Fuel supply device and engine system

Abstract

The invention provides a fuel supply device and an engine system capable of suppressing diffusion of gaseous fuel leaked from each component when fuel is supplied to an engine. A fuel supply device (3) for supplying at least gaseous fuel to a predetermined supply target such as an engine (2) is provided with: a gaseous fuel supply unit (16) which is a gaseous fuel adjustment unit for adjusting the supply amount of gaseous fuel with respect to the supply target and supplying the gaseous fuel; a pressure regulating device (13) for regulating the supply pressure of the gaseous fuel; and a temperature adjustment unit (14) that is provided between the pressure adjustment device (13) and the gas fuel supply unit (16) in the supply direction of the gas fuel, and that adjusts the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit (16) in accordance with the operating state and / or operating environment of the object to be supplied, the pressure adjustment device (13) and the temperature adjustment unit (14) being housed in a common housing (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel supply device for supplying at least gaseous fuel to a supply target such as an engine, and an engine system including the fuel supply device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an engine system including a gas engine or a dual-fuel engine includes a gas fuel supply valve such as a GAV (Gas Admission Valve) for injecting a gas fuel such as hydrogen into a combustion chamber within a cylinder.

[0003] The engine system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an engine that combusts at least gas fuel to generate power, a gas fuel supply pipe that supplies gas fuel to the engine, and a fuel flow rate regulator that regulates the flow rate of gas fuel to the gas fuel supply pipe.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-149336

[0005] However, in order to precisely control engine output, engine systems require adjustments to the gas fuel supply valve's open period and the gas fuel injection amount by the fuel flow rate regulator. However, due to the minimum injection period imposed on the gas fuel supply valve, precise control of the gas fuel injection amount in the low-load range is difficult, making it difficult to appropriately control even low engine output levels below the minimum injection period. Furthermore, in engine systems, the fuel supply system that supplies fuel to the engine must be able to prevent the spread of gas fuel leaking from various components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a fuel supply device and an engine system that can more precisely control the supply amount of gaseous fuel and thereby precisely control the engine output. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a fuel supply device and an engine system that can suppress the diffusion of gaseous fuel that leaks from various components during fuel supply to the engine.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the fuel supply device of the present invention is a fuel supply device that supplies at least gas fuel to a specified supply object, and is characterized in that it comprises: a gas fuel adjustment unit that adjusts the supply amount of the gas fuel relative to the above-mentioned supply object and supplies it; and a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the above-mentioned gas fuel adjustment unit according to the operating state and / or operating environment of the above-mentioned supply object.

[0008] Alternatively, the fuel supply device of the present invention is a fuel supply device that supplies at least gas fuel to a specified supply object, and is characterized in that it comprises: a gas fuel adjustment unit that adjusts the supply amount of the gas fuel relative to the above-mentioned supply object and supplies it; a pressure regulating device that adjusts the supply pressure of the gas fuel; and a supply pressure adjustment unit that is arranged between the above-mentioned pressure regulating device and the above-mentioned gas fuel adjustment unit in the supply direction of the above-mentioned gas fuel, and adjusts the supply pressure of the above-mentioned gas fuel supplied to the above-mentioned gas fuel adjustment unit according to the operating state and / or operating environment of the above-mentioned supply object, and the above-mentioned pressure regulating device and the above-mentioned temperature adjustment unit are housed in a common shell.

[0009] In addition, the engine system of the present invention is an engine system comprising the above-mentioned fuel supply device and the above-mentioned engine as the above-mentioned supply object, and is characterized in that the above-mentioned temperature adjustment unit comprises: a heat exchange unit, which allows the heat exchange medium to circulate and act on the above-mentioned gas fuel; and a flow adjustment unit, which adjusts the flow rate of the heat exchange medium. The above-mentioned engine system also comprises a control device, which controls the above-mentioned gas fuel adjustment unit and the above-mentioned flow adjustment unit. The above-mentioned control device calculates the target temperature of the above-mentioned gas fuel based on the target output of the above-mentioned engine. When the detected temperature of the above-mentioned gas fuel is lower than the above-mentioned target temperature, the above-mentioned control device controls the above-mentioned flow adjustment unit to increase the temperature of the above-mentioned gas fuel so that the above-mentioned detected temperature becomes the above-mentioned target temperature.

[0010] Alternatively, the engine system of the present invention is an engine system comprising the above-mentioned fuel supply device and the above-mentioned engine as the above-mentioned supply object, and is characterized in that the above-mentioned temperature adjustment unit comprises: a heat exchange unit, which allows the heat exchange medium to circulate and act on the above-mentioned gas fuel; and a flow adjustment unit, which adjusts the flow rate of the heat exchange medium. The above-mentioned engine system also comprises a control device, which controls the above-mentioned gas fuel adjustment unit and the above-mentioned flow adjustment unit. When the target output of the above-mentioned engine is above a specified output threshold, the above-mentioned control device controls the above-mentioned flow adjustment unit to stop the circulation of the above-mentioned heat exchange medium.

[0011] Alternatively, the engine system of the present invention is an engine system comprising the above-mentioned fuel supply device and the above-mentioned engine as the above-mentioned supply object, and is characterized in that the above-mentioned temperature adjustment unit comprises: a heat exchange unit, which allows the heat exchange medium to circulate and act on the above-mentioned gas fuel; and a cooling device, which cools the heat exchange medium. The above-mentioned engine system also comprises a control device, which controls the above-mentioned gas fuel adjustment unit and the above-mentioned cooling device. When the target output of the above-mentioned engine is above a specified output threshold, the above-mentioned control device controls so that the above-mentioned cooling device works.

[0012] According to the present invention, a fuel supply device and an engine system are provided that can more finely control the supply amount of gaseous fuel and thereby finely control the engine output. According to the present invention, a fuel supply device and an engine system are provided that can suppress the diffusion of gaseous fuel leaking from various components during fuel supply to the engine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing an example of an engine system including a fuel supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing an example of an engine in an engine system including a fuel supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing an example of a pressure regulating device in a fuel supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an example of a pressure regulating device in a fuel supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing an example of a temperature adjustment unit and a chamber in the fuel supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing an example of a temperature adjustment unit and a chamber in the fuel supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a temperature adjustment unit in the fuel supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the temperature adjustment unit in the fuel supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the fuel supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the fuel supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention when the fuel supply device is switched from the diesel mode to the gas mode.

[0023] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement pattern of a pressure regulating device and a temperature regulating unit of a fuel supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a graph showing an example of a map indicating the relationship between the engine load and the target supply pressure of the gas fuel in the fuel supply device according to the modified example of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a graph showing an example of a map indicating the relationship between the engine load and the target supply pressure of the gas fuel in the fuel supply device according to the modified example of the present invention.

[0026] Description of Reference Numerals

[0027] 1…engine system; 2…engine (supply object); 3…fuel supply device; 4…generator; 5…liquid fuel supply unit; 10…liquefied gas fuel tank (gas fuel storage unit); 11…gas fuel supply passage; 11a…common passage; 11b…branch passage; 12…carburetor; 13…pressure regulating device; 14…temperature regulating unit; 15…chamber; 16…gas fuel supply unit (gas fuel regulating unit); 17…control device; 18…housing; 21…cylinder; 25…combustion chamber; 36…first shut-off valve; 37…second shut-off valve; 38…open passage; 39…open valve; 40…first heat exchanger; 41…first flow regulating unit; 42…second heat exchanger; 43…second flow regulating unit; 44…cooling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] An engine system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, engine system 1 includes: engine 2, which is operated at least using gas fuel; and fuel supply device 3, which supplies gas fuel to engine 2, which is the fuel supply target. Engine 2 includes propulsion engines (main engines) for ships, etc., and power generation engines (auxiliary engines). In this embodiment, an example is described in which engine system 1 includes engine 2 as the power generation engine (auxiliary engine), and engine 2 is connected to generator 4, so that the output of engine 2 drives generator 4.

[0029] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the engine 2 is configured as a dual-fuel engine that is driven by injecting at least one of a gas fuel such as hydrogen and a liquid fuel such as light oil or heavy oil into the combustion chamber 25 of the engine 2. The engine system 1 is configured to operate in one of the following combustion modes: a gas mode using only gas fuel as the fuel for the engine 2, a diesel mode using only liquid fuel, or a mixed combustion mode using both gas fuel and liquid fuel.

[0030] The engine system 1 includes a liquid fuel supply unit 5 for supplying liquid fuel to the engine 2. The liquid fuel supply unit 5 is connected to a liquid fuel tank (not shown) via a liquid fuel supply passage (not shown) and injects (injects) the liquid fuel supplied through the liquid fuel supply passage into the combustion chamber 25 of the engine 2.

[0031] The fuel supply device 3 includes a liquefied gas fuel tank 10 (gas fuel storage unit), a gas fuel supply passage 11, a vaporizer 12, a pressure regulator 13, a temperature regulator 14, a chamber 15, a gas fuel supply unit 16 (gas fuel regulator), and a control device 17. Details of each component of the fuel supply device 3 will be described later.

[0032] First, the engine 2 will be described.

[0033] The engine 2 is configured such that a plurality of cylinders 21 are provided in a cylinder block 20. Figure 2 As shown, each cylinder 21 is composed of, for example, a cylinder block 22, a piston 23, and a cylinder head 24, and forms a combustion chamber 25 therein. A gas fuel supply unit 16 and a liquid fuel supply unit 5 are provided for each cylinder 21.

[0034] The cylinder 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, within the cylinder block 20, and the piston 23 is slidably accommodated within the cylinder 22. A cylinder head 24 is mounted on the upper side of the cylinder 22, and a combustion chamber 25 is formed inside the cylinder 22 and the cylinder head 24.

[0035] Cylinder head 24 has an intake port 27 connected to an intake passage 26 for introducing air, and an exhaust port 29 connected to an exhaust passage 28 for discharging exhaust gas. Intake port 27 and exhaust port 29 communicate with combustion chamber 25, and cylinder head 24 includes an intake valve 30 and an exhaust valve 31 for opening and closing intake port 27 and exhaust port 29, respectively, relative to combustion chamber 25.

[0036] In addition, Figure 2 In the figure, an example of directly connecting the intake passage 26 and the intake port 27 is shown. Alternatively, in another example, the intake passage 26 and the intake port 27 may be connected via an intake manifold provided between the intake passage 26 and the engine 2. Figure 2 , an example is shown in which the exhaust passage 28 and the exhaust port 29 are directly connected. Alternatively, in another example, the exhaust passage 28 and the exhaust port 29 may be connected via an exhaust manifold provided between the exhaust passage 28 and the engine 2 .

[0037] The cylinder head 24 is provided with a gaseous fuel supply unit 16 for supplying gaseous fuel to the interior of an intake port 27, and a liquid fuel supply unit 5 for supplying liquid fuel to the combustion chamber 25. The intake port 27 introduces a mixture of gaseous fuel supplied from the gaseous fuel supply unit 16 and air supplied from an intake passage 26 into the combustion chamber 25. The exhaust port 29 discharges exhaust gas generated in the combustion chamber 25 to an exhaust passage 28.

[0038] In each cylinder 21, at an appropriate time when the air-fuel mixture introduced from the intake port 27 is compressed by the sliding movement of the piston 23, a small amount of pilot fuel (liquid fuel) is injected into the combustion chamber 25 via the liquid fuel supply unit 5, thereby igniting the gaseous fuel in the air-fuel mixture. The piston 23 reciprocates within the cylinder 21 using the propulsive force generated by the explosion in the combustion chamber 25.

[0039] Each cylinder block 22 of the plurality of cylinders 21 communicates with a crankcase 32, and a crankshaft 33 is rotatably supported by the crankcase 32. The piston 23 of each cylinder 21 is connected to the crankshaft 33 via a connecting rod 34, and the reciprocating motion of the piston 23 is converted into rotational motion of the crankshaft 33 via the connecting rod 34.

[0040] Next, each part of the fuel supply device 3 will be described.

[0041] The liquefied gas fuel tank 10 stores liquefied gas fuel, for example, hydrogen fuel in a liquid state, ie, liquid hydrogen fuel.

[0042] The gas fuel supply passage 11 connects the liquefied gas fuel tank 10 and the gas fuel supply unit 16, allowing the gas fuel to flow from the liquefied gas fuel tank 10 to the gas fuel supply unit 16. In the gas fuel supply passage 11, a vaporizer 12, a pressure regulator 13 (supply pressure regulator), a temperature regulator 14, and a chamber 15 are provided in this order between the liquefied gas fuel tank 10 and the gas fuel supply unit 16.

[0043] Furthermore, the gas fuel supply passage 11 is formed of a multilayer tube (e.g., a double tube) between the chamber 15 and the gas fuel supply unit 16, and is configured to maintain the pressure (supply pressure) of the gas fuel adjusted by the pressure regulating device 13 and the temperature of the gas fuel adjusted by the temperature regulating unit 14. In the multilayer tube gas fuel supply passage 11, the gas fuel flows through the innermost tube, and air flows between the outer tube covering the innermost tube and the innermost tube.

[0044] The gas fuel supply passage 11 includes a common passage 11a, which is shared by the plurality of gas fuel supply units 16 of the plurality of cylinders 21 and through which gas fuel flows, and a plurality of branch passages 11b, which branch from the common passage 11a and flow gas fuel to each of the plurality of gas fuel supply units 16. The vaporizer 12, the pressure regulating device 13, the temperature regulating unit 14, and the chamber 15 are sequentially provided in the common passage 11a.

[0045] The vaporizer 12 vaporizes the liquid gas fuel supplied from the liquefied gas fuel tank 10 and supplies the vaporized gas fuel to the pressure regulating device 13 through the gas fuel supply passage 11 .

[0046] The pressure regulating device 13 regulates the supply pressure of the gas fuel to be supplied via the gas fuel supply unit 16, and supplies the gas fuel with the adjusted supply pressure to the temperature regulating unit 14 via the gas fuel supply passage 11. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pressure regulating device 13 is composed of, for example, a gas valve unit (GVU: Gas Valve Unit) having a plurality of valves.

[0047] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the pressure regulating device 13 is configured to include a first stop valve 36 on the upstream side and a second stop valve 37 on the downstream side of the gas fuel supply passage 11 in the direction of gas fuel supply. An open passage 38, branching from the gas fuel supply passage 11 between the first stop valve 36 and the second stop valve 37, is provided with an open valve 39. The pressure regulating device 13 controls the openings of the first stop valve 36 and the second stop valve 37 in response to a control signal from the control device 17, thereby controlling the supply pressure (flow rate per unit time) of the gas fuel flowing downstream of the pressure regulating device 13. Furthermore, while the open valve 39 is normally closed, the pressure regulating device 13 can also control a gas fuel purge function in the gas fuel supply passage 11 by closing the first stop valve 36 and opening the open valve 39 in response to a control signal from the control device 17.

[0048] In addition, the pressure regulating device 13 is arranged inside the predetermined housing 18. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , an example of a two-layer portion 18a provided in a layered shell 18 is shown. Figure 4In the description, an example is described in which the gas fuel supply passage 11 in the pressure regulating device 13 is arranged such that it enters from an inlet 18b on the side of the second-layer portion 18a of the layered housing 18, extends throughout the interior of the second-layer portion 18a, and then exits from the bottom surface of the second-layer portion 18a toward the lower first-layer portion 18c. However, the arrangement of the gas fuel supply passage 11 in the pressure regulating device 13 is not limited to this example and may be appropriately arranged according to the structure of the housing 18, and the structure and arrangement of the vaporizer 12 and the temperature adjustment unit 14.

[0049] The temperature regulating unit 14 regulates the temperature of the gas fuel supplied via the gas fuel supply unit 16. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the gas fuel after temperature adjustment is supplied to the chamber 15 through the gas fuel supply passage 11. The temperature adjustment unit 14 is provided separately from the vaporizer 12 provided to make the liquefied gas fuel stored in the liquefied gas fuel tank 10 into a gas phase state, and adjusts the temperature of the gas fuel in the gas phase state. Figure 7 As shown, the temperature adjustment unit 14 includes, for example, a first heat exchanger 40 (heat exchange unit) and a first flow rate adjustment unit 41 (flow rate adjustment unit), and further includes a second heat exchanger 42 and a second flow rate adjustment unit 43 .

[0050] The first heat exchanger 40 allows a heat exchange medium, such as an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol, to flow through the first heat exchanger 40, along with the gas fuel, causing the heat exchange medium to act on the gas fuel to perform heat exchange, thereby adjusting the temperature of the gas fuel. The first flow rate regulator 41, comprised of a pump or the like, adjusts the flow rate of the heat exchange medium flowing through the first heat exchanger 40 in response to a control signal from the control device 17, thereby adjusting the temperature of the gas fuel undergoing heat exchange with the heat exchange medium.

[0051] The second heat exchanger 42 allows an auxiliary medium, such as engine cooling water or engine oil, to flow through it, along with gaseous fuel, causing the auxiliary medium to act on the heat exchange medium to exchange heat, thereby adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange medium. The second flow rate regulator 43, comprised of a pump or the like, adjusts the flow rate of the auxiliary medium flowing through the second heat exchanger 42 in response to a control signal from the control device 17, thereby adjusting the temperature of the heat exchange medium exchanging heat with the auxiliary medium.

[0052] That is, the temperature of the gas fuel is finely adjusted by using the first heat exchanger 40 and the second heat exchanger 42. Furthermore, the first flow rate regulator 41 and the second flow rate regulator 43 can stop heat exchange by stopping the flow of the heat exchange medium and the auxiliary medium.

[0053] In addition, the temperature adjustment unit 14 is provided inside the housing 18 shared with the pressure regulating device 13. Figure 5 and Figure 6, an example is shown in which a first layer portion 18c is provided in a layered housing 18. In the housing 18, a partition wall 19 is provided between the pressure regulating device 13 and the temperature regulating unit 14. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , an example is described in which the gas fuel supply passage 11 in the temperature regulating portion 14 is arranged to enter from the upper surface of the first layer portion 18c of the layered housing 18, extend through the interior of the first layer portion 18c, and then extend toward the chamber 15 provided in the first layer portion 18c. However, the arrangement of the gas fuel supply passage 11 in the temperature regulating portion 14 is not limited to this example, and may be appropriately arranged depending on the structure of the housing 18, and the structure and arrangement of the temperature regulating portion 14 and the chamber 15.

[0054] In addition, the temperature adjustment unit 14 may also include the first heat exchanger 40 and the first flow adjustment unit 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 and the second flow adjustment unit 43, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, a cooling device 44 is further provided. The heat exchange medium that regulates the temperature of the gas fuel in the first heat exchanger 40 is temperature-regulated by an auxiliary medium in the second heat exchanger 42. The cooling device 44 is provided in the flow path of the heat exchange medium and is operated by electricity to reduce the temperature of the heat exchange medium.

[0055] The chamber 15 is provided between the temperature regulating portion 14 and the gas fuel supply portion 16 in the supply direction of the gas fuel in the gas fuel supply passage 11. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , the chamber 15 is provided inside the housing 18 shared by the pressure regulating device 13 and the temperature regulating unit 14, and is particularly provided in the first layer portion 18c shared by the temperature regulating unit 14. Figure 6 , an example is shown in which the gas fuel supply passage 11 in chamber 15 is arranged to exit from outlet 18d on the side of first-layer portion 18c. Chamber 15 stores a predetermined amount or more of gas fuel whose supply pressure is regulated by pressure regulating device 13 and whose temperature is regulated by temperature regulating unit 14. Furthermore, the gas fuel supply passage 11 is pressurized downstream of chamber 15. This maintains the regulated gas fuel supply pressure and temperature downstream of chamber 15, regardless of the supply of gas fuel from gas fuel supply unit 16.

[0056] As described above, the gas fuel supply unit 16 is provided in the cylinder head 24 of each cylinder 21 of the engine 2 and supplies gas fuel to the interior of the intake port 27 in response to a control signal from the control unit 17. For example, the gas fuel supply unit 16 comprises a gas admission valve (GAV) that injects gas fuel. The gas fuel supply unit 16 adjusts the valve opening period in response to the control signal from the control unit 17, thereby adjusting the gas fuel supply amount.

[0057] The control device 17 is a computer, such as an ECU (Engine Control Unit), that controls the operation of the engine 2. It includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other components, and is configured to control various components of the engine 2. The control device 17 stores various programs for controlling the engine 2 and controls the engine 2 by reading and executing them. In particular, the control device 17 controls the pressure regulator 13 and the temperature adjustment unit 14 based on the operating conditions of the engine 2, such as its output (engine speed), and the operating environment, such as the ambient temperature of the engine 2 and the fuel supply system 3. The control device 17 can be located on either the engine 2 side or the fuel supply system 3 side.

[0058] In engine system 1, the target output of engine 2 is determined based on the operating state of generator 4 (generator load). This target output determines the amount of gaseous fuel supplied to combustion chamber 25 of each cylinder 21. Therefore, the valve opening period and supply pressure of the gaseous fuel supplied to combustion chamber 25 via gaseous fuel supply unit 16 are determined based on the target output. Therefore, control unit 17 controls pressure regulating device 13 based on the target output, thereby adjusting the gaseous fuel supply pressure to a supply pressure (or supply pressure range) corresponding to the target output, i.e., a target supply pressure (or target supply pressure range). Furthermore, control unit 17 may set the valve opening period of gaseous fuel supply unit 16 based on a preset target supply pressure (or target supply pressure range), or may set the target supply pressure (or target supply pressure range) based on a preset valve opening period of gaseous fuel supply unit 16.

[0059] On the other hand, in engine system 1, the lower limit value (minimum valve opening period) or upper limit value (maximum valve opening period) of the valve opening period of the gas fuel supplied by gas fuel supply unit 16, and the lower limit value (minimum supply pressure) or upper limit value (maximum supply pressure) of the gas fuel supply pressure of pressure regulating device 13 are determined, and control unit 17 cannot set the valve opening period or supply pressure outside the range of the lower and upper limits. Therefore, even if the valve opening period of the gas fuel supplied by gas fuel supply unit 16 calculated based on the target output (generator load) is less than the minimum valve opening period due to the low target output (in the low load range), control unit 17 sets the valve opening period of the gas fuel supplied by gas fuel supply unit 16 to be greater than the minimum valve opening period, resulting in the actual output of engine 2 sometimes exceeding the target output.

[0060] However, according to this embodiment, the control device 17 adjusts the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16 based on the equation of state for the gas. This allows the energy density (supply pressure) of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16 to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the supply amount, regardless of the supply pressure set by the pressure regulating device 13. Furthermore, the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16 is not limited to a specific target temperature; as long as it is within a specified target temperature range, the gas fuel can be supplied at a target energy density, that is, at a target supply pressure (or target supply pressure range).

[0061] Specifically, in order to obtain a target temperature for the gas fuel corresponding to the target output of the engine 2, the control device 17 may predetermine and store a map or mathematical formula representing the relationship between the target output of the engine 2 and the target temperature (or target temperature range) of the gas fuel. The control device 17 calculates the target temperature of the gas fuel according to the map or mathematical formula based on the target output. Furthermore, the parameter used to determine the target temperature may be only the target output of the engine 2. However, in addition to or in place of the target output, a map or mathematical formula may be predetermine to determine the target temperature based on the discharge pressure of the carburetor 12 or the reference injection period of the gas fuel supply unit 16. Furthermore, the control device 17 may store a map or mathematical formula representing the relationship between the target output of the engine 2 and the target temperature of the gas fuel for each operating environment (e.g., ambient temperature or humidity) and use the map or mathematical formula corresponding to the detected operating environment.

[0062] Furthermore, the control device 17 detects the actual temperature (detected temperature) of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16, compares the detected temperature with the target temperature (or target temperature range), and, if the detected temperature is not the target temperature (or the detected temperature is outside the target temperature range), controls the gas fuel temperature via the temperature adjustment unit 14 so that the detected temperature reaches the target temperature. Furthermore, in order to detect the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16, the engine system 1 is provided with a temperature sensor (not shown) in any one of the temperature adjustment unit 14, the chamber 15, the gas fuel supply passage 11, and the gas fuel supply unit 16.

[0063] In addition, when the gas fuel reaches the target temperature, the supply pressure of the gas fuel in the gas fuel supply unit 16 changes according to the target temperature relative to the supply pressure of the gas fuel in the pressure regulating device 13. Therefore, the control device 17 takes into account the supply pressure change and controls to adjust the supply pressure of the gas fuel using the pressure regulating device 13.

[0064] For example, when the target output of engine 2 is low (in the low load range) and the detected temperature is lower than the target temperature, control device 17 controls first flow rate adjustment unit 41 of temperature adjustment unit 14 to raise the temperature of the gas fuel so that the detected temperature reaches the target temperature. Furthermore, when the target output of engine 2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined output threshold (in the high load range), control device 17 controls temperature adjustment unit 14 to prevent the temperature of the gas fuel from rising, regardless of the target temperature corresponding to the target output. For example, control device 17 controls first flow rate adjustment unit 41 to stop the flow of heat exchange medium through temperature adjustment unit 14.

[0065] Therefore, the control device 17 not only controls the supply pressure of the gas fuel in the pressure regulating device 13 but also controls the temperature of the gas fuel using the temperature regulating unit 14. This allows for more precise adjustment of the energy density (supply pressure) of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16, and thus more precise adjustment of the supply amount. For example, even if the valve opening period of the gas fuel supply unit 16 calculated based on the target output of the engine 2 is less than the minimum valve opening period, the control device 17 uses the temperature regulating unit 14 to increase the temperature of the gas fuel to reduce the energy density (supply pressure) of the gas fuel. This allows the actual output of the engine 2 to be set to the target output even if the valve opening period of the gas fuel supply unit 16 is set to be greater than the minimum valve opening period. In other words, if the valve opening period of the gas fuel supply unit 16 calculated based on the target output of the engine 2 (the target valve opening period) is less than the minimum valve opening period, the control device 17 uses the temperature regulating unit 14 to increase the temperature of the gas fuel so that the valve opening period of the gas fuel supply unit 16 actually controlled is greater than the minimum valve opening period.

[0066] Next, refer to Figure 9 The flowchart of FIG. 1 will describe an operation example of the fuel supply device 3 of the engine system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0067] First, the control device 17 obtains various sensor values ​​and set values ​​related to the operating state of the engine 2 or the operating environment, such as the ambient temperature of the engine 2 and the fuel supply system 3, as control parameters for the fuel supply system 3 (step S1). For example, the control device 17 obtains the combustion mode, the fuel-gas ratio (the ratio of gas to fuel), the detected temperature of the gas fuel, and the target output of the engine 2 or the generator load of the generator 4 as control parameters related to the operating state. Furthermore, the control device 17 obtains the ambient temperature and humidity of the engine 2 or the fuel supply system 3 as control parameters related to the operating environment.

[0068] Based on the acquired control parameters, the control device 17 calculates a target temperature (or target temperature range) for the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16. For example, the target temperature is acquired based on a map representing the relationship between the target output of the engine 2 and the target temperature of the gas fuel. The control device 17 then compares the detected temperature of the gas fuel with the target temperature (step S2).

[0069] When the detected temperature of the gas fuel is the target temperature (or within the target temperature range) (step S2: YES), the control device 17 maintains the current control state of the temperature adjustment unit 14 (step S3) and shifts to control of the pressure regulating device 13 (step S4).

[0070] On the other hand, if the detected temperature of the gas fuel is not the target temperature (or is outside the target temperature range) (step S2: "No"), the control device 17 calculates the control variable for the temperature adjustment unit 14 (step S5) and controls the temperature adjustment of the gas fuel by the temperature adjustment unit 14 based on the control variable (step S6). For example, the control device 17 calculates the flow rate of the heat exchange medium to be adjusted by the first flow rate adjustment unit 41 or the flow rate of the auxiliary medium to be adjusted by the second flow rate adjustment unit 43 based on the difference between the detected temperature and the target temperature as the control variable, and controls the first flow rate adjustment unit 41 or the second flow rate adjustment unit 43.

[0071] Simultaneously with the temperature adjustment of the temperature adjustment unit 14, the control device 17 re-detects the gas fuel temperature and compares the gas fuel temperature with the target temperature (step S7). If the re-detected gas fuel temperature is not the target temperature (step S7: No), the control device 17 continues to adjust the temperature of the temperature adjustment unit 14 (step S6).

[0072] On the other hand, if the re-detected temperature of the gas fuel is the target temperature (step S7: YES), the control device 17 controls the temperature adjustment unit 14 to maintain the current temperature of the gas fuel and shifts to control of the pressure regulating device 13 (step S4).

[0073] During the control of the pressure regulating device 13 (step S4), the control device 17 adjusts the supply pressure of the gas fuel so that it reaches the target supply pressure corresponding to the target output. Furthermore, when the temperature regulating unit 14 adjusts the temperature of the gas fuel, the control device 17 controls the pressure regulating device 13 to adjust the supply pressure of the gas fuel so that the supply pressure of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16 reaches the target supply pressure corresponding to the target output, taking into account the fluctuation of the supply pressure of the gas fuel due to the temperature adjustment by the temperature regulating unit 14.

[0074] In addition, the control device 17 calculates the control quantities such as the valve opening period and the injection pressure of the gas fuel supply unit 16 and the liquid fuel supply unit 5 based on the required supply amount of gas fuel in the combustion chamber 25 obtained based on the target output of the engine 2 and the supply pressure of the gas fuel of the gas fuel supply unit 16 (step S8).

[0075] Then, the control device 17 controls the gas fuel supply unit 16 and the liquid fuel supply unit 5 based on the calculated control amount, thereby supplying the necessary amounts of gas fuel and liquid fuel to the combustion chamber 25 to drive the engine 2 (step S9).

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described operational example, in step S7, which represents the transition condition for transitioning to control by the pressure regulating device 13 after temperature adjustment by the temperature regulating unit 14, the temperature of the gas fuel is re-detected and compared with the target temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. As another example, the control device 17 may determine that the transition condition is satisfied when a timer detects the lapse of a predetermined time, instead of the above-described transition condition.

[0077] Alternatively, the control device 17 may omit the transition condition determination step and directly proceed to gas fuel supply pressure control (steps S8 and S9) after activating the temperature adjustment unit 14. Furthermore, if gas fuel temperature adjustment is required during operation in gas mode, for example, when an instruction is input to change the engine 2 from medium output to low output, waiting until the target temperature is reached before proceeding to the next step may reduce the responsiveness of the engine output change. Therefore, the control device 17 may omit the transition condition determination step described above, prioritizing responsiveness to engine output changes.

[0078] In the engine system 1 of the present embodiment, referring to Figure 10 An example of the operation of the fuel supply device 3 when changing from the diesel mode to the gas mode (or the co-firing mode) will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

[0079] exist Figure 10 , the target output of the engine 2, the set value of the combustion ratio of the fuel fed into the combustion chamber 25, the proportion of the liquid fuel, the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16, the valve opening period of the gas fuel supply unit 16, the flow rate of the gas fuel supplied from the gas fuel supply unit 16, and the change in the actual output of the engine 2 with respect to time are shown.

[0080] In this operation example, while the combustion mode is the diesel mode, the actual output of the engine 2 becomes the target output. At time t1, the combustion mode is changed from the diesel mode to the gas mode (or the co-firing mode).

[0081] The control device 17 sets the valve opening period of the gas fuel supply unit 16 to the minimum valve opening period and the flow rate of the gas fuel in the gas fuel supply unit 16 to a specified flow rate in accordance with the combustion mode change. Thus, when the actual output of the engine 2 is higher than the target output, the temperature adjustment unit 14 is controlled to increase the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16.

[0082] The control device 17 raises the temperature of the gas fuel as described above, thereby reducing the flow rate of the gas fuel supplied by the gas fuel supply unit 16 during the minimum valve opening period compared to the case where the gas fuel is not raised in temperature. As a result, the actual output of the engine 2 can be reduced, specifically, can be suppressed to the target output, compared to the case where the gas fuel is not raised in temperature. Figure 10 In the graph, the temperature and flow rate of the gas fuel and the actual output of the engine 2 are shown by the solid line when the gas fuel temperature is adjusted, and by the dashed-dotted line when the gas fuel temperature is not adjusted. Without adjusting the gas fuel temperature, the actual output of the engine 2 rises until the liquid fuel is completely throttled, thus exceeding the target output as shown by the dashed-dotted line. However, in this embodiment, adjusting the gas fuel temperature can prevent the target output from being exceeded.

[0083] Alternatively, the control device 17 may control the gas fuel to gradually increase in temperature. In this case, the control device 17 may also control the gas fuel flow rate of the gas fuel supply unit 16 to gradually decrease from a predetermined flow rate, thereby gradually reducing the actual output of the engine 2. Furthermore, the control device 17 may control the liquid fuel supply unit 5 and the gas fuel supply unit 16 so that the proportion of liquid fuel gradually decreases as the gas fuel temperature increases. Furthermore, when the gas fuel temperature reaches the target temperature, the control device 17 stops temperature adjustment by the temperature adjustment unit 14. Thus, the actual output of the engine 2 is maintained after it decreases to a certain output, such as the target output.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, the fuel supply device 3 that supplies at least gas fuel to a specified supply object such as an engine 2 includes: a gas fuel supply unit 16, which is a gas fuel adjustment unit that adjusts the supply amount of gas fuel relative to the supply object and supplies the gas fuel; a pressure regulating device 13, which adjusts the supply pressure of the gas fuel; and a temperature adjustment unit 14, which is arranged between the pressure regulating device 13 and the gas fuel supply unit 16 in the supply direction of the gas fuel, and adjusts the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16 according to the operating state and / or operating environment of the supply object. The pressure regulating device 13 and the temperature adjustment unit 14 are housed in a common shell 18.

[0085] Thus, by adjusting the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16, the fuel supply device 3 can more precisely control the amount of gas fuel supplied from the gas fuel supply unit 16, thereby enabling precise control of the operation of the supply target, such as the output control of the engine 2. Furthermore, when adjusting the temperature of gas fuel in a gaseous phase, the required heat transfer area is larger than when adjusting the temperature of gas fuel in a liquid phase. By providing the temperature adjustment unit 14 upstream of the gas fuel supply unit 16, it is easier to ensure the required heat transfer area. Furthermore, in the fuel supply device 3, the temperature adjustment unit 14 performs heat exchange on the gas fuel that has passed through the pressure reducing valve of the pressure regulating device 13 and has an increased flow rate, thereby achieving high heat exchange efficiency and enabling more appropriate temperature control. Therefore, the amount of gas fuel supplied from the gas fuel supply unit 16 can be more precisely controlled, enabling precise control of the operation of the supply target, such as the output control of the engine 2. In addition, in order to deal with the situation where gas fuel leaks from various components, the fuel supply device 3 is preferably provided with a partition wall 19 to suppress the diffusion of gas fuel, and the temperature adjustment unit 14 and the pressure regulating device 13 are housed in a common housing 18 and packaged, thereby facilitating the installation operation.

[0086] In addition, according to this embodiment, the fuel supply device 3 has a gas fuel supply passage 11, which connects the liquefied gas fuel tank 10 serving as a gas fuel storage unit for storing gas fuel with the gas fuel supply unit 16 and allows the gas fuel to flow, and the pressure regulating device 13 and the temperature regulating unit 14 are arranged in the gas fuel supply passage 11.

[0087] Thus, the fuel supply device 3 can appropriately adjust the supply pressure and the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16 .

[0088] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the fuel supply device 3 includes the chamber 15 , which is provided between the temperature adjustment unit 14 and the gas fuel supply unit 16 and stores the gas fuel whose temperature has been adjusted.

[0089] Thus, by providing the chamber 15 after the temperature regulating unit 14, the fuel supply device 3 can stably supply the temperature-regulated gas fuel to the engine 2 regardless of the supply of gas fuel in the gas fuel supply unit 16. In addition, by providing the chamber 15, various valves such as the first stop valve 36 and the second stop valve 37 included in the pressure regulating device 13 can be simplified.

[0090] In addition, according to this embodiment, for the fuel supply device 3, the supply object is the engine 2 having multiple cylinders 21, the gas fuel supply part 16 is a gas fuel supply valve possessed by each of the multiple cylinders 21, the gas fuel supply passage 11 has a common passage 11a shared by the multiple cylinders 21 and allowing the gas fuel to flow, and the temperature adjustment part 14 is arranged in the common passage 11a.

[0091] Thus, the fuel supply device 3 can be simplified compared to a case where a mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the gas fuel is provided for each gas fuel supply valve.

[0092] In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the engine system 1 having the above-mentioned fuel supply device 3 and the engine 2, the temperature adjustment unit 14 includes: a first heat exchanger 40, which is a heat exchange unit that allows the heat exchange medium to circulate and act on the gas fuel; and a first flow adjustment unit 41, which adjusts the flow rate of the heat exchange medium. The engine system 1 also includes a control device 17, which controls the gas fuel supply unit 16 and the first flow adjustment unit 41. The control device 17 calculates the target temperature of the gas fuel based on the target output of the engine 2. When the detected temperature of the gas fuel is lower than the target temperature, the first flow adjustment unit 41 is controlled to increase the temperature of the gas fuel so that the detected temperature becomes the target temperature.

[0093] In the engine system 1, even when the requested valve opening period of the gas fuel supply unit 16 calculated based on the target output of the engine 2 is shorter than the minimum valve opening period, the gas fuel supply unit 16 may be operated during the minimum valve opening period to supply gas fuel, resulting in a larger amount of gas fuel than intended, causing the actual output of the engine 2 to exceed the target output. In this embodiment, the gas fuel temperature is raised to a target temperature calculated based on the target output of the engine 2, thereby reducing the energy density of the gas fuel supplied from the gas fuel supply unit 16. This allows the actual output of the engine 2 to be controlled so as to reach the target output even when the requested valve opening period is shorter than the minimum valve opening period, even when the gas fuel supply unit 16 is operated during a valve opening period exceeding the minimum valve opening period.

[0094] In addition, according to the present embodiment, in the engine system 1 having the above-mentioned fuel supply device 3 and the engine 2, the temperature adjustment unit 14 includes: a first heat exchanger 40, which is a heat exchange unit that allows the heat exchange medium to circulate and act on the gas fuel; and a first flow adjustment unit 41, which adjusts the flow of the heat exchange medium. The control device 17 controls the gas fuel supply unit 16 and the first flow adjustment unit 41. When the target output of the engine 2 is above the specified output threshold, the control device 17 controls the first flow adjustment unit 41 to stop the circulation of the heat exchange medium.

[0095] Alternatively, in the engine system 1, the temperature adjustment unit 14 includes: a first heat exchanger 40, which is a heat exchange unit that allows a heat exchange medium to circulate and act on the gas fuel; and a cooling device 44, which cools the heat exchange medium. It also includes a control device 17, which controls the gas fuel supply unit 16 and the cooling device 44. When the target output of the engine 2 is above a specified output threshold, the control device 17 controls the cooling device 44 to operate.

[0096] Thus, when the engine 2 enters a high load region, the engine system 1 can supply more gaseous fuel to the engine 2 and obtain a high output by lowering the temperature of the gaseous fuel supplied to the gaseous fuel supply unit 16 .

[0097] In addition, in the above embodiment, if Figures 3 to 6 、 Figure 11 As shown in (a), the pressure regulating device 13 and the temperature regulating unit 14 are arranged above and below the shell 18 of the layered structure, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Figure 11 As shown in (b), the pressure regulating device 13 and the temperature regulating unit 14 may be respectively arranged in two installation spaces in the housing 18 that are adjacent in the horizontal direction and separated by the partition wall 19. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in (c), the pressure regulating device 13 and the temperature regulating unit 14 may also be arranged in one installation space of the housing 18 without being separated by the partition wall 19. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11 As shown in (d), the housing 18 may be provided with a small installation space within a large installation space, with the pressure regulating device 13 disposed in the small installation space and the temperature regulating unit 14 disposed in the large installation space. Alternatively, the pressure regulating device 13 may be disposed in the large installation space and the temperature regulating unit 14 may be disposed in the small installation space.

[0098] As another example, in order to improve the real-time performance of the temperature adjustment of the gas fuel in the gas fuel supply unit 16 relative to the temperature of the gas fuel in the temperature adjustment unit 14, another passage may be provided that communicates from the temperature adjustment unit 14 to the gas fuel supply unit 16 without passing through the chamber 15. Furthermore, in order to improve the real-time performance of the temperature adjustment of the gas fuel waiting in the chamber 15 to the gas fuel supply unit 16, the gas fuel whose temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 14 may be circulated.

[0099] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the engine system 1 (control device 17) adjusts the supply pressure of the gas fuel through the pressure regulating device 13 so that it becomes a target supply pressure (or a target supply pressure range) corresponding to the target output of the engine 2. In addition, the temperature of the gas fuel is controlled by the temperature regulating unit 14 so that the detected temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel supply unit 16 becomes a target temperature corresponding to the operating state of the engine 2 (for example, the target output) or the operating environment of the engine 2 and the fuel supply device 3, thereby adjusting the supply amount of the gas fuel. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0100] For example, in a modified example of the present invention, the engine system 1 (control device 17) may not control the temperature of the gas fuel, but may adjust the supply pressure of the gas fuel through the pressure regulating device 13 according to the operating state of the engine 2 and / or the operating environment of the engine 2 and the fuel supply device 3, and adjust the valve opening period through the gas fuel supply unit 16, thereby adjusting the supply amount of the gas fuel.

[0101] In this modification, specifically, Figure 12 As shown, when the engine 2 is normally operated, the control device 17 adjusts the supply pressure of the gas fuel supplied from the fuel supply device 3 to the gas fuel supply unit 16 to a constant value via the pressure regulating device 13 regardless of the operating state and / or operating environment.

[0102] On the other hand, when operating the engine 2 in the low-load range, the control device 17 adjusts the supply pressure of the gas fuel to a supply pressure appropriate to the operating state and / or operating environment via the pressure regulating device 13. In this case, the control device 17 detects the actual load applied to the engine 2 and determines that the engine is in the low-load range when the actual load falls below a predetermined load threshold (e.g., 20%).

[0103] The control device 17 may predetermine and store a map or mathematical formula representing the relationship between the load on the engine 2 and the target gas fuel supply pressure (or target supply pressure range). Furthermore, the control device 17 may maintain a map or mathematical formula representing the relationship between the load on the engine 2 and the target gas fuel supply pressure for each operating environment (e.g., ambient temperature or humidity) and use the map or mathematical formula corresponding to the detected operating environment. Based on this map or mathematical formula, the control device 17 then determines the target supply pressure corresponding to the detected actual load on the engine 2 and adjusts the gas fuel supply pressure to the target supply pressure via the pressure regulating device 13.

[0104] At this time, the control device 17 controls the pressure regulating device 13 so that the supply pressure of the gas fuel varies according to the pressure change rate corresponding to the operating mode of the engine 2. Specifically, if the detected supply pressure of the gas fuel is higher than the target supply pressure corresponding to the actual load of the engine 2, the control device 17 adjusts the supply pressure of the gas fuel to decrease. Alternatively, if the detected supply pressure of the gas fuel is lower than the target supply pressure corresponding to the actual load of the engine 2, the control device 17 adjusts the supply pressure of the gas fuel to increase.

[0105] The control device 17 sets a faster pressure change rate in downshift mode or emergency response mode than when the engine 2 is operating in normal mode. For example, in normal mode, the pressure change rate is set to ±1 MPa / min, while in downshift mode or emergency response mode, the pressure change rate is set to ±15 MPa / sec. Furthermore, since the target supply pressure serves as the upper or lower limit, the control device 17 does not adjust the supply pressure beyond the target supply pressure.

[0106] In addition, Figure 12 , which shows a map showing the relationship between the load of the engine 2 and the target supply pressure of the gas fuel when the combustion mode of the engine 2 is the gas mode, Figure 13 2 shows a map showing the relationship between the load of the engine 2 and the target supply pressure of the gas fuel in the case of the co-firing mode.

[0107] In the mixed combustion mode, if the mixed combustion rate is low, the gas fuel supply unit 16 needs to inject the gas fuel in small amounts to reduce the gas fuel supply amount. However, due to the response speed of the gas fuel supply unit 16 to the small injection control, the gas fuel supply amount may not be completely throttled. Figure 13 As shown, the control device 17 may prepare in advance a map or a mathematical expression indicating the relationship between the load of the engine 2 and the target supply pressure of the gas fuel so that the load threshold value increases as the co-firing ratio decreases.

[0108] The present invention can be modified appropriately within the scope of the gist and concept of the invention as can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and the fuel supply device and engine system accompanying such modifications are also included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0109] [Supplementary Notes on the Invention]

[0110] The following is a supplementary note on the summary of the invention extracted from the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, each structure and each processing function described in the following supplementary note can be selected and combined arbitrarily.

[0111] Note 1

[0112] A fuel supply device is a fuel supply device that supplies at least gaseous fuel to a predetermined supply target, characterized by comprising:

[0113] a pressure regulating device for adjusting the supply pressure of the gas fuel;

[0114] a gas fuel adjustment unit provided between the pressure regulating device and the gas fuel adjustment unit in the supply direction of the gas fuel, and supplying the gas fuel while adjusting the supply amount of the gas fuel to the supply target; and

[0115] a temperature regulating unit for regulating the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel regulating unit according to the operating state and / or operating environment of the supply target;

[0116] The pressure regulating device and the temperature adjusting unit are housed in a common housing.

[0117] Note 2

[0118] The fuel supply device according to Supplementary Note 1 is characterized by comprising:

[0119] a gas fuel storage unit for storing the gas fuel; and

[0120] The gas fuel supply passage connects the gas fuel storage unit and the gas fuel adjustment unit and allows the gas fuel to flow.

[0121] The pressure regulating device and the temperature regulating unit are provided in the gas fuel supply passage.

[0122] Note 3

[0123] The fuel supply device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2 is characterized in that:

[0124] A chamber is provided between the temperature adjustment unit and the gas fuel adjustment unit, and stores the gas fuel having its temperature adjusted.

[0125] Note 4

[0126] The fuel supply device according to Supplement 2 or 3 is characterized in that:

[0127] The above-mentioned supply object is an engine with multiple cylinders,

[0128] The gas fuel regulating unit is a gas fuel supply valve provided in each of the plurality of cylinders.

[0129] The gas fuel supply passage includes a common passage shared by the plurality of cylinders and allowing the gas fuel to flow.

[0130] The temperature adjustment unit is provided in the common passage.

[0131] Note 5

[0132] An engine system comprising:

[0133] The fuel supply device described in Supplementary Note 4; and

[0134] The above engine,

[0135] The above engine system is characterized in that:

[0136] The temperature adjustment unit includes: a heat exchange unit for circulating a heat exchange medium and acting on the gas fuel; and a flow adjustment unit for adjusting the flow of the heat exchange medium.

[0137] The engine system further includes a control device that controls the gas fuel adjustment unit and the flow rate adjustment unit.

[0138] The control device calculates a target temperature of the gas fuel based on a target output of the engine.

[0139] When the detected temperature of the gas fuel is lower than the target temperature, the control device controls the flow rate adjustment unit to increase the temperature of the gas fuel so that the detected temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0140] <Note 6>

[0141] An engine system comprising:

[0142] The fuel supply device described in Supplementary Note 4; and

[0143] The above engine,

[0144] The above engine system is characterized in that:

[0145] The temperature adjustment unit includes: a heat exchange unit for circulating a heat exchange medium and acting on the gas fuel; and a flow adjustment unit for adjusting the flow of the heat exchange medium.

[0146] The engine system further includes a control device that controls the gas fuel adjustment unit and the flow rate adjustment unit.

[0147] The control device controls the flow rate adjustment unit to stop the flow of the heat exchange medium when the target output of the engine is equal to or greater than a predetermined output threshold.

[0148] <Note 7>

[0149] An engine system comprising:

[0150] The fuel supply device described in Supplementary Note 4; and

[0151] The above engine,

[0152] The above engine system is characterized in that:

[0153] The temperature adjustment unit includes: a heat exchange unit for circulating a heat exchange medium to act on the gas fuel; and a cooling device for cooling the heat exchange medium.

[0154] The engine system further includes a control device that controls the gas fuel adjustment unit and the cooling device.

[0155] The control device controls the cooling device to operate when the target output of the engine is equal to or greater than a predetermined output threshold.

Claims

1. A fuel supply device for supplying at least gaseous fuel to a predetermined supply target, characterized in that: have: a gas fuel adjustment unit configured to adjust a supply amount of the gas fuel to the supply target and supply the gas fuel; a pressure regulating device for regulating the supply pressure of the gas fuel; and a temperature regulating unit, provided between the pressure regulating device and the gas fuel regulating unit in the supply direction of the gas fuel, and regulating the temperature of the gas fuel supplied to the gas fuel regulating unit according to the operating state and / or operating environment of the supply target; The pressure regulating device and the temperature regulating unit are housed in a common housing.

2. The fuel supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that have: a gas fuel storage portion for storing the gas fuel; and a gas fuel supply passage connecting the gas fuel storage portion and the gas fuel adjustment portion and allowing the gas fuel to flow; The pressure regulating device and the temperature regulating unit are provided in the gas fuel supply passage.

3. The fuel supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that A chamber is provided between the temperature adjustment unit and the gas fuel adjustment unit, and stores the gas fuel whose temperature is adjusted.

4. The fuel supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The supply object is an engine having multiple cylinders, The gas fuel regulating unit is a gas fuel supply valve provided in each of the plurality of cylinders. The gas fuel supply passage includes a common passage shared by the plurality of cylinders and through which the gas fuel flows. The temperature adjustment unit is provided in the common passage.

5. An engine system comprising: The fuel supply device according to claim 4; and the engine, The engine system is characterized in that: The temperature adjustment unit includes: a heat exchange unit that allows a heat exchange medium to flow and act on the gas fuel; and a flow adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the heat exchange medium. The engine system further includes a control device that controls the gas fuel adjustment unit and the flow rate adjustment unit. The control device calculates a target temperature of the gas fuel based on a target output of the engine, When the detected temperature of the gas fuel is lower than the target temperature, the control device controls the flow rate adjustment unit to increase the temperature of the gas fuel so that the detected temperature reaches the target temperature.

6. An engine system comprising: The fuel supply device according to claim 4; and the engine, The engine system is characterized in that: The temperature adjustment unit includes: a heat exchange unit that allows a heat exchange medium to flow and act on the gas fuel; and a flow adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the heat exchange medium. The engine system further includes a control device that controls the gas fuel adjustment unit and the flow rate adjustment unit. The control device controls the flow rate adjustment unit to stop the flow of the heat exchange medium when the target output of the engine is equal to or greater than a predetermined output threshold.

7. An engine system comprising: The fuel supply device according to claim 4; and the engine, The engine system is characterized in that: The temperature adjustment unit includes: a heat exchange unit that allows a heat exchange medium to flow and act on the gas fuel; and a cooling device that cools the heat exchange medium. The engine system further includes a control device that controls the gas fuel adjustment unit and the cooling device. The control device controls the cooling device to operate when the target output of the engine is equal to or greater than a predetermined output threshold.

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