LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport function

Abstract

The invention discloses an LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tank container storage and transportation system with a multimodal transport function, which comprises a standard tank container module, a multimodal transport interface module, an intelligent scheduling module and a transfer storage yard module, and is characterized in that the standard tank container module is used for providing a unified LNG packaging unit and reducing evaporation and operation risks; the multimodal transport interface module is used for realizing physical connection of LNG tanks among different transport modes, the intelligent scheduling module is used for analyzing sensor data, environmental factors and transport requirements in real time and dynamically optimizing a transport path, and the transfer yard module is used as a transport hub; the daily evaporation rate is controlled through a vacuum insulation multilayer structure of the standard tank box module, the lossless maintenance time is prolonged, evaporation gas is reduced from the physical level, jolt, vibration and shaking are dealt with through twist lock connection of the multimodal transport interface module, a damping support and a fastening point respectively, the transfer time is shortened, and the logistics cost is reduced. And the transfer storage yard module realizes quick reloading through a three-dimensional storage and evaporation gas recovery unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquefied natural gas storage and transportation technology, and in particular to an LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport capabilities. Background Technology

[0002] Liquefied natural gas (LNG), as a clean energy source, continues to grow its share of global energy consumption. LNG tank container transport, or LNG tank container transport, is a disruptive and highly flexible innovative model that has emerged in the global energy industry, particularly in the LNG supply chain, in recent years. Essentially, it represents a profound transformation of traditional LNG transportation and storage methods. Its core concept lies in successfully transforming LNG, a large-scale, base-type clean energy source, into a "mobile energy package" that can be delivered door-to-door, allocated on demand, and even circulated like ordinary cargo through standardized and modular container carriers, thereby greatly expanding the application boundaries and market radius of natural gas. To deeply understand this model, we need to systematically analyze it from multiple dimensions, including its technological core, operational processes, significant advantages, challenges, and future prospects. However, traditional LNG transportation mainly relies on large receiving terminals, tank trucks, and bulk carriers, which suffer from problems such as high investment, poor flexibility, and limited coverage.

[0003] While existing LNG tank container technology possesses the characteristics of being suitable for both storage and transportation, it still faces challenges in multimodal transport, including inconsistent standards, complex inspection procedures, and low efficiency in coordinating various modes of transport. The document points out that domestic LNG tank containers must simultaneously meet multiple standards such as TSG, CCS, and ASME, resulting in high rates of overlapping inspections; railway transport lacks dedicated standards, leading to the "one tank, three inspections" problem. Furthermore, single-layer stacking requirements in storage yards (such as JT397-2007) limit land utilization and increase costs. Therefore, this invention proposes an LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport capabilities to address the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to propose an LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport capabilities. This system controls the daily evaporation rate through a vacuum-insulated multi-layer structure of standard tank container modules, extending the non-destructive maintenance time and physically reducing evaporation gas generation. Multimodal transport interface modules with twist-lock connections, damping supports, and mooring points respectively address bumps, vibrations, and swaying, shortening transshipment time and reducing logistics costs. The transshipment yard module, through three-dimensional storage and evaporation gas recovery units, enables rapid transshipment and resource recycling, ultimately constructing an efficient, safe, and economical integrated storage and transportation system.

[0005] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the following technical solution is provided: an LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport functionality, comprising a standard tank container module, a multimodal transport interface module, an intelligent scheduling module, and a transshipment yard module. The standard tank container module provides a unified LNG packaging unit to reduce evaporation and operational risks. The multimodal transport interface module enables physical connection between LNG tank containers and different modes of transport. The intelligent scheduling module analyzes sensor data, environmental factors, and transport demands in real time to dynamically optimize transport routes. The transshipment yard module serves as a transport hub, providing temporary storage, transshipment, and evaporation gas treatment for LNG tank containers.

[0006] Further improvements are made in that the standard tank module includes a thermal insulation unit and an IoT sensor unit. The thermal insulation unit is used to adopt a vacuum insulation structure, which improves the thermal insulation performance, safety and economy of the tank through physical isolation and material optimization. The IoT sensor unit is used to monitor pressure, temperature and liquid level data in real time.

[0007] Further improvements include: the IoT sensor unit includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a liquid level sensor, with a data sampling frequency of ≥1 time / minute and a transmission delay of <1 second.

[0008] Further improvements are made in that: the multimodal transport interface module includes a road transport connection unit, a rail transport connection unit, and a waterway transport connection unit. The road transport connection unit is used to meet road transport requirements through a standard twist lock connection. The rail transport connection unit is used to meet rail transport requirements by reducing vibration through damping supports. The waterway transport connection unit is used to meet ship stacking requirements by using waterway containers.

[0009] Further improvements are made in that the intelligent scheduling module includes an evaporation gas prediction unit and a route optimization unit. The evaporation gas prediction unit is used to calculate the amount of evaporation gas generated based on the natural gas composition, ambient temperature and transportation time. The route optimization unit optimizes transportation costs according to the route optimization algorithm.

[0010] A further improvement lies in the fact that the path optimization algorithm in the intelligent scheduling module aims to minimize transportation costs, and the cost function is:

[0011]

[0012] Among them, D i For segmented transport distances, P i For freight unit price, T i For time cost, F i This represents the risk coefficient.

[0013] Further improvements are made in that: the transshipment yard module includes a three-dimensional storage unit and an evaporation gas recovery unit. The three-dimensional storage unit is used to stack LNG tank containers in multiple layers using a distributed storage yard, and the evaporation gas recovery unit is used to recover the evaporation gas, liquefy it, and return it to the tank container.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention controls the daily evaporation rate through the vacuum-insulated multi-layer structure of the standard tank container module, extending the time for damage-free maintenance and reducing the generation of evaporated gas from a physical perspective. The multimodal transport interface module's twist-lock connection, damping supports, and mooring points respectively address bumps, vibrations, and swaying, shortening transit time and reducing logistics costs. The transit yard module, through its three-dimensional warehousing and evaporated gas recovery unit, achieves rapid transshipment and resource recycling, ultimately constructing an efficient, safe, and economical integrated storage and transportation system. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a system architecture diagram of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the standard tank container module architecture of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the multimodal transport interface module architecture of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the intelligent scheduling module architecture of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transit yard module architecture of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To enhance understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. These embodiments are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] The LNG tank container is the physical core of the entire system. It is not an ordinary shipping container, but a highly specialized, mobile, miniature LNG storage tank integrating cutting-edge cryogenic insulation technology and safety systems. Its external structure is completely consistent with the international standard ISO container dimensions, typically 40 feet, ensuring seamless integration with existing global container multimodal transport systems (including container ships, rail wagons, and truck chassis). This is the foundation for its "one-tank-to-the-end" flexibility. Internally, it is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated pressure vessel made of special steel (such as 9-nickel steel or stainless steel). The inner liner stores cryogenic liquid LNG at -162 degrees Celsius. The space between the inner liner and the outer wall is evacuated to a high vacuum and wrapped with multiple layers of insulation material to minimize heat conduction, convection, and radiation, ensuring extremely low evaporation rates and maintaining liquid stability during long-term transportation and storage. In addition, the tank containers are equipped with sophisticated safety valves, pressure gauges, level gauges, temperature sensors, and emergency shut-off devices, enabling real-time monitoring of internal pressure, level, and temperature. They automatically release evaporated gases to ensure safety when pressure is too high; these evaporated gases can also be recycled or treated before being vented. This highly integrated design makes each LNG tank container an independent, safe, and self-sufficient miniature LNG transportation and storage unit. Secondly, the complete operational process of LNG tank container storage and transportation perfectly embodies its core "one-tank-to-end" logic: from the LNG source to the user, LNG completes all logistics links within the same tank container, eliminating the need for transshipment and significantly reducing losses and safety risks. This process begins at the LNG supplier, typically a large LNG receiving terminal, liquefaction plant, or liquefaction unit serving as a satellite station. Here, LNG is filled into the rigorously pre-cooled and inspected tank containers using a dedicated loading arm, then the valves are closed and sealed. Next, the LNG-laden tank container begins its multimodal transport journey: it is first loaded onto specialized container trucks and transported by road to the nearest container terminal or railway yard; at the terminal, like a regular container, it is lifted by a massive crane and securely placed in a specific hold on a container ship (usually taking into account the placement requirements of dangerous goods containers), then embarks on transoceanic sea transport; upon arrival at the destination port, it is unloaded by port cranes and transferred to rail or road transport, ultimately being delivered directly to the end user's doorstep. End users may be factories, industrial parks, ship refueling stations, gas-fired power plants, or even remote islands or mountain towns far from natural gas pipeline networks. Upon arrival, the tank container can be used directly as a temporary storage tank, with the LNG vaporized into atmospheric pressure natural gas via a connected unloading pressurization and vaporization unit before being connected to the user's pipeline network; alternatively, in the "tank container swapping" mode, an empty container is transported away while a loaded container is loaded, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted energy supply. Empty tank containers are recycled, undergo rigorous inspection, maintenance, and cleaning, and then enter the next cycle.This process greatly simplifies intermediate steps and reduces reliance on infrastructure.

[0022] Based on this, according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides an LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport capabilities, including a standard tank container module, a multimodal transport interface module, an intelligent scheduling module, and a transshipment yard module. The standard tank container module provides a unified LNG packaging unit, reducing evaporation and operational risks. The standard tank container module includes an insulation unit and an IoT sensor unit. The insulation unit employs a vacuum-insulated multi-layer structure, improving the tank container's insulation performance, safety, and economy through physical isolation and material optimization. The system utilizes a vacuum-insulated multi-layer structure with a volume of 40-45 cubic meters, a design pressure of 0.8-1.0 MPa, a daily evaporation rate not exceeding 0.19%, and a non-destructive maintenance time of over 100 days. The vacuum-insulated multi-layer structure, by setting up multiple reflective screens and insulation materials in a high-vacuum environment, significantly reduces heat conduction and convection, keeping the daily evaporation rate ≤0.19%. The multi-layer structure provides additional physical barriers, effectively preventing external heat intrusion and internal pressure fluctuations. The vacuum environment reduces gas molecule movement, avoiding the risks of icing or pressure buildup. This system ensures that the LNG remains in a cryogenic liquid state of -162°C during transportation, reducing the generation of vaporized gas. It integrates IoT sensors for pressure, temperature, and liquid level, enabling real-time monitoring of the LNG status and transmitting data via a 5G network. This ensures that no transshipment is required during road, rail, and waterway transportation, achieving a "one-tank-to-the-end" solution and reducing evaporation losses and operational risks. The IoT sensor unit is used to monitor pressure, temperature, and liquid level data in real time. The IoT sensor unit includes pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and liquid level sensors, with a data sampling frequency of ≥1 time / minute and a transmission latency of <1 second.

[0023] The multimodal transport interface module is used to physically connect LNG tank containers between different modes of transport. The interface design is compatible with international standards (such as ISO 1161:2016), ensuring rapid and safe conversion between road, rail, and water transport, reducing transshipment time and costs, and improving the smoothness of multimodal transport. Simultaneously, the standardized interface adapts to multimodal transport vehicles, enhancing transport efficiency and safety. The multimodal transport interface module includes road transport connection units, rail transport connection units, and water transport connection units. The road transport connection unit uses standard torsion locks to meet road transport requirements, ensuring the tank container is securely anchored to the semi-trailer. Its function is to support trailer swapping operations, reduce vehicle waiting time, and improve transport flexibility; at the same time, the torsion lock design can withstand road bumps and sudden braking impacts, preventing tank container displacement and ensuring transport safety. The rail transport connection unit uses damping supports to reduce vibration, meeting rail transport requirements. Damping supports with a damping coefficient of 0.3-0.5 are used to adapt to the high-frequency vibration environment of rail transport. Its function is to absorb the impact energy during train operation, preventing damage to the tank structure, and to ensure the bolting strength of the tank container on the flatbed car by complying with standards such as GB / T10478-2018, reducing the risk of derailment or leakage. The waterway transport connection unit is used to meet the ship's stacking requirements by utilizing waterway containers, and achieves this through dedicated mooring points. Its function is to utilize the container ship's deck locking device to prevent the tank container from tilting due to swaying during navigation; at the same time, it optimizes load distribution, improves ship space utilization, and adapts to ocean or inland waterway transport scenarios.

[0024] The intelligent scheduling module analyzes sensor data, environmental factors, and transportation demand in real time to dynamically optimize transportation routes. It includes an evaporation gas prediction unit and a route optimization unit. The evaporation gas prediction unit calculates the amount of evaporation gas generated based on natural gas composition, ambient temperature, and transportation time. Its function is to predict the evaporation gas generation pattern and avoid overpressure during transportation through model optimization, thereby reducing evaporation losses. The route optimization unit optimizes transportation costs based on route optimization algorithms. Through intelligent decision-making to avoid congestion, predict evaporation gas generation, and coordinate operations at each stage, the module ultimately improves transportation efficiency and reduces accident rates.

[0025] The route optimization algorithm in the intelligent scheduling module aims to minimize transportation costs, and the cost function is:

[0026]

[0027] Among them, D i For segmented transport distances, P i For freight unit price, T i For time cost, F i This represents the risk coefficient.

[0028] The transshipment yard module serves as a transportation hub, providing temporary storage, transshipment, and vapor gas processing for LNG tank containers. The transshipment yard module includes an automated storage and refrigeration unit and an vapor gas recovery unit. The automated storage and refrigeration unit utilizes a distributed storage yard for multi-level stacking of LNG tank containers, improving land utilization, shortening transshipment time, supporting large-scale tank container turnover, and enhancing emergency peak-shaving capabilities. The vapor gas recovery unit recovers vapor gas, liquefies it, and returns it to the tank containers. Through compressors and condensers, the vapor gas is recovered, liquefied, and returned to the tank containers or pipeline network, with a recovery rate of ≥90%. Its function is to reduce vapor gas emissions, thereby reducing resource waste and environmental pollution.

[0029] This LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport capabilities uses a vacuum-insulated multi-layer structure in its insulation unit to ensure stable LNG storage at -162℃ with a daily evaporation rate of ≤0.19%. Simultaneously, an IoT sensor unit monitors pressure, temperature, and liquid level data in real time and transmits this data via a 5G network. After filling, the multimodal transport interface module is activated. The road transport connection unit anchors the tank container to the semi-trailer using standard twist locks, the rail transport connection unit uses damping supports to reduce vibration, and the waterway transport connection unit adapts to ship stacking via mooring points, achieving seamless "one tank to the end" connection. During transport, the intelligent scheduling module operates dynamically. The evaporation gas prediction unit calculates the amount of evaporation gas generated based on natural gas composition, ambient temperature, and transport time, while the route optimization unit optimizes the route using a cost function to avoid congestion and reduce risk. The transshipment yard module acts as a hub, with an automated storage unit supporting multi-layer stacking for rapid transshipment, and an evaporation gas recovery unit liquefying and returning the evaporation gas. Finally, the tank container safely arrives at the end user, completing the entire process from filling, transportation, transshipment, and delivery.

[0030] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport capabilities, characterized in that: It includes a standard tank container module, a multimodal transport interface module, an intelligent scheduling module, and a transshipment yard module. The standard tank container module is used to provide a unified LNG packaging unit to reduce evaporation and operational risks. The multimodal transport interface module is used to realize the physical connection of LNG tank containers between different modes of transportation. The intelligent scheduling module is used to analyze sensor data, environmental factors, and transportation needs in real time to dynamically optimize transportation routes. The transshipment yard module is used as a transportation hub to provide temporary storage, transshipment, and evaporation gas treatment for LNG tank containers.

2. The LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The standard tank module includes a thermal insulation unit and an IoT sensor unit. The thermal insulation unit is used to adopt a vacuum insulation structure, which improves the thermal insulation performance, safety and economy of the tank through physical isolation and material optimization. The IoT sensor unit is used to monitor pressure, temperature and liquid level data in real time.

3. An LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The IoT sensor unit includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a liquid level sensor, with a data sampling frequency of ≥1 time / minute and a transmission delay of <1 second.

4. An LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multimodal transport interface module includes a road transport connection unit, a rail transport connection unit, and a waterway transport connection unit. The road transport connection unit is used to meet road transport requirements through a standard twist lock connection. The rail transport connection unit is used to meet rail transport requirements by reducing vibration through damping supports. The waterway transport connection unit is used to meet ship stacking requirements by using waterway containers.

5. An LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent scheduling module includes an evaporation gas prediction unit and a route optimization unit. The evaporation gas prediction unit is used to calculate the amount of evaporation gas generated based on natural gas composition, ambient temperature and transportation time. The route optimization unit optimizes transportation costs according to a route optimization algorithm.

6. An LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The path optimization algorithm in the intelligent scheduling module aims to minimize transportation costs, and the cost function is: Among them, D i For segmented transport distances, P i For freight unit price, T i For time cost, F i This represents the risk coefficient.

7. An LNG tank container storage and transportation system with multimodal transport function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transshipment yard module includes a three-dimensional storage unit and an evaporation gas recovery unit. The three-dimensional storage unit is used to stack LNG tank containers in multiple layers using a distributed storage yard. The evaporation gas recovery unit is used to recover the evaporation gas, liquefy it, and return it to the tank container.

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