Liquefied gas storage facility

Abstract

The invention comprises a liquefied gas reservoir (2) intended to contain a gas (3) in liquid form and a gas phase (4), and a device for cooling the contents of the reservoir (2), the cooling device comprising at least one first chiller (5) having a cycle for cooling a cycle gas, said first chiller (5) comprising, arranged in series in a cycle circuit (6), a member (7) for compressing the cycle gas, a member (8, 9) for cooling the cycle gas, a member (10) for expanding the second cycle gas, and a member (11, 9), the cooling device comprises a first heat transfer fluid loop (12) having a first end in heat exchange with the cold end (11) of the first chiller and a second end comprising a first heat exchanger (13) located in the reservoir (2), the first heat transfer fluid loop (12) comprising a member (14) for circulating the heat transfer fluid, wherein the first heat exchanger (13) directly exchanges heat with the interior of the reservoir (2), i.e., the first heat exchanger (13) directly exchanges heat with the fluid surrounding it in the reservoir (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a facility for storing liquefied gas, particularly liquid hydrogen.

[0002] In particular, the present invention is a facility for storing liquefied gas, particularly liquid hydrogen, comprising a liquefied gas reservoir intended to contain the liquid form and the gas in the gas phase, and a device for cooling the contents of the reservoir, the cooling device comprising at least one first cooler having a cooling cycle of a cycle gas, the first cooler comprising, arranged in series in a cycle circuit, a member for compressing the cycle gas, a member for cooling the cycle gas, a member for expanding a second cycle gas, and a member for heating the expanded cycle gas, the cooling device comprising a first heat transfer fluid loop having a first end that exchanges heat with the low-temperature end of the first cooler and a second end comprising a first heat exchanger located in the reservoir, the first heat transfer fluid loop relating to a facility comprising a member for circulating the heat transfer fluid.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a facility for storing liquefied gas, particularly liquid hydrogen transported by a ship. Accordingly, the present invention can also relate to a ship equipped with such a facility.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a system for storing liquid hydrogen over a long period of time without loss due to evaporation, taking into account the filling and recovery stages, and implementing a technique for minimizing the number of required equipment and maintenance.

Background Art

[0005] The transport of cryogenic fluids, particularly large quantities of liquid hydrogen, is particularly likely to increase for voyages that can last for several weeks, especially maritime transport.

[0006] For large reservoirs (thousands of m3), a significant amount of the cargo evaporates due to the cumulative heat input. This causes the pressure to rise. This problem is similar to that encountered in the tanks of methane tankers.

[0007] In particular, such equipment is subject to the following phenomena. A significant amount of evaporation during the filling of the reservoir due to the liquid reaching relatively hot walls. Natural heat input, especially during the full or empty transport phases. Pressure drop during the recovery phase.

[0008] Part of the steam can be used for energy generation purposes (via a fuel cell), but a solution that allows these vapors to be re - condensed or evaporation to be eliminated is preferred.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 3,302,416 describes equipment for pumping the liquid phase of natural gas and heat - exchanging it with a cooling heat exchanger inside a sealed chamber containing a heat exchanger.

[0010] This solution allows for the liquid phase of the cooler or reservoir, but cannot satisfactorily regulate the pressure inside the reservoir during the filling phase. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0011] One object of the present invention is to improve all or some of the drawbacks of the prior art described above. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0012] For this purpose, the equipment according to the invention, which is otherwise according to its general definition given in the above preamble, is essentially characterized in that a first heat exchanger exchanges heat directly with the interior of the reservoir, i.e., the first heat exchanger exchanges heat directly with the fluid surrounding it within the reservoir.

[0013] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following features. - The first heat exchanger is located at the upper part of the reservoir, - The second end of the first heat transfer fluid loop includes a second heat exchanger connected in parallel with the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is located at the lower part of the reservoir and directly exchanges heat with the interior of the reservoir, i.e., the exchanger directly exchanges heat with the fluid surrounding it within the reservoir. - The first heat transfer fluid loop includes a system of one or more valves for adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid in the first heat exchanger and / or the second heat exchanger. - The circulation member includes a cryogenic compressor or pump. - The heat transfer fluid includes helium and / or hydrogen. - The first end of the first heat transfer fluid loop exchanges heat with the low-temperature end of the first cooler in a heat exchanger that ensures countercurrent heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the cycle gas of the first cooler. - The facility includes a line for supplying a fluid to be liquefied, which is intended to be connected to a gas source. The line exchanges heat with the cycle gas of the first cooler, and preferably, the line opens into the reservoir. - The facility includes a line for a cryogenic liquid that exchanges heat with a member for cooling the cycle gas so as to heat the liquid. - The cooling device includes a second cooler having a cycle for cooling the cycle gas. The second cooler includes a member for compressing the cycle gas, a member for cooling the cycle gas, a member for expanding the cycle gas, and a member for heating the expanded cycle gas, which are arranged in series within the cycle circuit. The facility includes a system for heat exchange between the cycle gas of the second cooler and the cycle gas of the first cooler. - The system for heat exchange between the cycle gas of the second cooler having a cooling cycle and the cycle gas of the first cooler having a cooling cycle includes a second heat transfer fluid loop having a first end that exchanges heat with a part of the cycle circuit of the second cooler and a second end that exchanges heat with a part of the cycle circuit of the first cooler. - The first end of the second heat transfer fluid loop exchanges heat with a part of the cycle circuit of the second cooler in at least one heat exchanger, and the second end of the second heat transfer fluid loop exchanges heat with a part of the cycle circuit of the first cooler in at least one heat exchanger. - The second heat transfer fluid loop includes a member for circulating the heat transfer fluid, such as a pump.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a storage method using such equipment.

[0015] The present invention can also relate to any alternative device or method including any combination of the above or below features within the scope of application of the claims.

[0016] Further specific features and advantages will become apparent by reading the following description provided with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The equipment 1 for storing liquefied gas (particularly liquid hydrogen) shown in [FIG. 1] includes a liquefied gas reservoir 2 intended to accommodate the gas 3 in liquid form at the lower part and the gas phase 4 at the upper part. The equipment 1 includes a device for cooling the content of the reservoir 2, and thus makes it possible to adjust the pressure therein.

[0019] This cooling device includes a cooler 5 having a cooling cycle of a cycle gas. This cycle gas preferably includes helium and / or hydrogen and / or neon and / or nitrogen and / or other suitable gases.

[0020] This cooler 5 has a member 7 (one or more compressors, etc.) for compressing the cycle gas, which is arranged in series in the cycle circuit 6, members 8, 9 (for example, one or more heat exchangers) for cooling the cycle gas, a member 10 (one or more turbines or valves) for expanding the second cycle gas, and members 11, 9 (for example, one or more heat exchangers) for heating the expanded cycle gas.

[0021] For example, this cooler 5 is configured to generate cold air at a temperature between 15K and 25K and a driving pressure sufficient to ensure the circulation of the cycle gas in the cycle circuit 6.

[0022] The cycle gas preferably undergoes a thermodynamic cycle called the reverse Brayton thermodynamic cycle in this cooler 5. One or more compressors 7 are centrifugal (and centripetal turbines) and have the specific feature of operating without oil. According to one embodiment, one or more turbines 10 can be assembled on the same shaft as the compressor 7 to recover energy.

[0023] The cooling device further includes a heat transfer fluid loop 12 having a first end that exchanges heat with the low-temperature end 11 of the first cooler and a second end including at least one first heat exchanger 13 located in the reservoir 2. This heat transfer fluid loop 12 includes a member 14 for circulating the heat transfer fluid, such as a compressor or a cryogenic pump.

[0024] This heat transfer fluid can include, for example, helium and / or hydrogen.

[0025] The cooling cycle of this cooler 5 may be a combination of a plurality of cycles in a cascade manner. For example, a first cycle using a mixture of nitrogen, helium, and / or neon, followed by a second cycle including helium and / or hydrogen.

[0026] This pump 14 (or cryogenic compressor) is configured to operate at these extremely low temperatures and preferably does not require oil or grease for its operation.

[0027] The first end of the heat transfer fluid loop 12 exchanges heat with the low-temperature end of the first cooler in a heat exchanger 11, for example, ensuring countercurrent heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the cooled and expanded cycle gas of the first cooler.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the facility 1 includes two heat exchangers 13, 15 in the reservoir 2, one at the top and one at the bottom.

[0029] Of course, a configuration having only one of these exchangers 13, 15 (or condensers) can be provided.

[0030] Similarly, it is possible to provide a plurality of upper heat exchangers 13 and / or a plurality of lower heat exchangers 15 (especially in the case of a reservoir 2 of extremely large dimensions).

[0031] The two heat exchangers 13, 15 can be connected in parallel at the second end of the heat transfer fluid loop 12. The heat transfer fluid loop 12 preferably comprises a system of one or more regulating valves 16, 17 for controlling the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid in the first heat exchanger 13 and / or the second heat exchanger 15.

[0032] One or more of the exchangers 13, 15 exchange heat directly with the fluid inside the reservoir 2, i.e., these exchangers ensure direct heat exchange with the fluid surrounding them within the reservoir 2. This means that one or more of the exchangers 13, 15 are directly immersed in the liquid or gas phase of the fluid stored inside the reservoir 2.

[0033] This enables efficient heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the fluid in the reservoir 2 without the need for a transfer circuit having a pump and a casing inside the reservoir 2.

[0034] The reservoir 2 is configured to contain, for example, a specific amount of liquid hydrogen by integrating equipment for adjusting the pressure of the liquid in order to eliminate losses due to evaporation. The reservoir 2 may be of any type (membrane, sphere, or others). In particular, it is provided with at least one filling and / or recovery line 27.

[0035] Therefore, when the pressure in the reservoir 2 is too high relative to a predetermined set value, the heat transfer fluid can be circulated through the upper heat exchanger 13 at a temperature lower than the dew point of the fluid in the reservoir 2. This has the effect of re - condensing the vapor and reducing the pressure in the reservoir 2.

[0036] The heat transfer fluid can also be circulated through the lower exchanger 15 at a temperature lower than the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir 2.

[0037] This secondary cycle may be a combination of multiple cycles in a cascade. For example, a first cycle using a mixture of nitrogen, helium, and / or neon, followed by a second cycle containing helium and / or hydrogen.

[0038] Similarly, according to one embodiment, the heat transfer fluid can be circulated through the lower heat exchanger 15 at a temperature higher than the temperature of the liquid contained in the reservoir 2. This makes it possible to evaporate a part of the liquid and increase the pressure in the reservoir 2. This procedure can be used especially when it is desirable to recover the liquid from the reservoir 2 due to a pressure difference.

[0039] Therefore, the facility 1 enables either heating the gas phase using the upper heat exchanger 13 or evaporating the liquid using the lower heat exchanger 15 in order to increase the pressure in the reservoir.

[0040] To increase the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, the cooler 5 can be switched, for example, to a mode (stop, degradation mode, especially rotation in the opposite direction of the compressor or turbine) that enables reaching the target temperature of the heat transfer fluid.

[0041] The equipment 1 enables minimizing the number of modules necessary to meet the functions (without a defueling system and without gas buffer storage).

[0042] As shown in [Figure 1], the cooler 5 can also be used to cool and liquefy, for example, the fluid flow intended to be supplied to the reservoir 2. Therefore, a line 28 through which the fluid to be liquefied (for example, from a gas source) is supplied can be provided, which can exchange heat with the heat exchangers 9, 10 of the cooler 5 and can open into the reservoir 2.

[0043] The heat exchanger 9 can also be supplied with an external fluid, for example, boil-off gas from a cryogenic reservoir installed near the system.

[0044] Therefore, additional cryogenic fluids (especially liquids) can also be heated in one or more of the heat exchangers 9 of the cooler 5. For example, when the equipment is located on a ship, for example, it is possible to reuse the cryogenic vapor from an adjacent tank (for example, boil-off) from which the frigory can be recovered.

[0045] In the embodiment of [Figure 2], the cooling device includes a second cooler 18 having a cooling cycle for the cycle gas. This second cooler 18 includes a member 20 for compressing the cycle gas, members 21, 22 for cooling the cycle gas, a member 23 for expanding the cycle gas, and a member 24 for heating the expanded cycle gas, which are arranged in series in the cycle circuit 19. This structure may be of the same type as the first cooler 5 described above.

[0046] The equipment 1 includes a system 9, 25 for heat exchange between the cycle gas of the second cooler 18 and the cycle gas of the first cooler 5 by a cycle.

[0047] This heat exchange system preferably comprises a second heat transfer fluid loop 25 having a first end that exchanges heat with a part of the cycle circuit 19 of the second cooler 18 and a second end that exchanges heat with a part 9 of the cycle circuit 6 of the first cooler 5.

[0048] The first end of the second heat transfer fluid loop 25 can exchange heat with a part of the cycle circuit 19 of the second cooler 18 in at least one heat exchanger 22, 24 (e.g., in counterflow with the cycle gas of this second cooler 18) of the cooler 18. The second end of the second heat transfer fluid loop 25 can exchange heat with a part 9 of the cycle circuit 6 of the first cooler 5 in at least one heat exchanger 11, 9 (e.g., in counterflow with respect to the cycle gas).

[0049] This second cooler 18 can thus be provided to ensure pre-cooling of the cycle gas of the first cooler 5.

[0050] This cycle gas of the second cooler 18 can contain, for example, a mixture of nitrogen, helium, and / or neon. The heat transfer fluid can contain, for example, nitrogen, helium, and / or neon, or any other suitable gas or gas mixture.

[0051] Of course, the system for heat exchange between the cycle gas of the second cooler and the cycle gas of the first cooler is not limited to the above embodiments. Thus, for example, any other heat exchange between the two coolers, particularly direct heat exchange between the two coolers, can be envisioned. The following is appended as it is the matter described in the claims of the original application at the time of filing. [1] A liquefied gas reservoir (2) intended to contain a gas (3) in liquid form and a gas phase (4), and a device for cooling the contents of said reservoir (2), said cooling device comprising at least one first cooler (5) having a cooling cycle of a cycle gas, said first cooler (5) being arranged in series in a cycle circuit (6) with a member (7) for compressing said cycle gas, a member (8, 9) for cooling said cycle gas, a member (10) for expanding a second cycle gas, and a member (11, 9) for heating said expanded cycle gas, said cooling device comprising a first heat transfer fluid loop (12) having a first end that exchanges heat with the low temperature end (11) of said first cooler and a second end comprising a first heat exchanger (13) located within said reservoir (2), said first heat transfer fluid loop (12) comprising a member (14) for circulating said heat transfer fluid, a facility for storing liquefied gas, in particular liquid hydrogen, wherein said first heat exchanger (13) exchanges heat directly with the interior of said reservoir (2), i.e., said first heat exchanger (13) exchanges heat directly with the fluid surrounding it within said reservoir (2), the second end of said first heat transfer fluid loop (12) comprising a second heat exchanger (15) connected in parallel with said first heat exchanger (13), said second heat exchanger (15) being located at the lower part of said reservoir (2) and exchanging heat directly with the interior of said reservoir (2), i.e., said exchanger exchanges heat directly with the fluid surrounding it within said reservoir (2), a facility characterized by this. [2] The facility according to [1], characterized in that said first heat exchanger (13) is located at the upper part of said reservoir (2). [3] The facility according to one of [2], characterized in that said first heat transfer fluid loop (12) comprises a system of one or more valves (16, 17) for adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid in said first heat exchanger (13) and / or said second heat exchanger (15). [4] The facility according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that said circulation member (14) comprises a cryogenic compressor or pump. [5] The facility according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the heat transfer fluid contains helium and / or hydrogen. [6] The facility according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the first end of the first heat transfer fluid loop (12) exchanges heat with the low-temperature end of the first cooler in a heat exchanger (11) that ensures countercurrent heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the cycle gas of the first cooler. [7] The facility according to any one of [1] to [6], comprising a line (28) for supplying a fluid to be liquefied, which is intended to be connected to a gas source, the line (28) exchanges heat with the cycle gas of the first cooler (5), and the line (28) preferably opens into the reservoir (2). [8] The facility according to any one of [1] to [7], comprising a line of cryogenic liquid that exchanges heat with the members (8, 9) for cooling the cycle gas so as to heat the liquid. [9] The cooling device comprises a second cooler (18) having a cycle gas cooling cycle, and the second cooler (18) comprises a member (20) for compressing the cycle gas, a member (21, 22) for cooling the cycle gas, a member (23) for expanding the cycle gas, and a member (24) for heating the expanded cycle gas, which are arranged in series in a cycle circuit (19). The facility (1) comprises a system (9, 25) for heat exchange between the cycle gas of the second cooler (18) and the cycle gas of the first cooler (5). The facility according to any one of [1] to [8].

[10] The facility according to [9], wherein the system for heat exchange between the cycle gas of the second cooler (18) having a cooling cycle and the cycle gas of the first cooler (5) having a cooling cycle comprises a second heat transfer fluid loop (25) having a first end that exchanges heat with a part of the cycle circuit (19) of the second cooler (18) and a second end that exchanges heat with a part (9) of the cycle circuit (6) of the first cooler.

[11] The first end of the second heat transfer fluid loop (25) exchanges heat with a part of the cycle circuit (19) of the second cooler (18) in at least one heat exchanger (22, 24), and the second end of the second heat transfer fluid loop (25) exchanges heat with a part (9) of the cycle circuit (6) of the first cooler in at least one heat exchanger (9), the facility according to

[10] .

[12] The second heat transfer fluid loop (25) comprises a member (26) for circulating the heat transfer fluid such as a pump, the facility according to

[10] or

[11] .

Claims

1. A facility for storing liquefied gas, particularly liquid hydrogen, comprising a reservoir (2) intended to contain a gaseous liquid (3) and a gas phase (4), and a cooling device for cooling the contents of the reservoir (2). The cooling device comprises at least one first cooler (5) having a cooling cycle for a cycle gas. The first cooler (5) is arranged in series in a cycle circuit (6) and includes a compression member (7) for compressing the cycle gas, a cooling member (8, 9) for cooling the cycle gas, an expansion member (10) for expanding the cycle gas, and a heating member (11, 9) for heating the expanded cycle gas. The cooling device comprises a first heat transfer fluid loop (12) having a first end that exchanges heat with the low-temperature end (11) of the first cooler and a second end that comprises a first heat exchanger (13) located within the reservoir (2). The first heat transfer fluid loop (12) comprises a circulation member (14) for circulating the heat transfer fluid. In the facility The first heat exchanger (13) exchanges heat directly with the interior of the reservoir (2), i.e., the first heat exchanger (13) exchanges heat directly with the gas phase (4) surrounding it within the reservoir (2). The second end of the first heat transfer fluid loop (12) comprises a second heat exchanger (15) connected in parallel with the first heat exchanger (13). The second heat exchanger (15) is located at the lower part of the reservoir (2) and exchanges heat directly with the interior of the reservoir (2), i.e., the second heat exchanger exchanges heat directly with the gaseous liquid (3) surrounding it within the reservoir (2). The facility is characterized by this.

2. The facility according to claim 1, characterized in that the first heat exchanger (13) is located at the upper part of the reservoir (2) where the gas phase (4) is contained.

3. The facility according to claim 2, characterized in that the first heat transfer fluid loop (12) comprises a system of one or more valves (16, 17) for adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid in the first heat exchanger (13) and / or the second heat exchanger (15).

4. The facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the circulation member (14) comprises a compressor or a pump.

5. The facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the heat transfer fluid contains helium and / or hydrogen.

6. The facility according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first end of the first heat transfer fluid loop (12) exchanges heat with the low-temperature end of the first cooler in a heat exchanger (11) that ensures countercurrent heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid and the cycle gas of the first cooler.

7. Comprising a supply line (28) intended to be connected to a gas source for supplying a fluid to be liquefied, the supply line (28) exchanges heat with the cycle gas of the first cooler (5), and the supply line (28) preferably communicates with the reservoir (2). The facility according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Comprising a line for cryogenic liquid, the line for cryogenic liquid exchanges heat with the cooling members (8, 9) for heating the cryogenic liquid to cool the cycle gas. The facility according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The cooling device comprises a second cooler (18) having a cycle gas cooling cycle, and the second cooler (18) is provided with a compression member (20) for compressing the cycle gas, a cooling member (21, 22) for cooling the cycle gas, an expansion member (23) for expanding the cycle gas, and a heating member (24) for heating the expanded cycle gas, which are arranged in series in a cycle circuit (19). The facility (1) comprises a system (9, 22) for heat exchange between the cycle gas of the second cooler (18) and the cycle gas of the first cooler (5). The facility according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The system for heat exchange between the cycle gas of the second cooler (18) having a cooling cycle and the cycle gas of the first cooler (5) having a cooling cycle comprises a second heat transfer fluid loop (25) having a first end for exchanging heat with a part of the cycle circuit (19) of the second cooler (18) and a second end for exchanging heat with a part (9) of the cycle circuit (6) of the first cooler. The facility according to claim 9.

11. The first end of the second heat transfer fluid loop (25) exchanges heat with a part of the cycle circuit (19) of the second cooler (18) in at least one heat exchanger (22, 24), and the second end of the second heat transfer fluid loop (25) exchanges heat with a part (9) of the cycle circuit (6) of the first cooler in at least one heat exchanger (9). The facility according to claim 10, characterized in that.

12. The facility according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the second heat transfer fluid loop (25) comprises a circulation member (26) for circulating the heat transfer fluid such as a pump.

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