Marine methanol fuel supply system and ships

Abstract

This disclosure provides a marine methanol fuel supply system and a vessel, relating to the field of marine propulsion system technology. The system includes: a methanol tank for storing methanol fuel; a methanol fuel supply unit connecting the methanol tank and a methanol engine; the methanol fuel supply unit includes multiple independent functional modules arranged in layers along a spatial direction, each functional module including at least a methanol coarse filtration unit module, a methanol pump unit module, a methanol fine filtration unit module, a methanol engine inlet valve control unit module, and a methanol pressure regulating and return unit module connected sequentially along the fluid transport direction; and a control unit electrically connected to the methanol fuel supply unit for controlling the operation of each functional module of the methanol fuel supply unit according to a predetermined control logic. This disclosure aims to reduce the structural complexity of marine methanol fuel supply systems, improve manufacturing efficiency, and enhance maintenance convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of marine power system technology, specifically to a marine methanol fuel supply system and a ship. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy sources, methanol, as a renewable energy source, can become an alternative fuel to diesel and gasoline, effectively saving on the use of primary fuels and helping to reduce vehicle pollution and lower fuel consumption for gasoline users. In the marine sector, to prevent fire hazards caused by fuel supply system leaks, in accordance with the safety regulations of the International Maritime Organization and the China Classification Society, the methanol fuel supply unit assembly module of ships must be designed with strict safety standards.

[0003] In related technologies, to meet the safety and functional requirements of methanol fuel supply for ships, the commonly adopted approach is to connect and lay out methanol storage tanks, various filtration devices, pump sets, valve control components, and pressure regulating and return oil components through a complex pipeline network. This conventional construction method focuses on functional implementation and component-level safety redundancy, often resulting in the entire supply unit being a dispersed yet closely interconnected collection of pipelines and components. Since the physical distribution and connection relationships of each component depend more on the pipeline route than on functional integration, this implementation method inherently has limitations: high system complexity and low integration, making the assembly process cumbersome and requiring high technical expertise. Furthermore, the dispersed layout directly leads to maintenance challenges such as limited maintenance space and difficulty in fault location.

[0004] As described above, the complex system structure and chaotic assembly resulting from the solutions in the relevant technologies ultimately lead to specific technical problems such as low manufacturing efficiency and inconvenient maintenance of the ship's methanol fuel supply system. Therefore, under the premise of ensuring the system's safety functions, how to innovate the methanol fuel supply unit to reduce its structural complexity and improve manufacturing efficiency and maintenance convenience has become a technical bottleneck that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a marine methanol fuel supply system and a ship to reduce the structural complexity of the marine methanol fuel supply system, improve manufacturing efficiency and maintenance convenience.

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a marine methanol fuel supply system, comprising: a methanol tank for storing methanol fuel; a methanol fuel supply unit connected to the methanol tank and a methanol engine; the methanol fuel supply unit includes multiple independent functional modules arranged in layers along a spatial direction, each functional module including at least a methanol coarse filtration unit module, a methanol pump unit module, a methanol fine filtration unit module, a methanol engine inlet valve control unit module, and a methanol pressure regulating and return unit module connected sequentially along the fluid transport direction; and a control unit electrically connected to the methanol fuel supply unit for controlling the operation of each functional module of the methanol fuel supply unit according to a predetermined control logic.

[0007] Secondly, this disclosure provides a vessel including the marine methanol fuel supply system provided in the first aspect above.

[0008] The embodiments provided in this disclosure employ a modular and layered technical structure. This structure includes a methanol tank for storing methanol fuel, a methanol fuel supply unit connecting the methanol tank and a methanol engine, and an electrically connected control unit. The methanol fuel supply unit comprises multiple independent functional modules arranged layered along a spatial direction. These modules include at least a methanol coarse filtration unit module, a methanol pump unit module, a methanol fine filtration unit module, a methanol engine inlet valve control unit module, and a methanol pressure regulating and return unit module, all connected sequentially along the fluid transport direction. By designing the methanol fuel supply unit as a structure consisting of multiple independent functional modules arranged layered along a spatial direction and operating under the coordination of the control unit, the originally scattered system components are integrated into a unified assembly structure. This solves the problems of complex structure and chaotic assembly in traditional systems, effectively improving manufacturing efficiency and maintenance convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a basic architecture diagram of a marine methanol fuel supply system in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 The diagram shown is an exemplary implementation architecture of a marine methanol fuel supply system in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the backup redundancy design structure of the methanol coarse filtration unit module in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the backup redundancy design structure of the methanol pump unit module in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the backup redundancy design structure of the methanol fine filtration unit module in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the backup redundancy design structure of the methanol engine fuel inlet valve control unit module in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the backup redundancy design structure of the methanol pressure regulating and oil return unit module in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the backup redundancy design structure of the methanol pipe nitrogen purging return oil control valve module in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the backup redundancy design structure of the pneumatic ball valve control unit module in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart of the nitrogen purging control method in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart of the control method for the power-on standby mode in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 12 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart of the control method for the normal working mode in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 13 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart of the shutdown mode control method in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0024] Where there is no conflict, the various embodiments of this disclosure and the features thereof in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0025] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated entries.

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “made of” are used in this specification, the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded. Words such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0028] In marine methanol fuel supply systems, a common approach to ensuring a stable fuel supply to methanol engines is a supply system comprised of multiple discrete components. This involves installing various independently functional components one by one according to site conditions and connecting them in series using metal pipelines to form a fluid flow path.

[0029] However, when applied to marine power environments with high requirements for system integration and maintainability, the lengthy and disorganized piping connecting components, along with complex assembly interfaces, results in a discrete overall system structure. This leads to poor manufacturing consistency and difficulty in isolating fault points. For example, during system assembly, workers need to repeatedly connect and adjust piping with varying routes based on site conditions, making it difficult to reduce assembly time. During routine maintenance, repair personnel must identify and access faulty components amidst the intricate piping gaps, resulting in limited operating space and excessively long maintenance times.

[0030] To overcome the aforementioned contradictions, this disclosure provides a marine methanol fuel supply system, primarily used in methanol-fueled marine propulsion systems to safely, stably, and controllably deliver liquid methanol fuel to the methanol engine. This marine methanol fuel supply system solves the problems of low manufacturing efficiency and inconvenient maintenance caused by the complex structure of traditional systems. It breaks down the complex fuel supply function into multiple independent functional modules and arranges these modules in a layered manner along the spatial direction, forming a highly integrated assembly structure. This allows for the construction of a methanol fuel supply platform within a limited space, characterized by a clear process, compact structure, and ease of manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the basic architecture of a marine methanol fuel supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation architecture of a marine methanol fuel supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The marine methanol fuel supply system includes a methanol tank 1, a methanol fuel supply unit, and a control unit. Specifically, the methanol tank stores methanol fuel; the methanol fuel supply unit connects the methanol tank and the methanol engine; the methanol fuel supply unit includes multiple independent functional modules arranged in layers along a spatial direction, each functional module including at least a methanol coarse filtration unit module, a methanol pump unit module, a methanol fine filtration unit module, a methanol engine inlet valve control unit module, and a methanol pressure regulating and return unit module connected sequentially along the fluid transport direction; the control unit is electrically connected to the methanol fuel supply unit and is used to control the operation of each functional module of the methanol fuel supply unit according to a predetermined control logic.

[0032] Methanol tank 1 serves as the fuel source for the entire system, storing liquid methanol fuel. Typically, methanol tank 1 is not a simple container; it may integrate auxiliary equipment such as level detection, a breathing system, a refueling system, and a nitrogen purging port for inerting treatment to ensure the safety and manageability of fuel storage. The core function of the methanol fuel supply unit is to connect methanol tank 1 and methanol engine 10. It receives methanol fuel from methanol tank 1, processes it through a series of steps including filtration, pressurization, fine filtration, supply on / off control, and pressure regulation, ultimately providing methanol engine 10 with fuel that meets pressure and cleanliness requirements. The control unit acts as the central nervous system of the entire system, electrically connected to all electronically controlled components and actuators (such as various solenoid valves, sensors, pumps, transmitters, etc.) within the methanol fuel supply unit. It is responsible for collecting system operating status data and coordinating and controlling various functional modules according to preset logic and control methods, ensuring the system operates safely and efficiently under various operating conditions.

[0033] This disclosure provides a marine methanol fuel supply system that functionally deconstructs and spatially reorganizes the methanol fuel supply unit. This unit is not composed of discrete, randomly distributed components, but rather a whole comprised of multiple functional modules with clearly defined independent functions arranged in layers along a specific spatial direction. These functional modules include, at least along the fluid transport direction—from methanol tank 1 to methanol engine 10—a methanol coarse filtration unit module 3, a methanol pump unit module 4, a methanol fine filtration unit module 5, a methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7, and a methanol pressure regulating and return unit module 6, which are sequentially fluidly connected.

[0034] The methanol coarse filtration unit module 3 is the first processing stage of the entire supply unit. It performs preliminary filtration of the flowing methanol fuel to intercept larger particulate impurities, protecting downstream equipment, especially the methanol pump unit module 4, from wear and clogging. The methanol pump unit module 4 is the power core of the supply unit, pressurizing the methanol fuel from the methanol tank 1 to drive its circulation within the system. The pressurized methanol then enters the methanol fine filtration unit module 5. This module performs more precise fine filtration of the flowing methanol fuel, removing even finer particles to ensure the fuel entering the precision components of the methanol engine 10 reaches the required cleanliness level, preventing injector clogging or wear. Subsequently, the clean methanol fuel reaches the methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7, which acts as a controlled switch, controlling the opening and closing of the main fuel inlet passage supplying methanol fuel to the methanol engine 10. It quickly connects or disconnects the fuel supply when needed, making it a key component for safe system start-up and emergency shutdown. Finally, the methanol pressure regulating and oil return unit module 6 is connected to the system. Its core function is to precisely regulate and control the pressure of methanol fuel in the main oil inlet pipeline. By bypassing and releasing excess methanol fuel back to the methanol tank 1, the rail pressure supplied to the methanol engine 10 is precisely maintained to ensure that it is always stable within the target working pressure range.

[0035] All the aforementioned functional modules are not installed discretely, but rather arranged in layers along a spatial direction. This layered arrangement integrates the originally complex and dispersed system components into a compact, multi-layered assembly structure. Each layer can support one or more functional modules, resulting in a high degree of uniformity between fluid paths and spatial layout. This integrated assembly structure allows for parallel pre-assembly and testing of components at each layer during manufacturing, followed by final assembly, significantly improving production efficiency. During maintenance, this clear layering and modular division enables maintenance personnel to quickly locate the level and module where the fault occurs, and even replace the entire faulty module, greatly improving maintenance convenience.

[0036] The control unit is electrically connected to the various functional modules constituting the methanol fuel supply unit. Specifically, it is connected to the pump drive motor in the methanol pump unit module 4, the electronically controlled pressure regulating valve in the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6, the pneumatic or electric control valve in the methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7, and sensors such as the methanol pressure transmitter 13 and flow meter 15 distributed on the pipeline. A needle valve 14 is correspondingly provided with the pressure transmitter 12. The control unit is used to control the various functional modules of the methanol fuel supply unit, enabling them to operate in a coordinated manner according to the control logic of predetermined modes set based on different operating stages of the system. These predetermined modes may include power-on standby mode, normal operation mode, and shutdown mode. The presence of the control unit endows this modular hardware system with an intelligent soul, realizing automated pressure build-up, pressure tracking, and safe shutdown.

[0037] In some embodiments, to further optimize the spatial layout and perfectly integrate the arrangement of functional modules with fluid flow characteristics and available space on board, the multiple independent functional modules of the methanol fuel supply unit are specifically designed to be arranged in five layers along a spatial direction. This spatial direction includes the extension from the bottom to the top of the methanol tank 1, which can be more intuitively understood as a vertical height direction from bottom to top in actual ship layouts. By layering the modules vertically, the system can fully utilize the vertical space typically found in ship engine rooms while minimizing the horizontal footprint, resulting in a more compact structure.

[0038] In some embodiments, the methanol tank 1 extends from the bottom to the top and includes, in sequence: a first layer comprising a methanol coarse filtration unit module 3 and a methanol pump unit module 4 connected in series, wherein the methanol coarse filtration unit module 3 is used to filter the flowing methanol fuel, and the methanol pump unit module 4 is used to pressurize and deliver the methanol fuel; a second layer comprising a methanol fine filtration unit module 5, which is used to filter the flowing methanol fuel; a third layer comprising a methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7, which is used to control the inlet flow of the methanol engine; a fourth layer comprising a methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6, which is used to regulate and drain the inlet pipeline; and a fifth layer comprising a return oil pipeline, which is used to return methanol fuel to the methanol tank 1.

[0039] The first layer, serving as the bottom layer, receives methanol fuel from methanol tank 1 via pipeline in methanol coarse filtration unit module 3. Under gravity, the fuel flows smoothly into the coarse filtration unit, creating favorable conditions for gravity-fed fuel supply. Immediately following this is methanol pump unit module 4, ensuring the pump's inlet receives fuel with a certain positive head from the coarse filtration unit. This effectively reduces the risk of pump cavitation and improves pumping efficiency and reliability.

[0040] The second layer, located above the first layer, includes the methanol fine filtration unit module 5. Downstream of the methanol pump unit module 4, the methanol fine filtration unit module 5 receives pressurized methanol fuel from the pump. Placing the fine filtration unit here ensures a positive pressure supply, allowing the methanol fuel to pass through the fine filter at a high flow rate, and enabling the entire fine filtration process to proceed under the stable pressure established by the pump. The methanol fine filtration unit module 5 is used to finely filter the flowing methanol fuel.

[0041] The third layer, continuing upwards, includes the methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7, which controls the opening and closing of the main inlet pipeline supplying methanol fuel to the methanol engine 10. It is positioned slightly above the middle of the overall structure to facilitate receiving clean methanol fuel processed by the lower-level fine filtration unit and supplying it towards the engine inlet of the adjacent layer.

[0042] The fourth layer, continuing upwards, includes the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6, used for pressure regulation and oil discharge control of the main inlet pipeline. Placing the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6 at a higher position, adjacent to the return oil layer, facilitates the intake of methanol fuel from the main inlet pipeline via a bypass pipeline. After pressure regulation, excess methanol fuel is discharged into the return oil layer via the shortest path and under optimal potential energy conditions, achieving efficient pressure relief and return flow.

[0043] The fifth layer, as the top layer, includes the return oil pipeline. This section of the return oil pipeline is arranged as a separate layer, integrating both return oil and venting functions. All methanol fuel discharged from the methanol pressure regulating return oil unit module 6, as well as the gas-liquid mixture discharged from the nitrogen purging system described later, ultimately converges into this top-layer return oil pipeline and then flows back to the methanol tank 1 by gravity or residual pressure.

[0044] In order to establish a complete fluid circulation path from the fuel source to the consumption end and back to the fuel source, this embodiment clarifies the pipeline connection topology between each module and between them and the methanol tank 1 and the methanol engine 10.

[0045] In some embodiments, the methanol tank 1, methanol coarse filter unit module 3, methanol pump unit module 4, methanol fine filter unit module 5, methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7, and methanol engine 10 are sequentially connected via a main inlet pipeline; the methanol fine filter unit module 5 is connected to the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6 via a bypass inlet pipeline; the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6 is connected to the methanol tank 1 via a return oil pipeline.

[0046] The methanol pressure regulating and oil return unit module 6 is connected to the methanol fine filter unit module 5 through a bypass branch. It can sense the pressure of the main oil circuit after fine filtration in real time, and by controlling the opening of its own valve, it can bypass some or excessive methanol fuel to bypass the methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7 and the methanol engine 10 and directly release it, thereby achieving precise regulation of the main oil circuit pressure.

[0047] The return oil pipeline carries the return oil bypassed from the methanol pressure regulating return oil unit module 6 and the gas-liquid mixture under purging conditions, so that it eventually returns to the methanol tank 1, forming a complete closed-loop fuel supply circuit.

[0048] For example, a pneumatic ball valve control unit module 2 can be installed as a main inlet control valve on the main pipeline between the outlet of methanol tank 1 and methanol coarse filter unit module 3. On the main inlet pipeline, after the outlet of methanol fine filter unit module 5, a buffer tank 11 and a flow meter 15 can be installed in sequence. The buffer tank 11 is used to smooth pressure pulsations within the system, and the flow meter 15 is used to accurately measure fuel consumption. On the pipeline between the outlet of methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7 and methanol engine 10, a stainless steel filter screen 8 can be installed as a final fine filter to prevent any particles that accidentally enter the pipeline from entering the engine.

[0049] In some embodiments, considering the stringent requirements for absolute safety in marine propulsion systems, a redundancy design is introduced at key functional nodes. Specifically, at least one of the five core functional modules—methanol coarse filtration unit module 3, methanol pump unit module 4, methanol fine filtration unit module 5, methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7, and methanol pressure regulating and return unit module 6—is equipped with two parallel branches with identical functions. This dual-backup design ensures that the core functional components of the system are no longer single points of failure. When one branch becomes blocked, malfunctions, or requires periodic maintenance, the system can seamlessly or easily switch the fluid path to another parallel branch, thereby maintaining continuous system operation. This significantly improves the system's reliability and avoids safety accidents caused by power interruption due to single-point failures.

[0050] To enable online isolation, repair, or replacement of faulty branches without interrupting the overall system operation, this implementation method equips each parallel branch with a control valve capable of reliably isolating or reconnecting that branch from the fluid network. Operators can physically disconnect a specific branch from the main system by closing the valve, allowing for pressure release and safe disassembly, repair, or replacement of components without shutting down the entire engine system. This configuration achieves true online maintenance, resulting in greater maintainability and system availability.

[0051] Figure 3 The diagram shows a backup redundancy design structure for the methanol coarse filtration unit module. The methanol coarse filtration unit module 3 includes two parallel coarse filtration branches. Each coarse filtration branch includes a ball valve and a methanol coarse filtration unit connected sequentially via an inlet pipeline. Figure 3 The diagram shows methanol coarse filters 1 and 2, along with a check valve. In the fuel inlet direction, methanol fuel first flows through a ball valve, which acts as an isolation valve for that branch, allowing for manual shut-off of fluid flow during maintenance. The methanol coarse filter unit, the core component performing the filtration function, then flows through. Finally, the check valve prevents backflow of fluid from the working branch into the standby or faulty branch when dual pumps or multiple branches are operating. The parallel design of the two coarse filters ensures a long service life for the methanol coarse filter units and prevents easy clogging of the coarse filters in cases of abnormal methanol fuel quality, thus avoiding power safety issues.

[0052] Figure 4 The diagram shows a backup redundancy design structure for the methanol pump unit module. Methanol pump unit module 4 includes two parallel methanol pump branches. Each methanol pump branch includes a ball valve and a methanol pump connected in sequence via an inlet pipeline. Figure 4 The diagram shows methanol pump 1 and methanol pump 2, along with a check valve. The ball valve is used for branch isolation, the methanol pump is used to pressurize the fluid, and the check valve is used to prevent high-pressure fluid at the pump outlet from flowing back when the pump stops, which could damage the pump body or interfere with the operation of the pump. When the ship is powered, keeping one methanol pump operational is sufficient to meet power requirements. The parallel design of the two methanol pumps ensures a long service life for the methanol pump units and avoids power safety issues should one of the methanol pumps malfunction.

[0053] Figure 5 The diagram shows a backup redundancy design of the methanol fine filtration unit module. The methanol fine filtration unit module 5 includes two parallel fine filtration branches. Each fine filtration branch includes a ball valve, a methanol fine filtration unit, and a check valve connected sequentially via an inlet pipeline. Functionally similar to the coarse filtration module, the ball valve serves as an isolation unit, the methanol fine filtration units (i.e., methanol fine filtration 1 and methanol fine filtration 2) perform high-precision filtration, and the check valve prevents backflow. This dual-fine filtration parallel design enables a long service life for the methanol fine filtration unit module and prevents easy clogging of the fine filters in cases of abnormal methanol fuel quality, thereby avoiding power safety issues.

[0054] Figure 6The diagram shows a backup redundancy design of the methanol engine fuel inlet valve control unit module 7. The module includes two parallel fuel inlet valve branches. Each branch includes a ball valve and a pneumatic ball valve connected sequentially via fuel inlet pipes. The pneumatic ball valve is the core control element of this module, receiving signals from the control unit to achieve remote and rapid on / off control. The ball valve acts as an isolation valve before or after the main unit, used for manual shut-off during online maintenance. During ship propulsion operation, maintaining one pneumatic valve is sufficient to meet control requirements. The dual parallel design of the pneumatic ball valves (i.e., pneumatic ball valve 1 and pneumatic ball valve 2) ensures a long service life for the methanol engine fuel inlet valve control unit module 7 and prevents fuel supply failure and power safety issues if one of the pneumatic ball valves malfunctions.

[0055] Figure 7 The diagram shows a backup redundancy design structure for the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6. The methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6 includes two parallel pressure regulating branches. Each pressure regulating branch includes a ball valve, a pressure regulating valve, and a check valve connected in sequence via an oil inlet pipeline. The pressure regulating valve can be an electrically controlled pressure regulating valve or a mechanical pressure regulating valve. Figure 7 Taking the electrically controlled pressure regulating valve as an example (i.e., electrically controlled pressure regulating valve 1 and electrically operated pressure regulating valve 2), the electrically controlled pressure regulating valve can achieve proportional control, while the mechanical pressure regulating valve can achieve set pressure control. The ball valve is used for isolation, the pressure regulating valve performs pressure regulation and venting functions, and the subsequent check valve plays a crucial safety control role. That is, when the pressure regulating valve fails to open due to a malfunction, the system pressure will continue to rise. Once it exceeds the opening pressure of the check valve, the check valve is forced to open to release oil, thus acting as a last mechanical safety barrier to prevent system damage due to excessive pressure. During ship propulsion operation, maintaining the operation of one electrically controlled pressure regulating valve is sufficient to meet the system's pressure regulation requirements. The dual parallel design of the electrically controlled pressure regulating valves enables a long service life for the pressure regulating unit and prevents power safety issues if one of the pressure regulating valves malfunctions.

[0056] In some embodiments, to address the potential safety hazards (such as leakage, volatilization, deterioration, or corrosion) caused by residual methanol fuel in the pipeline after a prolonged shutdown of the methanol engine, a nitrogen purging function is also integrated in this embodiment. The marine methanol fuel supply system further includes: a methanol pipeline nitrogen purging return oil control valve module 17, located on the oil inlet side of the methanol engine 10 and connected in series with the return oil pipeline, used to control the opening and closing of the return oil pipeline; and a methanol pipeline purging nitrogen interface module 12, connected in series with the methanol inlet of the methanol engine 10, supplying nitrogen to the methanol fuel inlet of the engine during gas purging. The control unit coordinates and controls these two modules, first opening the methanol pipeline nitrogen purging return oil control valve module 17 to establish a return oil passage, and then supplying high-pressure inert nitrogen to the methanol fuel inlet of the methanol engine 10 through the methanol pipeline purging nitrogen interface module 12. Nitrogen gas is injected from the methanol engine inlet and, either in reverse or along the designed path, pushes forward the residual liquid and gaseous methanol in the pipeline, ultimately draining it back to methanol tank 1 through the fifth-layer return pipeline, thus completing the pipeline purging and inerting process. This design, which places the purge control valve assembly on the engine inlet side, avoids the need for complex purge nodes and multiple purge pipelines throughout the system, greatly simplifying the system structure and reducing manufacturing costs. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The methanol-to-nitrogen purging interface module 1 and methanol-to-nitrogen purging interface module 2 shown are for performance comparison. In this embodiment, methanol-to-nitrogen purging interface module 2 is used to input nitrogen, instead of methanol-to-nitrogen purging interface module 1. Comparatively, the methanol-to-nitrogen purging interface module is closer to the methanol engine inlet, requiring less nitrogen purging volume and time to complete the purging, thus saving costs. In the following description, the methanol-to-nitrogen purging interface module 2 is used for nitrogen input.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the methanol pipe purging nitrogen interface module 12 is connected in series in the double-walled pipe 9 located at the methanol fuel inlet of the methanol engine, and is connected to the oil inlet pipe inside the double-walled pipe 9.

[0058] The double-walled tube 9 is a sleeve structure consisting of an inner methanol supply pipe and an outer protective pipe. During methanol engine operation, pressurized nitrogen is continuously introduced into the cavity between the outer and inner pipes through the double-walled tube nitrogen interface module 16 to achieve safety protection and leak monitoring of the methanol supply pipeline. The methanol pipe purging nitrogen interface module 12 is directly connected to the oil inlet pipe inside the double-walled tube 9. In nitrogen purging mode, nitrogen is injected into the inner pipe through this interface to purge residual methanol fuel inside. When needed, nitrogen can also be injected into the annular cavity through the double-walled tube nitrogen interface module 16 to purge or replace any methanol fuel vapor or gas that may accidentally seep into the annular cavity, ensuring the absolute safety of the entire double-walled tube structure and achieving full-layer purging and inert gas protection from the inside out.

[0059] In some embodiments, Figure 8 The diagram shows a backup redundancy design of the methanol pipeline nitrogen purge return oil control valve module. Following the design principles of redundancy and online maintenance, the methanol pipeline nitrogen purge return oil control valve module 17 is constructed as having two parallel branches with identical functions. Each parallel branch includes a pneumatic ball valve and a ball valve connected in series along the oil inlet direction of the pipeline; either parallel branch is kept operational at any given time. The pneumatic ball valves (i.e., pneumatic ball valve 1 and pneumatic ball valve 2) receive commands from the control unit for automated remote control, while the ball valves act as manual isolation valves. The system operating logic is set to keep only one of the two parallel branches operational at any given time, with the other as a backup. When the pneumatic ball valve in the operational branch malfunctions or requires maintenance, the system can automatically or manually switch to the backup branch and close the ball valves at both ends of the faulty branch for isolation and maintenance, thus ensuring the purge return oil control function is permanently online.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 9 The diagram shows the backup redundancy design structure of the pneumatic ball valve control unit module. Pneumatic ball valve control unit module 2 adopts a dual parallel design, with an internal shut-off valve for maintenance and replacement. During ship propulsion operation, maintaining one pneumatic ball valve is sufficient to meet control requirements. The dual parallel design of the pneumatic ball valves (i.e., pneumatic ball valve 1 and pneumatic ball valve 2) ensures a long service life for pneumatic ball valve control unit module 2 and prevents issues such as failure to lubricate and power safety problems if one of the pneumatic ball valves malfunctions.

[0061] In some embodiments, the above hardware architecture provides the physical basis for automated nitrogen purging, and the control unit implements the logical timing control of nitrogen purging. The control unit internally stores and executes a set of logical control flows, such as... Figure 10The diagram shows a schematic of the nitrogen purging control method. Specifically, the control unit is used to determine the system status: if the methanol engine 10 is shut down for a preset time for purging, the control unit stops supplying methanol fuel to the methanol engine 10. This is typically achieved by closing the pneumatic ball valve in the methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7. Subsequently, the control unit controls the methanol pipe nitrogen purging return oil control valve module 17 to open the return oil line, i.e., to open the pneumatic ball valve (pneumatic ball valve 1 or pneumatic ball valve 2) on one of the branches. Immediately afterwards, the control unit controls the valve in the methanol pipe purging nitrogen interface module 12 to open, allowing high-pressure nitrogen to be continuously supplied from this interface to the methanol fuel inlet of the methanol engine 10, initiating the purging of the pipeline. Once the control unit determines that the continuous nitrogen delivery time has reached the target duration (i.e., T>target value), it considers the methanol fuel in the pipeline to have been fully purged. It then issues commands to stop supplying nitrogen through the methanol pipeline purging nitrogen interface module 12 and closes the methanol pipeline nitrogen purging return oil control valve module 17 and all valves on the methanol pipeline purging nitrogen interface module 12. This completes a full automatic nitrogen purging process. The entire process requires no manual intervention, exhibiting a high degree of automation and reliability. Here, nitrogen is input through the methanol pipeline purging nitrogen interface module 12, saving on the length of the purging pipeline and allowing for methanol purging at the methanol engine inlet with only a small amount of nitrogen, thus saving costs.

[0062] In some embodiments, the control unit is used to control the methanol fuel supply unit to operate in at least one of three predetermined modes: power-on standby mode, normal operation mode, and shutdown mode.

[0063] Specifically, the control unit is used to: power on the methanol fuel supply unit in the power-on standby mode, start the methanol pump, and gradually increase the speed of the methanol pump to smoothly build up pressure on the methanol rail corresponding to the methanol engine. For example, in the power-on standby mode, the control unit first performs power-on initialization on the entire methanol fuel supply unit. Then, it starts the methanol pump in the methanol pump unit module 4. To avoid a sudden, full-speed pump operation causing a large hydraulic shock (water hammer effect) and damaging hardware such as pipelines, instruments, and injectors, the control unit adopts a gradient pressure-building strategy: it controls the speed of the methanol pump to start from a low initial speed and gradually increases the speed according to a preset rate or time step, so that the methanol fuel pressure in the system pipeline is built up smoothly and slowly, eventually reaching the target standby pressure, thus achieving smooth pressure building up on the methanol rail corresponding to the methanol engine 10. For example, as... Figure 11The diagram shows the control method flow of the power-on standby mode. First, the methanol fuel supply system is powered on, and the methanol pump is started. The methanol pump speed is gradually increased from low to high. For example, the speed V1 is maintained for a time T1, then increased to V2 and maintained for a time T2, and then increased to V3 and maintained for a time T3. The final target value of the methanol pump speed is Vn and the holding time is Tn. At the same time, the methanol pump monitors the methanol rail pressure values ​​P1, P2, and P3 in real time during the speed increase until the rail pressure reaches the target rail pressure value Pn. If the methanol rail pressure does not reach the target rail pressure value, the speed-time control is cyclically performed until the target rail pressure value Pn is established.

[0064] Specifically, in the normal operating mode, the methanol rail pressure value corresponding to the methanol engine is monitored in real time. When the methanol rail pressure value meets the pressure relief condition, the valve opening of the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module is gradually increased to adjust the methanol rail pressure value to the target rail pressure value. For example, after entering the normal operating mode, stable and precise control of the rail pressure is required. In this mode, the control unit monitors the methanol rail pressure value corresponding to the methanol engine 10 in real time and continuously. When the methanol rail pressure value deviates from the target working pressure due to changes in engine operating conditions, the control unit will activate the adjustment mechanism. Specifically, if the monitored methanol rail pressure value exceeds the preset pressure relief condition (i.e., overpressure), the control unit will not fully open the pressure regulating valve at once, but will also adopt a gradient adjustment strategy: controlling the valve opening of the pressure regulating valve in the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module 6, starting from a small opening and gradually increasing to a larger opening. Through this smooth pressure adjustment method, the methanol rail pressure value exceeding the preset value can smoothly decrease without overshoot, eventually stably returning and locking near the target rail pressure value. For example, as shown... Figure 12 The diagram shows the control method flow chart for normal operation mode. The opening of the pressure regulating valve is gradually adjusted from small to large. For example, the opening Q1 is held for t1, then increased to Q2 and held for t2, and then increased to Q3 and held for t3. Finally, the opening of the electrically controlled return oil pressure regulating valve is the target value Qn and the holding time is Tn. During the adjustment of the pressure regulating valve opening, the methanol rail pressure values ​​P1, P2, and P3 are monitored in real time until the rail pressure reaches the target value Pn.

[0065] like Figure 13The diagram illustrates the shutdown mode control method. Specifically, in the shutdown mode, the methanol engine is controlled to stop ignition and fuel injection, the methanol fuel supply unit is controlled to stop supplying methanol fuel to the main fuel supply line, the pressure regulating valve in the methanol pressure regulating and return unit module is switched to the fully open state, and the engine shuts down after detecting that the methanol rail pressure is zero. For example, after receiving a shutdown command, the control unit enters the shutdown mode. In this mode, the control unit controls the methanol engine to stop ignition and fuel injection. The control unit controls the methanol fuel supply unit to stop supplying methanol fuel to the main fuel supply line, typically by closing the pneumatic ball valve in the methanol engine inlet valve control unit module 7. Subsequently, to completely relieve system pressure, the control unit switches the pressure regulating valve in the methanol pressure regulating and return unit module 6 to the fully open state, allowing the high-pressure methanol fuel in the main fuel line to be quickly released back to the methanol tank 1 through this fully open bypass branch. The control unit continuously monitors the methanol rail pressure value; when the pressure drops to zero, i.e., the methanol rail pressure value is detected as zero, it confirms that the system pressure has been safely released, and finally, the control system completes the shutdown process. Furthermore, during this shutdown process, the control unit can automatically or prompt the activation of the aforementioned methanol pipeline nitrogen purging mode after the rail pressure returns to zero, based on preset logic or operator selection, to achieve deep purging and safe inerting of the system pipeline before finally shutting down.

[0066] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a vessel that includes the marine methanol fuel supply system described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0067] By integrating the aforementioned marine methanol fuel supply system into the vessel, the ship gains the following advantages, including but not limited to: higher efficiency in power system manufacturing and assembly; clearer and more convenient maintainability; higher operational reliability and power safety ensured by dual-redundancy of core components; lower system costs and fewer complex pipelines due to simplified purging design; and smoother system start-up, more stable fuel pressure supply, and safer and more reliable shutdown processes thanks to intelligent control methods. Overall, this effectively improves the overall safety, reliability, and ease of operation of ships using methanol as a clean fuel.

[0068] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0069] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A marine methanol fuel supply system, characterized in that, include: Methanol tanks are used to store methanol fuel. A methanol fuel supply unit connects the methanol tank and the methanol engine; the methanol fuel supply unit includes multiple independent functional modules arranged in layers along the spatial direction, and the functional modules include at least a methanol coarse filter unit module, a methanol pump unit module, a methanol fine filter unit module, a methanol engine inlet valve control unit module, and a methanol pressure regulating and return unit module connected sequentially along the fluid transport direction. The control unit is electrically connected to the methanol fuel supply unit and is used to control the operation of each functional module of the methanol fuel supply unit according to a predetermined control logic.

2. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple independent functional modules are arranged in five layers along a spatial direction, which includes the extension direction from the bottom to the top of the methanol tank.

3. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The methanol tank, extending from its bottom to its top, includes, in sequence: The first layer includes the methanol coarse filtration unit module and the methanol pump unit module connected in series. The methanol coarse filtration unit module is used to filter the flowing methanol fuel, and the methanol pump unit module is used to deliver the methanol fuel by pressurization. The second layer includes the methanol fine filtration unit module, which is used to filter the flowing methanol fuel; The third layer includes the methanol engine fuel inlet valve control unit module, which is used to control the fuel inlet of the methanol engine. The fourth layer includes the methanol pressure regulating and oil return unit module, which is used to regulate and control the oil inlet pipeline. The fifth layer includes a return pipeline for returning methanol fuel to the methanol tank.

4. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The methanol tank, the methanol coarse filter unit module, the methanol pump unit module, the methanol fine filter unit module, the methanol engine inlet valve control unit module, and the methanol engine are connected sequentially via a main inlet pipeline. The methanol fine filtration unit module is connected to the methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module through a bypass oil inlet pipeline. The methanol pressure regulating and oil return unit module is connected to the methanol tank via an oil return pipeline.

5. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the methanol coarse filtration unit module, the methanol pump unit module, the methanol fine filtration unit module, the methanol engine inlet valve control unit module, and the methanol pressure regulating and return unit module is internally provided with two parallel branches with the same function.

6. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The two parallel branches with the same function each include a valve that isolates or connects the branch.

7. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Includes at least one of the following: The methanol coarse filtration unit module includes two parallel coarse filtration branches, each of which includes a ball valve, a methanol coarse filtration unit, and a check valve connected in sequence through an oil inlet pipeline. The methanol pump unit module includes two parallel methanol pump branches, each of which includes a ball valve, a methanol pump, and a check valve connected in sequence through an oil inlet pipeline. The methanol fine filtration unit module includes two parallel fine filtration branches, each of which includes a ball valve, a methanol fine filtration unit, and a check valve connected in sequence through an oil inlet pipeline. The methanol engine fuel inlet valve control unit module includes two parallel fuel inlet valve branches, each of which includes a ball valve and a pneumatic ball valve connected in sequence through a fuel inlet pipeline. The methanol pressure regulating and return oil unit module includes two parallel pressure regulating branches, each of which includes a ball valve, a pressure regulating valve, and a check valve connected in sequence through an oil inlet pipeline.

8. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The methanol pipeline nitrogen purging return oil control valve module is installed on the oil inlet side of the methanol engine and connected in series with the return oil pipeline to control the on / off state of the return oil pipeline. The methanol pipe purging nitrogen interface module is connected in series at the methanol fuel inlet of the methanol engine, and supplies nitrogen to the methanol fuel inlet of the engine during gas purging.

9. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The methanol pipe purging nitrogen interface module is connected in series in the double-walled pipe located at the methanol fuel inlet of the methanol engine, and is connected to the oil inlet pipe inside the double-walled pipe.

10. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The methanol pipeline nitrogen purging return oil control valve module includes two parallel branches with the same function. Each parallel branch includes a pneumatic ball valve and a ball valve connected in series along the oil inlet direction of the pipeline. At the same time, either of the parallel branches is kept in the working state.

11. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control unit is also used for: If the methanol engine stops for more than a preset time, the methanol fuel supply unit stops supplying methanol to the methanol engine and then controls the methanol pipe purge return oil control valve module to open the return oil line. The methanol pipe purging nitrogen interface module supplies gas for purging methanol fuel to the methanol fuel inlet of the methanol engine. After the gas supply reaches the target duration, the nitrogen supply is stopped, and the methanol pipe purging return oil control valve module and the methanol pipe purging nitrogen interface module are closed.

12. The marine methanol fuel supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined mode includes at least one of the following: power-on standby mode, normal operation mode, and shutdown mode; The control unit is used for: In the power-on standby mode, the methanol fuel supply unit is powered on, the methanol pump is started, and the speed of the methanol pump is gradually increased to smoothly build up pressure on the methanol rail corresponding to the methanol engine. In the normal operating mode, the methanol rail pressure value corresponding to the methanol engine is monitored in real time. When the methanol rail pressure value meets the pressure relief condition, the valve opening of the methanol pressure regulating and oil return unit module is gradually increased to adjust the methanol rail pressure value to the target rail pressure value. In the shutdown mode, the methanol engine is controlled to stop ignition and fuel injection, the methanol fuel supply unit is controlled to stop supplying methanol fuel to the main fuel supply pipeline, the pressure regulating valve in the methanol pressure regulating and return unit module is controlled to switch to the fully open state, and the engine is shut down after the methanol rail pressure value is detected to be zero.

13. A ship, characterized in that, The marine methanol fuel supply system includes any one of claims 1-12.

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