Device and method for liquefied natural gas tank re-liquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of liquefied natural gas storage tanks, and particularly discloses a device and a method for LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization, which comprises an outer shell, side shells and a first partition plate, the two side shells are fixedly provided with side plates at one ends away from each other, the top of the outer shell is fixedly provided with a top shell in communication with the side shells, the connection positions of the side shells, the outer shell and the top shell are designed in a sealing mode, and the inner wall of one end of the outer shell away from the first partition plate is fixedly provided with a second partition plate. The heat exchange mechanism is used to make the LNG flow close to the inner wall of the cylinder, so that the seawater can be heat-exchanged when flowing along the outer wall of the cylinder, the heat exchange efficiency is improved, and the power generation efficiency of the cold energy is improved. The second rod body generates centrifugal force on the LNG in the cylinder during rotation, so that the LNG can flow more closely to the inner wall of the cylinder, the heat exchange efficiency of the seawater and the LNG is improved, and the power generation efficiency and the cold energy reuse efficiency are further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquefied natural gas storage tank technology, specifically to an apparatus and method for the reliquefaction and vaporization of LNG tanks and the utilization of cold energy. Background Technology

[0002] The large amount of cryogenic cold energy released during the reliquefaction and vaporization of LNG (liquefied natural gas) tanks can be converted into electrical energy through a thermodynamic cycle system. The core of its power generation principle lies in using the extremely low temperature of LNG (approximately -162°C) as a cold source, creating a temperature difference with the ambient heat source (such as seawater or air), driving the working fluid to complete processes such as evaporation, expansion, condensation, and pressurization in a closed cycle, thereby driving the turbine expander to generate electricity.

[0003] Patent application CN117847413A discloses an apparatus and method for utilizing the cold energy of LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization. It aims to utilize a nitrogen expansion refrigeration system with a compressor operating in different temperature zones to realize the cold energy power generation of BOG subcooling and LNG vaporization processes.

[0004] Based on existing technologies, the following problems exist: Existing LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy reuse power generation devices typically use heat exchange to generate steam from LNG and seawater, thereby evaporating the LNG. However, during the heat exchange process, the LNG flows inside the pipeline, and the LNG at the center of the pipeline rarely has indirect contact with the seawater for heat exchange, reducing heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the seawater flows outside the pipeline, and impurities in the seawater adhere to the pipeline surface, hindering the indirect contact between the seawater and LNG. Long-term use reduces heat exchange efficiency. Referring to the aforementioned application documents, they only utilize the cold energy generated by LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization for power generation, resulting in a low cold energy reuse rate and certain shortcomings. To solve the above problems, a device and method for utilizing the cold energy of LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization are proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an apparatus for the reliquefaction and vaporization of LNG tanks and the utilization of cold energy, comprising a shell and further comprising: Side shells are fixed at both ends of the outer shell. Side plates are fixed at the ends of the two side shells that are far apart from each other. A top shell that communicates with the side shells is fixed at the top of the outer shell. The connection between the side shells, the outer shell and the top shell is designed to be sealed. The first partition is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer shell, and the second partition is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer shell at the end away from the first partition. The first partition and the second partition divide the space formed by the outer shell and the side shell into a first cavity, a second cavity and a third cavity. The side walls of the first partition and the second partition are provided with mounting holes arranged in a ring array. A heat exchange mechanism is disposed on the sidewalls of the first and second partitions and arranged in a ring array. The heat exchange mechanism includes: The cylinder is fixedly sleeved on the inner wall of the mounting hole, and the two ends of the cylinder extend into the first cavity and the third cavity respectively; The first rod is fitted inside the cylinder. The two ends of the first rod are fixed with second rods. The two second rods are rotatably connected to the two side plates respectively, and one of the second rods extends to the side of one of the side plates away from the side shell. The second rods and the first rod are coaxial with the cylinder.

[0006] Furthermore, the outer wall of one end of the cylinder located in the first cavity and the third cavity is provided with guide holes arranged in a ring array, and the inner diameter of the guide holes gradually decreases from the direction away from the outer shell to the direction closer to the outer shell. The connection between the first rod and the second rod is smoothly designed. The diameter of the first rod is larger than that of the second rod, and the diameter of the first rod is smaller than that of the inner wall of the cylinder. A drive mechanism for driving the first rod and the second rod to rotate is provided on the outer side of one of the side plates.

[0007] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes: The first servo motor is fixedly mounted on the outer side of one of the side plates. The second rod is located on the side wall of the side plate away from the side shell and is respectively fixedly fitted with the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, the fourth gear and the fifth gear. The second gear, the third gear, the fourth gear and the fifth gear are arranged in a circular array. The output shaft of the first servo motor is fixedly connected to the second rod at the center position through a coupling to drive the first gear to rotate.

[0008] Furthermore, a sixth gear and a gear ring are provided between the second and third gears, between the third and fourth gears, and between the fourth and fifth gears. The sixth gears and gear rings arranged at intervals enable the third, fourth, and fifth gears to rotate synchronously with the first and second gears. The sixth gear located between the second and third gears meshes with the inner wall of the second gear and the gear ring at the same position, while the outer wall of the gear ring meshes with the third gear.

[0009] Furthermore, a first limiting mechanism and a second limiting mechanism are respectively fixed at both ends of the inner wall of the outer shell. The first limiting mechanism and the second limiting mechanism are identical and arranged symmetrically about the center point of the outer shell. The first limiting mechanism includes: The first arc plate is fixedly installed on the bottom of the inner wall of the outer shell. The second arc plate is fixedly installed on the side wall of the first arc plate. The second arc plate is inclined. At least two cleaning mechanisms are provided on the inner side of the first arc plate. A moving mechanism is provided inside the top shell. A connecting mechanism is provided at the moving end of the moving mechanism. The connecting mechanism cooperates with the moving mechanism to drive the cleaning mechanism to move. The third arc plate is fixedly located on the side of the second arc plate away from the first arc plate, and is designed symmetrically with the second arc plate on the side of the second arc plate away from the first arc plate. The fourth arc plate is fixedly located on the side of the third arc plate away from the second arc plate. The outer walls of the fourth arc plate and the first arc plate are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer shell. The second arc plate and the third arc plate are both made of elastic rubber material.

[0010] Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism includes: The scraper is fitted onto the outer wall of the cylinder and has a circular longitudinal section. The side wall of the scraper is fitted onto the concave surface of the first arc plate. The side wall of the scraper has a first through hole for fitting the cylinder. A rubber cylinder is fixedly fitted onto the inner wall of the first through hole. The inner wall of the rubber cylinder is in close contact with the outer wall of the cylinder. The second through hole is opened on the side wall of the scraper and is arranged alternately with the first through hole; A retaining ring is fixedly installed on the side wall of the scraper and located outside the first and second through holes. The outer diameter of the retaining ring is smaller than the side wall diameter of the scraper so that there is a gap between the two scrapers.

[0011] Furthermore, the moving mechanism includes: A threaded rod is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the top shell, with one end extending outside the top shell. A second servo motor is fixedly mounted on the top of the top shell. The output shaft of the second servo motor is equipped with a transmission mechanism to drive the threaded rod to rotate via the transmission mechanism. The connecting mechanism includes: A threaded tube is threaded to one end of a threaded rod located inside the top shell. A first connecting plate is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the threaded tube, symmetrically arranged around the center point of the threaded tube. The top of the first connecting plate is slidably connected to the bottom inner wall of the top shell. A second connecting plate and a third connecting plate are fixedly installed on the side of the two first connecting plates that are close to each other. There are two second connecting plates, which are symmetrically arranged around the center point of the threaded tube. The third connecting plate is located at the top of the threaded tube.

[0012] Furthermore, the connecting mechanism also includes: The first rotating plate is sleeved on the inner side of the two first connecting plates, the second connecting plate and the third connecting plate. The bottom and top of the first rotating plate are respectively fixed with the second rotating plate and the third rotating plate. The first connecting plate, the second connecting plate and the third connecting plate form a rotation space that limits the first rotating plate, the second rotating plate and the third rotating plate and provides rotation space for the first rotating plate, the second rotating plate and the third rotating plate. The second rotating plate has an arc design. The cylinder body is fixedly sleeved on the side wall of the third connecting plate and is symmetrically arranged with the center point of the threaded tube. The two cylinder bodies face the two third rotating plates respectively. The bottom of the inner wall of each cylinder body is fixedly provided with a first electromagnet, and the inner wall of each cylinder body is sleeved with a second electromagnet. The side of the second electromagnet close to the first electromagnet is fixedly provided with a connecting rod extending out of the cylinder body. The first electromagnet and the second electromagnet are both ring-shaped. A spring is sleeved inside the cylinder body on the side of the second electromagnet away from the first electromagnet. The slide is located on one side of the two third rotating plates that are close to each other. The slide contains a slider, which is hinged to the end of the connecting rod outside the cylinder.

[0013] Furthermore, the sidewalls of the two side shells are respectively fixed with a first pipe and a second pipe; The front and back sides of the outer casing are respectively fixedly provided with a third pipe and a fourth pipe, and the ends of the third pipe and the fourth pipe extending into the outer casing are both located between the first limiting mechanism and the second limiting mechanism.

[0014] This invention also provides a method for using an LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization device. The method, employing the aforementioned LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization device, includes the following steps: S1: LNG flows along the inside of the cylinder, while seawater flows along the inside of the outer shell, i.e., the outer wall of the cylinder, thereby exchanging heat with the LNG; S2: During the heat exchange process of LNG, the LNG flows along the inner wall of the cylinder through the heat exchange mechanism to assist the LNG in exchanging heat with seawater.

[0015] This invention provides an apparatus and method for utilizing the cold energy from the reliquefaction and vaporization of LNG tanks. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages: 1. The present invention enables LNG to flow close to the inner wall of the cylinder through a heat exchange mechanism, so that seawater can exchange heat when flowing through the outer wall of the cylinder, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency and thus improving the power generation efficiency of cold energy. The second rod generates centrifugal force within the cylinder during rotation, allowing the LNG to flow more closely to the inner wall of the cylinder, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency between seawater and LNG, and further enhancing power generation efficiency and cold energy reuse efficiency.

[0016] 2. This invention prevents the cylinder from rotating, thus avoiding a decrease in the stability of the indirect contact between seawater and LNG, thereby avoiding any impact on heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the rotation of the second rod within the cylinder generates centrifugal force, causing the LNG to flow along the inner wall of the cylinder, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. The design of the sixth gear and gear ring facilitates the synchronous rotation of multiple fifth gears and fourth gears, enabling simultaneous heat exchange of LNG and seawater in multiple cylinders and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0017] 3. This invention, through multiple cleaning mechanisms, can clean the outer wall of the cylinder multiple times during the heat exchange process, improving the cleaning effect and facilitating long-term heat exchange use; The cleaning mechanism is limited by the cooperation of the first and second limiting mechanisms, which makes it easy for the cleaning mechanism to stay stably on the inner side of both ends of the shell. This facilitates the cleaning of the outer wall of the cylinder during the heat exchange process and makes it easy to reset the cleaning mechanism in the heat exchange gap for the next use.

[0018] 4. The present invention uses a moving mechanism and a connecting mechanism to drive the scraper to move from both sides, thereby improving the stability of the scraper movement and thus improving the stability of cleaning the surface of the cylinder over a long period of time. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall rear structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the outer shell, top shell, side shell, and side plate of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the top shell, moving mechanism, connecting mechanism and cleaning mechanism of the present invention; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the outer shell, first cavity, second cavity, third cavity, and moving mechanism of the present invention; Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7 A magnified structural diagram of B in the diagram; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange mechanism of the present invention; Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 9 A magnified structural diagram of C; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting mechanism, limiting mechanism, and cleaning mechanism of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the connection mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the third connecting plate and the cylinder body of the present invention; Figure 14 For the present invention Figure 13 A magnified structural diagram of D in the diagram.

[0020] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows: 1. Outer shell; 2. Top shell; 3. Second pipe; 4. Side shell; 5. Side plate; 6. Third cavity; 7. First pipe; 8. Third pipe; 9. Fourth pipe; 10. Moving mechanism; 11. Connecting mechanism; 12. Cleaning mechanism; 13. First partition; 14. First limiting mechanism; 15. Heat exchange mechanism; 16. Second limiting mechanism; 17. Second partition; 18. Driving mechanism; 19. First cavity; 20. Second cavity; 101. Threaded rod; 102. Second servo motor; 103. Transmission mechanism; 111. First connecting plate; 112. Second rotating plate; 113. Threaded pipe; 114. Second connecting plate; 115. Third connecting plate; 116. Third rotating plate; 117. First rotating plate; 118. Cylinder body; 119. Connecting rod; 1191. Second electromagnet; 1192. First electromagnet; 1193. Slide groove; 121. Retaining ring; 122. First through hole; 123. Second through hole; 124. Scraper; 131. Mounting holes; 141. First arc plate; 142. Second arc plate; 143. Fourth arc plate; 144. Third arc plate; 151. Cylinder body; 152. First rod body; 153. Second rod body; 154. Guide hole; 181. First servo motor; 182. First gear; 183. Fifth gear; 184. Fourth gear; 185. Third gear; 186. Sixth gear; 187. Gear ring; 188. Second gear. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Example 1, please refer to Figures 1-4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 An apparatus for the reliquefaction and vaporization of LNG tanks and the utilization of cold energy, comprising an outer casing 1, and further comprising: Side shell 4 is fixedly installed at both ends of outer shell 1. Side plate 5 is fixedly installed at the ends of the two side shells 4 that are far apart from each other. Top shell 2, which communicates with side shell 4, is fixedly installed on the top of outer shell 1. The connection between side shell 4, outer shell 1 and top shell 2 is sealed. The first partition 13 is fixedly disposed on the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The inner wall of the outer shell 1 away from the first partition 13 is fixedly disposed on the second partition 17. The first partition 13 and the second partition 17 divide the space formed by the outer shell 1 and the side shell 4 into a first cavity 19, a second cavity 20 and a third cavity 6. The side walls of the first partition 13 and the second partition 17 are provided with mounting holes 131 arranged in a ring array. A heat exchange mechanism 15 is disposed on the sidewalls of the first partition 13 and the second partition 17, and arranged in a ring array. The heat exchange mechanism 15 includes: The cylindrical body 151 is fixedly sleeved on the inner wall of the mounting hole 131, and the two ends of the cylindrical body 151 extend into the first cavity 19 and the third cavity 6 respectively. The first rod 152 is fitted inside the cylinder 151. The two ends of the first rod 152 are fixedly provided with second rods 153. The two second rods 153 are rotatably connected to the two side plates 5 respectively, and one of the second rods 153 extends to the side of one of the side plates 5 away from the side shell 4. The second rods 153 and the first rod 152 are coaxial with the cylinder 151.

[0023] The side walls of the two side shells 4 are respectively fixed with a first pipe 7 and a second pipe 3; The front and back sides of the outer casing 1 are respectively fixed with a third pipe 8 and a fourth pipe 9. The ends of the third pipe 8 and the fourth pipe 9 extending into the outer casing 1 are located between the first limiting mechanism 14 and the second limiting mechanism 16.

[0024] In a specific implementation of this invention, LNG enters the first cavity 19 through the first pipe 7. Then, the LNG enters the cylinder 151 through the guide hole 154 on the side wall of the cylinder 151 and flows along the length of the cylinder 151, finally exiting through the second pipe 3. Simultaneously, the seawater enters the second cavity 20 through the third pipe 8, located on the outer wall of the cylinder 151. Seawater flows along the length of the outer shell 1 and finally flows through the fourth pipe 9. During this process, heat exchange occurs with the LNG, and the temperature difference between the LNG and seawater drives the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) to generate electricity using propane as the working fluid, thereby reusing cold energy and reducing resource waste.

[0025] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The outer wall of one end of the cylinder 151 located in the first cavity 19 and the third cavity 6 is provided with guide holes 154 arranged in an annular array, and the inner diameter of the guide holes 154 gradually decreases from the direction away from the outer shell 1 to the direction close to the outer shell 1. The connection between the first rod 152 and the second rod 153 is smoothly designed. The diameter of the first rod 152 is larger than the diameter of the second rod 153, and the diameter of the first rod 152 is smaller than the inner wall diameter of the cylinder 151. A drive mechanism 18 for driving the first rod 152 and the second rod 153 to rotate is provided on the outer side of one of the side plates 5.

[0026] In practice, when LNG enters the cylinder 151, it flows through the gap between the first rod 152 and the cylinder 151 and along the length of the first rod 152, so that the LNG can flow close to the inner wall of the cylinder 151, so that the seawater can exchange heat when it flows through the outer wall of the cylinder 151, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency and thus improving the power generation efficiency of cold energy.

[0027] By providing a guide hole 154, LNG in the first cavity 19 can enter the cylinder 151, thus avoiding the situation where LNG can only enter the cylinder 151 along the end of the cylinder 151, thereby improving the efficiency of LNG entering the cylinder 151.

[0028] The side wall diameters of the second rod 153 and the first rod 152 are smaller than the inner wall diameter of the cylinder 151, which facilitates the entry of LNG into the second rod 153 and the support of the cylinder 151, and restricts the flow of LNG in the cylinder 151, which facilitates the flow of LNG along the inner wall of the cylinder 151. The change in the diameter of the guide hole 154 affects the amount of LNG flowing out of the cylinder 151.

[0029] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The drive mechanism 18 includes: The first servo motor 181 is fixedly mounted on the outer side of one of the side plates 5. The second rod 153 is located on the side wall of the side plate 5 away from the side shell 4, and the first gear 182, the second gear 188, the third gear 185, the fourth gear 184 and the fifth gear 183 are fixedly mounted on it. The second gear 188, the third gear 185, the fourth gear 184 and the fifth gear 183 are arranged in a circular array. The output shaft of the first servo motor 181 is fixedly connected to the second rod 153 at the center position through a coupling to drive the first gear 182 to rotate.

[0030] A sixth gear 186 and a gear ring 187 are provided between the second gear 188 and the third gear 185, between the third gear 185 and the fourth gear 184, and between the fourth gear 184 and the fifth gear 183. The sixth gear 186 and the gear ring 187 arranged at intervals enable the third gear 185, the fourth gear 184, and the fifth gear 183 to rotate synchronously with the first gear 182 and the second gear 188. The sixth gear 186 located between the second gear 188 and the third gear 185 meshes with the inner wall of the second gear 188 and the gear ring 187 at the same position, while the outer wall of the gear ring 187 meshes with the third gear 185.

[0031] In specific implementation, the first servo motor 181 drives the first gear 182 to rotate, the first gear 182 drives the second gear 188 arranged in a ring array to rotate, the second gear 188 drives the third gear 185 to rotate through the sixth gear 186 and the gear ring 187, the third gear 185 drives the fourth gear 184 to rotate through the sixth gear 186 and the gear ring 187, and the fourth gear 184 drives the fifth gear 183 to rotate through the sixth gear 186 and the gear ring 187. Thus, the fifth gear 183, the fourth gear 184, and the third gear 185 arranged in the ring array rotate synchronously with the second gear 188 and the first gear 182, so that the second rod 153 and the first rod 152 arranged in the ring array rotate. During the rotation of the second rod 153 and the first rod 152, the LNG generates centrifugal force in the cylinder 151, so that the LNG can flow more closely to the inner wall of the cylinder 151, improving the heat exchange efficiency between seawater and LNG, thereby further improving the power generation efficiency and cold energy reuse efficiency.

[0032] By preventing the cylinder 151 from rotating, the stability of the indirect contact between seawater and LNG is avoided from being reduced due to the rotation of the cylinder 151, thereby avoiding the impact on heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the rotation of the second rod 153 inside the cylinder 151 generates centrifugal force, causing the LNG to flow along the inner wall of the cylinder 151, thus improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0033] The design of the sixth gear 186 and the gear ring 187 facilitates the synchronous rotation of multiple fifth gears 183 and fourth gears 184, enabling simultaneous heat exchange of LNG and seawater within multiple cylinders 151 and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0034] Example 2, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 11 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the fact that a first limiting mechanism 14 and a second limiting mechanism 16 are respectively fixed at both ends of the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The first limiting mechanism 14 and the second limiting mechanism 16 are identical and arranged symmetrically about the center point of the outer shell 1. The first limiting mechanism 14 includes: The first arc plate 141 is fixedly disposed on the bottom of the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The second arc plate 142 is fixedly disposed on the side wall of the first arc plate 141. The second arc plate 142 is inclined. At least two cleaning mechanisms 12 are disposed on the inner side of the first arc plate 141. The top shell 2 is provided with a moving mechanism 10. The moving end of the moving mechanism 10 is provided with a connecting mechanism 11. The connecting mechanism 11 cooperates with the moving mechanism 10 to drive the cleaning mechanism 12 to move. The third arc plate 144 is fixedly disposed on the side of the second arc plate 142 away from the first arc plate 141, and is symmetrically designed with the side of the second arc plate 142 away from the first arc plate 141 as the side of the third arc plate 144 away from the second arc plate 142. The fourth arc plate 143 is fixedly disposed on the side of the third arc plate 144 away from the second arc plate 142. The outer walls of the fourth arc plate 143 and the first arc plate 141 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The second arc plate 142 and the third arc plate 144 are both made of elastic rubber material.

[0035] Please see Figure 11 The cleaning agency 12 includes: The scraper 124 is sleeved on the outer wall of the cylinder 151 and has a circular longitudinal section. The side wall of the scraper 124 is sleeved on the concave surface of the first arc plate 141. The side wall of the scraper 124 has a first through hole 122 for sleeved on the cylinder 151. A rubber cylinder is fixedly sleeved on the inner wall of the first through hole 122. The inner wall of the rubber cylinder is in close contact with the outer wall of the cylinder 151. The second through hole 123 is opened on the side wall of the scraper 124 and is arranged alternately with the first through hole 122; The retaining ring 121 is fixedly disposed on the side wall of the scraper 124 and located outside the first through hole 122 and the second through hole 123. The outer diameter of the retaining ring 121 is smaller than the side wall diameter of the scraper 124 so that there is a gap between the two scrapers 124.

[0036] Please see Figure 7 The mobile mechanism 10 includes: A threaded rod 101 is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the top shell 2, with one end extending outside the top shell 2. A second servo motor 102 is fixedly mounted on the top of the top shell 2. The output shaft of the second servo motor 102 is equipped with a transmission mechanism 103, which drives the threaded rod 101 to rotate via the transmission mechanism 103. The connecting mechanism 11 includes: A threaded tube 113 is threadedly connected to the side wall of one end of the threaded rod 101 located inside the top shell 2. The outer wall of the threaded tube 113 is fixedly fitted with a first connecting plate 111 arranged symmetrically with respect to the center point of the threaded tube 113. The top of the first connecting plate 111 is slidably connected to the bottom inner wall of the top shell 2. A second connecting plate 114 and a third connecting plate 115 are fixedly provided on the side of the two first connecting plates 111 that are close to each other. There are two second connecting plates 114, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center point of the threaded tube 113. The third connecting plate 115 is located at the top of the threaded tube 113.

[0037] Please see Figures 11-14 The connecting mechanism 11 also includes: The first rotating plate 117 is sleeved on the inner side of the two first connecting plates 111, the second connecting plate 114 and the third connecting plate 115. The bottom and top of the first rotating plate 117 are respectively fixed with the second rotating plate 112 and the third rotating plate 116. The first connecting plate 111, the second connecting plate 114 and the third connecting plate 115 form a rotation space that limits the first rotating plate 117, the second rotating plate 112 and the third rotating plate 116 and provides rotation space for the first rotating plate 117, the second rotating plate 112 and the third rotating plate 116. The second rotating plate 112 has an arc-shaped design. Cylinder 118 is fixedly sleeved on the side wall of the third connecting plate 115 and arranged symmetrically with the center point of the threaded tube 113. The two cylinders 118 face the two third rotating plates 116 respectively. The bottom of the inner wall of each cylinder 118 is fixedly provided with a first electromagnet 1192 and a second electromagnet 1191 is sleeved on the inner wall of each cylinder 118. A connecting rod 119 extending out of the cylinder 118 is fixedly provided on the side of the second electromagnet 1191 close to the first electromagnet 1192. The first electromagnet 1192 and the second electromagnet 1191 are both annular. A spring is sleeved inside the cylinder 118 on the side of the second electromagnet 1191 away from the first electromagnet 1192. The slide groove 1193 is opened on one side of the two third rotating plates 116 that are close to each other. The slide groove 1193 contains a slider, and the slider is hinged to the end of the connecting rod 119 outside the cylinder 118.

[0038] In practical implementation, when it is necessary to clean the impurities attached to the outer wall of the cylinder 151, the second servo motor 102 is activated. The second servo motor 102 drives the threaded rod 101 to rotate through the transmission mechanism 103. When the threaded rod 101 rotates, it drives the threaded tube 113 to move under the action of the sliding connection between the first connecting plate 111 and the top shell 2, thereby driving the two second rotating plates 112 to move until the second rotating plates 112 move to the outside of the scraper 124 inside the first limiting mechanism 14. During the movement, the first electromagnet 1192 and the second electromagnet 1191 are activated, so that the side of the first electromagnet 1192 and the second electromagnet 1191 that are close to each other generates a repulsive force, thereby driving the second electromagnet 1191 and the connecting rod 119 to move against the elastic force of the spring. Under the action of the slide groove 1193, and with the slider and the connecting rod 119 hinged, it drives the second electromagnet 1191 and the connecting rod 119 to move against the elastic force of the spring. The third rotating plate 116, the second rotating plate 112, and the first rotating plate 117 are rotated, causing the two third rotating plates 116 to move away from each other. This causes the two rotating plates to move along the outer side of the scraper 124. When the second rotating plate 112 is located on the outer side between the two scrapers 124, the first electromagnet 1192 and the second electromagnet 1191 are attracted to each other, causing the two second rotating plates 112 to move closer together and be located between the two scrapers 124. Then, the second servo motor 102 drives the second rotating plate 112 to move, thereby driving one of the scrapers 124 to move. This allows the rubber sleeve on the side wall of the scraper 124 to clean the impurities attached to the outer wall of the cylinder 151, reducing the amount of impurities in the seawater attached to the outer wall of the cylinder 151, improving the effect of subsequent indirect contact between seawater and LNG, and thus improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0039] During the movement of the scraper 124, the scraper 124 presses against the second arc plate 142 of the first limiting mechanism 14, thereby overcoming the restriction of the second arc plate 142 of the first limiting mechanism 14, and finally moves to the inner side of the first arc plate 141 of the second limiting mechanism 16. Then, through the rotation of the second rotating plate 112, the second rotating plate 112 is positioned outside the scraper 124, and then driven by the second servo motor 102 to move to the first limiting mechanism 14. Thus, by setting multiple cleaning mechanisms 12, the outer wall of the cylinder 151 can be cleaned multiple times during the heat exchange process, improving the cleaning effect and facilitating long-term heat exchange use. By using the cooperation of the first limiting mechanism 14 and the second limiting mechanism 16 to limit the cleaning mechanism 12, it is easy for the cleaning mechanism 12 to stay stably on the inner side of both ends of the outer shell 1, thereby facilitating the cleaning of the outer wall of the cylinder 151 during the heat exchange process, and also facilitating the reset of the cleaning mechanism 12 during the heat exchange interval for the next use.

[0040] The flow direction of seawater and LNG can be in the same direction or in opposite directions. Those skilled in the art can set it according to the actual situation, and there is no limitation here.

[0041] In this invention, the first servo motor 181 and other electronic components are connected to the controller and power supply via wires, which facilitates practical use and control. This is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0042] This invention also provides a method for using an LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization device. The method includes the following steps: S1: LNG flows along the inside of the cylinder 151, and at the same time seawater flows along the inside of the outer shell 1, i.e. the outer wall of the cylinder 151, so as to exchange heat with LNG. S2: During the heat exchange process of LNG, the LNG flows along the inner wall of the cylinder 151 through the heat exchange mechanism 15 to assist the LNG in exchanging heat with seawater.

[0043] Furthermore, any content not described in detail in this specification is existing technology known to those skilled in the art.

[0044] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0045] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for the reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization of an LNG tank, comprising a shell, characterized in that, Also includes: Side shells are fixed at both ends of the outer shell. Side plates are fixed at the ends of the two side shells that are far apart from each other. A top shell that communicates with the side shells is fixed at the top of the outer shell. The connection between the side shells, the outer shell and the top shell is designed to be sealed. The first partition is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer shell, and the second partition is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer shell at the end away from the first partition. The first partition and the second partition divide the space formed by the outer shell and the side shell into a first cavity, a second cavity and a third cavity. The side walls of the first partition and the second partition are provided with mounting holes arranged in a ring array. A heat exchange mechanism is disposed on the sidewalls of the first and second partitions and arranged in a ring array. The heat exchange mechanism includes: The cylinder is fixedly sleeved on the inner wall of the mounting hole, and the two ends of the cylinder extend into the first cavity and the third cavity respectively; The first rod is fitted inside the cylinder. The two ends of the first rod are fixed with second rods. The two second rods are rotatably connected to the two side plates respectively, and one of the second rods extends to the side of one of the side plates away from the side shell. The second rods and the first rod are coaxial with the cylinder.

2. The apparatus for LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of one end of the cylinder located in the first cavity and the third cavity is provided with guide holes arranged in a ring array, and the inner diameter of the guide holes gradually decreases from the direction away from the outer shell to the direction closer to the outer shell. The connection between the first rod and the second rod is smoothly designed. The diameter of the first rod is larger than that of the second rod, and the diameter of the first rod is smaller than that of the inner wall of the cylinder. A drive mechanism for driving the first rod and the second rod to rotate is provided on the outer side of one of the side plates.

3. The apparatus for LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes: The first servo motor is fixedly mounted on the outer side of one of the side plates. The second rod is located on the side wall of the side plate away from the side shell and is respectively fixedly fitted with the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, the fourth gear and the fifth gear. The second gear, the third gear, the fourth gear and the fifth gear are arranged in a circular array. The output shaft of the first servo motor is fixedly connected to the second rod at the center position through a coupling to drive the first gear to rotate.

4. The apparatus for reliquefying and vaporizing LNG tanks and utilizing cold energy according to claim 3, characterized in that, A sixth gear and a gear ring are provided between the second and third gears, between the third and fourth gears, and between the fourth and fifth gears. The sixth gears and gear rings arranged at intervals enable the third, fourth, and fifth gears to rotate synchronously with the first and second gears. The sixth gear located between the second and third gears meshes with the inner wall of the second gear and the gear ring at the same position, while the outer wall of the gear ring meshes with the third gear.

5. The apparatus for reliquefying and vaporizing LNG tanks and utilizing cold energy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner walls of the outer shell are respectively fixed with a first limiting mechanism and a second limiting mechanism at both ends. The first limiting mechanism and the second limiting mechanism are identical and arranged symmetrically about the center point of the outer shell. The first limiting mechanism includes: The first arc plate is fixedly installed on the bottom of the inner wall of the outer shell. The second arc plate is fixedly installed on the side wall of the first arc plate. The second arc plate is inclined. At least two cleaning mechanisms are provided on the inner side of the first arc plate. A moving mechanism is provided inside the top shell. A connecting mechanism is provided at the moving end of the moving mechanism. The connecting mechanism cooperates with the moving mechanism to drive the cleaning mechanism to move. The third arc plate is fixedly located on the side of the second arc plate away from the first arc plate, and is designed symmetrically with the second arc plate on the side of the second arc plate away from the first arc plate. The fourth arc plate is fixedly located on the side of the third arc plate away from the second arc plate. The outer walls of the fourth arc plate and the first arc plate are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer shell. The second arc plate and the third arc plate are both made of elastic rubber material.

6. The apparatus for LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism includes: The scraper is fitted onto the outer wall of the cylinder and has a circular longitudinal section. The side wall of the scraper is fitted onto the concave surface of the first arc plate. The side wall of the scraper has a first through hole for fitting the cylinder. A rubber cylinder is fixedly fitted onto the inner wall of the first through hole. The inner wall of the rubber cylinder is in close contact with the outer wall of the cylinder. The second through hole is opened on the side wall of the scraper and is arranged alternately with the first through hole; A retaining ring is fixedly installed on the side wall of the scraper and located outside the first and second through holes. The outer diameter of the retaining ring is smaller than the side wall diameter of the scraper so that there is a gap between the two scrapers.

7. The apparatus for LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mobile mechanism includes: A threaded rod is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the top shell, with one end extending outside the top shell. A second servo motor is fixedly mounted on the top of the top shell. The output shaft of the second servo motor is equipped with a transmission mechanism to drive the threaded rod to rotate via the transmission mechanism. The connecting mechanism includes: A threaded tube is threaded to one end of a threaded rod located inside the top shell. A first connecting plate is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the threaded tube, symmetrically arranged around the center point of the threaded tube. The top of the first connecting plate is slidably connected to the bottom inner wall of the top shell. A second connecting plate and a third connecting plate are fixedly installed on the side of the two first connecting plates that are close to each other. There are two second connecting plates, which are symmetrically arranged around the center point of the threaded tube. The third connecting plate is located at the top of the threaded tube.

8. The apparatus for LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism further includes: The first rotating plate is sleeved on the inner side of the two first connecting plates, the second connecting plate and the third connecting plate. The bottom and top of the first rotating plate are respectively fixed with the second rotating plate and the third rotating plate. The first connecting plate, the second connecting plate and the third connecting plate form a rotation space that limits the first rotating plate, the second rotating plate and the third rotating plate and provides rotation space for the first rotating plate, the second rotating plate and the third rotating plate. The second rotating plate has an arc design. The cylinder body is fixedly sleeved on the side wall of the third connecting plate and is symmetrically arranged with the center point of the threaded tube. The two cylinder bodies face the two third rotating plates respectively. The bottom of the inner wall of each cylinder body is fixedly provided with a first electromagnet, and the inner wall of each cylinder body is sleeved with a second electromagnet. The side of the second electromagnet close to the first electromagnet is fixedly provided with a connecting rod extending out of the cylinder body. The first electromagnet and the second electromagnet are both ring-shaped. A spring is sleeved inside the cylinder body on the side of the second electromagnet away from the first electromagnet. The slide is located on one side of the two third rotating plates that are close to each other. The slide contains a slider, which is hinged to the end of the connecting rod outside the cylinder.

9. The apparatus for reliquefying and vaporizing LNG tanks and utilizing cold energy according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sidewalls of the two side shells are respectively fixed with a first pipe and a second pipe; The front and back sides of the outer casing are respectively fixedly provided with a third pipe and a fourth pipe, and the ends of the third pipe and the fourth pipe extending into the outer casing are both located between the first limiting mechanism and the second limiting mechanism.

10. A method of using an apparatus for the reliquefaction and vaporization of LNG tanks to utilize cold energy, characterized in that, The apparatus for LNG tank reliquefaction and vaporization cold energy utilization according to any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: S1: LNG flows along the inside of the cylinder, while seawater flows along the inside of the outer shell, i.e., the outer wall of the cylinder, thereby exchanging heat with the LNG; S2: During the heat exchange process of LNG, the LNG flows along the inner wall of the cylinder through the heat exchange mechanism to assist the LNG in exchanging heat with seawater.

Images