Circuit for reliquefying a fluid and supplying a consumption unit

Abstract

The invention mainly relates to a circuit through which a first fluid contained in a first tank and a second fluid contained in a second tank can flow, the circuit comprising a first line extending from the first tank to a heat exchange member, the first fluid taken in gaseous state from the first tank being intended to flow through the first line, the heat exchange member being configured to condense the first fluid, the circuit comprising a second line extending from the heat exchange member to the first tank, the first fluid being intended to flow through the second line in liquid state and / or in two-phase state, the circuit comprising at least one management line for managing the state of the second fluid, the second fluid taken from the second tank being intended to flow through the at least one management line in liquid state, the circuit comprising a supply line for supplying a consumption device, the supply line extending from the second line to the consumption device, the supply line being configured for at least the first fluid in liquid state to flow through the supply line, the supply line comprising at least one pumping member, the pumping member increasing the pressure of the first fluid in the supply line.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ships for the use, storage and / or transport of liquefied natural gas and / or liquefied petroleum gas, and more particularly to the field of systems for managing the state of the liquefied natural gas and / or liquefied petroleum gas transported in such ships. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such ships generally comprise tanks filled with liquid natural gas and / or liquid petroleum gas. Such a ship may, for example, comprise a first tank for storing liquid natural gas and a second tank for storing liquid petroleum gas. On the one hand, such a ship can transport a first petroleum gas contained in the first tank and a second petroleum gas contained in the second tank, the first petroleum gas being different from the second petroleum gas, for example in terms of its composition. In other words, such a ship can transport a first fluid, which can be liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, and a second fluid, which is different from the first fluid, which can be liquefied natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.

[0003] Natural gas is, for example, liquid at temperatures below -160°C when it is at atmospheric pressure. These tanks are never perfectly thermally insulated, which means that at least some of the natural gas vaporizes therein. Thus, these tanks contain liquid natural gas and gaseous natural gas, the latter form of natural gas also being referred to as "BOG" or "boil-off gas", which accumulates at the top of the tank. It is necessary to control the pressure at the top of the tank in order not to damage the tank

[0004] The boiling point of petroleum gas is generally between 0°C and -50°C at atmospheric pressure, depending on its composition. When petroleum gas is stored in a tank, it also tends to vaporize at least partially, and the pressure created at the top of the tank by the vaporized petroleum gas must also be controlled in order not to damage the tank.

[0005] Generally, such a ship is equipped with a system for managing the state of the first and second fluids in order to limit the vaporization of each of these fluids at the top of the tank. Thus, these management systems are configured to liquefy the first fluid on the one hand and the second fluid on the other hand, regardless of whether the first fluid is liquefied or not. Furthermore, the system for managing one or the other fluid generally comprises compression means for compressing the vaporized first and / or second fluid, which can increase the pressure of said fluid. Thus, this type of management system is generally quite large, both on board the ship and in the terminal area, and occupies a considerable space. They are also not adapted to supply a consumption device using one or the other fluid as fuel. SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention aims at reducing the space occupied by these compression means, thus reducing the volume occupied by the management system, and managing the state of both fluids, while supplying a consumption device with the first and / or second fluid used as fuel. More particularly, the present invention proposes a system for managing the state of a first vaporized fluid, which also makes it possible to cool a liquid second fluid, thus reducing the amount of vaporized second fluid, while delivering some of the liquid first fluid as fuel to a consumption device.

[0007] The present invention mainly relates to a circuit through which a first fluid contained in a first tank and a second fluid contained in a second tank can flow, the first fluid having a lower boiling point than the second fluid, the circuit comprising at least a first line extending from the first tank to a heat exchange means, the gaseous first fluid withdrawn from the first tank being intended to flow through the first line, the heat exchange means being configured to condense the first fluid, the circuit comprising a second line extending from the heat exchange means to the first tank, the liquid and / or two-phase state first fluid being intended to flow through the second line, the circuit comprising at least one management line for managing the state of the second fluid, the second fluid in liquid state withdrawn from the second tank being intended to flow through the at least one management line, characterized in that the circuit comprises a supply line for supplying a consumption device, the consumption device using at least the first fluid as fuel, the supply line extending from the second line to the consumption device, the supply line being configured for at least the liquid first fluid to flow through, the supply line comprising at least one pumping means, the at least one pumping means increasing the pressure of at least the first fluid in the supply line.

[0008] It is noted that the circuit, on the one hand, controls at least the pressure, temperature and more generally the state of the first and second fluids contained respectively in the first and second tanks, and on the other hand, supplies a consumption unit with at least the first fluid as fuel. The consumption unit can be, for example, a propulsion engine or an auxiliary engine equipped on a ship, the circuit according to the invention and the first and second tanks being installed on the ship.

[0009] The pumping means make it possible, in particular, to increase the pressure of at least the first fluid flowing in liquid state in the supply line to the consumption unit. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the first fluid, when it passes through the first line, is at a higher pressure, which is used, on the one hand, to liquefy the first fluid, thus managing the pressure in the first tank and, accordingly, the pressure in the second tank, and, on the other hand, to supply the consumption device. Thus, the pressure required to supply the consumption device is a combination of the pressure in the first line and the pressure supplied by the pumping means. This clever combination makes it possible to use a less complex, less expensive and more reliable pumping means.

[0010] Moreover, the use of the first fluid as fuel has the advantage of reducing the energy consumption necessary for the thermal management of the first fluid contained in the first tank. This reduction can represent up to 30% of energy savings compared to a circuit not comprising such a line for the supply to the consumer device.

[0011] The first fluid and the second fluid are for example petroleum gas stored in liquid state in the tanks, the first fluid being for example a mixture composed of 92% of propane and 8% of butane and having a boiling point of -47°C at atmospheric pressure, i.e. the first fluid is in liquid form when its temperature is lower than -47°C at atmospheric pressure, while the second fluid is for example composed of approximately 100% of butane and has a boiling point of 0°C at atmospheric pressure, i.e. the second fluid is in liquid form when its temperature is lower than 0°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the application, the first fluid is for example natural gas, for example mainly composed of methane, and has a boiling point of approximately -160°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the application, the first fluid is for example composed of 100% of ethane, having a vaporization temperature of -89°C, while the second fluid is composed of liquefied petroleum gas comprising a mixture of 92% of propane and 8% of butane, having a vaporization temperature of -47°C.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the application, the first fluid is for example composed of 100% of ethane, having a vaporization temperature of -89°C, while the second fluid is composed of 100% of ammonia, having a vaporization temperature of -33°C.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the application, the first fluid is for example composed of 100% of propane, having a vaporization temperature of -42°C, while the second fluid is composed of 100% of ammonia, having a vaporization temperature of -33°C.

[0016] The above-mentioned temperatures are measured at atmospheric pressure.

[0017] Moreover, in the first embodiment of the application, "the supply line is configured for the flow of at least the first fluid through it" means that the supply line has only the first fluid flowing through it, or in the second embodiment of the application, the supply line has the first fluid and at least one other fluid, for example the second fluid, flowing through it.

[0018] According to another optional feature of the application, the circuit comprises at least one cooling line extending from the second line to the first line, the first fluid being intended to flow through this cooling line, the first line comprising at least a first compression member and a second compression member, the cooling line being connected to the first line between the first compression member and the second compression member.

[0019] According to another optional feature of the application, the circuit comprises at least one cooling unit for cooling the liquid second fluid flowing in the management line for managing the state of the second fluid, the cold generated by the cooling unit coming from the vaporization of the first fluid flowing in at least one cooling line extending from the second line to the first line and through which the first fluid is intended to flow.

[0020] The second fluid flowing in the management line is cooled by the cooling unit, the temperature of the second fluid flowing in the management line downstream of the cooling unit being lower than the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line downstream of the cooling unit. This has the effect of reducing the temperature of the second fluid contained in the second tank, thereby limiting the vaporization of the second fluid present in the second tank.

[0021] The cold for reducing the temperature of the second fluid flowing in the management line comes from the partial vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line. More specifically, this portion of the first fluid expands, i.e. its pressure decreases, thereby reducing the temperature of the second fluid by heat exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0022] According to another optional feature of the application, the cooling unit comprises at least a heat exchanger and an expansion member, the heat exchanger exchanging thermal energy between the first fluid flowing in the cooling line and the second fluid flowing in the management line.

[0023] More specifically, the first fluid flowing in the cooling line is expanded by the expansion member before flowing into the heat exchanger. When it passes through the heat exchanger, the second fluid flowing in the management line releases thermal energy to the expanded first fluid flowing in the cooling line and also passing through the heat exchanger. Thus, the second fluid flowing in the management line is cooled to a temperature close to that of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line downstream of the cooling unit.

[0024] In other words, the first fluid flowing in the cooling line and passing through the heat exchanger is heated and vaporized in the heat exchanger by capturing thermal energy from the second fluid flowing in the management line. The heated and vaporized first fluid is then sucked into one of the compression members mounted on the first line.

[0025] Furthermore, inside the heat exchanger, the temperature of the second fluid flowing in the management line decreases, approaching the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the cooling line, in particular by the transfer of thermal energy from the second fluid flowing in the management line to the first fluid flowing in the cooling line. Note that the temperature of the second fluid flowing in the management line decreases during the exchange of thermal energy in the heat exchanger.

[0026] According to another optional feature of the application, the heat exchanger comprises at least a first passage constituting the cooling line and a second passage constituting the management line, the expansion member being located between the second line and the first passage.

[0027] Note that, in this configuration, the first fluid flowing in the cooling line is expanded by the expansion member before it flows into the first passage of the heat exchanger.

[0028] According to another optional feature of the application, the circuit comprises at least one duct extending from the second line to the first line, the first fluid flowing through the at least one duct, the circuit comprising at least one cooling device for cooling the first fluid flowing in the second line, the cold produced by the cooling device resulting from the vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the duct.

[0029] The first fluid flowing in the second line is cooled by the cooling unit, the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the second line downstream of the cooling unit being lower than the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the duct downstream of the cooling device.

[0030] The cold used to reduce the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the second line results from the partial vaporization of the first fluid flowing in the duct. More specifically, this portion of the first fluid expands, i.e. its pressure decreases, thereby reducing the temperature of the first fluid flowing in the second line.

[0031] According to another optional feature of the application, the supply line is connected to the second line at a separation point on the second line located between the heat exchange member and the cooling device. In other words, the separation point between the second line and the supply line is located upstream of the cooling device and downstream of the heat exchange member.

[0032] According to another optional feature of the application, the circuit comprises at least one phase separation member for the first fluid, the at least one phase separation member being located on the second line, the first fluid flowing from the separation member to the first tank through the second line, the circuit comprising a gas line extending from the separation member to the second line. Note that the separation point is located on a portion of the second line downstream of the separation member.

[0033] According to another optional feature of the application, the supply line is connected to the second line at a separation point on the second line located between the separation member and the cooling device. Thereby, the first fluid flowing through the supply line comes from the accumulation of liquid first fluid in the separation member.

[0034] According to another optional feature of the application, the supply line extends from the cooling line to the consumption device, the branching point between the supply line and the cooling line being located between the cooling device and the cooling unit. Note that, before the first fluid flows into the supply line, it is cooled by the cooling device.

[0035] According to another optional feature of the application, the supply line extends from the cooling line to the consumption device, the branching point between the supply line and the cooling line being located between the expansion member of the cooling unit and the cooling device.

[0036] According to another optional feature of the application, the circuit comprises a control valve for controlling the flow rate of the first fluid flowing in the supply line. In other words, the control valve is installed on the supply line upstream of the pumping member.

[0037] According to another optional feature of the application, the circuit comprises a delivery line extending between the management line and the supply line. Thereby, the delivery line fluidly connects the management line to the supply line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Other features, details and advantages of the application will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given in indicative and non-limitative way, and on referring to the several exemplary embodiments given in the attached drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 A circuit according to a first embodiment is schematically described;

[0040] Figure 2 A circuit according to a second embodiment is schematically described;

[0041] Figure 3 A circuit according to a third embodiment is schematically described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The various features, variants and different embodiments of the application can be combined with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the application can be envisaged which only comprise a selection of the features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the application from the prior art.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" used in the following description refer to the direction of circulation of the first fluid and / or of the second fluid in the circuit in which the first fluid and the second fluid can circulate.

[0044] Figure 1 A circuit 1 comprising at least a first fluid 4 and a second fluid 8, a first tank 2 containing the first fluid 4 and a second tank 6 containing the second fluid 8 are shown. The first tank 2, the second tank 6 and / or the circuit 1 can for example be installed on a ship transporting the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8.

[0045] The first fluid 4 has a boiling point lower than the boiling point of the second fluid 8, both temperatures being measured at the same pressure. The first fluid 4 is for example natural gas such as methane and has a boiling point of approximately -160°C, i.e. the first fluid 4 is in liquid form when it has a temperature lower than -160°C at atmospheric pressure. The second fluid 8 is for example petroleum gas, for example propane, butane or a mixture of propane and butane, and has a boiling point between 0°C and -51°C at atmospheric pressure. However, the first fluid 4 can also be petroleum gas, for example propane, butane or a mixture of propane and butane, provided that the boiling point of the first fluid 4 is lower than the boiling point of the second fluid 8.

[0046] According to the example illustrated here, the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 are petroleum gases, the first fluid 4 being for example a mixture consisting of approximately 92% of propane and approximately 8% of butane and having a boiling point of -47°C at atmospheric pressure, and the second fluid 8 being for example constituted of approximately 100% of butane and having a boiling point of 0°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0047] According to a first alternative example of the application, the first fluid 4 is ethane, which has a boiling point of -89°C, and the second fluid 8 is liquefied petroleum gas, which comprises a mixture of propane and butane, the liquefied petroleum gas having a boiling point of -47°C.

[0048] According to a second alternative example of the application, the first fluid 4 is ethane, which has a temperature of -89°C, and the second fluid 8 is ammonia, which has a boiling point of -33°C.

[0049] According to a third alternative example of the application, the first fluid 4 is propane, which has a boiling point of -42°C, and the second fluid 8 is ammonia, which has a boiling point of -33°C.

[0050] The first tank 2 and the second tank 6 are designed to store the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 respectively in liquid form, the temperature of the first fluid 4 and of the second fluid 8 being lower than or equal to their boiling point at atmospheric pressure. To this end, each tank 2, 6 is composed at least of a sealing membrane in contact with one or other of the fluids and of a thermal barrier surrounding the sealing membrane and contributing to maintaining one or other of the fluids at a temperature lower than its boiling point.

[0051] Advantageously, each tank 2, 6 has a primary thickness composed of a primary sealing membrane in contact with one or other of the fluids and of a primary thermal barrier surrounding the primary sealing membrane, and a secondary thickness surrounding the primary thickness and composed of a secondary sealing membrane in contact with the primary thermal barrier and of a secondary thermal barrier surrounding the secondary sealing membrane.

[0052] The first fluid 4 is stored in the first tank 2 mainly in liquid form at atmospheric pressure. However, a portion of the first fluid 4 vaporizes and forms a covering layer at the top 10 of the first tank 2, where the first fluid 4 thus exists in gaseous form.

[0053] Likewise, the second fluid 8 is stored in the second tank 6 mainly in liquid form at atmospheric pressure. However, a portion of the second fluid 8 vaporizes and forms a covering layer at the top 11 of the second tank 6, where the second fluid 8 thus exists in gaseous form.

[0054] The circuit 1 is configured to re-liquefy at least a portion of the first fluid 4 in gaseous form present at the top 10 of the first tank 2 and to supply the first fluid 4 to a consumption device using the first fluid 4 as fuel. To this end, the circuit comprises at least a first line 12 through which the first fluid 4 flows from the first tank 2 to a plurality of compression members 14 and a second line 16 from the first line 12 to the first tank 2, in which the first fluid 4 flows from the first line 12 to the first tank 2 in liquid and / or two-phase state. In addition, the circuit 1 comprises a cooling line 18 extending from the second line 16 to the first line 12, through which the first fluid 4 flows from the second line 16 to the first line 12.

[0055] According to the invention, the circuit 1 comprises a supply line 15 for supplying a consumption device 17 using the first fluid as fuel, which line extends from the second line 16 to the consumption device 17 and through which the first fluid 4 in liquid form flows, the supply line 15 comprising at least one pumping member 19 which increases the pressure of the first fluid 4 in the supply line 15. Note that a portion of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 is intended to flow through the supply line 15 in order to be used as fuel for the consumption device 17. In addition, the first fluid 4 flowing through the supply line is in liquid state, the pumping member 19 increasing the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15 to the consumption device 17.

[0056] A more detailed description of the supply line 15 will be provided further in the description, more particularly after the description of the first line 12, the second line 16, the cooling unit 24, the cooling line 18 and the management line 20.

[0057] In addition, the circuit 1 also comprises at least one management line 20 for managing the state of the second fluid, at least a portion of the second fluid 8 flowing through the management line from the second tank 6 to a liquid outlet 22 for the second fluid 8 in the second tank 6. The liquid outlet 22 notably makes it possible to inject the cooled second fluid 8 in the second tank 6 in order to cool the second fluid 8 notably present at the top 11 of the second tank 6. The decrease in the temperature of the second fluid 8 present at the top 11 of the second tank 6 makes it possible to decrease the pressure exerted by the vaporized second fluid 8 present at said top 11 of the second tank 6. According to Figure 1 According to the illustrated embodiment, the liquid outlet 22 takes the form of a lance promoting the distribution of the injected second fluid 8 in the top 11 of the second tank 6.

[0058] The management system 1 comprises a cooling unit 24 for cooling the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the management pipeline 20, the cold generated by the cooling unit 24 being the result of the vaporization of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling pipeline 18. It is noted that when the first fluid 4 flows through the cooling pipeline 18 and the cooling unit 24, the first fluid 4 is at a sufficiently low temperature to cool the second fluid 8 flowing in the management pipeline 20. In this case, the second fluid 8 releases thermal energy to the first fluid 4.

[0059] A more detailed description of the second pipeline 16 of the circuit 1, the cooling unit 24, the cooling pipeline 18, the management pipeline 20 and the supply pipeline 15 will be provided below with particular reference to Figure 1 The description of the first pipeline 12 is provided after.

[0060] The first pipeline 12 extends from the interior of the first tank 2 and more particularly comprises a gas inlet 26 at the top 10 of the first tank 2, the gas inlet 26 opening into the top 10 of the first tank 2 at which the gaseous phase of the first fluid 4 is present. Thus, the gaseous first fluid 4 present at the top 10 of the first tank 2 is in direct contact with the gas inlet 26 of the first pipeline 12 and the gaseous first fluid 4 can thus be sucked in by the plurality of compression members 14.

[0061] The gaseous first fluid 4 moves from the top 10 of the first tank 2 through the first pipeline 12 to the plurality of compression members 14 under the suction effect generated by the plurality of compression members 14. More particularly, the plurality of compression members 14 is configured to increase the pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 before it is delivered to the consumption device.

[0062] As Figure 1 illustrated, the plurality of compression members 14 comprises a first compression member 14a, a second compression member 14b and a third compression member 14c which are located on the first pipeline 12 in this order in the direction of circulation of the first fluid 4 within the first pipeline. The compression members 14 contribute to delimiting a first portion 28 of the first pipeline 12 extending between the gas inlet 26 and the first compression member 14a, a second portion 30 extending between the first compression member 14a and the second compression member 14b, a third portion 32 extending between the second compression member and the third compression member 14c and a fourth portion 34 extending between the third compression member 14c and the second pipeline 16.

[0063] The pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 increases as it flows in the first pipeline 12 through the plurality of compression members 14, the first fluid 4 being at atmospheric pressure in the first portion 28 and reaching a pressure of approximately 24 bars in the fourth portion 34.

[0064] As Figure 1As shown, the coolant flow system 36 includes at least one heat exchange member 38 for heat exchange between the coolant flowing in the flow system 36 and the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the first line 12. The heat exchange member 38 separates the first line 12 from the second line 16. More specifically, the heat exchange member 38 is located downstream of a fourth portion 34 of the first line 12.

[0065] The heat exchange component 38 exchanges heat between the coolant fluid and the first fluid 4. The coolant may be a heat transfer fluid and / or water containing ethylene glycol, and the circulation system 36 may be installed, for example, on a ship and directly connected to the water on which the ship is navigating.

[0066] Advantageously, the circulation system 36 includes a first heat exchange member 40 installed in a second section 30 of the first pipeline 12, a second heat exchange member 42 installed in a third section 32 of the first pipeline 12, and a third heat exchange member 38 installed in a fourth section 34 of the first pipeline 12. Each heat exchange member 38, 40, 42 exchanges heat energy between the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the first pipeline 12 and the coolant fluid. Note that the alternation between the compression member 14 and the heat exchange members 38, 40, 42 positioned along the first pipeline 12 allows the temperature of the first fluid 4 to be reduced after each compression stage performed by the compression member.

[0067] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, as the first fluid 4 passes through the plurality of compression members 14, the pressure and temperature of the fluid increase. To prevent the temperature from becoming too high, the first fluid 4 exchanges heat with the coolant fluid through the first, second, and third heat exchange members 40, 42, and 38. For example, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 downstream of the first heat exchange member 40 is approximately 7°C, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the third portion 32 downstream of the second heat exchange member 42 is approximately 40°C, and the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the fourth portion 34 downstream of the third heat exchange member 38 is above 43°C.

[0068] Furthermore, the boiling point of the fluid also varies depending on the pressure it is subjected to. The first fluid 4 may, for example, be a mixture of approximately 92% propane and approximately 8% butane, having a boiling point of approximately 43°C when subjected to a pressure of approximately 24 bar. Next, the first fluid 4 is in a gaseous state in the fourth section 34 upstream of the third heat exchange member 38, and becomes liquid or a two-phase state through heat exchange with the coolant fluid as it passes through the third heat exchange member 38, flowing in a liquid or two-phase state in the second pipeline 16 downstream of the third heat exchange member 38. Therefore, the first fluid 4 flows in a liquid or two-phase state downstream of the third heat exchange member 38 in the second pipeline 16.

[0069] Moreover, the "two-phase state" means a state in which a portion of the first fluid 4 is in a liquid state and another portion of the first fluid 4 is in a gaseous state.

[0070] Before describing in more detail the cooling unit 24, the cooling line 18, the management line 20 and the supply line 15, reference will now be made in particular to Figure 1 The second line 16 of the circuit 1 will be described in more detail.

[0071] The first fluid 4 flows in the second line 16 from the first line 12, more particularly from the third heat exchange member 38, to the first tank 2.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1 , the management system 1 comprises a phase separator 44 for the first fluid 4 located on the second line 16. The separator 44 is configured to separate the phases present in the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16. In other words, the separator 44 is configured so that the first fluid 4 in a liquid state is separated from the first fluid 4 in a gaseous state. The first fluid 4 in a liquid state separated in the separator 44 then flows to the second line 16.

[0073] The circuit 1 comprises a gas line 46 through which the first fluid 4 flows from the separator 44 to the second line 16.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1 , the management system 1 comprises at least one duct 48 connecting the first line 12 with the second line 16 and through which the first fluid 4 flows from the second line 16 to the first line 12. The management system 1 comprises at least one cooling device 50 for cooling the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16, the cold produced by the cooling device 50 resulting from the vaporization of the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48.

[0075] An intersection 52 is formed between the duct 48 and the second line 16, at which intersection 52 the first fluid 4 can flow to the first tank 2 through the second line 16 or to the first line 12 through the duct 48, the cooling device 50 being configured so that the vaporization of the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48 causes a drop in the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16.

[0076] Moreover, as shown in Figure 1 , the gas line 46 is connected at the second line 16 downstream of the intersection 52 between the second line 16 and the duct 48. When the first fluid 4 in a gaseous state flowing in the gas line 46 mixes with the first fluid 4 in a liquid state flowing in the second line 16 downstream of the intersection 52, the first fluid 4 is in a two-phase state between the intersection 52 and the cooling device 50 in the second line 16.

[0077] More particularly, the cooling device 50 comprises at least a heat exchanger 54 comprising a first passage 58 constituting the second line 16 and a second passage 60 constituting the duct 48, and an expansion device 56 located on the duct 48 upstream of the second passage 60. The heat exchanger 54 is configured to exchange heat between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48.

[0078] Thus configured, the heat exchanger 54 exchanges thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48, the exchange of thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48 taking place notably in the first and second passages 58, 60 of the heat exchanger 54. The exchange of thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48 causes a drop in temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16, the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 releasing thermal energy to the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48.

[0079] This transfer of thermal energy is obtained thanks to the presence of the expansion device 56, which reduces the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48, facilitating a change of state thereof.

[0080] The temperature difference between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 upstream of the first passage 58 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 downstream of the first passage 58 is at least 20°C. Advantageously, this temperature difference is between 25°C and 35°C.

[0081] The drop in temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 causes the first fluid 4 to change from a two-phase state to a liquid state. Thus, the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 downstream of the first passage 58 of the heat exchanger 54 is in a liquid state and has a temperature of, for example, approximately 14°C and a pressure of approximately 24 bar.

[0082] As Figure 1 indicated, the expansion member 56 of the cooling device 50 is mounted on the duct 48 upstream of the second passage 60. In other words, it is noted that the liquid first fluid 4 supplied to the second passage 60 undergoes an expansion, i.e. a drop in pressure, before reaching the second passage 60, causing a change of state of the first fluid 4, from a two-phase state to a gaseous state, within the second passage 60. For example, the first fluid 4 can expand to a pressure of approximately 3 bar, causing the first fluid 4 to change from a pressure of approximately 24 bar upstream of the expansion member 56 to a pressure of 3 bar between the expansion member 56 and the first line 12.

[0083] The pressure difference, and thus the temperature difference, between the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second channel 60 and the liquid or two-phase state first fluid 4 flowing in the first channel 58 results in a cooling of the liquid or two-phase state first fluid 4 flowing in the first channel 58 and a vaporization of the two-phase state first fluid 4 into the second channel 60.

[0084] As shown in Figure 1 the expanded gaseous first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the second channel 60 then reaches the first line 12. Advantageously, the duct 48 is connected to the first line 12 at its second portion 30, more particularly between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b. The expanded gaseous first fluid 4 is thus mixed with the first fluid 4 coming from the first heat exchange member 40, this mixture being sucked by the second compression member 14b into the third portion 32 of the first line 12.

[0085] As shown in Figure 1 the management system 1 comprises a phase separation device 62 for the first fluid 4 installed on the second line 16 downstream of the cooling device 50, the management system 1 comprising a return line 64 extending between the separation device 62 and the first line 12, the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing through this return line 64.

[0086] The separation device 62 comprises a separation body 66 and an expansion element 68 upstream of the separation body 66 on the second line 16. The expansion element 68 makes it possible to bring the first fluid 4 flowing towards the separation body 66 to a pressure substantially similar to that of the first fluid 4 contained in the first tank 2, i.e. atmospheric pressure.

[0087] More particularly, it is noted that the liquid first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 towards the first tank 2 undergoes an expansion, i.e. a drop in pressure, before reaching the first tank 2, so that the pressure of the first fluid 4 present in the second line is brought into line with that of the first fluid 4 contained in the first tank 2. This expansion of the first fluid 4 by the expansion member 68 results in a change of state of the first fluid 4, going from a liquid state to a two-phase state in which one part of the first fluid 4 is in a liquid state and the other part is in a gaseous state. This drop in pressure also results in a drop in temperature of the first fluid 4. For example, the first fluid 4 can be expanded sufficiently to a pressure of 1.2 bar, resulting in a drop in pressure of the first fluid 4 from approximately 24 bar upstream of the expansion element 68 to approximately 1.2 bar downstream of the expansion element 68, the first fluid 4 having a temperature of approximately -50°C.

[0088] The first fluid 4 then flows to the separator 66, and the first fluid 4 exists in a liquid and / or two-phase state depending on its exact temperature. The separator 66 is configured to separate the phases present in the first fluid 4 flowing from the expansion element 68 to the first tank 2. In other words, the separator 66 is configured such that the liquid first fluid 4 is separated from the gaseous first fluid 4. The liquid first fluid 4 separated in the separator 66 then flows to the first tank 2, while the gaseous first fluid 4 flows through the return line 64 to the first section 28 of the first line 12.

[0089] Advantageously, the second line 16 leads to the fluid outlet 65 in the first tank 2, particularly at the bottom of the first tank 2, through which the liquid first fluid 4 flows from the separator 66 to the bottom of the first tank 2 via the second line 16. Alternatively, the second line 16 opens at the top 10 of the first tank 2, whereby the liquid first fluid 4 is sprayed, for example, at the top 10 of the first tank 2, thereby cooling the gaseous first fluid 4 present at the top 10 of the first tank 2.

[0090] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the management system 1 includes an expansion block 70 for the expansion of the first fluid 4, which is located on the return line 64 and is configured, for example, to change the pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing through the return line 64 from 1.2 bar to atmospheric pressure.

[0091] The management system 1 also includes an exhaust line 72 that connects downstream of the expansion block 70 to a return line 64 and leads to the external environment of the management system 1.

[0092] The management system 1 includes a control valve 74 located on the discharge line 72 for controlling the flow rate of the first gaseous fluid 4, so as to control the flow rate of the first fluid 4 discharged into the external environment of the management system 1.

[0093] Before describing supply line 15, we will now specifically refer to Figure 1 The cooling line 18, the management line 20, and the cooling unit 24 are described in more detail.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, cooling line 18 extends between second line 16 and first line 12. Next, first fluid 4 flows from second line 16 through cooling line 18 and to first line 12.

[0095] According to one feature of the application, the cooling line 18 is connected to the second line 16 downstream of the cooling device 50. The first fluid 4 flowing from the second line 16 through the cooling line 18 to the first line 12 passes through at least a portion of the duct 48, mixing with the first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48 downstream of the cooling device 50. Next, by injection between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b, the first fluid 4 from the cooling line 18 mixes with the first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12.

[0096] According to the application, as Figure 1 indicated, the management system 1 comprises a management line 20 for managing the state of the second fluid 8, in particular its pressure and / or temperature, the liquid second fluid 8 taken out of the second tank 6 being intended to flow through this management line 20. To this end, the management line 20 comprises a liquid inlet 76, for example located at the bottom of the second tank 6, in contact with the liquid second fluid 8 contained in the second tank 6.

[0097] According to one embodiment of the application, the management system 1 comprises at least one pumping member 78 located on the management line 20 upstream of the cooling unit 24. The pumping member 78 is configured to force the liquid second fluid 8 to flow through the management line 20. To this end, the pumping member 78 is mounted at the liquid inlet 76. In other words, the pumping member 78 is immersed in the liquid second fluid 8 contained in the second tank 6. However, the pumping member 78 can be mounted anywhere on the management line 20, as long as it pumps the liquid second fluid 8 through the management line 20.

[0098] The pumping member 78 increases the pressure of the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20. For example, the liquid second fluid 8 flowing downstream of the pumping member 78 has a pressure of about 4 bars, the pumping member 78 thus causing the pressure of the liquid second fluid 8 to vary from atmospheric pressure upstream of the pumping member 78 to a pressure of about 4 bars downstream of the pumping member 78.

[0099] As Figure 1 indicated, the management line 20 comprises a liquid outlet 22 through which the liquid second fluid 8 flows from the management line 20 towards the top 11 of the second tank 6. According to one embodiment, the liquid outlet 22 can comprise a jet member capable of jetting the liquid second fluid 8 from the management line 20 in the top 11 of the second tank 6.

[0100] According to the application, the management system 1 comprises a cooling unit 24 for cooling the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20, the cold generated by the cooling unit 24 coming from the vaporization of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18. Thus, the management line 20 comprises a first portion 80 upstream of the cooling unit 24 and a second portion 82 downstream of the cooling unit 24. Thus, the temperature of the liquid second fluid 8 flowing through the second portion 82 of the management line 20 is lower than the temperature of the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the first portion 80 of the management line 20.

[0101] More particularly, as illustrated in Figure 1 the cooling unit 24 comprises at least one heat exchanger 84 configured to exchange heat between the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 and the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20, and an expansion member 86 mounted on the cooling line 18 upstream of the heat exchanger 84. It is noted that the heat exchanger 84 is mounted on the cooling line 18 and on the management line 20 so that the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 pass through the heat exchanger 84.

[0102] To this end, the heat exchanger 84 comprises at least a first passage 88 constituting the cooling line 18 and a second passage 90 constituting the management line 20, the expansion member 86 being located upstream of the first passage 88. The first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 passes through the heat exchanger 84 via the first passage 88, the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20 passing through the heat exchanger 84 via the second passage 90. Thus configured, the heat exchanger 84 exchanges thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 and the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20, the exchange of thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 and the second fluid 8 flowing in the management line 20 taking place in particular in the first and second passages 88, 90 of the heat exchanger 84. The exchange of thermal energy between the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 causes a drop in the temperature of the second fluid 8, the second fluid 8 releasing thermal energy to the first fluid 4.

[0103] Moreover, the transfer of thermal energy is also obtained by virtue of the presence of the expansion member 86, which reduces the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18, facilitating a change in its state.

[0104] As illustrated in Figure 1As shown, the expansion member 86 of the cooling unit 24 is installed on the cooling line 18 upstream of the first passageway 88. In other words, it is noted that the liquid first fluid 4 that supplies the first passageway 88 undergoes an expansion, i.e. its pressure drops, before reaching the first passageway 88, at which it vaporizes. This expansion causes a change of state of the first fluid 4, which goes from a two-phase state to a gaseous state in the second passageway 90. It is thus noted that the first fluid 4 can expand to a pressure of approximately 3 bars, going from a pressure of approximately 24 bars upstream of the expansion member 86 to a pressure of approximately 3 bars downstream of the expansion member 86.

[0105] The pressure drop of the first fluid 4 through the expansion member 86 causes a change of state of the first fluid 4 and simultaneously a drop in its temperature. For example, the first fluid 4 has a temperature of approximately 14°C upstream of the expansion member 86 and a temperature of approximately -30°C between the expansion member 86 and the first passageway 88 of the heat exchanger 84.

[0106] Advantageously, the temperature difference between the first fluid 4 flowing in the first passageway 88 and the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the second passageway 90 causes a cooling of the liquid second fluid 8 flowing in the second passageway 90 and a vaporization of the two-phase first fluid 4 entering the first passageway 88. It is noted here that the second fluid 8 flowing in the second passageway 90 releases thermal energy to the first fluid 4 flowing in the first passageway 88, the temperature of which increases as it passes through the first passageway 88, thus changing its state from a two-phase state to a gaseous state.

[0107] For example, the temperature of the liquid second fluid 8 is approximately 0°C upstream of the first portion 80 of the management line 20, i.e. of the second passageway 90 of the heat exchanger 84, and is approximately -10°C downstream of the second portion 82 of the management line 20, i.e. downstream of the second passageway 90.

[0108] Furthermore, the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 upstream of the expansion member 86 is in a liquid state, the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 between the expansion member 86 and the heat exchanger 84 is in a two-phase state, and the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 within the heat exchanger 84 and downstream thereof is in a gaseous state. For example, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 upstream of the expansion member 86 is approximately 14°C, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 between the expansion member 86 and the heat exchanger 84 is approximately -30°C, and the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the heat exchanger 84 is approximately -3°C.

[0109] Advantageously, the expansion member 86, the expansion device 56 and the first compression member 14a are configured to bring the first fluid 4 to the same pressure. Next, the first compression member 14a increases the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first line 12 to a pressure of, for example, 3 bar. The expansion member 86 and the expansion device 56 decrease the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 and the duct 48, respectively, to a pressure similar to the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12, i.e. to a pressure of, for example, 3 bar. Thus, the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the duct 48 downstream of the cooling device 50 is, for example, at a pressure of 3 bar, as is the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 downstream of the heat exchanger 84.

[0110] Reference will now be made in particular to Figure 3 The supply line 15 will be described in more detail.

[0111] As a reminder, the supply line 15 extends between the second line 16 and the consumption device 17 using the first fluid 4 as fuel, so that the first fluid flows from the second line 16 to the consumption device 17 through the supply line 15. The pumping member 19 mounted on the supply line 15 is configured to, for example, force the first fluid 4 to flow through the supply line 15 to the consumption device 17.

[0112] According to the application, as Figure 2 indicated, the supply line 15 is connected to the second line 16 at a separation point 21 on the second line 16 located between the third heat exchange member 38 and the cooling device 50. In other words, the supply line 15 is connected to the second line 16 between the third heat exchange member 38 and the cooling device 50. In this configuration, it is noted that the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line to the consumption device 17 is in liquid form.

[0113] Furthermore, the first fluid 4 flows in the second line 16 between the third heat exchange member 38 and the cooling device 50, for example, at a temperature of approximately 43°C and a pressure of approximately 24 bar. The first fluid 4 flowing through the supply line 15 at least between the separation point 21 and the pumping member 19 also has a temperature and a pressure similar to those of the first fluid flowing in the second line 16 between the third heat exchange member 38 and the cooling device 50, i.e. a temperature of approximately 43°C and a pressure of approximately 24 bar.

[0114] As can be seen from the above, the pumping member 19 delimits two portions of the supply line 15, a front portion 23 in front of the pumping member 19 and a rear portion 25 behind the pumping member 19. More particularly, the front portion 23 of the supply line 15 extends from the separation point 21 to the pumping member 19, and the rear portion 25 of the supply line 15 extends from the pumping member 19 to the consumption device 17.

[0115] According to the application, the pumping member 19 increases the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15 by at least 5 bars. Advantageously, the pumping member 19 increases the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15 by approximately 10 to 20 bars, but not more than 35 bars. For example, the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing through the front portion 23 is approximately 24 bars, while the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing through the rear portion 25 is approximately 45 bars. Advantageously, the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing through the rear portion 25 is between 35 bars and 55 bars. Note that in this case, the pressure delivered to the consumption device 17 is therefore the combination of the force generated by the one or more compression members 14 and the force generated by the pumping member 19, thus enabling liquefaction of the first fluid, management of the pressure of the second fluid and supply of fuel to the consumption unit by a smaller, cheaper and more reliable pumping member.

[0116] Furthermore, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing through the supply line 15 is, for example, between 20°C and 40°C. At this temperature, in particular when the pressure of the first fluid 4 is between 35 bars and 55 bars, the first fluid 4 is in liquid form.

[0117] According to an alternative of the application, the pumping member 19 is positioned directly at the fluid outlet of the separator 44 leading to the second line 16. In this configuration, the pumping member 19 delivers the first fluid 4 directly through the second line 16 to the first tank 2 and through the supply line 15 to the consumption machine 17.

[0118] Furthermore, the circuit 1 comprises a control valve 27 for controlling the flow rate of the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15. The control valve 27 allows the passage of the first fluid 4 so that it can regulate the amount of first fluid 4 flowing to the consumption device 17. For example, the control valve 27 regulates the flow of the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15 so that the first fluid 4 has a flow rate adapted to the needs of the consumption unit. Thus, the control valve 27 adapts the flow rate of the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15 to the needs of the consumption device 17 in terms of fuel.

[0119] Advantageously, the control valve 27 is installed on the front portion 23 of the supply line 15. In other words, the control valve 27 is located on the supply line 15 between the separation point 21 and the pumping member 19. It follows that the control valve 27 regulates the flow rate of the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15 upstream of the pumping member 19. However, a circuit in which the control valve 27 is installed between the pumping member 19 and the consumption device 17, i.e. in the rear portion 25 of the supply line 15, would not depart from the scope of the application.

[0120] According to Figure 2 According to the alternative embodiment shown, the circuit 1 comprises a delivery line 31 extending between the management line 20 and the supply line 15. Next, the delivery line 31 fluidically connects the management line 20 to the supply line 15.

[0121] To this end, the management pipeline 20 comprises a cross-over area 33 between the delivery pipeline 31 and the management pipeline 20, so that at least a portion of the second fluid 8 flowing in the management pipeline 20 flows through the delivery pipeline 31 at the cross-over area 33 to the supply pipeline 15. In this case, the cross-over area 33 is located on the first portion 80 of the management pipeline 20, but it can also be located on the second portion 82 of the management pipeline 20 without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0122] The supply pipeline 15 itself comprises a bifurcation area 35 with the delivery pipeline 31, so that the second fluid 8 flowing in the delivery pipeline 31 flows through the supply pipeline 15 via the bifurcation area 35. In this configuration, the consumer device 17 can be supplied with the second fluid 8 and use it as fuel. In this case, the bifurcation area 35 is located in the front portion 23 of the supply pipeline 15, but it can also be located in the rear portion 25 of the supply pipeline 15 without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0123] Furthermore, at the bifurcation area 35, the second fluid 8 flowing from the management pipeline 20 through the delivery pipeline 31 mixes with the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply pipeline 15. Note that downstream of the bifurcation area 35, the mixture of the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 flows to the consumer machine 17.

[0124] Furthermore, the delivery pipeline 31 comprises a regulation valve 37 for regulating the flow rate of the second fluid 8 flowing through the delivery pipeline 31. Note that the regulation valve 37 allows the second fluid 8 to flow through the delivery pipeline 31 to the supply pipeline 15 and to the consumer machine 17. Note that the flow rate of the second fluid 8 in the delivery pipeline 31 is controlled by the regulation valve 37, so that the amount of the second fluid 8 flowing in the supply pipeline 15 is regulated by this regulation valve 37.

[0125] Note that the consumer machine 17 can use the first fluid 4 as fuel, but it can also use the second fluid 8 and / or a mixture of the first fluid 4 and the second fluid 8 as fuel.

[0126] Reference will now be made in detail to Figure 2 A second embodiment of the present application will be described. The elements that distinguish the second embodiment from the first embodiment will be described below; for the same elements, reference is made to the detailed description of the first embodiment.

[0127] As ​ shown, the circuit 1 comprises a first duct 92 and a second duct 94, each duct extending independently between the second pipeline 16 and the first pipeline 12.

[0128] The first conduit 92 is connected on one hand to the second line 16 and on the other hand to the third portion 32 of the first line 12 between the second heat exchange member 42 and the third compression member 14c. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 92 is mixed with the first fluid 4 flowing in the third portion 32 of the first line 12 at a point located between the second heat exchange member 42 and the third compression member 14c.

[0129] The circuit 1 comprises first cooling means 96 mounted on the second line 16 and on the first conduit 92, the first cooling means 96 comprising a first heat exchanger 98 and a first expansion device 100 upstream of the first heat exchanger 98 on the first conduit 92. The first heat exchanger 98 is configured to exchange thermal energy between the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 92 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16. To do this, the first heat exchanger 98 comprises a first duct 102 constituting the second line 16 and a second duct 104 constituting the first conduit 92. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 passes through the first heat exchanger 98 in the first duct 102 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 92 passes through the first heat exchanger 98 in the second duct 104.

[0130] Furthermore, note that the first intersection 521 between the first conduit 92 and the second line 16 is located between the separator 44 and the first cooling means 96. Thus, the first fluid 4 flowing at the first intersection 521 can continue to flow in the second line 16 towards the first cooling means 96 and / or in the first conduit 92 towards the first line 12.

[0131] In this case, the first expansion device 100 is configured to reduce the pressure of the first fluid 4 in liquid state flowing in the first conduit 92 to a pressure substantially similar to the pressure of the first fluid 4 in gaseous state flowing in the third portion 32 of the first line 12. For example, the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the first cooling means 96 is approximately 10.5 bar, the first expansion device 100 causing the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 92 to vary from a pressure of approximately 24 bar upstream of the first expansion device 100 to a pressure of approximately 10.5 bar downstream of the first expansion device 100.

[0132] The heat exchange between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the first duct 92 is carried out in particular in the first heat exchanger 98, more particularly in the first conduit 102 and in the second conduit 104. The first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 102 releases thermal energy to the expanded first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 104. In other words, the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 104 cools the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 102, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first conduit 102 decreases, while the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 104 increases. The temperature increase of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second conduit 104 causes said first fluid 4 to change from a two-phase state to a gaseous state.

[0133] As shown in ​ The second duct 94 is connected on the one hand to the second line 16 and on the other hand to the second portion 30 of the first line 12 between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 mixes with the first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12 at a point located between the first heat exchange member 40 and the second compression member 14b.

[0134] Moreover, the second duct 94 is connected to the second line 16 downstream of the first cooling device 96. Note that the second intersection 522 between the second duct 94 and the second line 16 is located between the first cooling device 96 and the separation device 62. The first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 comes from the first fluid 4 cooled by the first cooling device 96 and flowing in the second line 16.

[0135] The circuit 1 comprises a second cooling device 106 mounted on the second line 16 and on the second duct 94, the second cooling device 106 comprising a second heat exchanger 108 and a second expansion device 110 located upstream of the second heat exchanger 108 on the second duct 94. The second heat exchanger 108 is configured to carry out a heat energy exchange between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 downstream of the first cooling device 96. To do this, the second heat exchanger 108 comprises a first tunnel 112 constituting the second line 16 and a second tunnel 114 constituting the second duct 94. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 passes through the second heat exchanger 108 via the first tunnel 112 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 passes through the second heat exchanger 108 via the second tunnel 114.

[0136] In this case, the second expansion device 110 is configured to reduce the pressure of the liquid first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 to a pressure substantially similar to the pressure of the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12. For example, the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing downstream of the second cooling device 106 is approximately 3 bar, and the second expansion device 110 causes the pressure of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 to vary from a pressure of approximately 24 bar upstream of the first expansion device 100 to a pressure of approximately 3 bar downstream of the second expansion device 110.

[0137] The first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 expands from a pressure of approximately 24 bar to a pressure of approximately 3 bar, causing the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114 to drop. The first fluid 4 flowing between the second expansion device 110 and the second tunnel 114 is in a two-phase state and vaporizes as it passes through the second tunnel 114.

[0138] The heat exchange between the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 and the first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 takes place in particular in the second heat exchanger 108, more particularly in the first tunnel 112 and in the second tunnel 114. The first fluid 4 flowing in the first tunnel 112 releases thermal energy to the expanded first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114. In other words, the first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114 cools the first fluid 4 flowing in the first tunnel 112, the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the first tunnel 112 drops, while the temperature of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114 rises. The temperature rise of the first fluid 4 flowing in the second tunnel 114 causes said first fluid 4 to change from a two-phase state to a gaseous state.

[0139] The bifurcation 116 between the cooling line 18 and the second line 16 is located between the first cooling device 96 and the second cooling device 106. Note that the first fluid 4 flowing in the second line 16 downstream of the first cooling device 96 can then flow to the cooling unit 24 through the cooling line 18, or to the first tank 2 through the second duct 94, or to the first line 12 through the second line 16. Advantageously, the bifurcation 116 between the cooling line 18 and the second line 16 is installed between the second intersection 522 between the second line 16 and the second duct 94 and the first cooling device 96.

[0140] In this configuration, the cooling line 18 extends between the second line 16 and the second duct 94, the cooling line 18 being connected to the second duct 94 downstream of the second cooling device 106. It is noted here that the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 downstream of the cooling unit 24 mixes with the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second duct 94 downstream of the second cooling device 106, then combines into the gaseous first fluid 4 flowing in the second portion 30 of the first line 12.

[0141] As can be seen from the above, a portion of the first fluid 4 is recirculated by the management system 1, this portion of the first fluid 4 mainly contributing to cooling the first fluid 4 and / or the second fluid 8.

[0142] According to one feature of the application, the supply line 15 extends from the cooling line 18 to the consumption device 17, the bifurcation 116 between the supply line 15 and the cooling line 18 being located between the cooling device 96 and the cooling unit 24. It is noted that the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15 has first been cooled when passing through the first cooling device 96 before flowing to the consumption device 17 through the supply line 15.

[0143] Furthermore, the supply line 15 extends from the cooling line 18 to the consumption device 17, the bifurcation 29 between the supply line 15 and the cooling line 18 being located upstream of the expansion member 86 of the cooling unit 24. It is noted that the first fluid 4 flowing in the cooling line 18 to the expansion member 86 of the cooling unit 24 can flow to the consumption device 17 through the supply line 15 at the bifurcation 29.

[0144] Compared to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the first fluid 4 flowing in the supply line 15 to the consumption device 17 is cooled by the first cooling device 96. The advantage of this embodiment is that the first fluid 4 is more advantageously in liquid form when it flows to the consumption device 17 through the supply line 15, optimizing the use of the first fluid 4 as fuel by the consumption device 17. Furthermore, the decrease in temperature of the first fluid 4 reduces the risk of cavitation phenomena occurring at the pumping member 19.

[0145] However, the application is not limited to the devices and configurations described and illustrated here, and it also extends to all equivalent devices and configurations and to any technical combination of these devices. In particular, all elements that cause a change in pressure, temperature and / or state of the first fluid 4 and / or of the second fluid 8 can be modified without prejudice to the application, provided that they provide the functions described herein.

Claims

1. A circuit (1) comprising a first fluid (4) contained in a first tank (2) and a second fluid (8) contained in a second tank (6) able to flow through said circuit (1), said first fluid (4) having a boiling point lower than the boiling point of said second fluid (8), said circuit (1) comprising at least a first line (12) extending from said first tank (2) to a heat exchange member (38, 40, 42) configured to condense said first fluid (4), said first fluid (4) being taken in gaseous form from said first tank (2) for flowing through said first line (12), said circuit (1) comprising a second line (16) extending from said heat exchange member (38, 40, 42) to said first tank (2), said first fluid (4) being taken in liquid and / or two-phase state for flowing through said second line (16), said circuit (1) comprising at least one management line (20) for managing the state of said second fluid (8), said second fluid (8) being taken in liquid form from said second tank (6) for flowing through said at least one management line, characterized in that said circuit (1) comprising a supply line (15) for supplying a consumer device (17) using at least said first fluid (4) as fuel, said supply line extending from said second line (16) to said consumer device (17), said supply line (15) being configured for at least first fluid (4) in liquid form to flow through said supply line, said supply line (15) comprising at least one pumping member (19) increasing the pressure of at least first fluid (4) in said supply line (15), said circuit comprising a cooling unit (24) for cooling the second fluid (8) in liquid form flowing in said management line (20) for managing the state of the second fluid (8), the cold produced by said cooling unit (24) being caused by vaporization of first fluid (4) flowing in at least one cooling line (18) extending from said second line (16) to said first line (12) and said first fluid being taken for flowing through said at least one cooling line (18), said cooling unit (24) being mounted on at least one cooling line (18).

2. The circuit (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one cooling line (18) extending from said second line (16) to said first line (12), said first fluid (4) being taken for flowing through said at least one cooling line, said first line (12) comprising at least a first compression member (14, 14a) and a second compression member (14, 14b, 14c), said cooling line (18) being connected to said first line (12) between said first compression member (14, 14a) and said second compression member (14, 14b, 14c).

3. The circuit (1) according to claim 1, wherein The cooling unit (24) comprises at least a heat exchanger (84) and an expansion member (86), the heat exchanger (84) exchanging thermal energy between a first fluid (4) flowing in the cooling line (18) and a second fluid (8) flowing in the management line (20).

4. The circuit (1) according to claim 3, wherein The heat exchanger (84) comprises at least a first passage (88) constituting the cooling line (18) and a second passage (90) constituting the management line (20), the expansion member (86) being located between the first passage (88) and the second line (16).

5. Circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one duct (48) extending from the second line (16) to the first line (12), the first fluid (4) flowing through the at least one duct (48), the circuit (1) comprising at least one cooling device (50) for cooling the first fluid (4) flowing in the second line (16), the cold produced by the cooling device (50) being due to the vaporization of the first fluid (4) flowing in the duct (48).

6. The circuit (1) according to claim 5, wherein The supply line (15) is connected to the second line (16) at a separation point (21), the separation point (21) being located on the second line (16) between the heat exchange member (38, 40, 42) and the cooling device (50).

7. The circuit (1) according to claim 6, wherein The supply line (15) is connected to the second line (16) at a separation point (21), the separation point (21) being located on the second line (16) between the separation member (44) and the cooling device (50).

8. Circuit (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least one phase separation member (44) for the first fluid (4) located on the second line (16), the first fluid (4) flowing from the at least one phase separation member (44) to the first tank (2) through the second line (16), the circuit (1) comprising a gas line (46) extending from the at least one phase separation member (44) to the second line (16).

9. The circuit (1) according to claim 5, wherein The supply line (15) extends from the cooling line (18) to the consumer device (17), the branching point (29) between the supply line (15) and the cooling line (18) being located between the cooling device (50) and the cooling unit (24).

10. The circuit (1) according to claim 5, wherein The supply line (15) extends from the cooling line (18) to the consumer device (17), the branching point (29) between the supply line (15) and the cooling line (18) being located between the expansion member (86) of the cooling unit (24) and the cooling device (50).

11. Circuit (1) according to claim 1, comprising a control valve (27) for controlling the flow rate of the first fluid (4) flowing in the supply line (15).

Images