Ships and fuel supply methods

Abstract

The present invention provides a vessel and fuel supply method that can improve the operational stability of equipment such as generator containers. [Solution] A vessel 1 is provided with a first fuel pipe 4 connected to a tank container 2 on its upstream side and a second fuel pipe 5 connected to equipment such as a generator container 3 on its downstream side. The first fuel pipe 4 has a plurality of first branches 4a that are detachably configured to be attached to a plurality of tank containers 2, and check valves 6 installed on each of the plurality of first branches 4a. The vessel has a first supply step in which fuel supplied from the tank container 2 passes through the first fuel pipe 4 on which the check valves 6 are installed, and a second supply step in which fuel passes through the second fuel pipe 5 and is supplied to equipment such as a generator container 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ship equipped with devices such as a tank container and a generator container, and a fuel supply method, and more particularly to a ship and a fuel supply method capable of improving the operating stability of devices such as a generator container.

Background Art

[0002] The applicant has already proposed a structure of a ship equipped with a tank container and a generator container that are detachably configured with respect to the ship (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the ship of Patent Document 1, a plurality of tank containers were connected in parallel to a fuel gas supply container equipped with a fuel gas supply system.

[0003] Depending on the pressure of the fuel tank inside the tank container, fuel may move from one fuel tank to another fuel tank. Fuel may move in a direction in which the pressures of the plurality of fuel tanks become uniform.

[0004] Even if there is a fuel tank having a relatively high pressure among the plurality of fuel tanks, the pressure of the fuel supplied to the generator container decreases due to the movement of fuel between the fuel tanks. When the pressure of the fuel does not satisfy the required pressure of the generator container, the operation of the generator container may become unstable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a ship and a fuel supply method that can improve the operational stability of equipment such as generator containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vessel for achieving the above objective is a vessel comprising a tank container having a fuel tank installed inside, and equipment for receiving fuel from the tank container, wherein the vessel comprises a first fuel pipe connected to the tank container on its upstream side, and a second fuel pipe connected to the equipment on its downstream side, and the first fuel pipe is characterized by having a plurality of first branches configured to be detachably attached to a plurality of the tank containers, and a check valve installed on each of the plurality of first branches.

[0008] A fuel supply method for achieving the above objective is a fuel supply method for a ship comprising a tank container having a fuel tank installed inside and equipment that receives fuel from the tank container, wherein the ship is provided with a first fuel pipe connected upstream to the tank container and a second fuel pipe connected downstream to the equipment, the first fuel pipe having a plurality of first branches configured to be detachably attached to a plurality of tank containers and a check valve installed on each of the plurality of first branches, and the method comprises a first supply step in which fuel supplied from the tank container passes through the first fuel pipe on which the check valve is installed, and a second supply step in which fuel passes through the second fuel pipe and is supplied to the equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the movement of fuel between tank containers can be prevented by a check valve, thereby avoiding the problem of a decrease in the pressure of fuel supplied to equipment such as generator containers. This is advantageous for improving the operational stability of equipment such as generator containers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the general outline of a ship from a side view. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the general structure of a tank container. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fuel pathway. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of Figure 4. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the general structure of a supply container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following description will be based on the embodiments shown in the figures for the vessel and fuel supply method.

[0012] As illustrated in Figure 1, the vessel 1 is equipped with a tank container 2 containing a fuel tank and equipment that receives fuel from the tank container 2. In this embodiment, the equipment consists of a main engine fixed to the vessel 1, a generator fixed to the vessel 1, a generator container 3 detachably configured to be attached to the vessel 1, or a combination thereof. The main engine refers to the equipment used for propelling the vessel 1. The following description will focus on a configuration in which the equipment includes a generator container 3, but similar effects can be obtained even if other equipment is provided. The tank container 2 is a 40ft container, and the generator container 3 is a 20ft container. The size of the containers is not limited to the above. The tank container 2 may be a 20ft container or a 45ft container, and the generator container 3 may be a 40ft container or a 45ft container.

[0013] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tank container 2 has a fuel tank 2a, a first heat exchanger 2b and a second heat exchanger 2c for heating the fuel. The first heat exchanger 2b and the second heat exchanger 2c may have a function of adjusting the temperature and the state of the fuel. The fuel tank 2a stores, for example, liquefied natural gas, liquid ammonia, hydrogen gas, etc. For example, when liquefied natural gas is stored in the fuel tank 2a, the liquefied natural gas is heated by the first heat exchanger 2b and the second heat exchanger 2c and supplied as a gas to the outside of the tank container 2. The fuel supplied from the tank container 2 to the outside is not limited to gas and may be liquid.

[0014] The tank container 2 also has two on-off valves 2d for controlling the fuel flow path. By controlling the opening and closing of the on-off valve 2d, the heat exchangers 2b and 2c through which the fuel passes can be switched.

[0015] The heat exchangers 2b and 2c and the on-off valve 2d are not essential components of the tank container 2. The heat exchangers 2b and 2c and the on-off valve 2d are appropriately installed in the tank container 2 according to the type of fuel stored in the fuel tank 2a and the state of the fuel required by the generator container 3.

[0016] The generator container 3 illustrated in FIG. 1 receives fuel supply from the tank container 2, generates electricity, and supplies electricity to the ship 1. The generator container 3 has a gas engine driven by natural gas or the like as fuel, a generator for converting the driving force of this gas engine into electricity, and the like. In addition to reciprocating engines such as gas engines, a turbine engine or a boiler may be installed in the generator container 3. The generator container 3 may also have a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen gas as fuel. The aforementioned generator or the like may have a configuration directly fixed to the ship 1.

[0017] The type of fuel supplied by the tank container 2 and the type of the generator or the like in the generator container 3 are not limited to the above. The types of fuel, generator, etc. can be appropriately changed.

[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ship 1 includes a first fuel pipe 4 whose upstream side is connected to the tank container 2 and a second fuel pipe 5 whose downstream side is connected to the generator container 3. The first fuel pipe 4 has a first branch portion 4a configured to be detachable from a plurality of tank containers 2 and check valves 6 installed in the plurality of first branch portions 4a, respectively. In FIG. 3, for the sake of explanation, the ranges of the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5 are each surrounded by a dashed line. The tank container 2 and the generator container 3 may be configured to be detachable from the ship 1.

[0019] In this embodiment, the ship 1 includes two tank containers 2 and two generator containers 3. The first branch portion 4a is connected to each of the two tank containers 2. Also, check valves 6 are installed in the two first branch portions 4a, respectively. The check valve 6 is configured to allow fuel to pass only in the direction flowing from the upstream tank container 2 to the downstream generator container 3. In FIG. 3, for the sake of explanation, the direction in which the fuel moves is indicated by an arrow.

[0020] The second fuel pipe 5 has a plurality of second branch portions 5a configured to be detachable from a plurality of generator containers 3. It is desirable that the flow passage areas of the plurality of second branch portions 5a be set to be the same.

[0021] The configurations of the first branch portion 4a and the second branch portion 5a are not limited to the above. The first fuel pipe 4 may have three or more first branch portions 4a. Similarly, the second fuel pipe 5 may have three or more second branch portions 5a. The number of the first branch portion 4a and the second branch portion 5a is determined according to the maximum number of the tank containers 2 and the generator containers 3 that can be installed on the ship 1.

[0022] The second branch portion 5a is not an essential component of the second fuel pipe 5. When there is one generator container 3 installed on the ship 1, the second fuel pipe 5 may be configured not to have the second branch portion 5a.

[0023] In this embodiment, the downstream side of the first fuel pipe 4 and the upstream side of the second fuel pipe 5 are connected. The fuel passing through the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5 may be either a liquid or a gas.

[0024] Next, the fuel supply method on vessel 1 will be explained. First, the fuel supplied from tank container 2 passes through the first fuel pipe 4, which is equipped with a check valve 6 (first supply step S01). The fuel that has passed through the check valve 6 installed in the first branch 4a does not return to the upstream tank container 2. In the first supply step S01, there may be one or more tank containers 2 supplying fuel to the first fuel pipe 4. After that, the fuel passes through the second fuel pipe 5 and is supplied to the generator container 3 (second supply step S02).

[0025] With this configuration, even when multiple tank containers 2 are connected to the first fuel pipe 4, the check valve 6 prevents fuel from moving between the tank containers 2. This prevents the fuel pressure supplied to the generator container 3 from decreasing due to fuel movement. The generator container 3 is more likely to receive fuel at the appropriate pressure. This is advantageous for improving the operational stability of the generator container 3.

[0026] Ship 1 receives refueling by replacing tank container 2. At this time, tank container 2 is disconnected from the first fuel pipe 4. The check valve 6 can prevent fuel from leaking from the first fuel pipe 4 from which tank container 2 has been disconnected. This is advantageous in improving the safety of Ship 1.

[0027] The check valve 6 prevents fuel from other tank containers 2 from flowing into a tank container 2 whose fuel level is low and whose fuel pressure has dropped. Therefore, there is no need to disconnect the tank container 2 with low fuel levels from the first fuel pipe 4. Since valve control of the tank containers 2 and disconnection of the tank containers 2 from the first fuel pipe 4 are unnecessary while the ship 1 is in motion, the ship 1 can be operated efficiently. Furthermore, even if a tank container 2 has low fuel levels, the pressure in the fuel tank 2a may rise due to temperature increases. However, even in such cases, the tank container 2 maintains its connection with the first fuel pipe 4, allowing the pressure in the fuel tank 2a to be released into the first fuel pipe 4. This avoids the problem of the pressure in the fuel tank 2a rising above the specified value.

[0028] If the second fuel pipe 5 is equipped with a second branch 5a, fuel is supplied to multiple generator containers 3 via the second branch 5a. This allows for the supply of fuel to multiple generator containers 3 at a uniform pressure. This is advantageous for stabilizing the pressure of the fuel supplied to the generator containers 3.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 4, the vessel 1 may be equipped with a buffer tank 7 positioned between the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5 and fixed to the vessel 1. In this embodiment, the buffer tank 7 is connected to the first fuel pipe 4, which is formed by the confluence of multiple first branch sections 4a. The buffer tank 7 is composed of, for example, a tank having a predetermined volume. The buffer tank 7 may be composed of a pipe with a larger diameter than the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5. The buffer tank 7 only needs to have a larger volume than the first fuel pipe 4, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, in the first supply step S01, the fuel supplied from the multiple tank containers 2 is stored in a buffer tank 7 connected to the downstream side of the first fuel pipe 4 (storage step S03). The second supply step S02, which is performed after the storage step S03, has a configuration in which the fuel supplied from the buffer tank 7 passes through the second fuel pipe 5.

[0031] In this configuration, fuel is supplied to the generator container 3 via the buffer tank 7. The buffer tank 7 suppresses pressure fluctuations in the fuel supplied to the generator container 3. The generator container 3 receives a relatively stable fuel supply. In addition, the check valve 6 prevents fuel from moving from the buffer tank 7 to the tank containers 2. Therefore, the buffer tank 7 can avoid the pressure drop that occurs when fuel moves between the multiple tank containers 2 mentioned above. This is advantageous for improving the operational stability of the generator container 3.

[0032] When a buffer tank 7 is fixed to the vessel 1, it is desirable that the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5 are also fixed to the vessel 1. Since the first fuel pipe 4 and the check valve 6 are fixed to the vessel 1 as equipment on the vessel 1 side, the first fuel pipe 4, etc., are not affected by the replacement work of the tank container 2. This is advantageous in preventing fuel leakage from the first fuel pipe 4.

[0033] The first fuel pipe 4 connected to the buffer tank 7 is not limited to a single pipe. As illustrated in Figure 5, a configuration is also possible in which multiple first branches 4a, each connected to a multiple tank container 2, are each connected to the buffer tank 7. The check valve 6 prevents the movement of fuel from one tank container 2 to the other tank container 2 via the buffer tank 7.

[0034] Similarly, the second fuel pipe 5 connected to the buffer tank 7 is not limited to a single pipe. Multiple second branches 5a, each connected to a multiple generator container 3, may also be configured to connect to the buffer tank 7. Since the multiple second branches 5a converge at the buffer tank 7, each generator container 3 can receive a fuel supply at the same pressure.

[0035] As illustrated in Figure 6, the vessel 1 may be equipped with, for example, two or more buffer tanks 7. The first fuel pipe 4 may have a connecting section 4b that connects a pipeline (first branch 4a) connected to one buffer tank 7 to a pipeline (first branch 4a) connected to the other buffer tank 7. The connecting section 4b may have a control valve that controls the opening and closing of the pipeline. Similarly, the second fuel pipe 5 may have a connecting section 5b that connects a pipeline (second branch 5a) connected to one buffer tank 7 to a pipeline (second branch 5a) connected to the other buffer tank 7. The connecting section 5b may have a control valve.

[0036] In this embodiment, one first branch 4a and one second branch 5a are connected to one buffer tank 7, and the other first branch 4a and second branch 5a are connected to the other buffer tank 7. One of the first branch 4a is connected to the other by a connecting section 4b. The connecting section 4b has a control valve that can control the connection and disconnection of one of the first branch 4a to the other. The multiple first branch 4a can function as a single apparent flow path when the connecting section 4b is open, or as two independent pipeline systems when the connecting section 4b is closed. Similarly, the multiple second branch 5a can function as one or two pipeline systems when the connecting section 5b is opened and closed.

[0037] This configuration allows for an increase in the capacity of the buffer tanks 7 as the number of buffer tanks increases. This further reduces pressure fluctuations in the fuel supplied to the generator container 3. Furthermore, by closing the connecting sections 4b and 5b, the fuel pipeline from the tank container 2 through the buffer tanks 7 to the generator container 3 can be constructed as two independent pipeline systems. For example, one pipeline can supply liquefied natural gas from the tank container 2 to the generator container 3, while the other pipeline can supply hydrogen gas from the tank container 2 to the generator container 3. This allows for power generation on the ship 1 using different types of fuel.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the buffer tank 7 is not an essential component of the vessel 1. If the vessel 1 does not have a buffer tank 7, it is equipped with two independent pipeline systems from the tank container 2 to the generator container 3, and a connecting section 4b that connects the two pipeline systems, with the connecting section 4b having a control valve that controls the opening and closing of the connecting section 4b. In this embodiment, one pipeline system connecting one first fuel pipe 4 and one second fuel pipe 5, and another pipeline system connecting the other first fuel pipe 4 and the other second fuel pipe 5, are controlled to connect and disconnect by at least one connecting section 4b. With this configuration, power generation can be performed on the vessel 1 using different types of fuel.

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 7, the vessel 1 may also be equipped with a fuel supply container 8, which houses a fuel supply unit that supplies fuel from the tank container 2 to the generator container 3. The fuel supply container 8 is positioned in parallel with the buffer tank 7, between the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5. The fuel supply container 8, like the tank container 2 and the generator container 3, is configured to be detachable from the vessel 1. The fuel supply container 8 is, for example, a 20ft container. The fuel supply container 8 may also be a 40ft container or a 45ft container.

[0040] The supply unit installed in the supply unit container 8 consists of equipment for processing the fuel supplied to the generator container 3 into a more appropriate state. The supply unit consists of, for example, a compressor to adjust the fuel pressure, a heat exchanger to adjust the fuel temperature, and a separator to remove impurities from the fuel. Multiple pieces of equipment may be installed in the supply unit container 8.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first fuel pipe 4 has a first connecting portion 4c that branches off from between the check valve 6 and the buffer tank 7 and is detachably connected to the upstream side of the supply container 8. The second fuel pipe 5 has a second connecting portion 5c that branches off from between the buffer tank 7 and the generator container 3 and is detachably connected to the downstream side of the supply container 8.

[0042] In this embodiment, after the first supply step S01, the fuel supplied from the first fuel pipe 4 is supplied to the second fuel pipe 5 via the supply container 8 (third supply step S04).

[0043] In this configuration, if the supply container 8 is operational, fuel is supplied to the generator container 3 via the supply container 8. This makes it easier to supply the generator container 3 with fuel in the appropriate state. Also, if the supply container 8 is inoperable, fuel can be supplied to the generator container 3 via the buffer tank 7. This is advantageous for improving the operational stability of the generator container 3.

[0044] In this embodiment, fuel may be supplied from the first fuel pipe 4 to both the supply container 8 and the buffer tank 7. Alternatively, a valve or the like may be installed in the first fuel pipe 4 so that fuel is supplied to only one of either the supply container 8 or the buffer tank 7.

[0045] The first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5 may each have at least one control valve 9 installed in their respective middle sections to control the opening and closing of the pipes. This control valve 9 may be configured to switch between a normal route in which fuel is supplied to the generator container 3 via the supply container 8 and a bypass route in which fuel is supplied to the generator container 3 via the buffer tank 7.

[0046] As illustrated in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the vessel 1 has a first control valve 9a installed on the upstream side of the supply container 8 and a second control valve 9b installed on the downstream side. Specifically, the first control valve 9a is installed in the middle of the first connecting section 4c, and the second control valve 9b is installed in the middle of the second connecting section 5c.

[0047] Furthermore, the vessel 1 has a third control valve 9c installed on the upstream side of the buffer tank 7 and a fourth control valve 9d installed on the downstream side. Specifically, the third control valve 9c is installed downstream of the branching portion of the first connecting section 4c and on the upstream side of the buffer tank 7, and the fourth control valve 9d is installed upstream of the branching portion of the second connecting section 5c and on the downstream side of the buffer tank 7.

[0048] In this embodiment, a normal control having a first supply step S01, a third supply step S04, and a second supply step S02, and a bypass control having a first supply step S01, a storage step S03, and a second supply step S02 are switched by a switching step S05.

[0049] Specifically, if the supply container 8 is operational, normal control is selected in switching step S05. In switching step S05, the first control valve 9a and the second control valve 9b open, and the third control valve 9c and the fourth control valve 9d close. A normal route is set from the first fuel pipe 4 through the supply container 8 to the second fuel pipe 5.

[0050] If the supply container 8 is inoperable due to a malfunction or other reason, or has been removed from the ship 1, bypass control is selected in switching step S05. In switching step S05, the first control valve 9a and the second control valve 9b are closed, and the third control valve 9c and the fourth control valve 9d are opened. A bypass route is set from the first fuel pipe 4 through the buffer tank 7 to the second fuel pipe 5. Switching step S05 sets either the normal route or the bypass route by controlling the opening and closing of the control valve 9.

[0051] This configuration allows switching between the normal route and the bypass route depending on the status of the supply container 8. If the supply container 8 malfunctions or becomes inoperable, the normal route can be quickly switched to the bypass route, making it easier to avoid problems such as the interruption of the ship 1's navigation.

[0052] The number and location of the control valves 9 are not limited to those described above. The control valves 9 only need to have a configuration that allows the fuel to pass through a normal path and a bypass path. The first fuel pipe 4 may have one control valve 9 installed in its middle section, and the second fuel pipe 5 may have one control valve 9 installed in its middle section. Specifically, for example, the ship 1 may be configured with only the first control valve 9a and the fourth control valve 9d.

[0053] In this embodiment, by opening the first control valve 9a and closing the fourth control valve 9d, the normal path for fuel to flow from the supply container 8 to the second fuel pipe 5 is established. At this time, some of the fuel flows from the first fuel pipe 4 to the buffer tank 7. However, because the fourth control valve 9d is closed, the fuel is stored in the buffer tank 7. When the pressure in the buffer tank 7 rises, new fuel does not flow into the buffer tank 7 but instead flows to the supply container 8.

[0054] Furthermore, by closing the first control valve 9a and opening the fourth control valve 9d, a bypass route is set in which fuel flows to the second fuel pipe 5 via the buffer tank 7. At this time, some of the fuel flows from the second fuel pipe 5 to the second connection section 5c. If the supply unit container 8 is malfunctioning, etc., fuel will not move from the second connection section 5c to the supply unit container 8. Therefore, the fuel flows from the buffer tank 7 to the generator container 3.

[0055] This configuration provides almost the same effect as when the ship 1 has four control valves 9.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the vessel 1 may not be configured to have a buffer tank 7. If the vessel 1 does not have a buffer tank 7, the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5 are connected at the location of the buffer tank 7. In this embodiment, the first fuel pipe 4 has a first connecting portion 4c that branches off from the downstream side of the check valve 6 and is detachably connected to the upstream side of the supply container 8. The first connecting portion 4c branches off from between the connection portion between the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5 and the check valve 6. The second fuel pipe 5 also has a second connecting portion 5c that branches off from the upstream side of the generator container 3 and is detachably connected to the downstream side of the supply container 8. The second connecting portion 5c branches off from between the connection portion between the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5 and the generator container 3.

[0057] In this embodiment, a normal control having a first supply step S01, a third supply step S04, and a second supply step S02, and a bypass control having a first supply step S01 and a second supply step S02 are switched by a switching step S05. Unlike the previously described embodiment, the storage step S03 is not performed in the bypass control. During bypass control, fuel is supplied from the tank container 2 to the generator container 3 via the connection between the first fuel pipe 4 and the second fuel pipe 5.

[0058] As illustrated in Figure 8, the supply container 8 may have a compressor 8a that compresses the fuel supplied via the first connecting section 4c. In this embodiment, the supply container 8 has a third heat exchanger 8b located downstream of the compressor 8a and a second buffer tank 8c located downstream of the third heat exchanger 8b.

[0059] The compressor 8a can pressurize, for example, fuel gas supplied to the supply container 8. The fuel gas, pressurized and heated by the compressor 8a, is cooled by the third heat exchanger 8b and then stored in the second buffer tank 8c.

[0060] The compressor 8a controls the fuel pressure, enabling the supply of fuel that meets the required pressure for the generator container 3. Furthermore, even if the pressure in the fuel tank 2a drops, the compressor 8a can pressurize and supply fuel up to the required pressure for the generator container 3. This is advantageous for improving the operational stability of the generator container 3.

[0061] Since a check valve 6 is installed between the fuel tank 2a and the compressor 8a of the tank container 2, it is possible to prevent the lubricating oil from the compressor 8a from flowing into the fuel tank 2a. This avoids the problem of the fuel tank 2a being contaminated by the lubricating oil from the compressor 8a.

[0062] If compressor 8a fails, fuel is supplied to generator container 3 via a bypass route. There is no need to install multiple compressors 8a on ship 1 to ensure redundancy. Also, there is no need to use a relatively expensive oil-less type compressor to avoid contamination of fuel tank 2a by lubricating oil. This is advantageous in reducing the construction cost of ship 1.

[0063] The supply container 8 may be configured to have only one or neither of the third heat exchanger 8b or the second buffer tank 8c. The third heat exchanger 8b can adjust the fuel after it has passed through the compressor 8a to the temperature required by the generator container 3. The second buffer tank 8c can suppress pressure fluctuations in the fuel supplied from the supply container 8 to the generator container 3. The third heat exchanger 8b and the second buffer tank 8c contribute to improving the operational stability of the generator container 3.

[0064] As illustrated in Figure 8, the supply container 8 may have an oil separator 8d connected downstream of the compressor 8a. In this embodiment, the oil separator 8d is installed between the compressor 8a and the third heat exchanger 8b. In Figure 8, the oil separator 8d is shown with a dashed line for illustrative purposes.

[0065] The oil separator 8d removes the lubricating oil of the compressor 8a if it is present in the fuel passing through the compressor 8a.

[0066] This configuration avoids the problem of lubricating oil from the compressor 8a adhering to the second fuel pipe 5, the second control valve 9b, the fourth control valve 9d, etc. The ship 1 can avoid problems such as increased pressure loss or blockage of the fuel pipeline. This is advantageous for improving the operational stability of the generator container 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 ship 2 Tank containers 2a Fuel tank 2b First heat exchanger 2c Second heat exchanger 2d Shut-off valve 3 Generator Containers 4. First fuel pipe 4a First branch 4b Communication part 4c First connection part 5. Second fuel pipe 5a Second branch 5b Communication part 5c Second connection part 6. Check valve 7 Buffer Tank 8. Supply container 8a Compressor 8b Third heat exchanger 8c Second buffer tank 8d oil separator 9 Control valve 9a First control valve 9b Second control valve 9c Third control valve 9d Fourth control valve S01 First supply step S02 Second supply step S03 Storage Step S04 Third Supply Step S05 Switching Step

Claims

1. In a vessel equipped with a tank container having a fuel tank installed inside, and equipment for receiving fuel from the tank container, It comprises a first fuel pipe connected to the tank container on the upstream side, and a second fuel pipe connected to the equipment on the downstream side, The vessel is characterized in that the first fuel pipe has a plurality of first branches that are detachably configured to attach to a plurality of tank containers, and a check valve installed on each of the plurality of first branches.

2. The vessel according to claim 1, further comprising a buffer tank positioned between the first fuel pipe and the second fuel pipe and fixed to the vessel.

3. It comprises two independent pipeline systems leading from the tank container to the equipment, and a connecting section that connects the two pipeline systems. The ship according to claim 1, wherein the communication portion has a control valve that controls the opening and closing of the communication portion.

4. The aforementioned device has a generator container with a generator installed inside, The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the second fuel pipe has a plurality of second branches that are configured to be detachably attached to a plurality of generator containers.

5. The vessel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first fuel pipe and the second fuel pipe are configured to be fixed to the vessel.

6. The system includes a supply unit container which has a supply unit installed inside that supplies fuel from the tank container to the equipment, The first fuel pipe has a first connecting portion that branches off from the downstream side of the check valve and is configured to be detachably connected to the upstream side of the supply unit container. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the second fuel pipe has a second connecting portion that branches off from the upstream side of the equipment and is detachably connected to the downstream side of the supply container.

7. The first fuel pipe and the second fuel pipe each have at least one control valve installed in their respective intermediate sections to control the opening and closing of the pipeline. The ship according to claim 6, wherein the control valve is configured to switch between a normal route through which fuel is supplied to the equipment via the supply container and a bypass route through which fuel is supplied to the equipment without passing through the supply container.

8. The vessel is equipped with a buffer tank that is positioned between the first fuel pipe and the second fuel pipe in parallel with the supply unit container and is fixed to the vessel, The first fuel pipe and the second fuel pipe each have at least one control valve installed in their respective intermediate sections to control the opening and closing of the pipeline. The ship according to claim 6, wherein the control valve is configured to switch between a normal route through which fuel is supplied to the equipment via the supply container and a bypass route through which fuel is supplied to the equipment via the buffer tank.

9. The vessel according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the supply container has a compressor for compressing the fuel supplied via the first connecting portion.

10. The vessel according to claim 9, wherein the supply container has an oil separator connected to the downstream side of the compressor.

11. A fuel supply method for a ship comprising a tank container having a fuel tank installed inside, and equipment for receiving fuel from the tank container, It is equipped with a first fuel pipe connected to the tank container on the upstream side and a second fuel pipe connected to the equipment on the downstream side, and the first fuel pipe has a plurality of first branches that are detachably configured to be attached to a plurality of tank containers, and a check valve installed in each of the plurality of first branches, A first supply step in which fuel supplied from the tank container passes through the first fuel pipe on which the check valve is installed, A fuel supply method characterized by comprising a second supply step in which fuel is supplied to the equipment through the second fuel pipe.

12. The vessel is equipped with a buffer tank that is positioned between the first fuel pipe and the second fuel pipe and fixed to the vessel, The system includes a storage step in which the fuel supplied from the tank container in the first supply step is stored in the buffer tank connected to the downstream side of the first fuel pipe, The fuel supply method according to claim 11, wherein the second supply step is configured such that the fuel supplied from the buffer tank passes through the second fuel pipe.

13. The system is equipped with a supply unit container that houses a supply unit for supplying fuel from the tank container to the equipment, the first fuel pipe has a first connecting portion that branches off from the downstream side of the check valve and is detachably connected to the upstream side of the supply unit container, and the second fuel pipe has a second connecting portion that branches off from the upstream side of the equipment and is detachably connected to the downstream side of the supply unit container. The fuel supply method according to claim 11, further comprising a third supply step after the first supply step, wherein the fuel supplied from the first fuel pipe is supplied to the second fuel pipe via the supply container.

14. The fuel supply method according to claim 13, further comprising a switching step for switching between a normal control having the first supply step, the third supply step, and the second supply step, and a bypass control having the first supply step and the second supply step.

15. The vessel is equipped with a buffer tank that is positioned between the first fuel pipe and the second fuel pipe in parallel with the supply container and is fixed to the vessel. The fuel supply method according to claim 13, further comprising a switching step for switching between a normal control having the first supply step, the third supply step, and the second supply step, and a bypass control having the first supply step, a storage step in which fuel is stored in the buffer tank, and the second supply step.

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