Methanol system for a large container ship

Abstract

The application discloses a methanol system of a large container ship, which comprises a methanol filling unit, a methanol storage cabin unit, a methanol daily use cabin unit, a fuel preparation room unit, a main engine methanol liquid supply and purging unit, a generator methanol liquid supply unit, a boiler methanol liquid supply unit and a methanol liquid supply cooling unit. The methanol system further optimizes various systems of a methanol dual-fuel ship, and promotes the popularization and use of the methanol dual-fuel ship.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shipbuilding technology, and more specifically to a methanol system for large container ships. Background Technology

[0002] The current global energy landscape urgently requires a faster transformation; a single, simplistic solution cannot achieve this transformation. A transformation driven by new technologies and services, centered on the three core principles of "energy efficiency," "clean energy," and "circular economy," is urgently needed to stimulate innovative thinking. With increasingly stringent emission requirements, dual-fuel ships, as a cleaner emission solution, are gradually being adopted in the shipping industry. Methanol, as a low-flash-point liquid fuel operating at normal temperature and pressure, is attracting increasing attention from shipowners. However, because dual-fuel ships using methanol are still in their early stages, several problems exist in their construction and operation. The following issues have been identified:

[0003] 1. After methanol refueling is completed, the existing nitrogen purging system is unable to completely purge the methanol remaining in the refueling pipeline.

[0004] 2. Due to the limited deck area of ​​the ship, the internal space of the refueling station is limited, and the operating space for personnel is small.

[0005] 3. Difficulty in cleaning methanol storage tanks.

[0006] 4. The methanol daily use tank only has the function of filling and does not have the function of cleaning the tank itself, making cleaning and handling difficult.

[0007] 5. There is a risk of methanol leakage in the fuel preparation room. However, the ventilation capacity of the fuel preparation room is poor and there is no ability to clean up the leaked methanol in a timely manner, which poses a serious safety hazard.

[0008] 6. Using conventional nitrogen purging for the main unit's methanol supply system results in low efficiency and high gas consumption.

[0009] 7. Methanol residue may remain on the outer pipe of the double-walled methanol supply line of the generator. This residue can corrode the relevant pipeline valves and components, leading to serious methanol leakage.

[0010] 8. The purging technology for the boiler methanol supply pipeline is not mature, and there are safety hazards in the boiler methanol supply.

[0011] 9. The existing methanol heat exchange and cooling system not only has safety hazards, but also cannot guarantee that the temperature of the methanol after heat exchange meets the requirements for entering the machine.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a methanol system for large container ships to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a methanol system for large container ships, further optimizing various systems of methanol dual-fuel ships, and promoting the widespread use of methanol dual-fuel ships.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0015] A methanol system for a large container ship includes a methanol refueling unit, a methanol storage tank unit, a methanol day tank unit, a fuel preparation room unit, a main engine methanol supply purging unit, a generator methanol supply unit, a boiler methanol supply unit, and a methanol supply cooling unit.

[0016] Preferably, the methanol refueling unit includes refueling stations and a nitrogen purging system respectively located on the port and starboard sides of the ship. Each refueling station is equipped with two liquid phase pipes and two gas phase pipes, arranged in a VLLV configuration. The liquid phase pipes at the refueling stations are connected to three methanol storage tanks via an inlet valve, passing through the methanol pump compartment. A refueling valve assembly is installed on the liquid phase pipe upstream of the inlet valve. The gas phase pipes at the refueling stations are connected to the three methanol storage tanks via a return gas valve, passing through the methanol pump compartment. A return gas valve assembly is installed on the gas phase pipe upstream of the return gas valve. Each methanol storage tank is equipped with a deep-well pump, and the outlet of the deep-well pump is connected to a methanol venting tank via a pipeline. The nitrogen purging system includes components located at the refueling stations... The first purge port is connected to the liquid phase pipe at the front end of the liquid inlet valve. The liquid phase pipe at the front end of the liquid inlet valve is also equipped with a residual discharge valve. The residual discharge valve is connected to the methanol release chamber through a pipeline. The nitrogen purging system also includes a second purge port and a third purge port installed in the methanol pump chamber. The second purge port is connected to the gas phase pipe, and the third purge port is connected to the pipeline between the deep well pump and the methanol release chamber. The connection ends of the liquid phase pipe and the gas phase pipe to the methanol storage chamber are equipped with remote control valves. The outlet end of the deep well pump is equipped with a remote control valve. The refueling station is semi-enclosed. A gantry crane is installed above the refueling station, and a grid is installed at the bottom of the refueling station. A side railing is installed on the near-board side of the refueling station. The height of the side railing is matched with the height of the liquid phase pipe.

[0017] Preferably, the methanol storage unit includes a first methanol storage tank, a second methanol storage tank, and a third methanol storage tank arranged adjacent to each other. Each of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks is equipped with a deep-well pump. Each of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks has a recessed suction well at its bottom. The suction end of the deep-well pump extends into the suction well. A fixed support is provided between the suction end of the deep-well pump and the edge of the suction well. A connecting valve is provided between adjacent methanol storage tanks. The connecting valve is located at the bottom of the methanol storage tank. A remote control pipe is connected above the connecting valve, and the top of the remote control pipe extends to the outside of the top wall of the methanol storage tank. An isolation chamber wall surrounds the outside of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks. An isolation chamber is established between the walls of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks and the isolation chamber wall. Spray pipes are provided on both sides of the isolation chamber. The bottom outlets of the two spray pipes are connected to both ends of a horizontal spray pipe. Spray heads are evenly distributed on the horizontal spray pipe in the horizontal direction. A bilge spray pump is provided at the bottom of the isolation chamber. The outlet pipe of the bilge spray pump is connected to a shore discharge joint and an overboard discharge joint.

[0018] Preferably, the methanol daily use tank unit includes a methanol daily use tank and first, second, and third methanol storage tanks. Each of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks is equipped with a deep well pump. The outlet of each deep well pump is connected to its corresponding transfer branch pipe. A remote control valve is installed on each transfer branch pipe. The three transfer branch pipes converge into a main transfer pipe. The outlet of the main transfer pipe is connected to the bottom of the methanol daily use tank. The methanol daily use tank is located above the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks. A high-level sensor is installed above the interior of the methanol daily use tank, and a low-level sensor is installed below the interior of the methanol daily use tank. A temperature sensor is installed on the main transfer pipe. The high-level sensor, low-level sensor, and temperature sensor are interlocked with the three deep well pumps, and the temperature sensor is interlocked with the three remote control valves. An inert gas inerting purge pipe is located at the top of the methanol daily use tank.

[0019] Preferably, the fuel preparation room unit includes a fuel preparation room ventilation system and a fuel preparation room methanol collection and release intelligent collection system. The fuel preparation room ventilation system includes a fresh air duct system, an exhaust air duct system, a fire extinguishing system, a methanol gas detection system, a control platform, and a double-walled waterproof ventilation system for the fuel preparation room. The fresh air duct system, exhaust air duct system, fire extinguishing system, and methanol gas detection system are all connected to the control platform. The fresh air duct system includes several fresh air branch pipes distributed above the fuel preparation room, which converge into a main fresh air duct. The main fresh air duct is equipped with a shut-off damper at the passageway and an air inlet louver at the air inlet. The exhaust air duct system includes several exhaust air branch pipes distributed below the fuel preparation room, which converge into an exhaust air duct. The main exhaust duct is equipped with a shut-off damper at the passageway. An explosion-proof exhaust fan is installed at the exhaust outlet of the main exhaust duct. A gas flow sensor is installed inside the main exhaust duct. The fire extinguishing system includes a fire detector and an alcohol-resistant foam extinguishing unit installed inside the fuel preparation room. The methanol gas detection system includes a methanol vapor sensor installed inside the methanol fuel preparation room. The methanol vapor sensor is used to detect whether there is methanol vapor leakage in the methanol fuel preparation room. If methanol vapor leakage is detected, the methanol vapor sensor sends a leakage signal to the control platform. The control platform sends signals to the fresh air duct system and the exhaust duct system respectively, opening the shut-off damper and air inlet louvers of the fresh air duct system and the shut-off damper and explosion-proof exhaust fan of the exhaust duct system, respectively. The damper and explosion-proof exhaust fan are interlocked. If the corresponding shut-off damper is closed, the explosion-proof exhaust fan cannot start. If an open flame is detected, the fire alarm detector sends a fire alarm signal to the control platform. The control platform sends signals to the fresh air duct system, exhaust duct system, and fire extinguishing system, respectively closing the shut-off damper and air inlet louvers of the fresh air duct system and the shut-off damper and explosion-proof exhaust fan of the exhaust duct system, and starting the alcohol-resistant foam extinguishing unit of the fire extinguishing system. The double-walled waterproof ventilation system of the fuel preparation room includes a ventilation duct connected to the outer pipe of the double-walled ventilation system of the fuel preparation room. The inlet of the ventilation duct is equipped with a mushroom-shaped ventilation duct or a gooseneck ventilation duct. The inner walls of the mushroom-shaped ventilation duct or gooseneck ventilation duct are alternately equipped with inclined baffles. A drain pipe is opened at the fixed connection between the inclined baffle and the inner wall. The system includes a drain hole and a drain valve on the drain pipe. The intelligent methanol collection and discharge system in the fuel preparation room comprises a collection device located below the main engine high and low pressure supply unit, the auxiliary engine high and low pressure supply unit, the generator booster pump, and the boiler methanol supply pump. Each collection device is equipped with a level alarm. A discharge branch pipe is located below the collection device, and each discharge branch pipe is equipped with a remote control valve. The remote control valve of the same collection device is interlocked with the level alarm. Each discharge branch pipe converges into a main discharge pipe, which connects to the methanol discharge chamber. A discharge pump is installed on the main discharge pipe, and the discharge pump is interlocked with all level alarms. The methanol discharge chamber is connected to a shore discharge connector via a pipeline. The shore discharge connector discharges methanol to the shore via the discharge pump. The shore discharge connector is equipped with an ESD cut-off button for the discharge pump.

[0020] Preferably, the main unit methanol supply purging unit includes a methanol daily use compartment, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of a methanol supply pump, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of a main unit heat exchanger, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of a main unit methanol supply double-wall pipe, and a first return pipe and a first fresh water purging pipe are sequentially connected on the pipeline between the outlet of the main unit heat exchanger and the inlet of the main unit methanol supply double-wall pipe. A first isolation valve is provided between the first return pipe and the main unit heat exchanger, and a second isolation valve is provided between the first return pipe and the first fresh water purging pipe. The outlet of the first return pipe is connected to the inlet of a purging and venting cabinet, and a [missing information - likely a device or equipment] is provided on the first return pipe. There is a return valve. The first return pipe between the return valve and the purge and release tank is connected to the second fresh water purge pipe. The outlet of the main unit's methanol supply double-wall pipe is connected to the inlet of the purge and release tank. The pipeline between the methanol supply pump and the main unit's heat exchanger is connected to the second return pipe. The second return pipe is equipped with a first switching valve. One outlet of the first switching valve is connected to the inlet of the purge and release tank, and the other outlet is connected to the inlet of the methanol day tank. The pipeline between the methanol supply pump and the methanol day tank is equipped with a second switching valve. The outlet of the purge and release tank is connected to the second switching valve. Both the first and second fresh water purge pipes are equipped with purge inlet valves.

[0021] Preferably, the generator methanol supply unit includes a generator methanol supply double-wall pipe residual liquid collection system. The generator methanol supply double-wall pipe residual liquid collection system includes a generator methanol supply double-wall pipe connected to the methanol generator. The outer pipe at the top of the generator methanol supply double-wall pipe is connected to a nitrogen purging system. The outer pipe at the bottom of the generator methanol supply double-wall pipe is equipped with a residual liquid collection pipe. The bottom end of the residual liquid collection pipe is connected to a vent valve. The upper end of the residual liquid collection pipe is equipped with a liquid level alarm device. The vent valve is connected to the methanol inlet valve of the methanol vacuum collection tank through a first hose. The methanol vacuum collection tank is equipped with an exhaust valve at the top and a methanol outlet valve at the bottom. The exhaust valve is connected to the suction port of a pneumatic vacuum pump through a second hose. The pneumatic vacuum pump is connected to a daily air cylinder. A pressure reducing valve is provided between the pneumatic vacuum pump and the daily air cylinder. The vent valve, methanol outlet valve, methanol inlet valve, and exhaust valve are all hose valves. Both ends of the first hose and the second hose are equipped with quick connectors.

[0022] Preferably, the boiler methanol supply unit includes a boiler methanol transfer unit located in the fuel preparation room and a methanol main valve unit and a boiler burner unit located in the engine room. The boiler methanol transfer unit, methanol main valve unit, and boiler burner unit are all single-layer pipe configurations. The boiler methanol transfer unit includes a boiler methanol supply pump connected to the methanol day use compartment via a pipeline. The outlet end of the boiler methanol supply pump is connected to the inlet end of the boiler heat exchanger. The methanol main valve unit is connected to the boiler methanol transfer unit via a boiler methanol supply double-wall pipe. The inlet end of the inner pipe of the boiler methanol supply double-wall pipe is connected to the outlet end of the boiler heat exchanger. The outlet end is connected to the inlet end of the methanol main valve. The inlet end of the atomizing oil gun of the boiler burner unit is connected to the outlet end of the methanol main valve. The methanol main valve unit has a shell, and the boiler burner unit has an outer cavity. The outer pipe of the boiler methanol supply double wall pipe, the shell of the methanol main valve unit, and the outer cavity of the boiler burner unit are sequentially sealed and connected. The top of the outer cavity of the boiler burner unit near the boiler is connected to the air inlet pipe. The top of the outer pipe of the boiler methanol supply double wall pipe near the engine room inlet is connected to the air outlet pipe. The air outlet of the air outlet pipe is equipped with a terminal fan and a gas detector. The air outlet is located in a safe area. The rear end of the methanol main valve is sequentially equipped with a flow meter, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0023] Preferably, the methanol supply cooling unit is an ethylene glycol-cooled methanol system. This system includes a methanol cooling unit located in the fuel preparation room and an ethylene glycol cooling unit located in the engine room. Each methanol cooling unit includes a main engine heat exchanger, a generator heat exchanger, and an ethylene glycol storage tank. Each ethylene glycol cooling unit includes an ethylene glycol pump assembly, a cryogenic water heat exchanger, and an ethylene glycol-water solution heat exchanger. The outlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol pump assembly via a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol pump assembly is connected to the inlet of the cryogenic water heat exchanger via a pipeline. The outlet of the cryogenic water heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol-water solution heat exchanger and the inlet of a flow regulating valve via pipelines. The generator heat exchanger includes a first ethylene glycol inlet pipe and a first ethylene glycol return pipe. The main unit heat exchanger includes a second ethylene glycol inlet pipe and a second ethylene glycol return pipe. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first ethylene glycol inlet pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the first ethylene glycol inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the first ethylene glycol return pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the first ethylene glycol return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank via a pipeline. The outlet of the flow regulating valve is connected to the inlet of the second ethylene glycol inlet pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the second ethylene glycol inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second ethylene glycol return pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the second ethylene glycol return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank via a pipeline. The cryogenic water heat exchanger includes a cryogenic water inlet pipe and a cryogenic water return pipe. A first three-way temperature control valve is installed on the warm water return pipe and the low-temperature water inlet pipe. The first three-way temperature control valve is connected to the low-temperature water return pipe through a first bypass pipe. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution heat exchanger includes an ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe and an ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe through a pipeline. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit includes a dosing tank. The dosing tank is equipped with a dosing port and an automatic exhaust valve at the top. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit includes a refrigeration compressor unit. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit includes an ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump, a static storage tank, and an expansion tank. The static storage tank is equipped with a discharge valve at the top and a drain pipe at the bottom. The outlet of the expansion tank is connected to the inlet of the static storage tank through a pipeline. A water supply pipe is connected between the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit and the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit. The inlet of the water supply pipe is connected to an automatic water supply valve group. A second three-way temperature control valve is provided on the ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe. The second three-way temperature control valve is connected to the ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe through a second bypass pipe. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution is a 50% ethylene glycol aqueous solution.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0025] 1. It reduces the number of purging pipe fittings at the refueling station, and at the same time, it can blow methanol residue from the liquid phase pipe into the methanol release chamber, clearing the methanol residue in the pipeline while completing the inerting operation of the pipeline.

[0026] 2. Make full use of the internal space structure of the refueling station so that the methanol refueling equipment can be fully arranged in the semi-enclosed refueling station. Use a combination of side railings and overhead cranes instead of hose saddles and hose cranes. Refueling can be completed without occupying extra deck space.

[0027] 3. A corresponding suction well is set at the suction port of the deep well pump in each methanol storage tank. The last remaining methanol in the methanol storage tank is collected in the suction well and sucked out by the deep well pump. There is no need to clean the entire methanol storage tank, which reduces the difficulty of cleaning.

[0028] 4. A connecting valve is installed between two adjacent methanol storage tanks. When the deep well pump of one of the methanol storage tanks fails, the connecting valve of the adjacent methanol storage tank is opened, and the methanol in the adjacent methanol storage tank is transferred using the deep well pump of the adjacent methanol storage tank.

[0029] 5. Installing a spray system in the isolation chamber can dilute the leaked methanol regardless of its size. The diluted methanol can then be removed using a bilge pump, eliminating the need for a ventilation system in the isolation chamber.

[0030] 6. The methanol daily use tank can be vented by gravity or by pumping it from the methanol daily use tank to the methanol storage tank using a deep well pump; nitrogen purging of the methanol daily use tank improves the air purging performance of the methanol daily use tank.

[0031] 7. The methanol day tank uses a single pipeline for both fuel filling and discharge, serving two purposes with one pipe. This eliminates the need for a separate discharge pipeline, solving the problems of insufficient space for pipeline layout on the main deck of container ships and the difficulty of pipe protection. It also avoids the need for additional openings in the methanol storage tank, reducing the number of leakage points and making it safer and more reliable.

[0032] 8. By connecting various systems through a control platform, it is not necessary to shut down the system on-site when methanol leakage or fire occurs in the fuel preparation room, thus avoiding personnel injury.

[0033] 9. When starting the fresh air duct system and exhaust duct system, it can ensure that the fuel preparation room is always under negative pressure, preventing methanol vapor from flowing out of the methanol fuel preparation room.

[0034] 10. An intelligent interlocking system is adopted, which automatically collects and transports the leaked methanol in the event of a methanol leak in the methanol fuel preparation room, preventing harm to personnel from methanol vapor and improving the safety factor of ship operation.

[0035] 11. Marine pressurized fresh water is used to purge the residual methanol in the methanol supply pipeline, replacing the nitrogen purging used in existing ships. The purging effect and energy efficiency are significantly improved, effectively reducing the energy consumption of nitrogen production and pressurization, and eliminating the need for the configuration and layout of related nitrogen production equipment, pressurization and storage equipment.

[0036] 12. A purge and vent cabinet was designed and connected to the methanol supply system. The methanol-water mixture is delivered to the main engine methanol nozzle through the methanol supply system. In fuel mode, the mixture can be injected into the cylinder for mixing and combustion, reducing waste liquid treatment and subsequent pollution.

[0037] 13. A vent valve and a level alarm are installed at the lowest point of the outer pipe of the double-walled methanol supply pipe to the generator. Once the alarm is triggered by residual methanol, the residual methanol can be dealt with immediately. Flexible hose valves with quick-connect fittings are used at the connection points for easier and faster operation.

[0038] 14. The outer pipe of the double-walled methanol supply pipe of the boiler, the outer shell of the methanol main valve unit and the outer cavity of the boiler burner unit are sequentially sealed and connected, and ventilation pipes are installed, which increases the reliability of the methanol supply system.

[0039] 15. By using ethylene glycol as an intermediate medium to isolate methanol from cooling water, it is ensured that there will be no safety hazards due to leakage during the heat exchange and cooling process of methanol.

[0040] 16. The two-stage cooling system, consisting of a low-temperature water heat exchanger and an ethylene glycol aqueous solution heat exchanger, ensures that methanol meets the respective requirements of the methanol generator and methanol engine before entering them. By controlling the temperature of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution, the temperature of ethylene glycol as a heat exchange medium is kept stable, which indirectly ensures the stability of methanol as a fuel and plays a positive role in promoting the use of methanol fuel. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of the methanol system.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline at the refueling station;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline for the methanol refueling unit;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the refueling station;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the piping for the methanol storage unit;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the piping between the isolation chamber and the methanol storage chamber;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the piping for the methanol daytime use compartment unit;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the ventilation system in the fuel preparation room;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the piping of the ventilation system in the fuel preparation room;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fungus-shaped ventilation duct;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the gooseneck ventilation duct;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline of the intelligent collection system for methanol liquid discharge in the fuel preparation room;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline for the main unit's methanol supply purging unit;

[0054] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline for the methanol supply unit of the generator;

[0055] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline for the boiler's methanol supply unit;

[0056] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the piping for the methanol supply cooling unit;

[0057] Among them, 1-liquid phase pipe, 2-gas phase pipe, 3-liquid inlet valve, 4-methanol pump compartment, 5-methanol storage compartment, 6-filling valve assembly, 7-return gas valve, 8-return gas valve assembly, 9-methanol venting compartment, 10-first purge port, 11-residual discharge valve, 12-second purge port, 13-third purge port, 14-overhead crane, 15-side railing, 16-vent pipe, 17-deep well pump, 18-oil suction well, 19-connecting valve, 20-isolation compartment, 21-spray head, 22-bottom jet pump, 23-methanol daily use compartment, 24-high liquid level sensor, 25-low liquid level sensor, 26-fresh air main pipe, 27-exhaust air main pipe, 28-methanol 29-Steam sensor, 30-Explosion-proof exhaust fan, 31-Inclined baffle, 32-Collection device, 33-Relief pump, 34-Drainage connector, 35-Main unit heat exchanger, 36-Main unit methanol supply double-wall pipe, 37-First return pipe, 38-First freshwater purge pipe, 39-First isolation valve, 40-Second isolation valve, 41-Return valve, 42-Second freshwater purge pipe, 43-Second return pipe, 44-First switching valve, 45-Second switching valve, 46-Purge and relief cabinet, 47-Purge inlet valve, 48-Generator methanol supply double-wall pipe, 49-Residual liquid collection pipe, 50-First hose, 51-Methanol 52-Methanol vacuum collection tank, 53-Methanol inlet valve, 54-Methanol outlet valve, 55-Second hose, 56-Pneumatic vacuum pump, 57-Daily air cylinder, 58-Pressure reducing valve, 59-Boiler methanol transfer unit, 60-Methanol main valve unit, 61-Boiler burner unit, 62-Boiler methanol supply pump, 63-Boiler heat exchanger, 64-Boiler methanol liquid supply double-wall pipe, 65-Methanol main valve, 66-Atomizing oil gun, 67-Air inlet pipe, 68-Air outlet pipe, 69-Terminal fan, 70-Gas detector, 71-Generator heat exchanger, 72-Ethylene glycol storage tank, 73-Ethylene glycol pump set, 74-Cryogenic Water heat exchanger, 75-Ethylene glycol aqueous solution heat exchanger, 76-Flow regulating valve, 77-First ethylene glycol inlet pipe, 78-First ethylene glycol return pipe, 79-Second ethylene glycol inlet pipe, 80-Second ethylene glycol return pipe, 81-Cryogenic water inlet pipe, 82-Cryogenic water return pipe, 83-First three-way thermostatic valve, 84-Ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe, 85-Ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe, 86-Dosing tank, 87-Refrigeration compressor unit, 88-Ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump, 89-Static storage tank, 90-Expansion tank, 91-Automatic water replenishment valve assembly, 92-Second three-way thermostatic valve, 93-Refilling station, 94-Main unit, 95-Generator, 96-Boiler Detailed Implementation

[0058] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. After reading this invention, any modifications of the invention in various equivalent forms by those skilled in the art will fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0059] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," "fixed connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] In this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "bottom," and "top" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely relational terms determined for the convenience of describing the structural relationship of the various components or elements of this invention, and do not specifically refer to any component or element in this invention, and should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0061] A methanol system for a large container ship includes a methanol refueling unit, a methanol storage tank unit, a methanol day tank unit, a fuel preparation room unit, a main engine methanol supply purging unit, a generator methanol supply unit, a boiler methanol supply unit, and a methanol supply cooling unit.

[0062] like Figure 2-4As shown, the methanol refueling unit includes refueling stations and a nitrogen purging system located on the port and starboard sides of the ship, respectively. Each refueling station is equipped with two liquid phase pipes 1 and two gas phase pipes 2, arranged in a VLLV configuration. The liquid phase pipes at the refueling stations connect to three methanol storage tanks 5 via an inlet valve 3, passing through a methanol pump compartment 4. A refueling valve assembly 6 is installed on the liquid phase pipe upstream of the inlet valve. The gas phase pipes at the refueling stations connect to the three methanol storage tanks via a return gas valve 7, passing through a methanol pump compartment 8. A deep-well pump is installed in each methanol storage tank, and the outlet of the deep-well pump is connected to a methanol venting tank 9 via a pipeline. The nitrogen purging system includes refueling stations located on the port and starboard sides of the ship. The first purge port 10 is connected to the liquid phase pipe at the front end of the liquid inlet valve. The liquid phase pipe at the front end of the liquid inlet valve is also equipped with a residual discharge valve 11, which is connected to the methanol release chamber through a pipeline. The nitrogen purging system also includes a second purge port 12 and a third purge port 13, which are also installed in the methanol pump chamber. The second purge port is connected to the gas phase pipe, and the third purge port is connected to the pipeline between the deep well pump and the methanol release chamber. Remote control valves are installed at the connection ends of the liquid phase pipe and the gas phase pipe with the methanol storage chamber. A remote control valve is installed at the outlet end of the deep well pump. The refueling station adopts a semi-enclosed setting. A gantry crane 14 is installed above the refueling station, and a grid is installed at the bottom of the refueling station. A side railing 15 is installed on the near-side of the refueling station, and the height of the side railing is matched with the height of the liquid phase pipe.

[0063] The principle and operation of the methanol refueling unit: When methanol needs to be refueled, the refueling hose of the tanker truck is placed on the side railing. The refueling hose is connected to the liquid phase pipe through the cooperation of the side railing and the overhead crane. This eliminates the need to set up a saddle and hose crane on the deck, saving deck space and increasing the operating space for personnel.

[0064] After the filling operation is completed, close all remote control valves at the connection points of the liquid phase pipe and gas phase pipe to the methanol storage tank, and simultaneously close the remote control valve at the outlet of the deep well pump. Close the inlet valve of the liquid phase pipe, purge the filling valve assembly of the liquid phase pipe through the first purging port, and purge the residual methanol in the filling valve assembly pipeline into the methanol release chamber through the residual discharge valve; then close the isolation valve in the filling valve assembly, open the inlet valve of the liquid phase pipe, purge the liquid phase pipe downstream of the inlet valve through the first purging port, and purge the residual methanol in the pipeline into the methanol release chamber; purge the residual methanol in the gas phase pipe into the atmosphere through the second purging port via the vent pipe 16; and purge the residual methanol in the pipeline between the deep well pump and the methanol release chamber into the methanol release chamber through the third purging port, thus completing the purging operation.

[0065] like Figure 5-6As shown, the methanol storage unit includes three adjacent methanol storage tanks: a first methanol storage tank, a second methanol storage tank, and a third methanol storage tank. Each of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks is equipped with a deep-well pump 17. Each of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks has a recessed suction well 18 at its bottom. The suction port of the deep-well pump extends into the suction well, and a fixed support is provided between the suction port of the deep-well pump and the edge of the suction well. A connecting valve 19 is provided between adjacent methanol storage tanks. The connecting valve is located at the bottom of the methanol storage tank, and a remote control tube is connected above the connecting valve. The top of the pipe extends to the outside of the top wall of the methanol storage tank. The first, second and third methanol storage tanks are surrounded by isolation chamber walls. An isolation chamber 20 is set between the walls of the first, second and third methanol storage tanks and the isolation chamber walls. Spray pipes are provided on both sides of the isolation chamber. The bottom outlet ends of the two spray pipes are connected to the two ends of the spray horizontal pipe. Spray heads 21 are evenly distributed on the spray horizontal pipe in the horizontal direction. A bilge spray pump 22 is provided at the bottom of the isolation chamber. The outlet pipe of the bilge spray pump is connected to the shore discharge joint and the overboard discharge joint.

[0066] The principle and operation of the methanol storage tank unit: When the crew cleans the methanol storage tank, they start the deep well pumps in each methanol storage tank to pump out the remaining methanol and transfer it to the methanol day use tank. If the deep well pump of one methanol storage tank fails, the remote start device opens the connecting valve of the adjacent methanol storage tank, and the deep well pump of the adjacent methanol storage tank is used to transfer the methanol in the methanol storage tank. When methanol leaks in the methanol storage tank, fire-fighting water is supplied from the sprinkler pipes on both sides and sprayed by the sprinkler heads to dilute the methanol once. After the first dilution, the bilge jet pump is started. The bilge jet pump uses the fire-fighting water as working water to discharge the methanol diluted in the bilge of the isolated empty tank overboard or to shore. The methanol diluted once is diluted a second time using the working water of the bilge jet pump to ensure that the discharged methanol is not dangerous.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, the methanol daily use tank unit includes a methanol daily use tank 23 and first, second, and third methanol storage tanks. Deep well pumps 17 are installed inside each of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks. The outlets of the deep well pumps are connected to their respective corresponding transfer branch pipes. Remote control valves are installed on the transfer branch pipes. The three transfer branch pipes converge into a main transfer pipe. The outlet of the main transfer pipe is connected to the bottom of the methanol daily use tank. The methanol daily use tank is installed above the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks. A high-level sensor is installed at the top inside the methanol daily use tank, and a low-level sensor is installed at the bottom inside the methanol daily use tank. A temperature sensor is installed on the main transfer pipe. The high-level sensor 24, low-level sensor 25, and temperature sensor are interlocked with the three deep well pumps, and the temperature sensor is interlocked with the three remote control valves. An inert gas inerting purge pipe is opened at the top of the methanol daily use tank.

[0068] The principle and operation of the methanol daily use tank unit: When methanol needs to be transferred from the methanol storage tank to the methanol daily use tank, open the remote control valve on the transfer branch pipe, start the deep well pump, and transfer the methanol from the methanol storage tank to the methanol daily use tank until the methanol level in the methanol daily use tank triggers the high level sensor, at which point the deep well pump stops transferring; when the methanol level in the methanol daily use tank triggers the low level sensor, the deep well pump starts transferring; when the methanol temperature is too high and triggers the temperature sensor, the remote control valves on each transfer branch pipe close. The deep well pump stops operating. When it is necessary to clean the methanol daily use tank, gravity can be used to open the remote control valves to allow the methanol in the methanol daily use tank to flow back to the methanol storage tank along the pipeline. Alternatively, the deep well pump can be turned on to speed up the suction of the methanol daily use tank. At the same time, the inert gas inerting and purging pipe opened at the top of the methanol daily use tank can also be used to carry out the tank cleaning process. Nitrogen gas is injected from the top of the methanol daily use tank, which can not only further speed up the tank cleaning process, but also complete the inerting and purging of the methanol daily use tank.

[0069] like Figure 8-12As shown, the fuel preparation room unit includes a fuel preparation room ventilation system and a fuel preparation room methanol collection and leakage intelligent collection system. The fuel preparation room ventilation system includes a fresh air duct system, an exhaust air duct system, a fire extinguishing system, a methanol gas detection system, a control platform, and a double-walled waterproof ventilation system. The fresh air duct system, exhaust air duct system, fire extinguishing system, and methanol gas detection system are all connected to the control platform. The fresh air duct system includes several fresh air branch pipes distributed above the fuel preparation room, which converge into the fresh air main duct 26. The fresh air main duct is equipped with a shut-off damper at the passage position, and an air inlet louver is installed at the air inlet of the fresh air main duct. The exhaust air duct system includes several exhaust air branch pipes distributed below the fuel preparation room, which converge into the exhaust main duct. The main exhaust duct is equipped with a shut-off damper at the passageway. An explosion-proof exhaust fan 29 is installed at the exhaust outlet of the main exhaust duct. A gas flow sensor is installed inside the main exhaust duct. The fire suppression system includes a fire detector and an alcohol-resistant foam fire suppression unit installed inside the fuel preparation room. The methanol gas detection system includes a methanol vapor sensor 28 installed inside the methanol fuel preparation room. The methanol vapor sensor is used to detect whether there is a methanol vapor leak in the methanol fuel preparation room. If a methanol vapor leak is detected, the methanol vapor sensor sends a leak signal to the control platform. The control platform sends signals to the fresh air duct system and the exhaust duct system respectively, opening the shut-off damper and air inlet louvers of the fresh air duct system and the shut-off damper and explosion-proof exhaust fan of the exhaust duct system. Interlocked with the explosion-proof exhaust fan status, if the corresponding shut-off damper is in the closed state, the explosion-proof exhaust fan cannot be started; if an open flame is detected, the fire alarm detector sends a fire alarm signal to the control platform, which then sends signals to the fresh air duct system, exhaust duct system, and fire extinguishing system respectively, closing the shut-off damper and air inlet louvers of the fresh air duct system and the shut-off damper and explosion-proof exhaust fan of the exhaust duct system, and starting the alcohol-resistant foam fire extinguishing unit of the fire extinguishing system; the double-walled waterproof ventilation system of the fuel preparation room includes a ventilation duct connected to the outer double-walled duct of the fuel preparation room. The ventilation duct inlet is equipped with a mushroom-shaped ventilation tube or a gooseneck ventilation tube. The inner walls of the mushroom-shaped ventilation tube or gooseneck ventilation tube are alternately equipped with inclined baffles 30. Drainage holes connected to the drain pipe are opened at the fixed connection between the inclined baffles and the inner wall. The drain pipe is equipped with a discharge valve; the intelligent collection system for methanol liquid collection and discharge in the fuel preparation room includes a collection device 31 installed below the main engine high and low pressure supply unit, the auxiliary engine high and low pressure supply unit, the generator booster pump and the boiler methanol supply pump. The collection device is equipped with a liquid level alarm. A discharge branch pipe is installed below the collection device. Each discharge branch pipe is equipped with a remote control valve. The remote control valve of the same collection device is interlocked with the liquid level alarm. Each discharge branch pipe is connected to the discharge main pipe. The discharge main pipe is connected to the methanol discharge chamber 9. A discharge pump 32 is installed on the discharge main pipe. The discharge pump is interlocked with all liquid level alarms. The methanol discharge chamber is connected to the shore discharge connector 33 through a pipeline. The shore discharge connector discharges methanol to the shore through the discharge pump. The shore discharge connector is equipped with a discharge pump ESD cut-off button.

[0070] The principle and operation of the ventilation system in the fuel preparation room: When the methanol vapor sensor installed in the fuel preparation room detects a methanol vapor leak, it sends a signal to the control platform. The control platform then sends signals to the fresh air duct system and the exhaust duct system, opening the shut-off damper and air inlet louvers of the fresh air duct system, and simultaneously opening the shut-off damper and one explosion-proof exhaust fan of the exhaust duct system. The shut-off damper and the explosion-proof exhaust fan are interlocked to prevent the explosion-proof exhaust fan from starting without opening the shut-off damper, which could lead to the fan burning out. A gas flow sensor installed in the main exhaust duct monitors the explosion-proof exhaust fan to ensure it is operating normally, preventing a situation where the fan motor is working normally but the impeller is damaged and unable to exhaust air. When the explosion-proof exhaust fan starts, a negative pressure is created in the methanol fuel preparation room to prevent methanol vapor from flowing out. When the fire detector in the fuel preparation room sends a signal to the control platform, the control platform closes the shut-off damper of the fresh air duct system, the air inlet louvers, and the shut-off damper of the exhaust duct system, as well as the explosion-proof exhaust fan, to keep the fuel preparation room in a closed state. The anti-methanol foam fire extinguishing unit is then activated to extinguish the fire in the fuel preparation room. The mushroom-shaped ventilation duct or gooseneck ventilation duct of the double-walled waterproof ventilation system in the fuel preparation room can block most of the rainwater or waves from entering the outer pipe of the double-walled ventilation system. A very small amount of water flowing into the mushroom-shaped ventilation duct or gooseneck ventilation duct is blocked by the inclined baffle and released through the drain valve on the drain pipe. The flow sensor also alerts the crew.

[0071] The principle and operation of the intelligent methanol collection and release system in the fuel preparation room: When a methanol leak occurs in a supply unit of the fuel preparation room, the methanol flows into the collection device below the corresponding supply unit. When the methanol in the collection device triggers the liquid level alarm, the liquid level alarm is interlocked with the remote control valve on the release branch pipe and the release pump on the release main pipe. That is, when the liquid level alarm sounds, the corresponding remote control valve opens, and the release pump starts. Depending on the specific situation, the leaked methanol can be directly transferred to the methanol release tank for storage through the release pump. The methanol stored in the methanol release tank can be discharged to shore through the shore discharge connector. Alternatively, the methanol can be discharged directly to shore through the release pump without being stored in the methanol release tank. The ESD cut-off button can forcibly shut off the operation of the release pump in case of an emergency during shore discharge to ensure the safety of the crew.

[0072] like Figure 13As shown, the main engine methanol supply purging unit includes a methanol daily use tank. The outlet of the methanol daily use tank 23 is connected to the inlet of the methanol supply pump 34. The outlet of the methanol supply pump is connected to the inlet of the main engine heat exchanger 35. The outlet of the main engine heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the main engine methanol supply double-wall pipe. A first return pipe 37 and a first fresh water purging pipe 38 are sequentially connected on the pipeline between the outlet of the main engine heat exchanger and the inlet of the main engine methanol supply double-wall pipe 36. A first isolation valve 39 is installed between the first return pipe and the main engine heat exchanger. A second isolation valve 40 is installed between the first return pipe and the first fresh water purging pipe. The outlet of the first return pipe is connected to the inlet of the purging and venting tank 46. A return valve 41 is installed on the pipe. The first return pipe between the return valve and the purge and release tank is connected to the second fresh water purge pipe 42. The outlet of the main unit methanol supply double-wall pipe is connected to the inlet of the purge and release tank. The pipeline between the methanol supply pump and the main unit heat exchanger is connected to the second return pipe 43. The second return pipe is equipped with a first switching valve 44. One outlet of the first switching valve is connected to the inlet of the purge and release tank, and the other outlet is connected to the inlet of the methanol day tank. The pipeline between the methanol supply pump and the methanol day tank is equipped with a second switching valve 45. The outlet of the purge and release tank is connected to the second switching valve. Both the first fresh water purge pipe and the second fresh water purge pipe are equipped with purge inlet valves 47.

[0073] The principle and operation of the main unit methanol supply purging unit: When performing fresh water purging, close the first isolation valve and the second isolation valve, open the return valve on the first return pipe, and then open the purging inlet valve on the first fresh water purging pipe and the second fresh water purging pipe. Use fresh water to purge the main unit methanol supply double-wall pipe and the first return pipe. The mixture of methanol and fresh water after purging is collected in the purging vent cabinet.

[0074] When the ship is in fuel mode, the first and second double isolation valves are opened, the return valve on the first return pipe and the purge inlet valves on the first and second freshwater purge pipes are closed, and the inlet of the second switching valve is connected to the outlet of the purge vent tank. Through the methanol supply system, the mixture of methanol and freshwater is delivered to the main engine methanol nozzle and injected into the main engine cylinder for mixing and combustion. When the flow rate of the mixture is too high, the flow regulating valve on the second return pipe is opened, and the outlet of the first switching valve is connected to the purge vent tank to discharge the excess mixture into the purge vent tank. When the ship is in methanol mode, when the methanol flow rate is too high, the flow regulating valve on the second return pipe is opened, and the outlet of the first switching valve is connected to the methanol day tank to discharge the excess methanol into the methanol day tank.

[0075] like Figure 14As shown, the generator methanol supply unit includes a generator methanol supply double-wall pipe residual liquid collection system. The generator methanol supply double-wall pipe residual liquid collection system includes a generator methanol supply double-wall pipe 48 connected to the methanol generator. The outer pipe at the top of the generator methanol supply double-wall pipe is connected to a nitrogen purging system. The outer pipe at the bottom of the generator methanol supply double-wall pipe is equipped with a residual liquid collection pipe 49. The bottom end of the residual liquid collection pipe is connected to a vent valve. A liquid level alarm device is installed at the upper end of the residual liquid collection pipe. The vent valve is connected to the methanol inlet valve 52 of the methanol vacuum collection tank 51 through a first hose 50. The upper part of the methanol vacuum collection tank is equipped with a gas outlet valve 53, and the lower part is equipped with a methanol outlet valve 54. The gas outlet valve is connected to the suction port of the pneumatic vacuum pump 56 through a second hose 55. The pneumatic vacuum pump is connected to a daily air cylinder 57. A pressure reducing valve 58 is provided between the pneumatic vacuum pump and the daily air cylinder. The vent valve, methanol outlet valve, methanol inlet valve, and gas outlet valve are all hose valves. Quick connectors are provided at both ends of the first hose and the second hose.

[0076] The principle and operation of the generator methanol supply unit: When the methanol residual liquid level in the residual liquid collection pipe is too high, the liquid level alarm device in the residual liquid collection pipe is triggered. According to the location of the alarm, the methanol vacuum collection tank is moved to its vicinity. The first hose is used to connect the corresponding vent valve to the methanol inlet valve of the methanol vacuum collection tank. Then, the second hose is used to connect the vent valve of the methanol vacuum collection tank to the suction port of the pneumatic vacuum pump. The vent valve of the methanol vacuum collection tank is opened, and the methanol inlet valve and methanol outlet valve are closed. The vent valve between the daily air cylinder and the pressure reducing valve is opened. Compressed air passes through the pressure reducing valve to reduce the pressure to 7 bar. To meet the requirements for using the pneumatic vacuum pump, start the pneumatic vacuum pump to create a vacuum inside the methanol vacuum collection tank. Observe the vacuum pressure gauge to confirm that the vacuum pressure inside the methanol vacuum collection tank meets the requirements. Then, close the outlet valve and the vent valve, open the vent valve and the methanol inlet valve, and confirm that the methanol outlet valve is closed. Use the negative pressure inside the methanol vacuum collection tank to absorb the residual methanol liquid until it is completely collected and the alarm is cleared. Close the vent valve and the methanol inlet valve, disconnect the first hose and the second hose, move the methanol vacuum collection tank to the methanol venting chamber, and open the methanol outlet valve to release the residual methanol liquid in the methanol vacuum collection tank.

[0077] like Figure 15As shown, the boiler methanol supply unit includes a boiler methanol transfer unit 59 located in the fuel preparation room and a methanol main valve unit 60 and a boiler burner unit 61 located in the engine room. The boiler methanol transfer unit, methanol main valve unit, and boiler burner unit are all single-layer pipe configurations. The boiler methanol transfer unit includes a boiler methanol supply pump 62 connected to the outlet of the methanol day use compartment 23 via a pipeline. The outlet of the boiler methanol supply pump is connected to the inlet of the boiler heat exchanger 63. The methanol main valve unit is connected to the boiler methanol transfer unit via a boiler methanol supply double-wall pipe 64. The inlet of the inner pipe of the boiler methanol supply double-wall pipe is connected to the outlet of the boiler heat exchanger. The outlet end is connected to the inlet end of the methanol main valve 65. The inlet end of the atomizing oil gun 66 of the boiler burner unit is connected to the outlet end of the methanol main valve. The methanol main valve unit has a shell, and the boiler burner unit has an outer cavity. The outer pipe of the boiler methanol supply double wall pipe, the shell of the methanol main valve unit, and the outer cavity of the boiler burner unit are sequentially sealed and connected. The top of the outer cavity of the boiler burner unit near the boiler is connected to the air inlet pipe 67. The top of the outer pipe of the boiler methanol supply double wall pipe near the engine room entrance is connected to the air outlet pipe 68. The air outlet of the air outlet pipe is equipped with a terminal fan 69 and a gas detector 70. The air outlet is located in the safe zone. The rear end of the methanol main valve is sequentially equipped with a flow meter, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0078] The principle and operation of the boiler methanol supply unit: Methanol from the daily methanol tank is transferred to the boiler heat exchanger via the boiler methanol supply pump. The boiler heat exchanger controls the methanol temperature to maintain a stable temperature. The stable methanol flows through the main methanol valve to the boiler burner unit. The flow meter, pressure sensor, and temperature sensor in the main methanol valve unit perform multiple checks on the methanol before combustion to ensure the safety of methanol combustion. The methanol in the boiler burner unit pipeline is pressurized through a compressed air atomizing pipe, and the pressurized methanol is sprayed out through the atomizing oil gun and burned in the boiler. The boiler methanol supply double-wall pipe, the outer shell of the methanol main valve unit, and the outer cavity of the boiler burner unit are ventilated by the air inlet pipe, air outlet pipe, terminal fan, and gas detector. As long as the boiler is running in methanol mode, the terminal fan runs continuously. After the boiler is shut down, the terminal fan needs to continue running for a certain period of time. In addition, when the gas detector detects methanol, the boiler automatically shuts down and can only be restarted after the leak point is checked.

[0079] like Figure 16As shown, the methanol supply cooling unit is an ethylene glycol-cooled methanol system. This system includes a methanol cooling unit located in the fuel preparation room and an ethylene glycol cooling unit located in the engine room. The methanol cooling unit includes a main engine heat exchanger 35, a generator heat exchanger 71, and an ethylene glycol storage tank 72. The ethylene glycol cooling unit also includes an ethylene glycol pump set 73, a cryogenic water heat exchanger 74, and an ethylene glycol-water solution heat exchanger 75. The outlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol pump set via a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol pump set is connected to the inlet of the cryogenic water heat exchanger via a pipeline. The outlet of the cryogenic water heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol-water solution heat exchanger and the inlet of the flow regulating valve 76 via pipelines. The motor heat exchanger includes a first ethylene glycol inlet pipe 77 and a first ethylene glycol return pipe 78. The main unit heat exchanger includes a second ethylene glycol inlet pipe 79 and a second ethylene glycol return pipe 80. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first ethylene glycol inlet pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the first ethylene glycol inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the first ethylene glycol return pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the first ethylene glycol return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank via a pipeline. The outlet of the flow regulating valve is connected to the inlet of the second ethylene glycol inlet pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the second ethylene glycol inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second ethylene glycol return pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the second ethylene glycol return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank via a pipeline. The cryogenic water heat exchanger includes a cryogenic water inlet pipe 81 and a cryogenic water... The return pipe 82 and the low-temperature water inlet pipe are equipped with a first three-way temperature control valve 83. The first three-way temperature control valve is connected to the low-temperature water return pipe through a first bypass pipe. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution heat exchanger includes an ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe 84 and an ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe 85. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe through a pipeline. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit includes a dosing tank 86. The top of the medicine tank is equipped with a dosing port and an automatic exhaust valve. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit includes a refrigeration compressor unit 87, and the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit includes an ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump 88, a static storage tank 89, and an expansion tank 90. ​​The static storage tank is equipped with a discharge valve at the top and a drain pipe at the bottom. The outlet of the expansion tank is connected to the inlet of the static storage tank through a pipeline. A water supply pipe is connected between the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit and the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit. The inlet of the water supply pipe is connected to an automatic water supply valve group 91. A second three-way temperature control valve 92 is installed on the ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe. The second three-way temperature control valve is connected to the ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe through a second bypass pipe. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution is a 50% ethylene glycol aqueous solution.

[0080] The principle and operation of the methanol supply cooling unit: When performing heat exchange cooling on ethylene glycol, first start any pump in the ethylene glycol pump group to transfer ethylene glycol from the ethylene glycol storage tank to the low-temperature water heat exchanger. The ethylene glycol undergoes its first heat exchange cooling treatment using low-temperature water. A first three-way temperature control valve is installed on the low-temperature water inlet pipe. The first three-way temperature control valve monitors the temperature of the ethylene glycol passing through the low-temperature water heat exchanger in real time. When the ethylene glycol temperature is low and meets the requirements for entering the machine, the first bypass pipe is open, reducing the flow rate of low-temperature water in the low-temperature water heat exchanger. When the ethylene glycol temperature is high, the first bypass pipe is closed, increasing the flow rate of low-temperature water in the low-temperature water heat exchanger.

[0081] Ethylene glycol flowing to the main heat exchanger flows directly to the second ethylene glycol inlet pipe through the flow regulating valve. After passing through the main heat exchanger, it cools the methanol entering the main combustion chamber and flows into the ethylene glycol storage tank through the second ethylene glycol return pipe.

[0082] Because the combustion temperature of methanol entering the generator is lower than that entering the main unit, a second heat exchange cooling treatment is required for the ethylene glycol flowing to the generator heat exchanger. Ethylene glycol flows from the low-temperature water heat exchanger to the ethylene glycol-water solution heat exchanger, where it undergoes a second heat exchange cooling process using the ethylene glycol-water solution. A second three-way temperature control valve is installed on the ethylene glycol-water solution inlet pipe. This valve monitors the temperature of the ethylene glycol passing through the ethylene glycol-water solution heat exchanger in real time. When the ethylene glycol temperature is low and meets the requirements for entering the generator, the second bypass pipe is open, reducing the flow rate of the ethylene glycol-water solution in the heat exchanger. When the ethylene glycol temperature is high, the second bypass pipe is closed, increasing the flow rate of the ethylene glycol-water solution in the heat exchanger. The cooled ethylene glycol flows back to the first ethylene glycol inlet pipe, passes through the generator heat exchanger to cool the methanol entering the generator for combustion, and then flows into the ethylene glycol storage tank through the first ethylene glycol return pipe.

[0083] To ensure that the ethylene glycol used to cool methanol remains at a low temperature, the aqueous solution of ethylene glycol needs to be cooled. A 50% ethylene glycol aqueous solution has a significantly lower freezing point, ensuring that the solution will not freeze and clog the pipeline while cooling. To maintain a stable ethylene glycol solution ratio, ethylene glycol needs to be added to the solution via a dosing tank to ensure the correct ratio. Descaling agents can also be added via the dosing tank to prevent scale buildup and blockage of the pipeline, which would affect the flow rate of the ethylene glycol solution. A refrigeration compressor is used to cool the ethylene glycol solution, keeping its temperature below 18°C. When the water content in the ethylene glycol solution is less than 50%, an automatic water replenishment valve is used to add water. An expansion tank maintains pressure in the pipeline. Before being pumped to the ethylene glycol heat exchanger, the ethylene glycol solution is allowed to settle in a settling tank to remove impurities and ensure effective heat exchange and cooling.

[0084] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. As previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A methanol system for large container ships, characterized in that: It includes a methanol refueling unit, a methanol storage tank unit, a methanol daily use tank unit, a fuel preparation room unit, a main engine methanol supply purging unit, a generator methanol supply unit, a boiler methanol supply unit, and a methanol supply cooling unit. The main unit's methanol supply purging unit includes a methanol daily use tank. The outlet of the methanol daily use tank is connected to the inlet of the methanol supply pump. The outlet of the methanol supply pump is connected to the inlet of the main unit's heat exchanger. The outlet of the main unit's heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the main unit's methanol supply double-wall pipe. A first return pipe and a first fresh water purging pipe are sequentially connected on the pipeline between the outlet of the main unit's heat exchanger and the inlet of the main unit's methanol supply double-wall pipe. A first isolation valve is installed between the first return pipe and the main unit's heat exchanger, and a second isolation valve is installed between the first return pipe and the first fresh water purging pipe. The outlet of the first return pipe is connected to the inlet of the purging and venting cabinet. A return valve is installed on the first return pipe. The first return pipe between the liquid valve, the return valve and the purge and release tank is connected to the second fresh water purge pipe. The outlet of the main unit methanol supply double-wall pipe is connected to the inlet of the purge and release tank. The pipeline between the methanol supply pump and the main unit heat exchanger is connected to the second return pipe. The second return pipe is equipped with a first switching valve. One outlet of the first switching valve is connected to the inlet of the purge and release tank, and the other outlet is connected to the inlet of the methanol day tank. The pipeline between the methanol supply pump and the methanol day tank is equipped with a second switching valve. The outlet of the purge and release tank is connected to the second switching valve. Both the first fresh water purge pipe and the second fresh water purge pipe are equipped with purge inlet valves. The boiler methanol supply unit includes a boiler methanol transfer unit located in the fuel preparation room and a methanol main valve unit and a boiler burner unit located in the engine room. All three units are single-layered pipe structures. The boiler methanol transfer unit includes a boiler methanol supply pump connected to the methanol day use compartment via pipelines. The outlet of the boiler methanol supply pump is connected to the inlet of the boiler heat exchanger. The methanol main valve unit is connected to the boiler methanol transfer unit via a double-walled boiler methanol supply pipe. The inlet of the inner pipe of the double-walled boiler methanol supply pipe is connected to the outlet of the boiler heat exchanger, and the outlet of the inner pipe is connected to the outlet of the double-walled boiler methanol supply pipe. The inlet end of the methanol main valve is connected to the inlet end of the methanol main valve, and the inlet end of the atomizing oil gun of the boiler burner unit is connected to the outlet end of the methanol main valve. The methanol main valve unit has a shell, and the boiler burner unit has an outer cavity. The outer pipe of the boiler methanol supply double wall pipe, the shell of the methanol main valve unit, and the outer cavity of the boiler burner unit are sequentially sealed and connected. The top of the outer cavity of the boiler burner unit near the boiler is connected to the air inlet pipe, and the top of the outer pipe of the boiler methanol supply double wall pipe near the engine room entrance is connected to the air outlet pipe. The air outlet of the air outlet pipe is equipped with a terminal fan and a gas detector. The air outlet is located in a safe area. The rear end of the methanol main valve is sequentially equipped with a flow meter, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor. The methanol supply cooling unit is an ethylene glycol-cooled methanol system. This system includes a methanol cooling unit located in the fuel preparation room and an ethylene glycol cooling unit located in the engine room. Each methanol cooling unit includes a main engine heat exchanger, a generator heat exchanger, and an ethylene glycol storage tank. Each ethylene glycol cooling unit includes an ethylene glycol pump set, a cryogenic water heat exchanger, and an ethylene glycol-water solution heat exchanger. The outlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol pump set via a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol pump set is connected to the inlet of the cryogenic water heat exchanger via a pipeline. The outlet of the cryogenic water heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol-water solution heat exchanger and the inlet of a flow regulating valve via pipelines. The generator heat exchanger includes a first ethylene glycol inlet pipe and a first ethylene glycol return pipe. The main unit heat exchanger includes a second ethylene glycol inlet pipe and a second ethylene glycol return pipe. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first ethylene glycol inlet pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the first ethylene glycol inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the first ethylene glycol return pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the first ethylene glycol return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank via a pipeline. The outlet of the flow regulating valve is connected to the inlet of the second ethylene glycol inlet pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the second ethylene glycol inlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second ethylene glycol return pipe via a pipeline. The outlet of the second ethylene glycol return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol storage tank via a pipeline. The cryogenic water heat exchanger includes a cryogenic water inlet pipe and a cryogenic... The water return pipe and the low-temperature water inlet pipe are equipped with a first three-way temperature control valve. The first three-way temperature control valve is connected to the low-temperature water return pipe through a first bypass pipe. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution heat exchanger includes an ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe and an ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit through a pipeline. The outlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit is connected to the inlet of the ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe through a pipeline. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution dosing unit includes a dosing tank. The dosing tank is equipped with a dosing port and an automatic exhaust valve at the top. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit includes a refrigeration compressor unit, and the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit includes an ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump, a static storage tank, and an expansion tank. The static storage tank is equipped with a discharge valve at the top and a drain pipe at the bottom. The outlet of the expansion tank is connected to the inlet of the static storage tank through a pipeline. A water supply pipe is connected between the ethylene glycol aqueous solution cooling unit and the ethylene glycol aqueous solution pump unit. The inlet of the water supply pipe is connected to an automatic water supply valve group. A second three-way temperature control valve is installed on the ethylene glycol aqueous solution inlet pipe. The second three-way temperature control valve is connected to the ethylene glycol aqueous solution return pipe through a second bypass pipe. The ethylene glycol aqueous solution is a 50% ethylene glycol aqueous solution.

2. The methanol system for a large container ship according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methanol refueling unit includes refueling stations and a nitrogen purging system located on the port and starboard sides of the vessel, respectively. Each refueling station has two liquid phase pipes and two gas phase pipes, arranged in a VLLV configuration. The liquid phase pipes at the refueling stations connect to three methanol storage tanks via an inlet valve, passing through the methanol pump compartment. A refueling valve assembly is installed on the liquid phase pipe upstream of the inlet valve. The gas phase pipes at the refueling stations connect to the three methanol storage tanks via a return gas valve, passing through the methanol pump compartment. A return gas valve assembly is installed on the gas phase pipe upstream of the return gas valve. Each methanol storage tank is equipped with a deep-well pump, and the outlet of the deep-well pump is connected to a methanol venting chamber via a pipeline. The nitrogen purging system includes a first... The system includes a purge port, a first purge port connected to the liquid phase pipe at the front end of the inlet valve, and a residual discharge valve connected to the methanol release chamber via a pipeline. The nitrogen purging system also includes a second and a third purge port in the methanol pump compartment. The second purge port is connected to the gas phase pipe, and the third purge port is connected to the pipeline between the deep well pump and the methanol release chamber. The connection ends of the liquid phase pipe and the gas phase pipe to the methanol storage tank are equipped with remote control valves, and the outlet end of the deep well pump is equipped with a remote control valve. The refueling station is semi-enclosed, with a gantry crane above it and a grid at the bottom. The refueling station has a side railing near the hull, the height of which is matched to the height of the liquid phase pipe.

3. The methanol system for a large container ship according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methanol storage unit includes three adjacent methanol storage tanks: a first methanol storage tank, a second methanol storage tank, and a third methanol storage tank. Each of the three tanks is equipped with a deep-well pump and a recessed suction well at its bottom. The suction port of the deep-well pump extends into the suction well, and a fixed support is provided between the suction port and the edge of the suction well. A connecting valve is provided between adjacent methanol storage tanks, located at the bottom of the tank. A remote control pipe is connected above the valve, extending to the outer side of the top wall of the methanol storage tank. Isolation chamber walls surround the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks. An isolation chamber is established between the walls of the first, second, and third methanol storage tanks and the isolation chamber walls. Spray pipes are provided on both sides of the isolation chamber, with their bottom outlets connected to both ends of a horizontal spray pipe. Spray heads are evenly distributed horizontally on the horizontal spray pipe. A bilge pump is located at the bottom of the isolation chamber, with its outlet pipe connected to a shore discharge connector and an overboard discharge connector.

4. A methanol system for large container ships according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methanol daily use unit includes a methanol daily use tank and three methanol storage tanks (first, second, and third). Each of the three methanol storage tanks is equipped with a deep-well pump, the outlet of which is connected to its corresponding transfer branch pipe. Each transfer branch pipe is equipped with a remote control valve. The three transfer branch pipes converge into a main transfer pipe, the outlet of which is connected to the bottom of the methanol daily use tank. The methanol daily use tank is located above the three methanol storage tanks. A high-level sensor is located above the interior of the methanol daily use tank, and a low-level sensor is located below. A temperature sensor is located on the main transfer pipe. The high-level sensor, low-level sensor, and temperature sensor are interlocked with the three deep-well pumps, and the temperature sensor is interlocked with the three remote control valves. An inert gas inerting purge pipe is located at the top of the methanol daily use tank.

5. A methanol system for large container ships according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fuel preparation room unit includes a fuel preparation room ventilation system and a fuel preparation room methanol collection and release intelligent collection system. The fuel preparation room ventilation system includes a fresh air duct system, an exhaust duct system, a fire extinguishing system, a methanol gas detection system, a control platform, and a double-walled waterproof ventilation system. The fresh air duct system, exhaust duct system, fire extinguishing system, and methanol gas detection system are all connected to the control platform. The fresh air duct system includes several fresh air branch pipes distributed above the fuel preparation room, which converge into a main fresh air duct. The main fresh air duct is equipped with a shut-off damper at the cabin entrance and air inlet louvers at the air inlet. The exhaust duct system includes several exhaust branch pipes distributed below the fuel preparation room, which converge into a main exhaust duct. The main exhaust duct is equipped with a shut-off damper at the passageway. An explosion-proof exhaust fan is installed at the exhaust outlet of the main exhaust duct. A gas flow sensor is installed inside the main exhaust duct. The fire extinguishing system includes a fire detector and an alcohol-resistant foam extinguishing unit installed inside the fuel preparation room. The methanol gas detection system includes a methanol vapor sensor installed inside the methanol fuel preparation room. The methanol vapor sensor is used to detect whether there is a methanol vapor leak in the methanol fuel preparation room. If a methanol vapor leak is detected, the methanol vapor sensor sends a leak signal to the control platform. The control platform sends signals to the fresh air duct system and the exhaust duct system respectively, opening the shut-off damper and air inlet louvers of the fresh air duct system and the shut-off damper and explosion-proof exhaust fan of the exhaust duct system. The shut-off damper of the exhaust duct system and... The explosion-proof exhaust fan is interlocked; if the corresponding shut-off damper is closed, the explosion-proof exhaust fan cannot start. If an open flame is detected, the fire alarm detector sends a fire alarm signal to the control platform. The control platform then sends signals to the fresh air duct system, exhaust duct system, and fire extinguishing system, respectively closing the shut-off dampers and air inlet louvers of the fresh air duct system and the shut-off dampers and explosion-proof exhaust fans of the exhaust duct system, and activating the alcohol-resistant foam extinguishing unit of the fire extinguishing system. The double-walled waterproof ventilation system of the fuel preparation room includes a ventilation duct connected to the outer double-walled duct of the fuel preparation room. The inlet of the ventilation duct is equipped with a mushroom-shaped ventilation tube or a gooseneck ventilation tube. The inner walls of the mushroom-shaped ventilation tube or gooseneck ventilation tube are alternately equipped with inclined baffles. A drain pipe is provided at the connection between the inclined baffle and the inner wall. The system includes a water inlet and a drain pipe equipped with a discharge valve. The methanol collection and discharge intelligent system in the fuel preparation room includes a collection device located below the main engine high and low pressure supply unit, the auxiliary engine high and low pressure supply unit, the generator booster pump, and the boiler methanol supply pump. The collection device contains a level alarm. A discharge branch pipe is located below the collection device, and each discharge branch pipe is equipped with a remote control valve. The remote control valve of the same collection device is interlocked with the level alarm. All discharge branch pipes converge into a main discharge pipe, which connects to the methanol discharge chamber. A discharge pump is installed on the main discharge pipe, and the discharge pump is interlocked with all level alarms. The methanol discharge chamber is connected to a shore discharge connector via a pipeline. The shore discharge connector discharges methanol to the shore via the discharge pump. The shore discharge connector is equipped with an ESD cut-off button for the discharge pump.

6. A methanol system for large container ships according to claim 1, characterized in that: The generator methanol supply unit includes a generator methanol supply double-wall pipe residual liquid collection system. This system includes a generator methanol supply double-wall pipe connected to the methanol generator. The outer pipe at the top of the generator methanol supply double-wall pipe is connected to a nitrogen purging system. A residual liquid collection pipe is located on the outer pipe at the bottom of the generator methanol supply double-wall pipe. The bottom end of the residual liquid collection pipe is connected to a vent valve, and the upper end of the residual liquid collection pipe is equipped with a liquid level alarm device. The vent valve is connected to the methanol inlet valve of a methanol vacuum collection tank via a first flexible hose. The methanol vacuum collection tank has an outlet valve at the top and a methanol outlet valve at the bottom. The outlet valve is connected to the suction port of a pneumatic vacuum pump via a second flexible hose. The pneumatic vacuum pump is connected to a daily-use air cylinder. A pressure reducing valve is located between the pneumatic vacuum pump and the daily-use air cylinder. The vent valve, methanol outlet valve, methanol inlet valve, and outlet valve are all flexible hose valves. Quick connectors are provided at both ends of the first and second flexible hoses.

Images