Photovoltaic power generation system of thin-film LNG ship and thin-film LNG ship

Abstract

The application provides a photovoltaic power generation system of a thin film LNG ship and the thin film LNG ship, and the photovoltaic power generation system comprises a photoelectric conversion unit and an electric energy storage unit. The photoelectric conversion unit comprises a photovoltaic power generation convex deck, and the photovoltaic power generation convex deck is respectively provided with a photovoltaic power generation section inclined plate and a manifold area section inclined plate along the length direction of the photovoltaic power generation convex deck, and the photovoltaic power generation section inclined plate is used for converting light energy into electric energy and outputting. The electric energy storage unit comprises a storage battery group electrically connected with a photovoltaic power generation panel matrix; the storage battery group is used for storing the electric energy generated by the photovoltaic power generation panel matrix; and the storage battery group is respectively used for electrically connecting with a ship emergency system and a ship auxiliary system to supply power. The application can realize photoelectric conversion, transport the electric energy generated by the photovoltaic power generation convex deck into the electric energy storage unit, and meet the power demand of the ship emergency system and the ship auxiliary system. The photovoltaic power generation panel matrix is used to replace the secondary structure of the ship, the space on both sides of the deck of the ship is fully utilized, and the weight of the ship is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of shipbuilding technology, and more specifically, to a photovoltaic power generation system for a thin-film LNG carrier and a thin-film LNG carrier. Background Technology

[0002] Liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers are vessels specifically designed for transporting liquefied natural gas. Compared to other independent LNG carriers, membrane-type LNG carriers offer advantages such as high volumetric efficiency and lightweight construction, thus dominating the LNG carrier market. These carriers typically feature a double-bottom, double-hull, double-deck structure, using a membrane lining and insulation on the inner hull to hold the liquefied LNG cargo. During LNG carrier operations, power needs are usually met by energy storage systems that store electrical energy. However, with increasing ship size and functionality, existing energy storage systems are insufficient. Therefore, generators are needed to generate electricity independently to meet the normal power requirements of LNG carriers.

[0003] Existing fuel-powered generators all require a planar installation and occupy a significant amount of space. Installing such generators on the deck of membrane-type LNG carriers would be problematic due to the limited space available for installation caused by the carrier's structural design. This would directly impact the usable deck area, affecting the arrangement of cargo piping and outfitting components. Furthermore, it would increase the weight and center of gravity of the membrane-type LNG carrier, negating its lightweight advantage. Additionally, the fuel-powered generators produce substantial pollutants during the power generation process, polluting the environment and failing to meet the technological development requirements for zero-carbon and low-carbon ships.

[0004] In summary, there is a need to provide an improved technical solution that addresses the shortcomings of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a photovoltaic power generation system for a membrane-type LNG carrier, which uses a photovoltaic convex deck to replace the secondary structure of the membrane-type LNG carrier, thereby meeting the ship's power demand while further reducing the ship's weight.

[0006] A second objective of this application is to provide a thin-film LNG carrier, including the aforementioned photovoltaic power generation system.

[0007] In one aspect, a photovoltaic power generation system for a thin-film LNG carrier is provided, including a photoelectric conversion unit and an energy storage unit.

[0008] The photoelectric conversion unit includes a photovoltaic power generation convex deck. The photovoltaic power generation convex deck includes a top plate located on a straight section and inclined plates located on both sides of the top plate. The inclined plates are provided with photovoltaic power generation section inclined plates and manifold section inclined plates along the length of the photovoltaic power generation convex deck. The photovoltaic power generation section inclined plates are photovoltaic panel matrices, and the manifold section inclined plates are steel structure panels. The photovoltaic panel matrix is ​​used to convert light energy into electrical energy and output it.

[0009] The energy storage unit includes a battery pack electrically connected to the photovoltaic panel matrix; the battery pack is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panel matrix; the battery pack is used to supply power after being electrically connected to the ship's emergency system and ship's auxiliary system.

[0010] In one embodiment, the outer side of the photovoltaic panel matrix is ​​used for photovoltaic power generation, and the inner side of the photovoltaic panel matrix is ​​used for fixed connection with the inclined plate of the cargo hold hull via multiple ship elbows, forming a safe passage in the cargo hold area between the photovoltaic convex deck and the cargo hold hull.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting cable for each of the photovoltaic panels is located within the safety passage; the connecting cable is used to transmit the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panels to the energy storage unit.

[0012] In one embodiment, the energy storage unit further includes a photovoltaic combiner box, which receives electrical energy from the photoelectric conversion unit via the connecting cable; the photovoltaic combiner box is connected to a controller, which is used to transmit electrical energy to the ship's emergency system and ship's auxiliary system respectively.

[0013] In one embodiment, the photovoltaic panel matrix includes multiple spliced ​​photovoltaic panels, which are connected to each other by U-shaped connectors and then fixedly connected to the ship's elbow plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the U-shaped connector includes a base plate, two side plates, and two pressure plates. The bottoms of the two side plates are fixedly connected to the base plate, and the tops of the two side plates extend to both sides and are fixedly connected to the pressure plates. The base plate is used for detachable connection with the ship's elbow plate, and the pressure plates are used to press against the edge of the photovoltaic panel to fix two adjacent photovoltaic panels to the ship's elbow plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, a predetermined gap is provided between the outer side of the side plate and the side edge of the photovoltaic panel.

[0016] In one embodiment, a rubber gasket is provided between the pressure plate and the photovoltaic panel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the length of the rubber gasket is greater than the contact area.

[0018] According to a second aspect of this application, a thin-film LNG carrier is also provided, including a photovoltaic power generation system for the thin-film LNG carrier as provided in the first aspect.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0020] In the technical solution of this application, the photovoltaic power generation convex deck enables photoelectric conversion, and the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic power generation convex deck is transmitted to the energy storage unit to meet the power needs of the ship's emergency system and auxiliary systems. Furthermore, replacing the secondary steel structure of the thin-film LNG carrier with a photovoltaic panel matrix makes full use of the limited space on both sides of the main deck and further reduces the ship's weight. Simultaneously, the energy storage unit of the photovoltaic power generation system serves both power consumption and energy storage functions, and a minimum capacity is set for the energy storage unit, which is used for the ship's emergency system, thereby improving the reliability of the photovoltaic power generation system. This application, by utilizing clean energy for power generation, can reduce carbon emissions and save costs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic power generation system of a thin-film LNG carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view of AA;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure for photovoltaic power generation in a thin-film LNG carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view of the U-shaped connector in the photovoltaic power generation system of the thin-film LNG ship according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 BB section view;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the U-shaped connector in the photovoltaic power generation system of a thin-film LNG ship according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0028] 1. Photovoltaic panels

[0029] 2. U-shaped connector

[0030] 21. Pressure plate

[0031] 22. Fastening bolts

[0032] 23. Rubber gasket

[0033] 3. Photovoltaic power generation convex deck

[0034] 31. Inclined plate of photovoltaic power generation section

[0035] 32. Inclined plate in the manifold section

[0036] 33. Safety passage

[0037] 4. Energy storage unit

[0038] 5. Ship elbow plate Detailed Implementation

[0039] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0043] With global warming and the increasing demand for zero-carbon and low-carbon ship technology, large LNG ships also need to undergo further green and environmentally friendly upgrades. As a result, zero-carbon energy-saving technologies are being applied and developed, and photovoltaic power generation systems are one of them used to partially replace traditional fuel power generation devices.

[0044] Traditional photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems require sufficient deck space or outer walls, occupying a large area and necessitating additional fixing and connection devices, increasing the ship's weight and center of gravity. Furthermore, for thin-film LNG carriers, the deck surface is typically occupied by complex cargo piping systems and outfitting components, leaving almost no extra deck space for PV panels. Therefore, solving the problem of PV panel placement and mitigating the negative impact of increased weight and center of gravity is crucial.

[0045] According to the first aspect of this application, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Firstly, a photovoltaic power generation system for a thin-film LNG ship is provided, including a photoelectric conversion unit and an energy storage unit 4.

[0046] The photoelectric conversion unit includes a photovoltaic (PV) power generation convex deck 3, which serves as the main deck of a thin-film LNG carrier. The PV power generation convex deck 3 comprises a top plate on a straight section and inclined plates on both sides of the top plate. Along the length of the PV power generation convex deck 3, there are PV power generation section inclined plates 32 and manifold section inclined plates 32. The PV power generation section inclined plates are PV panel matrices, and the manifold section inclined plates 32 are steel structural panels. The PV panel matrix is ​​used to convert light energy into electrical energy and output it.

[0047] It should be noted that the inclined plates of the photovoltaic power generation section are set away from the pipe collection area to ensure the structural safety of the pipe collection area. At the same time, since there are many pipes in the pipe collection area and the lighting effect is limited, steel structural panels are used as inclined plates in the pipe collection area.

[0048] The energy storage unit 4 includes a battery bank electrically connected to the photovoltaic panel array. The battery bank is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panel array. The battery bank is also electrically connected to the ship's emergency system and ship auxiliary systems.

[0049] During ship navigation, additional battery banks are required to ensure emergency power supply and provide emergency lighting and other necessary functions in the event of a sudden power outage. However, in actual ship operation, this battery system is rarely used and is usually only used as a safety measure. Photovoltaic power generation systems, on the other hand, require both power generation and energy storage. Overly complex systems would increase the ship's weight and maintenance costs. Therefore, it is necessary to consider making the system as simple and reliable as possible while meeting regulatory requirements.

[0050] Specifically, a minimum charge level, such as 20% of the battery pack's capacity, is set in the energy storage unit 4 for use by the ship's emergency systems. When the battery pack's charge level falls below 20%, the energy storage unit 4 stops supplying power to the ship's auxiliary systems, ensuring that the ship's emergency systems can be activated and function normally at any time. It should be noted that the energy storage unit 4 is located in a separate compartment outside the ship's hazardous areas, and is equipped with fire prevention and ventilation systems as required by regulations, providing power for ship operations.

[0051] This application, through the installation of a photovoltaic power generation convex deck 3, enables photoelectric conversion and transmits the electricity generated by the photovoltaic power generation convex deck 3 to the energy storage unit 4 to meet the power needs of the ship's emergency system and auxiliary systems. Furthermore, by replacing the secondary structure of the membrane-type LNG carrier with a photovoltaic panel matrix, it makes full use of the limited space on both sides of the main deck and further reduces the ship's weight. This application, by utilizing clean energy for power generation, can reduce carbon emissions and save costs.

[0052] In one embodiment, the outer side of the photovoltaic panel matrix is ​​used for photovoltaic power generation, and the inner side of the photovoltaic panel matrix is ​​connected to multiple ship elbows.

[0053] It should be noted that, as Figure 2 As shown, the space formed between the inclined plate of the photovoltaic power generation convex deck 3 and the inclined plate of the cargo hold inner shell is a safety passage space. Multiple ribs are evenly distributed along the length of the photovoltaic power generation convex deck 3 within this safety passage space, and the inclined plate of the photovoltaic power generation convex deck 3 is connected to the inclined plate of the cargo hold inner shell through these ribs. The safety passage space provides space for the arrangement of other equipment on the ship.

[0054] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the photovoltaic power generation convex deck 3 is also used to form a safety passage 33 with the inner shell of the cargo hold to form a cargo hold area. The connecting cable of the photovoltaic power generation panel 1 is located in the safety passage 33. The connecting cable is used to transmit the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic power generation panel 1 to the electrical energy storage unit 4.

[0055] In one embodiment, the energy storage unit 4 further includes a photovoltaic combiner box, which receives electrical energy from the photovoltaic conversion unit via a connecting cable. The photovoltaic combiner box is connected to a controller, which transmits the electrical energy to the ship's emergency system and ship's auxiliary system, respectively.

[0056] Specifically, this application divides the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic conversion unit into two directions: one is connected to the ship's battery pack to power relevant ship auxiliary and emergency systems; the other is directly connected to the ship's auxiliary system loads via an inverter. After being combined in the photovoltaic combiner box, the power is distributed in two directions by a controller.

[0057] It should be noted that the energy storage unit 4 also includes at least: a DC distribution cabinet, a photovoltaic inverter, and an AC distribution cabinet, which are used together to form a complete photovoltaic power generation system and enable grid connection with the ship's power grid.

[0058] In one embodiment, the photovoltaic panel matrix comprises multiple spliced ​​photovoltaic panels 1, which are connected in series or parallel to form the photovoltaic panel matrix. The multiple photovoltaic panels 1 are connected by U-shaped connectors 2 and then fixedly connected to the ship's elbow plate 5 by multiple U-shaped connectors 2. Considering the use of a spliced ​​photovoltaic matrix structure to replace the monolithic steel structure panel, the spliced ​​structure can absorb deformations that occur during ship operation and is significantly lighter than the steel structure panel, reducing the ship's hull weight and center of gravity, and simplifying construction. It can also adapt to various construction sizes and curvatures. The inclined photovoltaic section of the inclined plate is not included in the ship's strength calculations, therefore there are no thickness requirements, further reducing construction difficulty.

[0059] It should be noted that the arrangement positions of the multiple U-shaped connectors 2 correspond one-to-one with the arrangement positions of the ship's elbow plate 5.

[0060] In one implementation, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the U-shaped connector 2 includes a base plate, two side plates, and two pressure plates 21. The bottoms of the two side plates are fixedly connected to the base plate, and the tops of the two side plates extend to both sides and are fixedly connected to the pressure plates 21. The base plate is used for detachable connection with the ship's elbow plate, and the pressure plates 21 are used to press against the edge of the photovoltaic panel 1 to fix two adjacent photovoltaic panels 1 to the ship's elbow plate 5, so that the photovoltaic panel 1 is integrated with the ship's structure.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, a connecting part is provided at the end of the ship's elbow plate, and a first mounting hole is provided on the connecting part. A second mounting hole corresponding to the first mounting hole is provided in the middle of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the ship's elbow plate are fixedly connected by installing fastening bolts 22 in the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0062] In one embodiment, a predetermined gap is provided between the outer side of the side plate and the side edge of the photovoltaic panel 1. The predetermined gap is used to avoid collisions and damage around the photovoltaic panel and to provide deformation space so that the convex deck can meet the deformation requirements during ship operation.

[0063] In one embodiment, a rubber gasket 23 is provided between the pressure plate 21 and the photovoltaic panel 1. The rubber gasket 23 can absorb the deformation of the ship in rough sea conditions, thus preventing impact damage to the surface of the photovoltaic panel 1.

[0064] In one embodiment, the length of the rubber gasket 23 is greater than the contact area. By setting the length of the rubber gasket 23, a predetermined gap between the photovoltaic panel 1 and the outside of the side plate is limited, thereby controlling the spacing between the two photovoltaic panels 1.

[0065] According to a second aspect of this application, a thin-film LNG carrier is also provided, including a photovoltaic power generation system for the thin-film LNG carrier as provided in the first aspect.

[0066] In summary, this application, through the installation of the photovoltaic power generation convex deck 3, enables photoelectric conversion and transmits the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic power generation convex deck 3 to the energy storage unit 4 to meet the power needs of the ship's emergency system and auxiliary systems. Furthermore, by replacing the secondary structure of the membrane-type LNG carrier with a photovoltaic panel matrix, the limited space on both sides of the main deck is fully utilized, and the ship's weight is further reduced. This application, by utilizing clean energy for power generation, can reduce carbon emissions and save costs.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic power generation system for a thin-film LNG carrier, characterized in that, include: The photoelectric conversion unit includes a photovoltaic power generation convex deck (3). The photovoltaic power generation convex deck (3) includes a top plate located on a straight section and inclined plates located on both sides of the top plate. The inclined plates are provided with a photovoltaic power generation section inclined plate and a manifold section inclined plate (32) along the length of the photovoltaic power generation convex deck (3). The photovoltaic power generation section inclined plate is a photovoltaic power generation panel matrix, and the manifold section inclined plate (32) is a steel structure panel. The photovoltaic power generation panel matrix is ​​used to convert light energy into electrical energy and output it. The energy storage unit (4) includes a battery pack electrically connected to the photovoltaic panel matrix; the battery pack is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panel matrix; the battery pack is used to supply power after being electrically connected to the ship's emergency system and ship's auxiliary system respectively; The outer side of the photovoltaic panel matrix is ​​used for photovoltaic power generation, and the inner side of the photovoltaic panel matrix is ​​used for fixed connection with the inclined plate of the cargo hold hull through multiple ship elbows (5). The photovoltaic convex deck (3) and the cargo hold hull form a safe passage (33) in the cargo hold area. The connecting cable of each of the photovoltaic panels (1) is located in the safety passage (33); the connecting cable is used to transmit the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic panels (1) to the energy storage unit (4); The photovoltaic panel matrix includes multiple spliced ​​photovoltaic panels (1), and the multiple photovoltaic panels (1) are connected to each other by U-shaped connectors (2) and then fixedly connected to the ship's elbow plate (5); The U-shaped connector (2) includes a base plate, two side plates and two pressure plates (21). The bottoms of the two side plates are fixedly connected to the base plate, and the tops of the two side plates extend to both sides and are fixedly connected to the pressure plates (21). The base plate is used to detachably connect to the ship elbow plate (5), and the pressure plates (21) are used to press on the edge of the photovoltaic power generation panel (1) to fix two adjacent photovoltaic power generation panels (1) to the ship elbow plate (5).

2. The photovoltaic power generation system for thin-film LNG carriers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage unit (4) also includes a photovoltaic combiner box, which receives the electrical energy of the photoelectric conversion unit through the connecting cable; the photovoltaic combiner box is connected to a controller, which is used to transmit electrical energy to the ship's emergency system and ship's auxiliary system respectively.

3. The photovoltaic power generation system for thin-film LNG carriers according to claim 2, characterized in that, A predetermined gap is provided between the outside of the side plate and the side of the photovoltaic power generation panel (1).

4. The photovoltaic power generation system for a thin-film LNG carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that, A rubber gasket (23) is provided between the pressure plate (21) and the photovoltaic power generation panel (1).

5. The photovoltaic power generation system for a thin-film LNG carrier according to claim 4, characterized in that, The length of the rubber gasket (23) is greater than the contact area.

6. A membrane-type LNG carrier, characterized in that, The photovoltaic power generation system of the thin-film LNG carrier as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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