a second degassing line (DL2) may be provided in the line through which methanol is circulated from the rear end of the second heat exchanger (HE2) to the second pump (P2).

Although not shown in the drawing, a degassing line may also be formed in the line returning to the drum (130) from the rear of the 1-2 heat exchanger (HE12).

Since the methanol storage unit (10) is positioned relatively high, the inert gas used for purging the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) may exist in the form of pockets at the beginning of methanol supply. The degassing lines (DL1, DL2) can remove the inert gas present in the fuel supply lines (L11, L12).

A drum (130) may be provided in front of the 1st-2nd pump (P12). The drum (130) may remove an inert gas existing in a low-pressure fuel supply line (L11). The drum (130) is filled with methanol in a normal state and may remove an inert gas. At this time, the inert gas may be delivered to a drain line (not shown).

The drain line (not shown) and the inert gas line (not shown) may be positioned lower than the fuel supply lines (L11, L12).

FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a degassing device and a 1-2 pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The required suction head (NPSHr, Net positive Suction Head required) of the 1st-2nd pump (P12) must be adjusted to prevent cavitation from occurring in the pump. A drum (130) may be provided at the front end of the 1st-2nd pump (P12).

The drum (130) may be equipped with a device capable of removing gas, and the pump may be stopped when the water level in the drum (130) falls below a certain level.

Referring to FIG. 16, the lowest water level of the drum (130) can be designed higher than the height at which the impeller of the 1st-2nd pump (P12) can be completely submerged in methanol, and the lowest water level of the drum (130) can be 1.15 times the height of the pump body. The capacity of the drum (130) can be designed as the capacity that the 1st-2nd pump (P12) can discharge for 1 minute. The height of the drum (130) can be determined according to the capacity of the drum (130) determined in this way.

The drum (130) may be equipped with multiple level switches for different heights. The low level switch (LS1) may be installed at the lowest water level of the drum (130).

For example, if the main body height of the 1-2 pump (P12) is 411 mm, the low level switch (LS1) can be installed at 472 mm. If the flow rate of the 1-2 pump (P12) is 4.37 m ³ /h and the diameter of the drum (130) is 400 mm, when the drum (130) is designed to have the capacity that the 1-2 pump (P12) can discharge for 1 minute, the length of the drum (130) can be 580 mm or more when measured from the low level switch (LS1). The high level switch (LS2) can be installed at a height at which the capacity that the 1-2 pump (P12) can discharge for 1 minute and the volume of the drum (130) become equal.

It is possible to check whether the impeller of the 1-2 pump (P12) is immersed in methanol by using the low level switch (LS1) provided in the drum (130). If the impeller of the 1-2 pump (P12) is not immersed in methanol, the level switch does not sound an alarm, and in this case, the 1-2 pump (P12) may not operate.

As such, a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a methanol fuel supply system (1), wherein the methanol fuel supply system can supply methanol to a demander, and when the demander is out of operation, an inert gas can be injected into a device or pipe included in the methanol fuel supply system to purge the device or pipe, and methanol can be recovered from the device or pipe to a methanol storage unit.

In addition, the methanol fuel supply system (1) can prevent a sudden pressure drop that may occur at the beginning of operation of the demand site by controlling the supply flow rate of methanol at the beginning of operation of the demand site.

In addition, the methanol fuel supply system (1) includes a line capable of returning methanol, and since methanol can repeatedly pass through the heat exchanger during the returning process, the number of heat exchangers to be installed can be reduced.

Additionally, the methanol fuel supply system (1) may include a configuration capable of discharging gas contained in methanol to prevent damage to a device included in the methanol fuel supply system.

In addition, the methanol fuel supply system (1) can prevent methanol from leaking from the pump by using a magnetic pump.

Additionally, the methanol fuel supply system (1) has a drum (130) positioned higher than the pump so that the impeller inside the pump can be immersed in methanol.

Additionally, the methanol fuel supply system (1) can be controlled so that the pump is operated after the entire upstream pipe of the pump is filled with methanol.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may include a combination of the above embodiments or a combination of at least one of the above embodiments and a known technology as another embodiment.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments of the present invention, this is merely an example and does not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various combinations or modifications and applications not illustrated in the embodiments are possible without departing from the essential technical contents of the present embodiments. Accordingly, technical contents related to modifications and applications that can be easily derived from the embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

1: Methanol fuel supply system 10: Methanol storage unit
20: Fuel supply section
30, 301, 302, 303, 304: Fuel supply valve
40, 401, 402, 403, 404: High pressure pump
50, 501, 502, 503, 504: Demand
51: Low pressure demand source 52: High pressure demand source
60: Inert gas supply section 70: Drain header
80: Drain drum 81: Level sensor
90, 91, 92: Drain pump 100: Buffer tank
110: Common pipe 120: Pocket section
121: Level Switch 130: Drum
L1: Fuel supply line L11: Low pressure fuel supply line
L12: High pressure fuel supply line L2: Fuel return line
L3: Drain line
BL: Bypass line CL: Cross line
DL: Degassing line RL: Return line
RL1: 1st return line RL2: 2nd return line
HE: Heat exchanger HE1: First heat exchanger
HE11: Heat exchanger 1-1 HE12: Heat exchanger 1-2
HE2: Second heat exchanger DH: Degassing header
P1: Pump 1 P11: Pump 1-1
P12: No. 1-2 pump P2: No. 2 pump
P3: Third pump MP: Magnetic pump
BV: Throttle valve MGV: Master valve
PCV: PCV valve CV: Control valve
F: Filter
LS1: Low level switch LS2: High level switch

Claims (5)

In a vessel including a methanol fuel supply system for supplying methanol from a methanol storage unit to a low pressure demand source or a high pressure demand source that uses methanol as fuel,
The above methanol fuel supply system,
A low-pressure fuel supply line through which methanol is delivered from the above methanol storage to the above low-pressure demand source, and which is equipped with a 1-1 pump and a 1-2 pump having a higher operating pressure than the 1-1 pump;
A high-pressure fuel supply line through which methanol is delivered from the methanol storage unit to the high-pressure demand unit, and which is equipped with a second pump and a third pump having a higher operating pressure than the second pump;
A first return line through which methanol is returned from the downstream of the No. 1-1 pump provided in the above low-pressure fuel supply line to the upstream of the No. 1-1 pump; and
A second return line through which methanol is returned from downstream of the second pump provided in the high-pressure fuel supply line to upstream of the second pump;
A vessel including a methanol fuel supply system, characterized in that the first return line or the second return line is provided with a degassing line. In the first paragraph,
The above methanol storage unit is,
A vessel including a methanol fuel supply system, characterized in that it is installed at a higher position than the low-pressure fuel supply line or the high-pressure fuel supply line. In the first paragraph,
A vessel including a methanol fuel supply system, characterized in that a drum is provided in the first and second pump stages. In the third paragraph,
The lowest water level of the above drum is:
A vessel including a methanol fuel supply system, characterized in that the impeller of the first and second pumps is higher than the height at which it can be immersed in methanol. In paragraph 4,
The lowest water level of the above drum is:
A vessel including a methanol fuel supply system characterized in that the height of the first-second pump body is 1.15 times that of the first-second pump body.