A closed-loop, air-cooled methanol fuel supply system

Abstract

This invention discloses a closed-loop, air-cooled methanol fuel supply system, relating to the field of marine methanol fuel supply technology. The system comprises a closed structure, an air-cooled heat exchange surface, atomizing nozzles, a cooling medium control valve, a temperature sensor, a fan, a methanol gas detector, a level switch, and a methanol pump. The system encloses the entire fuel supply system through a closed structure. A fan introduces temperature-controlled air through the air-cooled heat exchange surface to effectively cool the methanol after pumping. The temperature sensor monitors the air inlet temperature, and the cooling medium control valve adjusts the flow rate of the atomizing nozzles to achieve precise temperature control. The air-cooled heat exchange surface employs an innovative airflow design, increasing airflow and enhancing heat exchange efficiency. The methanol gas detector and level switch can quickly detect leaks; methanol gas is discharged to a safe location via mechanical ventilation, and liquid methanol is collected to prevent contamination of the cooling medium system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine methanol fuel supply technology, specifically a closed-structure, air-cooled methanol fuel supply system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the International Maritime Organization has continuously strengthened its requirements for carbon emissions. Methanol, as a backup clean energy source, has received widespread attention and is gradually being introduced to the market as a shipping fuel. Methanol fuel supply systems, as an important system component, have developed rapidly as a technological route.

[0003] There are many solutions for methanol cooling after the methanol pump in a methanol supply system, such as the solution of exchanging heat between an independent heat source on board and methanol. These solutions all add an extra cooling system to absorb the heat transferred to the methanol by the methanol pump. The system control is complex, occupies a lot of space, and it is difficult to detect leaks in the heat exchanger. Therefore, a structure that does not require an extra cooling system is needed to achieve methanol temperature control. In addition, traditional cooling methods usually rely on simple air cooling, which lacks optimized airflow paths and temperature control methods, resulting in methanol not being effectively cooled after the pump, affecting fuel performance, and may even damage the system due to overheating. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to address the problem of controlling methanol temperature using a mechanical ventilation system designed to prevent methanol vapor accumulation, simplifying the fuel supply system, and avoiding leakage contamination of the cooling medium system. The technical solution adopted by the present invention is a closed-loop, air-cooled methanol fuel supply system, comprising a closed structure, an air-cooled heat exchange surface, atomizing nozzles, a cooling medium control valve, a temperature sensor, a fan, a methanol gas detector, a level switch, and a methanol pump. The closed structure encloses the entire methanol fuel supply system, allowing air to pass through the air-cooled heat exchange surface, which is located on the pipeline after the methanol pump. The closed structure utilizes… A fan provides ventilation, with a temperature sensor and atomizing nozzle installed at the air inlet. The temperature sensor monitors the inlet air temperature and regulates the inlet air temperature by controlling the atomizing flow rate through a cooling medium control valve. A methanol gas detector is installed at the air outlet, and a level switch is installed at the low point of the closed structure to detect methanol gas and liquid leaks. The entire fuel supply system is enclosed by a closed structure. The fan draws in temperature-controlled air from the inlet and cools the methanol after pumping through an air-cooled heat exchanger. The temperature sensor monitors the inlet air temperature and controls the flow rate through the atomizing nozzle to control the inlet air temperature. The cooling medium should be selected in a way that does not damage the valves and accessories. When a leak occurs in the methanol supply system, it will be quickly detected by the methanol gas detector and level switch. Methanol gas will be mechanically vented to a safe location, and methanol liquid will be collected by the device, without contaminating the cooling medium system.

[0005] Preferably, the air-cooled heat exchange surface includes a pneumatic negative pressure cylinder. An air inlet cylinder is fixed radially on the outer circumferential surface of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder. The air inlet cylinder and the interior of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder are connected. A paint spraying opening is provided at one end of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder. An intermediate manifold is fixed to the outer ring of the end face of the paint spraying opening through a first connecting rod. An end manifold is fixed to the end face of the intermediate manifold through a second connecting rod.

[0006] Preferably, a drive motor is fixed to the inner wall of the air inlet cylinder, and a gap is provided between the housing of the drive motor and the inner wall of the air inlet cylinder to facilitate air flow. A drive impeller is fixed to the output shaft of the drive motor.

[0007] Preferably, heat exchange plates are fitted on the outer surfaces of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder, the intermediate manifold, and the terminal manifold, wherein the heat exchange plates are composed of multiple hollow blades arranged in an equidistant circular array.

[0008] Preferably, a flow-guiding cone is provided on the side of the end of the terminal manifold away from the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder. The flow-guiding cone is fixedly engaged with all the heat exchange fins and is used to guide the air discharged from the terminal manifold toward the heat exchange fins.

[0009] Preferably, a flow guide shroud is also fixed on the heat exchange fins. The flow guide shroud is located on the outside of the flow guide cone to prevent air cross-flow outside the heat exchange fins and to ensure unidirectional airflow. A shielding disc, which is fixed to all heat exchange fins, is also fixed on the flow guide cone.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: (1) The present invention adopts a closed structure to enclose the entire methanol fuel supply system, preventing methanol leakage from causing environmental pollution. When leakage occurs, the methanol gas detector and liquid level switch can detect it quickly. The methanol gas is discharged to a safe position through mechanical ventilation, and the liquid methanol is effectively collected, ensuring that the cooling medium system is not polluted; (2) The present invention monitors the temperature of the air inlet through a temperature sensor and uses a cooling medium control valve to adjust the flow rate of the atomizing nozzle, thereby achieving precise control of the inlet air temperature. The fan introduces temperature-controllable air into the air-cooled heat exchange surface to effectively cool the methanol after the methanol pump. This precise temperature management improves the efficiency and reliability of fuel supply, ensures that methanol works at the optimal temperature, and improves the overall performance of the system; (3) The air-cooled heat exchange surface of the present invention adopts a combination design of pneumatic negative pressure cylinder, air inlet cylinder, driving impeller and heat exchange plate, forming an efficient airflow path. The airflow enters from multiple paths through pressure difference, increasing the airflow and enhancing the cooling effect on the heat exchange plate. The design of the diversion cone and diversion hood ensures unidirectional airflow, prevents hot air backflow, and improves heat exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the methanol fuel supply system of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the air-cooled heat exchange surface of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the heat exchanger plate of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder structure of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the heat exchanger plate of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1-Closed structure; 2-Air-cooled heat exchange surface; 201-Pneumatic negative pressure cylinder; 202-Inlet cylinder; 203-Drive impeller; 204-Drive motor; 205-Intermediate manifold; 206-End manifold; 207-Second connecting rod; 208-First connecting rod; 209-Inlet window; 210-Painting opening; 211-Heat exchange plate; 212-Shielding disc; 213-Drainage hood; 214-Drainage cone; 3-Atomizing nozzle; 4-Cooling medium control valve; 5-Temperature sensor; 6-Fan; 7-Methanol gas detector; 8-Level switch; 9-Methanol pump. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-5 The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated through specific embodiments.

[0018] This invention provides a closed-loop, air-cooled methanol fuel supply system, comprising a closed structure 1, an air-cooled heat exchange surface 2, an atomizing nozzle 3, a cooling medium control valve 4, a temperature sensor 5, a fan 6, a methanol gas detector 7, a level switch 8, and a methanol pump 9. The closed structure 1 encloses the entire methanol fuel supply system, allowing air to pass through the air-cooled heat exchange surface 2, which is located on the pipeline after the methanol pump 9. The closed structure 1 is ventilated by the fan 6, whose ventilation inlet is equipped with both the temperature sensor 5 and the atomizing nozzle 3. The temperature sensor 5 monitors the air inlet ventilation temperature. The air temperature at the air inlet is regulated by controlling the atomization flow rate through the cooling medium control valve 4. A methanol gas detector 7 is installed at the air outlet, and a level switch 8 is installed at the low point of the closed structure 1 to detect methanol gas and liquid leaks. The entire fuel supply system is enclosed by the closed structure 1, and a blower 6 draws temperature-controlled air from the air inlet, which is then cooled by the air-cooled heat exchange surface 2. The air temperature at the air inlet is monitored by a temperature sensor 5, and the cooling medium control valve 4 is used to regulate the flow rate through the atomizing nozzle 3 to control the inlet air temperature. The cooling medium should be selected in a way that does not damage the valves and accessories. When a leak occurs in the methanol supply system, it will be quickly detected by the methanol gas detector 7 and the level switch 8. The methanol gas will be discharged to a safe location through mechanical ventilation, and the methanol liquid will be collected by the device, without contaminating the cooling medium system.

[0019] The air-cooled heat exchange surface 2 includes a pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201. An air inlet cylinder 202 is fixed radially on the outer circumferential surface of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201. The air inlet cylinder 202 and the interior of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201 are connected. One end of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201 is provided with a paint spraying opening 210. An intermediate manifold 205 is fixed in mid-air through a first connecting rod 208 on the outer ring of the end face of the paint spraying opening 210. An end manifold 206 is fixed in mid-air through a second connecting rod 207 on the end face of the intermediate manifold 205. A drive motor 204 is fixed on the inner wall of the air inlet cylinder 202. A gap is provided between the outer shell of the drive motor 204 and the inner wall of the air inlet cylinder 202 to facilitate airflow. A drive impeller 203 is fixed on the output shaft of the drive motor 204. Heat exchange fins 211 are fitted onto the outer surfaces of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201, the intermediate manifold 205, and the terminal manifold 206. Each heat exchange fin 211 consists of multiple hollow, circularly arranged equidistant arrays. A flow-guiding cone 214 is positioned on the side of the terminal manifold 206 away from the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201. The flow-guiding cone 214 is fixedly engaged with all the heat exchange fins 211 and guides the air discharged from the terminal manifold 206 towards the heat exchange fins 211. A flow-guiding shroud 213 is also fixed to the heat exchange fins 211. The shroud 213 is positioned outside the flow-guiding cone 214 to prevent cross-flow of air outside the heat exchange fins 211, ensuring unidirectional airflow. A shielding disc 212, which is also fixed to all the heat exchange fins 211, is also fixed to the flow-guiding cone 214.

[0020] When the drive motor 204 is started, the output shaft of the drive motor 204 drives the drive air impeller 203 to rotate. The drive air impeller 203 drives the external air into the air inlet cylinder 202. Since the air inlet cylinder 202 is connected to the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201, the air also enters the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201 and is then discharged through the paint spray opening 210. The air coming out of the paint spray opening 210 will flow at high speed into the middle confluence cylinder 205. Since the air blown out of the paint spray opening 210 is cylindrical, the pressure in the middle of the cylinder will be in a negative pressure state. At this time, the external air will also enter the axial position of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201 through the air inlet window 209 and then merge with the air blown out of the paint spray opening 210, thereby obtaining more airflow. Similarly, air located outside the intermediate manifold 205 will also enter the intermediate manifold 205 through the gap between the paint spray opening 210 and the intermediate manifold 205. This is because the air pressure is low at the location of air flow, and the external air is almost stationary relative to the air between the intermediate manifold 205 and the paint spray opening 210. Therefore, under the action of the pressure difference, the external air will enter the intermediate manifold 205. Likewise, air outside the intermediate manifold 205 and the end manifold 206 will also enter through the gap between the intermediate manifold 205 and the end manifold 206. The airflow enters the end manifold 206 and then flows towards the guide cone 214. Guided by the guide cone 214, the airflow blows against the heat exchange fins 211 on the outside of the guide cone 214, dissipating heat from the heat exchange fins 211. Since the heat exchange fins 211 also cover the outside of the intermediate manifold 205 and the end manifold 206, the air entering the gap between the paint spray opening 210 and the intermediate manifold 205, and the air entering the gap between the intermediate manifold 205 and the end manifold 206, also passes through the heat exchange fins 211, thus cooling the heat exchange fins 211. It should be noted that the guide shroud 213 is used to discharge the air guided from the guide cone 214 away from the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder 201 and to prevent the discharged hot airflow from flowing into the intermediate manifold 205 and the end manifold 206. This allows as much air as possible to pass through the air-cooled heat exchange surface 2, ensuring a better cooling effect. The cooling medium should be selected to achieve good cooling of the air without damaging the valves and accessories of the fuel supply system.

Claims

1. A closed structure air-cooled methanol fuel supply system, characterized in that: The closed structure (1), the air-cooled heat exchange surface (2), the atomizing nozzle (3), the cooling medium control valve (4), the temperature sensor (5), the fan (6), the methanol gas detector (7), the liquid level switch (8), and the methanol pump (9) are used. The closed structure (1) is used for enclosing the whole methanol fuel supply system, and air passes through the air-cooled heat exchange surface (2) on the pipeline behind the methanol pump (9). The closed structure (1) is ventilated by the fan (6), the temperature sensor (5) and the atomizing nozzle (3) are installed at the ventilation inlet, the temperature sensor (5) monitors the air inlet ventilation temperature, and the air temperature of the air inlet is adjusted by controlling the atomizing flow through the cooling medium control valve (4). The air outlet is provided with the methanol gas detector (7), and the liquid level switch (8) is installed at the low point of the closed structure (1) to detect the leakage of methanol gas and liquid. The air-cooled heat exchange surface (2) comprises a pneumatic negative pressure cylinder (201), an air inlet cylinder (202) is fixed on the outer circumferential surface of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder (201) along the radial direction thereof, the air inlet cylinder (202) is in communication with the inside of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder (201), one end of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder (201) is provided with a paint spraying opening (210), the end face outer circle of the paint spraying opening (210) is fixed with an intermediate flow collecting cylinder (205) through a first connecting rod (208), and the end face of the intermediate flow collecting cylinder (205) is fixed with a terminal flow collecting cylinder (206) through a second connecting rod (207).

2. A closed structure air-cooled methanol fuel supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A driving motor (204) is fixed to the inner wall of the air inlet cylinder (202), a gap for air flow is arranged between the shell of the driving motor (204) and the inner wall of the air inlet cylinder (202), and a driving impeller (203) is fixed to the output shaft of the driving motor (204).

3. A closed structure air-cooled methanol fuel supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer surfaces of the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder (201), the intermediate flow collecting cylinder (205) and the terminal flow collecting cylinder (206) are sleeved with heat exchange fins (211), wherein the heat exchange fins (211) are composed of a plurality of hollow fins arranged in a circular equidistant array.

4. A closed structure air-cooled methanol fuel supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that: A drainage cone block (214) is arranged on the side of the terminal flow collecting cylinder (206) away from the pneumatic negative pressure cylinder (201), the drainage cone block (214) is fixedly connected with all the heat exchange fins (211), and the drainage cone block (214) is used for guiding the air discharged from the terminal flow collecting cylinder (206) to blow to the heat exchange fins (211).

5. A closed structure air-cooled methanol fuel supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A drainage cover (213) is further fixed to the heat exchange fin (211) and arranged outside the drainage cone block (214), which is used for preventing air from flowing in the opposite direction outside the heat exchange fin (211) and making the air flow in one direction, and a shielding disc (212) is fixed to the drainage cone block (214) and fixed to all the heat exchange fins (211).

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