A system and method for detecting displacement of an LNG fuelled vessel during bunkering

Abstract

This invention discloses a displacement detection system and method for LNG-fueled powered vessels during refueling. The system acquires the refueling reference distance of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the refueling end before refueling; it collects the displacement change of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the reference point at the refueling reference distance in real time during refueling; it determines the trend of the distance change of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the refueling end based on the displacement change; and it determines the refueling status of the LNG-fueled powered vessel based on the trend, allowing operators to determine whether to continue the refueling operation based on the refueling status. By comparing the coordinates and position of the LNG-fueled powered vessel with the refueling end when refueling is ready in real time, a warning signal is output when the measured movement distance of the LNG-fueled powered vessel exceeds a first threshold, and an alarm signal is output when it exceeds a second threshold. Upon receiving this alarm signal, the refueling end stops LNG refueling, disconnects the refueling connector, and ensures the safe use of the equipment and the personal safety of relevant operators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ship displacement detection, and in particular to a displacement detection system and method for LNG-fueled ships during refueling. Background Technology

[0002] Ship emissions are a major source of air pollution in shipping routes and port cities. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stipulated that a "sulfur cap" would be implemented globally starting January 1, 2020, and domestically, emission control zones for inland and coastal vessels would be established.

[0003] Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a clean and efficient energy source. The application of LNG in inland waterway vessels is an important measure to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction in inland waterway transportation and to develop green transportation. Coastal areas, the Yangtze River main line, the Xijiang River main line, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal are key locations for the deployment of LNG-fueled ships, LNG bunkering terminals, and LNG bunkering barges.

[0004] LNG bunkering terminals or LNG bunkering barges are used to refuel LNG-fueled vessels. The LNG bunkering terminal and the LNG-fueled vessel are connected by LNG bunkering hoses, bunkering connectors, and breakaway valves. During the bunkering process, if the LNG-fueled vessel drifts away from the LNG bunkering terminal or LNG bunkering barge due to mooring, water level fluctuations, floods during the flood season, or severe winds and waves, and exceeds the maximum distance of the LNG bunkering hose, the breakaway valve will trip. At this time, the LNG bunkering system is still operating, which poses a significant safety hazard and cannot ensure the safe use of the equipment and the personal safety of relevant personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a displacement detection system and method for LNG-fueled powered ships during refueling, aiming to solve the safety hazard caused by the breakage of the refueling hose due to ship drift during LNG refueling, and to improve the personal safety and equipment safety of LNG-fueled powered ships during refueling.

[0006] To address the above technical problems, the present invention provides a displacement detection system for LNG-fueled powered ships during refueling, comprising: a cabinet and a storage device. The cabinet integrates an image acquisition device for acquiring the hull shape of a portion of the LNG-fueled powered ship's side after berthing; a distance sensor for measuring the distance between the LNG-fueled powered ship and the refueling end after berthing; an angle adjustment mechanism for automatically adjusting the angle of the distance sensor based on the images acquired by the image acquisition device; an angle encoder for feeding back the angle of the distance sensor; and a controller for signal transmission and logic processing. The storage device is connected to the cabinet via a signal interface and is used to receive data acquired by the devices within the cabinet, and to store, process, and display the data.

[0007] Optionally, the image acquisition device is communicatively connected to the controller; the ranging sensor and the angle adjustment mechanism are both wired to the analog signal of the controller; and the angle encoder is connected to the controller via a high-speed input interface.

[0008] Optionally, the controller includes a data acquisition module, a data communication module, and a control execution module. The data acquisition module is used to receive data information sent by each connected device, the data communication module is used to provide feedback on the data information, and the control execution module is used to execute corresponding control actions according to the judgment logic.

[0009] Optionally, the angle between the image acquisition device and the angle adjustment mechanism and the horizontal plane is 0°.

[0010] Optionally, an audible and visual alarm may also be included, which is located adjacent to the cabinet and is used to issue a warning or audible and visual alarm upon receiving an alarm signal.

[0011] Optionally, a touch screen is also included. The touch screen is disposed on the outer surface of the cabinet and connected to the controller, and is used to send control signals to the controller and display the received data information in real time.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method for detecting the displacement of an LNG-fueled powered ship during refueling, comprising:

[0013] Obtain the reference distance from the LNG-fueled vessel to the refueling point before refueling;

[0014] Real-time data collection of the displacement change of the LNG-fueled vessel relative to the reference point at the refueling reference distance during the refueling process;

[0015] The trend of the change in distance between the LNG-fueled vessel and the refueling end is determined based on the displacement change.

[0016] The refueling status of the LNG-fueled vessel is determined based on the aforementioned trend, so that operators can determine whether to continue the refueling operation based on the refueling status.

[0017] Optionally, obtaining the reference distance between the LNG-fueled power vessel and the refueling point before refueling includes:

[0018] Acquire images of the hull of an LNG-fueled ship;

[0019] The ship's side image is processed to determine the first angle value of the waterline and deck relative to the image acquisition device.

[0020] Obtain the angle value of the image acquisition device, and determine the second angle value based on the angle value of the image acquisition device and the first angle value;

[0021] The angle of the ranging sensor is adjusted based on the second angle value, and the refueling reference distance measured by the ranging sensor when adjusted to the second angle value is obtained.

[0022] Optionally, the step of acquiring the angle value of the image acquisition device and determining the second angle value based on the angle value of the image acquisition device and the first angle value includes:

[0023] The second angle value is determined according to the formula b = k + 3 / a, where b is the second angle value, a is the first angle value, and k is the angle value of the image acquisition device.

[0024] Optionally, determining the refueling status of the LNG-fueled vessel based on the changing trend, so that the operator can determine whether to continue the refueling operation based on the refueling status, includes:

[0025] If the trend of change is that the LNG fuel-powered vessel is moving away from the refueling end and the distance away is greater than or equal to the warning distance threshold, then the refueling status of the LNG fuel-powered vessel is determined to be a warning status. At this time, the controller controls the audible and visual alarm to issue a warning and outputs a first quantity signal so that the operator can process the signal according to the first quantity signal.

[0026] If the trend of change is that the LNG fuel-powered vessel is moving away from the refueling end and the distance away is greater than or equal to the safety margin L of the refueling hose, then the refueling status of the LNG fuel-powered vessel is determined to be an emergency state. At this time, the controller controls the audible and visual alarm to perform an audible and visual alarm and outputs a second quantity signal so that the operator can stop refueling and disconnect the refueling connector according to the second quantity signal.

[0027] If the trend of change is that the LNG fuel-powered vessel is moving away from the refueling end and the distance away is less than the warning distance threshold, then the refueling status of the LNG fuel-powered vessel is determined to be normal and the refueling operation is performed normally.

[0028] This invention provides a displacement detection system and method for LNG-fueled powered vessels during refueling. The system acquires the refueling reference distance of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the refueling end before refueling; it collects the displacement change of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the reference point at the refueling reference distance in real time during refueling; it determines the trend of the distance change of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the refueling end based on the displacement change; and it determines the refueling status of the LNG-fueled powered vessel based on the trend, so that operators can determine whether to continue the refueling operation based on the refueling status. By comparing the coordinates and position of the LNG-fueled powered vessel with the refueling end when refueling is ready in real time, a warning signal is output when the measured movement distance of the LNG-fueled powered vessel exceeds a first threshold, and an alarm signal is output when it exceeds a second threshold. Upon receiving this alarm signal, the refueling end stops LNG refueling, disconnects the refueling connector, and ensures the safe use of the equipment and the personal safety of relevant operators. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an LNG-fueled power ship displacement detection system during refueling, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a displacement detection system for an LNG-fueled powered ship during refueling, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of a method for detecting the displacement of an LNG-fueled powered ship during refueling, provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refueling process in scenario one provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second scenario of the present invention.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0036] 1-Rack, 2-Storage device, 3-Touch screen, 4-Audio and visual alarm, 5-Image acquisition device, 6-Distance sensor, 7-Angle adjustment mechanism, 8-Angle encoder, 9-Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] When LNG-fueled vessels are refueling with LNG, factors such as mooring, water level fluctuations, floods during the rainy season, and severe winds and waves may cause the LNG-fueled vessels to stray far from the LNG refueling berth. When the vessel exceeds the maximum distance of the LNG refueling hose, the break valve may break. At this time, the LNG refueling system is still running, posing a significant safety hazard and making it impossible to ensure the safe use of the equipment and the personal safety of relevant personnel.

[0039] In view of this, the present invention provides a displacement detection system and method for LNG-fueled powered ships during refueling. The principle is as follows: an image acquisition device and a distance measuring sensor collect data in real time. At this time, the coordinates of the LNG-fueled powered ship's hull image acquired by the image acquisition device change relative to the coordinates of the image acquired when the LNG refueling end is ready to refuel. This allows for the determination of the changing trend of the LNG-fueled powered ship's distance from the LNG refueling end in terms of height, height, forward, and aft. Simultaneously, the distance measured by the distance measuring sensor at angle b changes. This change in distance is used to model the trend of the LNG-fueled powered ship's distance from the refueling end. If the detected distance change trend indicates that the ship is moving away from the refueling end and the distance is greater than or equal to a set distance threshold, an alarm (early warning) is issued, and a quantity signal (ship refueling status) is output to the LNG refueling end to remind operators to handle the situation promptly and avoid malfunctions.

[0040] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is an external structural schematic of a displacement detection system for an LNG-fueled powered ship during refueling, provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The LNG-fueled ship displacement detection system includes a cabinet 1 and a storage device 2. The storage device is connected to the cabinet via a signal interface. The storage device is used to receive data collected by various devices in the cabinet and to store, process, and display the data.

[0042] Preferably, the storage device can be a computer or an LCD monitor.

[0043] Furthermore, a touch screen 3 is also installed on the outer surface of the cabinet. This touch screen is connected to the controller inside the cabinet and is used to send control signals to the controller and display the received data information on the display screen in real time, so that the operator can more intuitively grasp the relevant data dynamics of the detection system and make the correct processing actions in a timely manner based on the relevant information.

[0044] Furthermore, an audible and visual alarm 4 is installed adjacent to the cabinet. When the audible and visual alarm receives an alarm signal, it will issue a warning or sound and light alarm based on the alarm signal. Specifically, when the audible and visual alarm issues a warning, it means a reminder and alert. When the audible and visual alarm issues a sound and light alarm, it means an emergency.

[0045] refer to Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a displacement detection system for an LNG-fueled powered ship during refueling, provided by the present invention and an embodiment.

[0046] The cabinet integrates an image acquisition device for capturing the hull shape of a portion of the LNG-fueled powered vessel's side after berthing; a distance sensor for measuring the distance between the LNG-fueled powered vessel and the refueling end after berthing; an angle adjustment mechanism for automatically adjusting the angle of the distance sensor based on the images acquired by the image acquisition device; an angle encoder for providing feedback on the angle of the distance sensor; and a controller for signal transmission and logic processing.

[0047] Furthermore, the data from the image acquisition device is connected to the controller via communication, the distance sensor is connected to the controller via a 4-20mA (analog signal) connection, the controller outputs a 4-20mA signal to the angle adjustment mechanism, the angle encoder is connected to the controller via a high-speed input interface, and the LNG refueling end's refueling preparation signal is connected to the controller via a switch signal.

[0048] Furthermore, the controller includes a data acquisition module, a data communication module, and a control execution module. The data acquisition module is used to receive data information sent by each connected device, the data communication module is used to provide feedback on the data information, and the control execution module is used to execute corresponding control actions according to the judgment logic.

[0049] Furthermore, the angle between the image acquisition device and the angle adjustment mechanism and the horizontal plane is 0°.

[0050] This invention provides a displacement detection system for LNG-fueled powered vessels during refueling. It integrates an image acquisition device, a distance sensor, an angle adjustment mechanism, an angle encoder, a controller, and a storage device connected to a cabinet. The system locates and measures the berthing position of the LNG-fueled powered vessel before refueling and monitors the relative drift distance of the vessel relative to its berthing position in real time during refueling. It sets up audible and visual alarms and corresponding warning conditions. Whether the warning conditions are triggered based on the trend of relative drift distance changes serves as the criterion for determining the refueling status of the vessel, allowing operators to take appropriate actions based on the alarm prompts. Furthermore, a touchscreen on the outer surface of the cabinet allows operators to more intuitively and conveniently grasp relevant refueling and dynamic displacement information of the LNG-fueled powered vessel during refueling, and to perform corresponding settings and actions through the touchscreen. This ensures the safety of the equipment and the personal safety of the operators during the LNG-fueled powered vessel refueling process.

[0051] Accordingly, the present invention also provides, for example Figure 3 The method for detecting displacement of an LNG-fueled ship during refueling, as shown, includes the following steps:

[0052] S11. Obtain the reference distance between the LNG fuel-powered vessel and the refueling end before refueling.

[0053] After the controller receives the LNG refueling preparation signal from the LNG refueling terminal, it acquires images of the LNG-fueled ship's hull using an image acquisition device and processes the images, specifically denoising, parsing, and interpreting them. Based on the processing results, edge extraction and coordinate extraction are performed using the waterline and deck as two vertices to determine the angle α between these two points, which is used as the first angle value.

[0054] Furthermore, the angle of the image acquisition device itself is obtained, and the second angle value is determined using the formula b = k + 3 / a, where b is the second angle value, a is the first angle value, and k is the angle value of the image acquisition device. After obtaining angle b, the controller outputs a 4-20mA signal to the angle adjustment mechanism, causing the angle adjustment mechanism to drive the distance sensor to angle b. The angle encoder feeds back the real-time angle to the controller to determine the actual angle b reached by the angle adjustment mechanism. The distance measured by the distance sensor at angle b is used as the refueling reference distance M for this refueling. Figure 4 The diagram shown illustrates the first scenario of LNG bunkering on a LNG-fueled ship, with the bunkering end being an LNG bunkering barge. Figure 5The diagram shows a second scenario for LNG-fueled ship refueling. The refueling end is an LNG refueling terminal. It can be understood that, regardless of whether the refueling end is an LNG refueling barge or an LNG refueling terminal, the cabinet is set at the refueling end position closest to the LNG-fueled ship. This setting allows for more precise detection of the relative displacement of the receiving end relative to the refueling end, as well as the amount of change in relative displacement.

[0055] S12. Real-time acquisition of the displacement change of the LNG-fueled vessel relative to the reference point at the refueling reference distance during the refueling process.

[0056] S13. Determine the trend of the distance between the LNG-fueled vessel and the refueling end based on the displacement change.

[0057] Furthermore, during the refueling process, the positioning and displacement information of the LNG-fueled vessel is collected in real time using image acquisition devices and distance sensors. The displacement change of the LNG-fueled vessel relative to the reference point at the refueling reference distance is obtained. The displacement change is used to model and determine the changing trend of the distance between the LNG-fueled vessel and the refueling end.

[0058] S14. Determine the refueling status of the LNG-fueled vessel based on the changing trend, so that the operator can determine whether to continue the refueling operation based on the refueling status.

[0059] Furthermore, the refueling status of LNG-fueled vessels is determined based on the changing trends, including "normal status," "warning status," and "emergency status."

[0060] If the trend of change is that the vessel is moving away from the refueling point and the distance of this movement is greater than or equal to the warning distance threshold, then the refueling status of the LNG-fueled vessel is determined to be a warning status. At this time, the controller controls the audible and visual alarm to issue a warning and output the first signal (the vessel is moving away from the refueling berth), so that the operators can take action based on the first signal, close the distance, and avoid malfunctions.

[0061] If the trend of change is that the vessel is moving away from the refueling end and the distance away is greater than or equal to the safety margin L of the refueling hose, then the refueling status of the LNG fuel-powered vessel is determined to be an emergency state. At this time, the controller controls the audible and visual alarm to issue an audible and visual alarm and outputs a second signal (the vessel has exceeded the safety distance), so that the operator can take timely action based on the second signal, stop refueling, disconnect the refueling connector, and ensure the safety of the equipment and the personal safety of the operator.

[0062] If the trend of change is that the vessel is moving away from the refueling end and the distance away is less than the warning distance threshold, then the refueling status of the LNG fuel-powered vessel is determined to be normal, and the refueling operation is executed normally.

[0063] Understandably, by setting two threshold conditions, the LNG refueling process is enhanced with two lines of defense. The first threshold condition is set based on a warning distance threshold to alert the refueling vessel that it is drifting. The second threshold condition is set based on the safety margin of the refueling hose, urgently notifying the refueling vessel of the imminent risk of the break-off valve breaking, which could damage the equipment and seriously threaten the personal safety of the operators. This allows the operators to take appropriate action based on the notification, namely, to stop LNG refueling and disconnect the refueling connector. Since the refueling hose is at risk of breaking the break-off valve at any time, and the vessel's initial movement speed is slow, to avoid the refueling hose breaking during the adjustment of the refueling vessel's displacement, which could cause equipment damage and threaten personnel safety, the first option after receiving the audible and visual alarm is to stop refueling and disconnect the refueling connector.

[0064] This invention provides a method for detecting the displacement of an LNG-fueled powered vessel during refueling. The method involves acquiring the refueling reference distance of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the refueling end before refueling; real-time acquisition of the displacement change of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the reference point at the refueling reference distance during refueling; determining the trend of the distance change of the LNG-fueled powered vessel relative to the refueling end based on the displacement change; and determining the refueling status of the LNG-fueled powered vessel based on the trend, so that operators can determine whether to continue the refueling operation based on the refueling status. By setting up multiple warning lines during the LNG-fueled powered vessel refueling process, the method accurately determines whether the refueling operation can continue, whether to adjust the displacement of the receiving vessel, or whether to stop refueling directly. This not only ensures the safety of equipment and personnel but also achieves real-time monitoring of the relative positions of the refueling and receiving ends, improving refueling safety.

[0065] The above describes a displacement detection system and method for LNG-fueled powered ships during refueling, provided by embodiments of the present invention. The various embodiments are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since it corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to in the method section. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functions using different methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the invention. The steps of the methods or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly in hardware, software modules executed by a processor, or a combination of both. Software modules can be located in random access memory (RAM), main memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the displacement of an LNG-fueled powered ship during refueling, characterized in that, The method relies on the displacement detection system of the LNG-fueled powered ship during the refueling process. The system includes a cabinet and a storage device. The cabinet integrates an image acquisition device for capturing the hull shape of a portion of the LNG-fueled powered vessel's side after berthing; a distance sensor for measuring the distance between the LNG-fueled powered vessel and the refueling end after berthing; an angle adjustment mechanism for automatically adjusting the angle of the distance sensor based on the images acquired by the image acquisition device; an angle encoder for providing feedback on the angle of the distance sensor; and a controller for signal transmission and logic processing. The storage device is connected to the cabinet via a signal interface and is used to receive data acquired by the devices within the cabinet, and to store, process, and display the data. The method includes: Acquire images of the hull side of an LNG-fueled power ship; process the data in the hull side images and determine the first angle values ​​of the waterline and deck relative to the image acquisition device; Obtain the angle value of the image acquisition device, and determine the second angle value according to the formula b=k+3 / a, where b is the second angle value, a is the first angle value, and k is the angle value of the image acquisition device; The angle of the ranging sensor is adjusted based on the second angle value, and the refueling reference distance measured by the ranging sensor when adjusted to the second angle value is obtained. Real-time data collection of the displacement change of the LNG-fueled vessel relative to the reference point at the refueling reference distance during the refueling process; The trend of the change in distance between the LNG-fueled vessel and the refueling end is determined based on the displacement change. The refueling status of the LNG-fueled vessel is determined based on the aforementioned trend, so that operators can determine whether to continue the refueling operation based on the refueling status.

2. The method for detecting displacement of an LNG-fueled powered ship during refueling according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the refueling status of the LNG-fueled vessel based on the changing trend, so that operators can determine whether to continue the refueling operation based on the refueling status, includes: If the trend of change is that the LNG fuel-powered vessel is moving away from the refueling end and the distance away is greater than or equal to the warning distance threshold, then the refueling status of the LNG fuel-powered vessel is determined to be a warning status. At this time, the controller controls the audible and visual alarm to issue a warning and outputs a first quantity signal so that the operator can process the signal according to the first quantity signal. If the trend of change is that the LNG fuel-powered vessel is moving away from the refueling end and the distance away is greater than or equal to the safety margin L of the refueling hose, then the refueling status of the LNG fuel-powered vessel is determined to be an emergency state. At this time, the controller controls the audible and visual alarm to perform an audible and visual alarm and outputs a second quantity signal so that the operator can stop refueling and disconnect the refueling connector according to the second quantity signal. If the trend of change is that the LNG fuel-powered vessel is moving away from the refueling end and the distance away is less than the warning distance threshold, then the refueling status of the LNG fuel-powered vessel is determined to be normal and the refueling operation is performed normally.

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