Fuel supply system and method for liquid and gaseous ammonia
By designing a parallel supply system suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, and utilizing components such as shut-off valves, pressurizing pumps, and heat exchangers, flexible supply of liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia is achieved. This solves the problem that existing systems cannot adapt to both simultaneously, reduces the risk of leakage, and improves the safety and adaptability of the system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE 711TH RES INST OF CHINA STATE SHIPBUILDING CORP
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing fuel supply systems are difficult to adapt to both liquid and gaseous ammonia, failing to meet the diverse needs of marine engines, and pose risks of leakage and phase change.
A fuel supply system was designed, including a liquid ammonia supply module, a gaseous ammonia delivery module, and a motor-driven pipeline. By connecting them in parallel, and using components such as shut-off valves, pressurizing pumps, heat exchangers, and pressure regulating valves, the system can flexibly switch and deliver liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia. Leakage is prevented by double-walled pipelines and jacketed circulating water, and system safety is ensured by nitrogen replacement and separation devices.
It enables flexible supply of liquid and gaseous ammonia, reduces the risk of leakage, improves the safety and adaptability of the system, and meets the diverse fuel requirements of marine engines.
Smart Images
Figure CN122106792A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of ammonia fuel supply, and more particularly to a fuel supply system and method suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of power systems, including marine engines, zero-carbon and low-carbon fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol have become the focus of research. Among them, ammonia fuel has a simple chemical structure and does not produce CO2 emissions because it does not contain carbon. Whether used for direct combustion in engines or as a hydrogen storage medium or fuel cell application, it is an effective measure to replace traditional fuels and respond to the IMO's carbon emission reduction strategy.
[0003] Ammonia has many applications and is classified into liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia based on its fuel form. For marine engines, there are generally two technical approaches: ammonia gas port injection and liquid ammonia direct injection, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a fuel supply system that can be used for both liquid and gaseous ammonia. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The object of the present invention is at least to provide a fuel supply system and method suitable for both liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, and is applicable to the fuel supply of both liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia.
[0005] The following provides a brief overview of one or more aspects to offer a basic understanding of them. This overview is not an exhaustive summary of all conceived aspects, nor is it intended to identify key or decisive elements of all aspects, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form to prepare for the more detailed descriptions that follow.
[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel supply system suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia. The fuel supply system includes a liquid ammonia supply module, a liquid ammonia conveying module, a gaseous ammonia conveying module, and a conveyor belt.
[0007] The liquid ammonia supply module is connected to the conveyor belt pipeline via a liquid ammonia delivery module and a gaseous ammonia delivery module. The conveyor belt pipeline is used to deliver fuel to the end user. The liquid ammonia delivery module and the gaseous ammonia delivery module are connected in parallel. The liquid ammonia delivery module includes a first shut-off valve and a pressurizing pump, which are connected between the liquid ammonia supply module and the conveyor belt pipeline.
[0008] The ammonia gas delivery module includes a second shut-off valve, a heat exchanger, and a pressure regulating valve group. The second shut-off valve, heat exchanger, and pressure regulating valve group are connected between the liquid ammonia supply module and the conveyor belt pipeline. The heat exchanger is used to convert liquid ammonia into gaseous ammonia.
[0009] In some embodiments, the fuel supply system includes a nitrogen generator, a first water storage tank, and an ammonia-water separator, and the liquid ammonia supply module includes a liquid ammonia storage tank.
[0010] The nitrogen generator is used to supply gas to at least one of the liquid ammonia delivery module and the gaseous ammonia delivery module.
[0011] The first outlet of the machine-driven pipeline is connected to the first water reservoir via the third shut-off valve.
[0012] The outlet of the first water storage tank is connected to the inlet of the ammonia water separation device, and the liquid ammonia outlet of the ammonia water separation device is connected to the liquid ammonia storage tank.
[0013] In some embodiments, the water outlet of the ammonia-water separation device is connected to a second water storage tank, and the first outlet of the second water storage tank is connected to a liquid ammonia supply module to provide liquid ammonia in the dissolved fuel supply system pipeline.
[0014] The first outlet of the machine-driven pipeline is connected to the inlet of the ammonia water separation unit via the fourth shut-off valve.
[0015] In some embodiments, the fuel supply system includes a plurality of ammonia concentration sensors for detecting the ammonia concentration in the pipelines of the fuel supply system.
[0016] In some embodiments, the liquid ammonia supply module, liquid ammonia conveying module, gaseous ammonia conveying module, and ammonia conveying pipeline in the conveyor belt are all double-walled pipes. The double-walled pipe includes an inner layer pipeline and a sandwich pipeline. The inner layer pipeline is used to convey ammonia, and the sandwich pipeline is used to convey circulating water. The circulating water in the sandwich pipeline is used to prevent ammonia leakage from the inner layer pipeline.
[0017] In some embodiments, the interlayer pipeline is connected to the inlet of the ammonia water separation device through a third shut-off valve, the interlayer pipeline is connected to the inlet of the second water storage device through a fifth shut-off valve, and the second outlet of the second water storage device is connected to the interlayer pipeline through a sixth shut-off valve.
[0018] In some embodiments, the fuel supply system includes a temperature regulating device connected between the second water reservoir and the interlayer pipeline, used to adjust the temperature of the water liquid transported by the interlayer pipeline to prevent liquid ammonia or gaseous ammonia from undergoing a phase change.
[0019] In some embodiments, the cold source outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a temperature control device to supply refrigerant to the temperature control device.
[0020] In some embodiments, the liquid ammonia supply module includes a delivery pump for maintaining the liquid ammonia delivery pressure at 8 to 10 bar.
[0021] One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel supply method suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, the fuel supply method comprising: Start the liquid ammonia supply module.
[0022] Open at least one of the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve.
[0023] The pressurizing pump is activated when the first shut-off valve is open, and the pressure regulating valve group is activated when the second shut-off valve is open.
[0024] In some embodiments, the fuel supply method includes purging the liquid ammonia pipeline: Shut down the liquid ammonia supply module, open the first shut-off valve, close the second shut-off valve, and turn off the pressurization pump.
[0025] Turn on the nitrogen generator, and the nitrogen will transfer the liquid ammonia in the liquid ammonia delivery module to the first water tank via the third shut-off valve to form ammonia water.
[0026] The ammonia-water separation unit separates ammonia from water, and the separated liquid ammonia is returned to the liquid ammonia storage tank of the liquid ammonia supply module.
[0027] In some embodiments, replacing the liquid ammonia pipeline includes: The water separated by the ammonia-water separation device enters the second water storage tank.
[0028] When the nitrogen generator is shut down, the water in the second water tank enters the liquid ammonia supply module, the liquid ammonia delivery module, and the pipeline in the conveyor belt. The resulting ammonia water enters the ammonia water separator through the fourth shut-off valve.
[0029] In some embodiments, the ammonia concentration in the ammonia water output from the detection machine pipeline is measured until the ammonia concentration is less than a threshold, at which point it is determined that the liquid ammonia in the fuel supply system pipeline has been completely replaced.
[0030] Turn off the second water tank, turn on the nitrogen generator, and purge the liquid ammonia supply module, liquid ammonia delivery module, and pipelines in the conveyor belt.
[0031] In some embodiments, the fuel supply method includes purging the ammonia gas pipeline: Shut down the liquid ammonia supply module.
[0032] Turn on the nitrogen generator, and the nitrogen will transfer the liquid ammonia in the liquid ammonia delivery module to the first water tank via the third shut-off valve to form ammonia water.
[0033] The ammonia-water separation unit separates ammonia from water, and the separated liquid ammonia is returned to the liquid ammonia storage tank of the liquid ammonia supply module.
[0034] The ammonia concentration in the ammonia water output from the detection machine via pipeline is measured. Once the ammonia concentration is less than the threshold, it is determined that the gaseous ammonia in the fuel supply system pipeline has been completely replaced.
[0035] In some embodiments, the fuel supply method includes a leak prevention method: The second water tank outputs circulating water to the interlayer pipeline. When the ammonia concentration of the liquid output from the interlayer pipeline is less than the threshold, the liquid output from the interlayer pipeline is transported to the second water tank via the fifth shut-off valve.
[0036] When the ammonia concentration of the liquid output from the interlayer pipeline is greater than or equal to the threshold, the fifth shut-off valve is closed, the third shut-off valve and the ammonia-water separation device are opened, the separated liquid ammonia is transported to the liquid ammonia storage tank, and the separated water is transported to the second water storage tank. Attached Figure Description
[0037] The above-described features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components are not necessarily drawn to scale, and components having similar related properties or features may have the same or similar reference numerals. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a fuel supply system suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, as shown in some embodiments.
[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid ammonia supply process according to some embodiments.
[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ammonia supply process shown in some embodiments.
[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a process for simultaneous supply of liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, as shown in some embodiments.
[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first-stage replacement process of a liquid ammonia pipeline, as shown in some embodiments.
[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second and third stage replacement process of a liquid ammonia pipeline, based on some embodiments.
[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gaseous ammonia pipeline replacement process shown in some embodiments.
[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the simultaneous replacement process of liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia pipelines, based on some embodiments.
[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the leak prevention process when only the liquid ammonia pipeline is in operation, based on some embodiments.
[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the leak prevention process when only the ammonia gas pipeline is in operation, based on some embodiments.
[0047] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of the leak prevention process when liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia pipelines are operating simultaneously, based on some embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0048] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the aspects described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention in any way.
[0049] It should be understood that the terms “system,” “device,” “unit,” and / or “module” used herein are one method of distinguishing different components, elements, parts, sections, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other words can achieve the same purpose, they may be replaced by other expressions.
[0050] Flowcharts are used in this specification to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to embodiments of this specification. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed in exact order. Instead, the steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from them.
[0051] It is understood that the technical terms that may be used in the description of this specification, such as “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the implementation method and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention.
[0052] It should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define features in this document is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding features. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention. As shown in this specification and claims, the terms "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Generally, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list; the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.
[0053] In the description of this specification, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components, etc. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification according to the specific circumstances.
[0054] This specification provides an embodiment of a fuel supply system suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia. The fuel supply system includes a liquid ammonia supply module, a liquid ammonia conveying module, a gaseous ammonia conveying module, and a conveyor belt.
[0055] The liquid ammonia supply module is connected to the engine belt pipeline through the liquid ammonia delivery module and the gaseous ammonia delivery module. The engine belt pipeline is used to deliver fuel (liquid ammonia or gaseous ammonia) to the end user (e.g., the engine). The liquid ammonia delivery module and the gaseous ammonia delivery module are connected in parallel.
[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ammonia supply module includes a liquid ammonia storage tank 1, a coarse filtration device 2, and a transfer pump 3. The liquid ammonia storage tank 1 is used to store liquid ammonia, the coarse filtration device 2 is used to coarsely filter the liquid ammonia transported through the pipeline, and the transfer pump 3 is used to pressurize and transport the liquid ammonia, maintaining the liquid ammonia transport pressure at 8-10 bar.
[0057] The liquid ammonia delivery module includes a first shut-off valve 4, a pressurizing pump 5, and a fine filter device 6. The first shut-off valve 4, the pressurizing pump 5, and the fine filter device 6 are connected in series and connected to the liquid ammonia supply module and the conveyor belt pipeline 13 to directly deliver liquid ammonia fuel.
[0058] The ammonia gas delivery module includes a second shut-off valve 7, a heat exchanger 8, a buffer tank 9, and a pressure regulating valve group (FVT) 10. The second shut-off valve 7, heat exchanger 8, buffer tank 9, and pressure regulating valve group (FVT) 10 are connected in series and are connected between the liquid ammonia supply module and the conveyor belt pipeline 13. After the liquid ammonia is vaporized into gaseous ammonia by the heat exchanger 8, it is delivered to the conveyor belt pipeline 13 by the pressure regulating valve group 10 for use by the end user.
[0059] Based on this, the embodiments of this specification propose a fuel supply method suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, such as... Figure 2 — Figure 4 As shown, fuel supply methods include liquid ammonia supply, gaseous ammonia supply, and supply of both liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia.
[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid ammonia supply includes: Start the liquid ammonia supply module: the supply valve of liquid ammonia storage tank 1 is opened, and the liquid ammonia supply pressure is maintained at 8-10 bar by the transfer pump 3.
[0061] Open the first shut-off valve 4, close the second shut-off valve 7, and start the pressurization pump 5. Adjust the speed of the pressurization pump 5 according to the needs of the liquid ammonia user to ensure the outlet pressure of the pressurization pump 5. The pressurized liquid ammonia is supplied to the user through the machine-connected pipeline 13.
[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the ammonia supply includes: Start the liquid ammonia supply module: the supply valve of liquid ammonia storage tank 1 is opened, and the liquid ammonia supply pressure is maintained at 8-10 bar by the transfer pump 3.
[0063] Open the second shut-off valve 7, close the first shut-off valve 4, open the pressure regulating valve group (FVT) 10, adjust the opening of the pressure regulating valve group 10 according to the needs of the ammonia user terminal to ensure the outlet pressure of the pressure regulating valve group 10, and supply the pressure-regulated ammonia to the user terminal through the machine-driven pipeline 13.
[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the simultaneous supply of liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia includes: Start the liquid ammonia supply module: the supply valve of liquid ammonia storage tank 1 is opened, and the liquid ammonia supply pressure is maintained at 8-10 bar by the transfer pump 3.
[0065] Open the second shut-off valve 7, open the first shut-off valve 4, start the pressurizing pump 5, and start FVT10. Adjust the speed of the pressurizing pump 5 according to the needs of the liquid ammonia user to ensure the outlet pressure of the pressurizing pump 5. At the same time, adjust the opening of FVT10 according to the needs of the gaseous ammonia user to ensure the outlet pressure of FVT10. The pressurized liquid ammonia and the pressure-regulated ammonia gas are supplied to the user through the machine-connected pipeline 13 respectively.
[0066] See Figure 1 The fuel supply system, suitable for both liquid and gaseous ammonia, includes several oxygen concentration sensors (31, 32, 33, 34). Oxygen concentration sensors are installed in the liquid ammonia supply module, liquid ammonia delivery module, gaseous ammonia delivery module, and conveyor belt 13 to monitor the oxygen concentration within each module's pipeline. If the oxygen concentration in any module's pipeline is <1%, liquid ammonia supply, gaseous ammonia supply, or both liquid and gaseous ammonia supply can be initiated. If the oxygen concentration in any module's pipeline is ≥1%, the gas or liquid in the pipeline needs to be replaced.
[0067] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the fuel supply system includes a nitrogen generator 29, a first water storage tank 20, and an ammonia-water separator 18.
[0068] The nitrogen generator 29 is used to supply gas to at least one of the liquid ammonia delivery module and the gaseous ammonia delivery module. The outlet of the nitrogen generator 29 is connected between the liquid ammonia storage tank 1 and the coarse filter device 2 via a seventh shut-off valve 30.
[0069] The first outlet of the conveyor belt 13 is connected to the inlet of the first water storage tank 20 via the third shut-off valve 19. The outlet of the first water storage tank 20 is connected to the inlet of the ammonia separation device 18, and the liquid ammonia outlet of the ammonia separation device 18 is connected to the liquid ammonia storage tank 1 via the liquid ammonia pump 36. Wastewater from the ammonia separation device 18 is discharged to the wastewater tank 39.
[0070] The water outlet of the ammonia water separation device 18 is connected to the inlet of the second water storage device 23 via the water pump 22. The first outlet of the second water storage device 23 is connected between the liquid ammonia storage tank 1 and the coarse filter device 2 via the eighth shut-off valve 24, which is used to provide water liquid of liquid ammonia in the dissolved fuel supply system pipeline.
[0071] The first outlet of the machine-belt pipeline 13 is connected to the inlet of the ammonia water separation device 18 through the fourth shut-off valve 17.
[0072] The fuel supply system includes several ammonia concentration sensors (such as...) Figure 1 As shown in Figures 14, 38, and 43, several ammonia concentration sensors are used to detect the ammonia concentration in the pipelines of the fuel supply system.
[0073] Based on this, the embodiments of this specification propose a fuel supply method suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, such as... Figure 5 — Figure 8 As shown, the fuel supply methods include liquid ammonia pipeline replacement, gaseous ammonia pipeline replacement, and simultaneous replacement of liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia pipelines.
[0074] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the liquid ammonia pipeline replacement includes: Shutting down the liquid ammonia supply module means shutting down liquid ammonia storage tank 1 and transfer pump 3.
[0075] Open the first shut-off valve 4, close the second shut-off valve 7, and turn off the pressure pump 5.
[0076] First, nitrogen is used to replace the liquid ammonia pipeline in the first stage: open the nitrogen generator 29, open the seventh shut-off valve 30, open the third shut-off valve 19, and close the fourth shut-off valve 17. The nitrogen will transfer the liquid ammonia in the liquid ammonia delivery module to the first water storage tank 20 through the third shut-off valve 19 to form ammonia water.
[0077] Turn on the ammonia-water separation device 18 and the liquid ammonia pump 36. The ammonia-water separation device 18 separates the ammonia and water. The liquid ammonia separated by the ammonia-water separation device 18 is pumped by the liquid ammonia pump 36 to the liquid ammonia storage tank 1 of the liquid ammonia supply module for reuse. After the first stage of replacement is completed, turn off the nitrogen generator 29.
[0078] The second stage of replacement of the liquid ammonia pipeline is carried out by water: the seventh shut-off valve 30 and the third shut-off valve 19 are closed, the fourth shut-off valve 17 is opened, the water pump 22 is turned on, and the water separated by the ammonia water separation device 18 is supplied to the second water storage tank 23 by the water pump 22. The eighth shut-off valve 24 is opened, and the water slowly enters the liquid ammonia supply pipeline from the second water storage tank 23 until it is full. The ammonia water formed enters the ammonia water separation device 18 through the fourth shut-off valve 17. The separated liquid ammonia returns to the liquid ammonia storage tank 1, and the separated water enters the second water storage tank 23 to achieve recirculation.
[0079] The ammonia concentration sensors (43, 38) at the front ends of the third and fourth shut-off valves 19 and 17 respectively monitor the ammonia concentration in the pipeline in real time. If the ammonia concentration is ≥0.5%, the second stage of replacement continues until the ammonia concentration is less than 0.5%. At this point, it is determined that the liquid ammonia in the pipeline has been completely absorbed, and the second stage of replacement is complete. The liquid ammonia pump 36 and water pump 22 are shut down, the fourth shut-off valve 17 and the eighth shut-off valve 24 are shut down, and the ammonia-water separation device 18 is shut down.
[0080] The liquid ammonia pipeline is replaced in the third stage using nitrogen: the nitrogen generator 29 is turned on, the third shut-off valve 19 and the seventh shut-off valve 30 are turned on, and the nitrogen purges the water in the liquid ammonia pipeline into the first water storage tank 20.
[0081] The oxygen concentration in the liquid ammonia pipeline is monitored in real time by oxygen concentration sensors (31, 32, 34). If the oxygen concentration is ≥1%, the third stage of replacement continues until the oxygen concentration is less than 1%, at which point the third stage of replacement is complete. The nitrogen generator 29 is then shut down, and the first shut-off valve 4, the third shut-off valve 19, and the seventh shut-off valve 30 are also closed.
[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, the replacement of the ammonia gas pipeline includes: Shut down the liquid ammonia supply module, i.e., shut down liquid ammonia storage tank 1 and transfer pump 3. Open the second shut-off valve 7, shut down the heat exchange function of heat exchanger 8, and open FVT 10. Turn on nitrogen generator 29, and open the seventh shut-off valve 30 and the third shut-off valve 19. Nitrogen will transfer ammonia gas from the gaseous ammonia transfer module to the first water storage tank 20 via the third shut-off valve 19 to form ammonia water. Start ammonia water separation device 18, and turn on liquid ammonia pump 36 and water pump 22. The ammonia water is further separated by ammonia water separation device 18. The liquid ammonia separated by ammonia water separation device 18 is pumped by liquid ammonia pump 36 to liquid ammonia storage tank 1 of the liquid ammonia supply module for reuse. The water separated by ammonia water separation device 18 is pumped by water pump 22 to the second water storage tank 23.
[0083] The ammonia concentration sensor (43) of the third shut-off valve 19 detects the ammonia concentration in the gaseous ammonia pipeline in real time. If the ammonia concentration is ≥0.5%, nitrogen replacement is continuously performed until the ammonia concentration is less than 0.5%. It is then determined that the ammonia in the pipeline has been completely absorbed and the gaseous ammonia pipeline replacement is complete. The second shut-off valve 7, the seventh shut-off valve 30, and the third shut-off valve 19 are closed, as are FVT10 and the nitrogen generator 29.
[0084] like Figure 8 As shown, the simultaneous replacement of liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia pipelines includes: Shutting down the liquid ammonia supply module means shutting down liquid ammonia storage tank 1 and transfer pump 3.
[0085] Open the first shut-off valve 4, turn off the pressurization pump 5, open the second shut-off valve 7, turn off the heat exchange function of the heat exchanger 8, and turn on FVT10.
[0086] First, nitrogen is used to replace the liquid ammonia pipeline in the first stage and to replace the gaseous ammonia pipeline: turn on the nitrogen generator 29, turn on the seventh shut-off valve 30, turn on the third shut-off valve 19, and turn off the fourth shut-off valve 17. The nitrogen will transfer the liquid ammonia in the liquid ammonia delivery module to the first water storage tank 20 through the third shut-off valve 19 to form ammonia water. The nitrogen will transfer the ammonia in the gaseous ammonia delivery module to the first water storage tank 20 through the third shut-off valve 19 to form ammonia water.
[0087] Turn on the ammonia-water separation device 18 and the liquid ammonia pump 36. The ammonia-water separation device 18 separates the ammonia and water. The liquid ammonia separated by the ammonia-water separation device 18 is pumped by the liquid ammonia pump 36 to the liquid ammonia storage tank 1 of the liquid ammonia supply module for reuse. Turn on the water pump 22. The water separated by the ammonia-water separation device 18 is pumped by the water pump 22 to the second water storage tank 23.
[0088] The ammonia concentration sensor (43) of the third shut-off valve 19 monitors the ammonia concentration in the gaseous ammonia pipeline in real time. If the ammonia concentration is ≥0.5%, nitrogen purging continues until the ammonia concentration is less than 0.5%. At this point, it is determined that the ammonia in the pipeline has been completely absorbed, the gaseous ammonia pipeline purging is complete, and the pneumatic shut-off valve 7 is closed. Thus, the first stage of liquid ammonia pipeline purging is completed. The subsequent second and third stages of liquid ammonia pipeline purging are similar to the second and third stages of liquid ammonia pipeline purging described above.
[0089] In some embodiments, when the liquid ammonia pipeline is shut down normally, a liquid ammonia pipeline purging is initiated. In some embodiments, when the gaseous ammonia pipeline is shut down normally, a gaseous ammonia pipeline purging is initiated. In some embodiments, When both liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia pipelines are shut down normally, start the liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia pipelines for replacement.
[0090] In some embodiments, see Figure 1The liquid ammonia supply module, liquid ammonia conveying module, gaseous ammonia conveying module, and ammonia transport pipeline in conveyor belt 13 are all double-walled pipes. Each double-walled pipe includes an inner layer and a sandwich layer. The inner layer is used to transport ammonia, and the sandwich layer is used to transport circulating water. The circulating water in the sandwich layer prevents ammonia leakage from the inner layer. The sandwich layer is connected to the inlet of the ammonia-water separation device 18 via the second outlet of conveyor belt 13 and a fourth shut-off valve 17. The sandwich layer is also connected to the inlet of the second water storage tank 23 via a fifth shut-off valve 15. The second outlet of the second water storage tank 23 is connected to the sandwich layer via a sixth shut-off valve 28.
[0091] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 26 is connected between the second water reservoir 23 and the interlayer pipeline. The second outlet of the second water reservoir 23 is connected to the interlayer pipeline through the temperature control device 26 and the sixth shut-off valve 28, and is used to adjust the temperature of the water liquid transported by the interlayer pipeline to prevent liquid ammonia or gaseous ammonia from undergoing phase change.
[0092] In some embodiments, the cold source outlet of the heat exchanger 8 is connected to the temperature control device 26 via the ninth shut-off valve 27, and the liquid ammonia output from the cold source outlet of the heat exchanger 8 is provided to the temperature control device 26 as a refrigerant.
[0093] In some embodiments, a fuel supply system suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia includes a plurality of check valves ( Figure 1 As shown in figures 11, 12, 16, 21, 25, and 37), several one-way valves are arranged in the pipeline to prevent backflow. In some embodiments, a pressure sensor 35 is also installed on the pipeline within the fuel supply system to monitor the output power of the delivery pump 3. In some embodiments, several temperature sensors (e.g., ...) are also installed on the pipeline within the fuel supply system. Figure 1 (As shown in 40, 41, and 42), these are used to monitor the temperature of liquid ammonia in the liquid ammonia pipeline.
[0094] Based on this, embodiments of this specification provide a fuel supply method suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, such as... Figures 9-11 As shown, the fuel supply method includes leak prevention methods, including the following.
[0095] like Figure 9As shown, when only the liquid ammonia pipeline is working, the first shut-off valve 4 is opened and the second shut-off valve 7 is closed. The ammonia concentration sensor (14) at the second outlet of the machine-driven pipeline 13 detects the ammonia concentration in the interlayer pipeline in real time. When the ammonia concentration is detected to be ≥0.5%, the liquid ammonia supply module is shut down, and the fifth shut-off valve 15 and the ninth shut-off valve 27 are closed at the same time. The fourth shut-off valve 17, the ammonia-water separation device 18, the water pump 22, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 are opened. The circulating water in the interlayer pipeline enters the ammonia-water separation device 18 for separation. The separated ammonia is transported to the liquid ammonia storage tank 1 by the liquid ammonia pump 36 for reuse. The separated water enters the second water storage tank 23 through the water pump 22 for circulation. Then, the ammonia concentration sensor (14) at the second outlet of the machine-driven pipeline 13 is used to detect the ammonia concentration in the interlayer pipeline in real time. If the ammonia concentration is ≥0.5%, the water in the second water tank 23 is continuously replaced until the ammonia concentration is less than 0.5%. Then, the water pump 22, the first shut-off valve 4, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 are turned off, and the machine is stopped to check the cause of leakage in the inner pipeline.
[0096] When the ammonia concentration sensor 14 detects an ammonia concentration of <0.5%, the fourth shut-off valve 17 is closed, the fifth shut-off valve 15 and water pump 22 are opened, and the temperature control device 26 is started to adjust the water temperature in the jacketed pipeline according to the user's temperature requirements for liquid ammonia. The ninth shut-off valve 27 is closed, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 is opened. The circulating water in the second water tank 23 is then pumped to the second water tank 23 via the fifth shut-off valve 15 by the water pump 22, thus achieving circulation.
[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, when the liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia pipelines are working, the first shut-off valve 4 and the second shut-off valve 7 are opened. The ammonia concentration sensor (14) at the second outlet of the machine-driven pipeline 13 detects the ammonia concentration in the interlayer pipeline in real time. When the ammonia concentration is detected to be ≥0.5%, the liquid ammonia supply module is shut down, and the fifth shut-off valve 15 and the ninth shut-off valve 27 are shut down at the same time. The fourth shut-off valve 17, the ammonia-water separation device 18, the water pump 22, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 are opened. The circulating water in the interlayer pipeline enters the ammonia-water separation device 18 for separation. The separated ammonia is transported to the liquid ammonia storage tank 1 by the liquid ammonia pump 36 for reuse. The separated water enters the second water storage tank 23 through the water pump 22 for circulation. Then, the ammonia concentration sensor (14) at the second outlet of the machine-driven pipeline 13 is used to detect the ammonia concentration in the interlayer pipeline in real time. If the ammonia concentration is ≥0.5%, the water in the second water tank 23 is continuously replaced until the ammonia concentration is less than 0.5%. Then, the water pump 22, the first shut-off valve 4, the second shut-off valve 7, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 are turned off, and the machine is stopped to check the cause of leakage in the inner pipeline.
[0098] When the ammonia concentration sensor 14 detects an ammonia concentration of <0.5%, the fourth shut-off valve 17 is closed, the fifth shut-off valve 15 and water pump 22 are opened, and the temperature control device 26 is started to adjust the water temperature in the jacketed pipeline according to the user's temperature requirements for ammonia. The ninth shut-off valve 27 is closed, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 is opened. The circulating water in the second water tank 23 is then pumped to the second water tank 23 via the fifth shut-off valve 15 by the water pump 22, thus achieving circulation.
[0099] like Figure 10 As shown, when only the gaseous ammonia pipeline is working, the first shut-off valve 4 is closed and the second shut-off valve 7 is opened. The ammonia concentration sensor (14) at the second outlet of the machine-driven pipeline 13 detects the ammonia concentration in the interlayer pipeline in real time. When the ammonia concentration is detected to be ≥0.5%, the liquid ammonia supply module is closed, and the fifth shut-off valve 15 and the ninth shut-off valve 27 are closed at the same time. The fourth shut-off valve 17, the ammonia-water separation device 18, the water pump 22, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 are opened. The circulating water in the interlayer pipeline enters the ammonia-water separation device 18 for separation. The separated ammonia is transported to the liquid ammonia storage tank 1 by the liquid ammonia pump 36 for reuse. The separated water liquid enters the second water storage tank 23 through the water pump 22 for circulation. Then, the ammonia concentration sensor (14) at the second outlet of the machine-driven pipeline 13 detects the ammonia concentration in the interlayer pipeline in real time. If the ammonia concentration is ≥0.5%, the water in the second water tank 23 is continuously replaced until the ammonia concentration is less than 0.5%. Then, the water pump 22, the second shut-off valve 7, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 are turned off, and the machine is stopped to check the cause of leakage in the inner pipeline.
[0100] When the ammonia concentration sensor 14 detects an ammonia concentration of <0.5%, the fourth shut-off valve 17 is closed, the fifth shut-off valve 15 and water pump 22 are opened, and the temperature control device 26 is started to adjust the water temperature in the jacketed pipeline according to the user's temperature requirements for ammonia. The ninth shut-off valve 27 is closed, and the sixth shut-off valve 28 is opened. The circulating water in the second water tank 23 is then pumped to the second water tank 23 via the fifth shut-off valve 15 by the water pump 22, thus achieving circulation.
[0101] The basic concepts have been described above. It is clear that the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification, especially for those skilled in the art. Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods described herein. Although various examples of currently considered useful embodiments of the invention have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the substance and scope of the embodiments described herein.
Claims
1. A fuel supply system suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, characterized in that, The fuel supply system includes a liquid ammonia supply module, a liquid ammonia delivery module, a gaseous ammonia delivery module, and a conveyor belt pipeline. The liquid ammonia supply module is connected to the conveyor belt pipeline via a liquid ammonia delivery module and a gaseous ammonia delivery module. The conveyor belt pipeline is used to transport fuel to the end user. The liquid ammonia delivery module and the gaseous ammonia delivery module are connected in parallel. The liquid ammonia delivery module includes a first shut-off valve and a pressurizing pump, which are connected between the liquid ammonia supply module and the conveyor belt pipeline. The ammonia gas delivery module includes a second shut-off valve, a heat exchanger, and a pressure regulating valve group. The second shut-off valve, heat exchanger, and pressure regulating valve group are connected between the liquid ammonia supply module and the conveyor belt pipeline. The heat exchanger is used to convert liquid ammonia into gaseous ammonia.
2. The fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fuel supply system includes a nitrogen generator, a first water storage tank, and an ammonia-water separator; the liquid ammonia supply module includes a liquid ammonia storage tank. The nitrogen generator is used to supply gas to at least one of the liquid ammonia delivery module and the gaseous ammonia delivery module. The first outlet of the machine-driven pipeline is connected to the first water reservoir via the third shut-off valve; The outlet of the first water storage tank is connected to the inlet of the ammonia water separation device, and the liquid ammonia outlet of the ammonia water separation device is connected to the liquid ammonia storage tank.
3. The fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water outlet of the ammonia water separator is connected to the second water tank, and the first outlet of the second water tank is connected to the liquid ammonia supply module to provide liquid ammonia in the dissolved fuel supply system pipeline. The first outlet of the machine-driven pipeline is connected to the inlet of the ammonia water separation unit via the fourth shut-off valve.
4. The fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The fuel supply system includes several ammonia concentration sensors, which are used to detect the ammonia concentration in the pipelines of the fuel supply system.
5. The fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid ammonia supply module, liquid ammonia conveying module, gaseous ammonia conveying module, and ammonia conveying pipeline in the conveyor belt are all double-walled pipes. The double-walled pipe includes an inner layer pipeline and a sandwich pipeline. The inner layer pipeline is used to convey ammonia, and the sandwich pipeline is used to convey circulating water. The circulating water in the sandwich pipeline is used to prevent ammonia leakage from the inner layer pipeline.
6. The fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 5, characterized in that, The interlayer pipeline is connected to the inlet of the ammonia water separation device through the third shut-off valve, the interlayer pipeline is connected to the inlet of the second water storage tank through the fifth shut-off valve, and the second outlet of the second water storage tank is connected to the interlayer pipeline through the sixth shut-off valve.
7. The fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 6, characterized in that, The fuel supply system includes a temperature control device connected between the second water tank and the interlayer pipeline. The temperature control device is used to adjust the temperature of the water liquid transported by the interlayer pipeline to prevent liquid ammonia or gaseous ammonia from undergoing a phase change.
8. The fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold source outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the temperature control device, supplying refrigerant to the temperature control device.
9. The fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid ammonia supply module includes a delivery pump, which is used to maintain the liquid ammonia delivery pressure at 8 to 10 bar.
10. A fuel supply method suitable for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia, characterized in that, Using the fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia as described in claim 1, the fuel supply method includes: Start the liquid ammonia supply module; Open at least one of the first and second shut-off valves; The pressurizing pump is activated when the first shut-off valve is open, and the pressure regulating valve group is activated when the second shut-off valve is open.
11. The fuel supply method applicable to liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 10, characterized in that, Using the fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia as described in claim 2, the fuel supply method includes purging the liquid ammonia pipeline: Shut down the liquid ammonia supply module, open the first shut-off valve, close the second shut-off valve, and turn off the pressurization pump; Turn on the nitrogen generator, and the nitrogen will transfer the liquid ammonia in the liquid ammonia delivery module to the first water tank via the third shut-off valve to form ammonia water. The ammonia-water separation unit separates ammonia from water, and the separated liquid ammonia is returned to the liquid ammonia storage tank of the liquid ammonia supply module.
12. The fuel supply method applicable to liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 11, characterized in that, Using the fuel supply system for liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia as described in claim 3, the liquid ammonia pipeline replacement includes: The water separated by the ammonia-water separator enters the second water storage tank. When the nitrogen generator is shut down, the water in the second water tank enters the liquid ammonia supply module, the liquid ammonia delivery module, and the pipeline in the conveyor belt. The resulting ammonia water enters the ammonia water separator through the fourth shut-off valve.
13. The fuel supply method applicable to liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ammonia concentration in the ammonia water output from the pipeline is detected. When the ammonia concentration is less than the threshold, it is determined that the liquid ammonia in the fuel supply system pipeline has been completely replaced. Turn off the second water tank, turn on the nitrogen generator, and purge the liquid ammonia supply module, liquid ammonia delivery module, and pipelines in the conveyor belt.
14. The fuel supply method applicable to liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 10, characterized in that, Using the fuel supply system for liquid and gaseous ammonia as described in claim 2, the fuel supply method includes purging the gaseous ammonia pipeline: Shut down the liquid ammonia supply module; Turn on the nitrogen generator, and the nitrogen will transfer the liquid ammonia in the liquid ammonia delivery module to the first water tank via the third shut-off valve to form ammonia water. The ammonia-water separation unit separates ammonia from water, and the liquid ammonia separated by the ammonia-water separation unit is returned to the liquid ammonia storage tank of the liquid ammonia supply module. The ammonia concentration in the ammonia water output from the detection machine via pipeline is measured. Once the ammonia concentration is less than the threshold, it is determined that the gaseous ammonia in the fuel supply system pipeline has been completely replaced.
15. The fuel supply method applicable to liquid ammonia and gaseous ammonia according to claim 10, characterized in that, Using the fuel supply system for liquid and gaseous ammonia as described in claim 6, the fuel supply method includes a leak-proof method: The second water tank outputs circulating water to the interlayer pipeline. When the ammonia concentration of the liquid output from the interlayer pipeline is less than the threshold, the liquid output from the interlayer pipeline is transported to the second water tank via the fifth shut-off valve. When the ammonia concentration of the liquid output from the interlayer pipeline is greater than or equal to the threshold, the fifth shut-off valve is closed, the third shut-off valve and the ammonia-water separation device are opened, the separated liquid ammonia is transported to the liquid ammonia storage tank, and the separated water is transported to the second water storage tank.