Floating body

Abstract

This floating body is provided with: a tank for storing ammonia; a reliquefaction device having a compressor that compresses the gas phase ammonia in the tank and a condenser that condenses the ammonia compressed by the compressor and returns the condensed ammonia to the tank; an ammonia utilization device operated by ammonia gas; an ammonia supply device having a first supply line for supplying the liquid-phase ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization equipment, and an evaporator provided in the first supply line for generating ammonia gas by evaporating the ammonia flowing through the first supply line; and a connection line that introduces the ammonia compressed by the compressor in the reliquefaction device into the ammonia supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a floating body.

[0002] This application claims priority from patent application No. 2022-115204 filed in Japan on July 20, 2022, and the contents are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] In ships that use liquefied gas such as LNG as fuel, the liquefied gas in the tanks storing the liquefied gas vaporizes due to natural heat from outside the tanks or heat from equipment such as pumps, generating boil-off gas. When the boil-off gas in the tank increases, the pressure in the tank rises.

[0004] As a method of handling boil-off gas in the tank to avoid an increase in the pressure in the tank, for example, boil-off gas is compressed in a compressor or the like and then supplied as fuel to an engine generator, a boiler, a main engine, or the like, or liquefied gas is condensed in a reliquefaction device to be reliquefied and returned to the tank.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a ship that uses LNG as fuel for a marine engine. In Patent Document 1, boil-off gas from a cargo tank is compressed by a compressor and supplied to a marine engine such as a boiler. The amount of boil-off gas reliquefied by a reliquefaction device is changed according to the navigation state of the ship.

[0006] However, in recent years, the use of decarbonized fuels has been gaining momentum internationally, and research is being conducted on actively introducing ammonia co-firing boilers in coal-fired thermal power plants. At the same time, in the field of floating bodies such as ships, research is also being conducted on actively introducing decarbonized fuel, i.e. ammonia, as a fuel for marine engines, i.e. main engines or engine generators, and boilers. Therefore, the goal is to realize floating bodies that run on ammonia as fuel and floating bodies that transport ammonia as cargo.

[0007] Previous technical literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6151207 Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0011] The above-mentioned boil-off gas is also produced in the tanks storing liquefied ammonia, which is a type of liquefied gas. Therefore, the use of this boil-off gas as a fuel for marine engines is being studied. However, since the latent heat of ammonia is greater than that of other liquefied gases such as LNG, the amount of boil-off gas produced is less than that of other liquefied gases.

[0012] Therefore, when the boil-off gas of liquefied ammonia is used directly as a fuel for a marine engine, the required amount may be insufficient. That is, it is currently difficult to use only the boil-off gas as a fuel.

[0013] Therefore, instead of boil-off gas, liquid ammonia is sometimes taken out from the tank and vaporized by an evaporator or the like to obtain ammonia gas as fuel. In this case, the boil-off gas is not consumed, so in order to avoid excessive pressure increase in the tank, it is sometimes necessary to reliquefy the boil-off gas in a reliquefaction device, for example. However, in this case, the liquid ammonia is vaporized by the evaporator, but the boil-off gas is condensed by the reliquefaction device, so there is a problem of low energy efficiency.

[0014] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a floating body capable of improving energy efficiency.

[0015] Means for solving technical problems

[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the floating body involved in the present invention comprises: a tank for storing ammonia; a reliquefaction device, having a compressor for compressing the gaseous ammonia in the tank and a condenser for condensing the ammonia compressed by the compressor and returning it to the tank; an ammonia utilization device operated by ammonia gas; an ammonia supply device, having a first supply pipeline for supplying the liquid ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization device and an evaporator arranged in the first supply pipeline and evaporating the ammonia flowing in the first supply pipeline to generate the ammonia gas; and a connecting pipeline for introducing the ammonia compressed by the compressor in the reliquefaction device into the ammonia supply device.

[0017] Furthermore, the floating body involved in the present invention comprises: a tank for storing ammonia; an ammonia utilization device operated by ammonia gas; an ammonia supply device, which has a first supply pipeline for supplying liquid ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization device and an evaporator arranged in the first supply pipeline and evaporating the ammonia flowing in the first supply pipeline to generate the ammonia gas; a second supply pipeline for supplying gaseous ammonia in the tank to the ammonia supply device; and a compressor for compressing the ammonia flowing in the second supply pipeline.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a floating body capable of improving energy efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a side view of the floating body involved in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining a system for treating ammonia stored in a tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining a system for treating ammonia stored in a tank according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining a system for treating ammonia stored in a tank according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining a system for treating ammonia stored in a tank according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the floating body of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] <First embodiment>

[0027] [Floating body]

[0028] The floating body in this embodiment is a ship that uses liquefied gas as fuel. Examples of liquefied gas include ammonia (NH 3 The ship type is not limited to a specific ship type. Examples of the ship type include a liquefied gas tanker, a ferry, a RO-RO ship, a car tanker, and a passenger ship.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the floating body 1 includes a floating body main body 10 , an upper structure 20 , a tank 30 , an ammonia utilization facility 40 , an ammonia supply device 50 , a reliquefaction line 60 , a reliquefaction device 70 , a connecting line 80 , and a regulating valve 90 .

[0030] (floating body body)

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the floating body 10 has side 11A, 11B, a bottom 12 and an upper deck 13. The side 11A, 11B has a pair of side outer plates forming the left and right side 11A and the side 11B respectively. The bottom 12 has a bottom outer plate connecting these side 11A, 11B. The upper deck 13 is provided across the pair of side outer plates.

[0032] The outer shell of the floating body 10 is box-shaped in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the bow and stern direction Fa through the side 11A, 11B, the bottom 12 and the upper deck 13. The bow and stern direction Fa in this embodiment refers to the direction extending from the stern 15 of the floating body 10 to the bow 14 (left and right direction in the figure).

[0033] (Upper structure)

[0034] The superstructure 20 is a structure provided so as to face upward in the up-down direction Dv from the upper deck 13. The superstructure 20 includes, for example, a living area, a bridge, and the like.

[0035] (Can)

[0036] The tank 30 stores liquefied ammonia as fuel. The tank 30 contains liquid ammonia (liquefied ammonia) and gaseous ammonia (evaporated gas) generated by gasification of the liquid ammonia. The tank 30 in this embodiment is, for example, provided on the upper deck 13 on the stern 15 side in the bow and stern direction Fa relative to the superstructure 20.

[0037] (Ammonia Utilization Equipment)

[0038] The ammonia utilization equipment 40 is a device that generates heat energy by burning ammonia. The ammonia utilization equipment 40 is installed in a region such as an engine room (not shown) disposed inside the floating body 10, for example.

[0039] The ammonia utilization device 40 can be exemplified by an engine generator that supplies electricity to the floating body 10 (inside the ship), a boiler that generates steam as a working fluid, a main engine that generates power for propelling the floating body 10, etc. The ammonia utilization device 40 in this embodiment is an engine generator that uses gaseous ammonia as fuel. Hereinafter, gaseous ammonia is referred to as "ammonia gas" and liquid ammonia is referred to as "liquefied ammonia".

[0040] The exhaust gas discharged from the ammonia utilization equipment 40 by the combustion of ammonia is purified, for example, by the exhaust gas purification device 200. The exhaust gas purified by the exhaust gas purification device 200 is released into the atmosphere through the flue 210 extending upward in the up-down direction Dv while penetrating the upper deck 13 while connected to the exhaust gas purification device 200.

[0041] The portion of the chimney 210 extending outside the floating body 10 is surrounded by the engine casing 220 and the chimney 230. The chimney 210, the engine casing 220 and the chimney 230 are arranged, for example, on the stern 15 side of the superstructure 20 in the bow and stern direction Fa.

[0042] (Ammonia supply device)

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the ammonia supply device 50 is a device that supplies liquefied ammonia in the liquid phase in the tank 30 to the ammonia utilization facility 40. The ammonia supply device 50 is disposed inside the floating body 10, for example.

[0044] The ammonia supply device 50 in the present embodiment includes a pump 51 , a first supply line 52 , an evaporator 53 , and a gas buffer chamber 54 .

[0045] (Pump)

[0046] The pump 51 can pressure-transmit the liquefied ammonia in the liquid phase in the tank 30 to the outside of the tank 30 . The pump 51 in the present embodiment is disposed inside the tank 30 .

[0047] (First supply line)

[0048] The first supply line 52 is a pipe connecting the ammonia utilization equipment 40 and the pump 51. The first supply line 52 supplies the liquefied ammonia pumped by the pump 51 to the ammonia utilization equipment 40 via the evaporator 53 and the gas buffer chamber 54.

[0049] Here, in the present embodiment, the pressure of the liquefied ammonia pumped by the pump 51 and flowing in the first supply line 52 is, for example, in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 MPaG. Furthermore, the temperature of the liquefied ammonia is, for example, in the range of -40 to -30°C at the same pressure.

[0050] (Evaporator)

[0051] The evaporator 53 is a heat exchanger that changes the state of the liquefied ammonia flowing in the first supply line 52 into ammonia gas by evaporating the liquefied ammonia. That is, the evaporator 53 generates ammonia gas from the liquefied ammonia in the tank 30. The evaporator 53 is provided in the first supply line 52. And, a heat source for heating the liquefied ammonia flowing in the first supply line 52 is supplied to the evaporator 53 from the outside. As the heat source supplied to the evaporator 53, ethylene glycol water heated by recovering the waste heat in the floating body 10, surrounding seawater for floating the floating body 10, etc. can be exemplified.

[0052] Here, the evaporator 53 has a function of mixing a liquid fluid supplied from the outside with a gas fluid supplied from the outside to produce a fluid in a gas-liquid mixed phase state. The evaporator 53 in this embodiment mixes the liquefied ammonia from the tank 30 flowing through the first supply line 52 with the ammonia gas flowing through the connecting line 80 described later to produce ammonia in a gas-liquid mixed phase state. The evaporator 53 generates ammonia gas by exchanging heat between the ammonia in the gas-liquid mixed phase state and the above-mentioned heat source. In the evaporator 53, a microchannel heat exchanger or the like can be exemplified.

[0053] (Gas buffer chamber)

[0054] The gas buffer chamber 54 is a container having an internal space for temporarily storing the ammonia gas generated by the evaporator 53. Therefore, the ammonia gas generated by the evaporator 53 is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 through the first supply line 52 and temporarily stored in the gas buffer chamber 54. The ammonia gas temporarily stored in the gas buffer chamber 54 is supplied to the ammonia utilization device 40 through the first supply line 52.

[0055] Here, in the present embodiment, the pressure of the ammonia gas stored in the gas buffer chamber 54 is, for example, in the range of 0.55 to 0.65 MPaG. Furthermore, the temperature of the ammonia gas is, for example, in the range of 15 to 50° C. at the same pressure.

[0056] (Reliquefaction pipeline)

[0057] The reliquefaction line 60 guides the gaseous ammonia gas in the tank 30 as boil-off gas to the outside of the tank 30. The reliquefaction line 60 in the present embodiment is a pipe for guiding the ammonia gas from the gaseous phase in the tank 30 to the reliquefaction device 70 and returning the liquefied ammonia reliquefied by the reliquefaction device 70 to the tank 30. The reliquefaction line 60 in the present embodiment is, for example, arranged inside the floating body 10. In addition, a small amount of inert gas or the like may be mixed in the gaseous ammonia gas in the tank 30.

[0058] One end of the reliquefaction line 60 is provided in the tank 30 so as to be able to lead out the ammonia gas in the gas phase in the tank 30. The other end of the reliquefaction line 60 is immersed in the liquid phase in the tank 30, for example. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the one end side of the reliquefaction line 60 is referred to as the "upstream side", and the other end side of the reliquefaction line 60 is referred to as the "downstream side".

[0059] (Reliquefaction unit)

[0060] The reliquefaction device 70 is a device for reliquefying ammonia gas. The reliquefaction device 70 in the present embodiment is disposed inside the floating body 10, for example.

[0061] The reliquefaction device 70 includes a compressor 71 , a condenser 72 , and an expansion valve 73 .

[0062] (compressor)

[0063] The compressor 71 is a device for compressing the ammonia gas supplied from the tank 30 through the reliquefaction line 60. The compressor 71 is provided in the reliquefaction line 60. The compressor 71 compresses the ammonia gas supplied from the gas phase in the tank 30 to a predetermined pressure. The ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 is ejected to the reliquefaction line 60 on the downstream side of the compressor 71.

[0064] Here, the ammonia gas introduced into the compressor 71 is compressed and its temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the pressure of the ammonia gas flowing in the reliquefaction line 60 toward the compressor 71 is, for example, in the range of 0 to 20 kPaG, and the temperature of the ammonia gas is, for example, in the range of -25 to -15° C. at the same pressure.

[0066] In addition, the temperature and pressure range of the ammonia gas may vary depending on the type of tank. For example, when the tank 30 is an IMO tank · Type A tank, the pressure is, for example, in the range of 0 to 70 kPaG. And, when the tank 30 is an IMO tank · Type C tank, the pressure is, for example, in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 MPaG. The "IMO tank · Type A method" and "IMO tank · Type C method" mentioned here refer to the safety rules for liquefied gas formulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO: International Maritime Organization), namely the IGC (International Gas Carrier: International Bulk Liquefied Gas Ship Structure and Equipment) rules.

[0067] The pressure of the ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 and flowing in the reliquefaction line 60 is, for example, in the range of 1.6 to 1.8 MPaG, and the temperature of the ammonia gas is, for example, in the range of 140 to 160° C. at the same pressure.

[0068] (Condenser)

[0069] The condenser 72 is a heat exchanger that condenses the ammonia gas by cooling the ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71. The condenser 72 is provided in the reliquefaction line 60 on the downstream side of the compressor 71. A heat source for cooling the ammonia gas is supplied from the outside to the condenser 72. In addition, as a heat source supplied to the condenser, the surrounding seawater or the like that floats the floating body 10 can be exemplified.

[0070] (Expansion valve)

[0071] The expansion valve 73 reduces the pressure and temperature of the liquefied ammonia condensed by the condenser 72 by adiabatically expanding the ammonia. The expansion valve 73 in this embodiment reduces the pressure and temperature of the liquefied ammonia condensed by the condenser 72 to a pressure and temperature that can be returned to the tank 30.

[0072] The expansion valve 73 is provided in the reliquefaction line 60 downstream of the condenser 72. The liquefied ammonia passing through the expansion valve 73 is guided into the tank 30 through the reliquefaction line 60, and is released into the liquid phase in the tank 30 from the other end of the reliquefaction line 60.

[0073] Here, in this embodiment, the pressure of the liquefied ammonia returned to the tank 30 through the expansion valve 73 is, for example, in the range of 0 to 20 kPaG. Furthermore, the temperature of the liquefied ammonia returned to the tank 30 through the expansion valve 73 is, for example, in the range of -40 to -30°C at the same pressure.

[0074] (Connecting pipes)

[0075] The connecting line 80 is a pipe for introducing ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 of the reliquefaction device 70 to the ammonia supplier 50. The connecting line 80 in this embodiment connects the reliquefaction line 60 between the compressor 71 and the condenser 72 and the evaporator 53 of the ammonia supplier 50.

[0076] (Control valve)

[0077] The regulating valve 90 is a valve that can cut off the flow of ammonia gas flowing in the connecting pipe 80 and can adjust the flow rate of ammonia gas flowing in the connecting pipe 80. The regulating valve 90 is provided in the connecting pipe 80. The regulating valve 90 is set to an open state to make the connecting pipe 80 ammonia gas flows, and is set to a closed state to make the connecting pipe 80 ammonia gas does not flow. The operation of changing the opening of the regulating valve 90 is performed manually by the occupant of the floating body 1 or automatically.

[0078] Here, the ammonia gas flowing in the connecting pipe 80 after passing through the regulating valve 90 merges with the liquefied ammonia supplied from the tank 30 in the evaporator 53. The ammonia in the gas-liquid mixed phase state merged in the evaporator 53 is heated by the above-mentioned heat source and gasified into ammonia gas. The ammonia gas is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 through the first supply pipe 52.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the pressure of the ammonia gas flowing through the regulating valve 90 toward the evaporator 53 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 0.7 MPaG. Furthermore, the temperature of the ammonia gas is, for example, in the range of 50 to 100° C. at the same pressure.

[0080] (Effect)

[0081] In the above-mentioned structure, the ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 of the reliquefaction device 70 is introduced as a fuel to the ammonia supply device 50 through the connecting pipe 80. That is, the boil-off gas from the tank 30 compressed by the compressor 71 of the reliquefaction device 70 can be effectively utilized, so the amount of liquefied ammonia supplied from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 through the first supply pipe 52 can be reduced. Therefore, the heat energy required for gasification of the liquefied ammonia in the evaporator 53 can be reduced. As a result, the energy efficiency can be improved.

[0082] In the above structure, the ammonia gas having a predetermined pressure and temperature by the compressor 71 merges with the liquefied ammonia in the evaporator 53. Therefore, for example, even if the flow rate and flow velocity of the liquefied ammonia flowing from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 through the first supply line 52 change, the temperature of the ammonia gas flowing out of the evaporator 53 can be kept more stable. Therefore, the ammonia gas with a more stable temperature can be supplied to the ammonia utilization device 40.

[0083] In addition, in the above-mentioned structure, the regulating valve 90 is provided in the connecting line 80. Therefore, for example, when the amount of ammonia gas stored in the gas buffer chamber 54 is sufficient and the internal pressure of the tank 30 is low, by setting the regulating valve 90 to a closed state, it is possible to stop the gaseous ammonia gas in the tank 30 from being introduced into the evaporator 53. Furthermore, by stopping the introduction of ammonia gas into the evaporator 53 and introducing ammonia gas into the condenser 72 provided in the reliquefaction line 60, it is possible to continuously control the internal pressure of the tank 30. Therefore, it is possible to realize appropriate operation according to the situation. Furthermore, by adjusting the opening of the regulating valve 90, it is possible to adjust the amount of liquefied ammonia delivered to the evaporator 53 through the connecting line 80.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above structure, a gas buffer chamber 54 capable of storing ammonia gas from the evaporator 53 is provided in the first supply line 52. Therefore, for example, even if the amount of ammonia gas consumed by the ammonia utilization device 40 changes, the amount of ammonia gas required by the ammonia utilization device 40 can be continuously supplied from the gas buffer chamber 54 to the ammonia utilization device 40.

[0085] <Second embodiment>

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 3 , a second embodiment of the float 1 involved in the present invention is described. In addition, in the second embodiment described below, the same symbols are marked in the figure for the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. In the second embodiment, the connection part of the connecting pipe 80 and the ammonia supply device 50 is different from the connection part of the connecting pipe 80 and the ammonia supply device 50 described in the first embodiment.

[0087] (Connecting pipes)

[0088] The connection line 80 in the present embodiment connects the reliquefaction line 60 between the compressor 71 and the condenser 72 and the first supply line 52 on the tank 30 side relative to the evaporator 53 in the ammonia supplier 50 .

[0089] (Effect)

[0090] In this structure, ammonia gas having a predetermined pressure and temperature by the compressor 71 flows into the first supply line 52 for supplying liquefied ammonia. Ammonia that has merged in the first supply line 52 and has become a gas-liquid mixed phase state is supplied to the evaporator 53. Therefore, for example, even if the flow rate and flow velocity of the liquefied ammonia flowing from the tank 30 toward the evaporator 53 through the first supply line 52 are changed, the temperature of the ammonia gas flowing out of the evaporator 53 can be kept more stable. Therefore, ammonia gas with a more stable temperature can be supplied to the ammonia utilization device 40.

[0091] Furthermore, the ammonia gas merges with the liquefied ammonia in the first supply line 52, and the ammonia gas is subjected to cooling and heating from the liquefied ammonia (heat exchange is performed), whereby a part of the ammonia gas becomes liquefied ammonia. Thus, the ratio of liquefied ammonia in the ammonia flowing in the first supply line 52 can be increased. Therefore, more ammonia gas can be generated in the evaporator 53.

[0092] Furthermore, in this configuration, even if one evaporator 53 is used as an existing device at the inlet that can receive ammonia, adding the connecting line 80 has little effect on the specifications of the evaporator 53. Therefore, the cost of adding the connecting line 80 can be suppressed.

[0093] <Third embodiment>

[0094] Next, refer to Figure 4 , a third embodiment of the floating body 1 involved in the present invention is described. In addition, in the second embodiment described below, the same symbols are marked in the figure for the same structures as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. In the second embodiment, the connection part of the connecting pipe 80 and the ammonia supply device 50 is different from the connection part of the connecting pipe 80 and the ammonia supply device 50 described in the first embodiment. In addition, the floating body 1 described in the third embodiment further includes a heat exchanger 100.

[0095] (Connecting pipes)

[0096] The connection line 80 in the present embodiment connects the reliquefaction line 60 between the compressor 71 and the condenser 72 and the gas buffer chamber 54 of the ammonia supplier 50 .

[0097] (Heat Exchanger)

[0098] The heat exchanger 100 makes the ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 become ammonia gas of a target temperature. The heat exchanger 100 is provided in the connecting pipe 80 closer to the gas buffer chamber 54 side than the regulating valve 90. A heat source suitable for adjusting the ammonia gas flowing in the connecting pipe 80 to the temperature required by the ammonia utilization device 40 is supplied to the heat exchanger 100 from the outside. As the heat source supplied to the heat exchanger 100, ethylene glycol water heated by recovering the waste heat in the floating body 10, the surrounding seawater for floating the floating body 10, etc. can be exemplified. The ammonia gas flowing out of the heat exchanger 100 is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 through the connecting pipe 80.

[0099] (Effect)

[0100] In this structure, the ammonia gas having reached the target temperature by the heat exchanger 100 is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 and merged with the ammonia gas from the evaporator 53. Therefore, for example, even if the temperature or pressure of the ammonia gas from the evaporator 53 changes due to changes in the flow rate or flow velocity of the liquefied ammonia flowing through the first supply line 52, the temperature of the ammonia gas supplied from the gas buffer chamber 54 to the ammonia utilization device 40 can be kept more stable. Therefore, ammonia gas with a more stable temperature can be supplied to the ammonia utilization device 40.

[0101] (Other Implementations)

[0102] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific structure is not limited to that of the embodiments, and addition, omission, replacement, and other changes in structure are possible within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0103] For example, Figure 5 As shown, the floating body 1 may not have the above-mentioned reliquefaction line 60, reliquefaction device 70, connecting line 80 and regulating valve 90, and may be replaced by a second supply line 110, a compressor 71a and a regulating valve 90a.

[0104] Hereinafter, the configurations of the second supply line 110 , the compressor 71 a , and the regulating valve 90 a will be described.

[0105] The second supply pipe 110 is a pipe for supplying the evaporated gas in the tank 30, that is, ammonia gas, to the ammonia supply device 50. The second supply pipe 110 is, for example, arranged inside the floating body 10. One end of the second supply pipe 110 is provided in the tank 30 in such a manner that the gaseous ammonia in the tank 30 can be discharged. The other end of the second supply pipe 110 is connected to the evaporator 53 of the ammonia supply device 50.

[0106] The compressor 71a is a device that compresses the ammonia gas from the tank 30 flowing through the second supply line 110. The compressor 71a is provided in the second supply line 110. The compressor 71a compresses the ammonia gas to a predetermined pressure and discharges the compressed ammonia gas to the second supply line 110 on the evaporator 53 side of the compressor 71a.

[0107] The regulating valve 90a is a valve capable of shutting off the flow of ammonia gas flowing in the second supply pipe 110 and regulating the flow rate of ammonia gas flowing in the second supply pipe 110. The regulating valve 90a is provided in the second supply pipe 110 between the compressor 71a and the evaporator 53. The regulating valve 90a is set to an open state to make the second supply pipe 110 a state where ammonia gas flows, and is set to a closed state to make the second supply pipe 110 a state where ammonia gas does not flow. The operation of changing the opening degree of the regulating valve 90a is performed manually by the occupant of the floating body 1 or automatically.

[0108] The above-described configuration can also produce the effects described in the first embodiment.

[0109] Although not shown in the figure, the other end of the second supply line 110 may be connected to the first supply line 52 on the upstream side of the evaporator 53 , for example.

[0110] In addition, the other end of the second supply line 110 may be connected to the gas buffer chamber 54. When the other end of the second supply line 110 is connected to the gas buffer chamber 54, the heat exchanger 100 may be provided on the second supply line 110.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the tank 30 is described as being installed on the upper deck 13 , but the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the tank 30 may be installed inside the floating body 10 .

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the tank 30 is used as an example of a tank for storing fuel. However, the tank for storing fuel is not limited to the fuel-only tank 30. For example, the tank for storing fuel may be a tank (cargo tank) for storing liquefied gas as cargo in a cargo hold or the like disposed in the floating body 10.

[0113] Furthermore, the floating body 1 described in the above embodiment is a ship using ammonia as fuel, but is not limited to ammonia. The floating body 1 may also use liquefied gas such as LNG or LPG as fuel. Furthermore, the floating body 1 is not limited to a ship, and may be a FSRU (Floating LNG Storage and Regasification Unit) or a FSU (Floating LNG Storage Unit) instead of a ship.

[0114] Furthermore, the structures of the floating body 1 described in the above embodiments are not limited to the independent structures. The floating body 1 can be configured by appropriately combining the structural elements described in the respective embodiments.

[0115] <Appendix>

[0116] The floating body described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0117] (1) The floating body 1 involved in the first embodiment comprises: a tank 30 for storing ammonia; a reliquefaction device 70 having a compressor 71 for compressing gaseous ammonia in the tank 30 and a condenser 72 for condensing the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 and returning it to the tank 30; an ammonia utilization device 40 operated by ammonia gas; an ammonia supply device 50 having a first supply pipeline 52 for supplying liquid ammonia in the tank 30 to the ammonia utilization device 40 and an evaporator 53 arranged in the first supply pipeline 52 and evaporating the ammonia flowing in the first supply pipeline 52 to generate the ammonia gas; and a connecting pipeline 80 for introducing the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 in the reliquefaction device 70 into the ammonia supply device 50.

[0118] Thus, the ammonia supplier 50 can effectively utilize the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 of the reliquefaction device 70 , and thus can reduce the amount of ammonia evaporated from the storage tank 30 by the evaporator 53 .

[0119] (2) A floating body 1 according to a second aspect is the floating body 1 according to the first aspect, wherein:

[0120] The connecting line 80 can introduce the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 into the evaporator 53 .

[0121] Thus, the ammonia having a predetermined pressure and temperature by the compressor 71 merges with the ammonia from the tank 30 in the evaporator 53. Therefore, for example, even if the flow rate and flow velocity of ammonia flowing from the tank 30 toward the evaporator 53 through the first supply line 52 change, the temperature of the ammonia gas flowing out of the evaporator 53 can be kept more stable.

[0122] (3) A floating body 1 according to a third aspect is the floating body 1 according to the first aspect, wherein:

[0123] The connecting line 80 can introduce the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 to the first supply line 52 which is closer to the tank 30 than the evaporator 53 .

[0124] Thus, ammonia having a predetermined pressure and temperature by the compressor 71 flows into the first supply line 52, merges with ammonia from the tank 30, and is then supplied to the evaporator 53 through the first supply line 52. Therefore, for example, even if the flow rate and flow velocity of ammonia flowing from the tank 30 toward the evaporator 53 through the first supply line 52 change, the temperature of the ammonia gas flowing out of the evaporator 53 can be kept more stable.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, even when one evaporator 53 is used as the inlet portion capable of receiving ammonia, it is not necessary to change the specifications of the evaporator 53 when the connecting pipe 80 is additionally provided.

[0126] (4) The float 1 involved in the fourth embodiment is the float 1 involved in the above-mentioned first embodiment, and further comprises: a heat exchanger 100, which makes the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 become the ammonia gas at a target temperature; the ammonia supply device 50 also has the first supply pipeline 52 arranged between the evaporator 53 and the ammonia utilization equipment 40 and a gas buffer chamber 54 that can store the ammonia gas; the connecting pipeline 80 introduces the ammonia gas that has become the target temperature through the heat exchanger 100 into the gas buffer chamber 54.

[0127] Thus, the ammonia gas having the target temperature after passing through the heat exchanger 100 is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 and merges with the ammonia gas from the evaporator 53. Therefore, for example, even if the temperature or pressure of the ammonia gas from the evaporator 53 changes due to a change in the flow rate or flow velocity of ammonia flowing through the first supply line 52, the temperature of the ammonia gas supplied from the gas buffer chamber 54 to the ammonia utilization device 40 can be kept more stable.

[0128] Furthermore, for example, even when the amount of ammonia gas consumed by the ammonia utilization device 40 changes, the amount of ammonia gas required by the ammonia utilization device 40 can be continuously supplied from the gas buffer chamber 54 .

[0129] (5) The floating body 1 according to a fifth aspect is the floating body 1 according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and may further include a regulating valve 90 capable of shutting off the flow of the ammonia in the connecting pipe 80 and regulating the flow rate of the ammonia flowing in the connecting pipe 80 .

[0130] Thus, for example, when the amount of ammonia gas stored in the gas buffer chamber 54 is sufficient and the internal pressure of the tank 30 is low, the introduction of gaseous ammonia in the tank 30 into the evaporator 53 can be stopped by closing the regulating valve 90 .

[0131] Furthermore, by adjusting the opening degree of the regulating valve 90 , the flow rate of ammonia sent to the evaporator 53 through the connecting line 80 can be adjusted.

[0132] (6) The float 1 involved in the sixth embodiment comprises: a tank 30 for storing ammonia; an ammonia utilization device 40 operated by ammonia gas; an ammonia supply device 50, which has a first supply pipeline 52 for supplying liquid ammonia in the tank 30 to the ammonia utilization device 40 and an evaporator 53 arranged in the first supply pipeline 52 and evaporating the ammonia flowing in the first supply pipeline 52 to generate the ammonia gas; a second supply pipeline 110 for supplying gaseous ammonia in the tank 30 to the ammonia supply device 50; and a compressor 71a for compressing the ammonia flowing in the second supply pipeline 110.

[0133] Thus, the gaseous ammonia in the tank 30 is utilized, so the amount of ammonia from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 of the ammonia supply device 50 can be reduced. That is, the amount of ammonia from the tank 30 evaporated by the evaporator 53 can be reduced.

[0134] Explanation of symbols

[0135] 1-floating body, 30-tank, 40-ammonia utilization equipment, 50-ammonia supply device, 52-first supply pipeline, 53-evaporator, 54-gas buffer chamber, 70-reliquefaction device, 71, 71a-compressor, 80-connecting pipeline, 90, 90a-regulating valve, 100-heat exchanger, 110-second supply pipeline.

Claims

1. A floating body, comprising: Tanks for storing ammonia; a reliquefaction device having a compressor for compressing the gaseous ammonia in the tank and a condenser for condensing the ammonia compressed by the compressor and returning it to the tank; Ammonia utilization equipment operated by ammonia gas; an ammonia supply device including a first supply line for supplying the liquid ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization device and an evaporator provided in the first supply line for evaporating the ammonia flowing in the first supply line to generate the ammonia gas; and A connecting pipeline is used to introduce the ammonia compressed by the compressor in the reliquefaction device into the ammonia supply device.

2. The floating body according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting pipe introduces the ammonia compressed by the compressor to the evaporator.

3. The floating body according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting line introduces the ammonia compressed by the compressor to the first supply line located closer to the tank than the evaporator.

4. The floating body according to claim 1, further comprising: a heat exchanger for converting the ammonia compressed by the compressor into the ammonia gas at a target temperature, The ammonia supply device further comprises a gas buffer chamber which is arranged in the first supply pipeline between the evaporator and the ammonia utilization device and can store the ammonia gas. The connecting pipe introduces the ammonia gas having a target temperature after passing through the heat exchanger into the gas buffer chamber.

5. The floating body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The regulating valve can cut off the flow of the ammonia in the connecting pipe and can regulate the flow rate of the ammonia flowing in the connecting pipe.

6. A floating body, comprising: Tanks for storing ammonia; Ammonia utilization equipment operated by ammonia gas; an ammonia supply device including a first supply line for supplying the liquid ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization device and an evaporator provided in the first supply line for evaporating the ammonia flowing in the first supply line to generate the ammonia gas; a second supply pipeline for supplying the gaseous ammonia in the tank to the ammonia supply device; and The compressor compresses the ammonia flowing through the second supply line.

Images