Plant and installation method

Abstract

The present invention provides a connecting base, plant, and installation method that facilitate the installation and replacement of container modules. [Solution] The connecting base 3 is fixed to a mounting surface and has a container module 2 installed on its upper surface 3a, and includes a connecting mechanism 4 that is connected to equipment 2a installed inside the container module 2, a pipe 5 that is positioned below the upper surface 3a and has one end connected to the connecting mechanism 4, and a fixing mechanism 6 that fixes the container module 2, after the container module 2 is placed on the connecting base 3, the container-side connecting mechanism 2b of the container module 2 and the connecting mechanism 4 are connected, and the container module 2 is fixed to the connecting base 3 by the fixing mechanism 6.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection base on which a container module is installed, a plant composed of a container module and a connection base, and a method for installing a container module on the connection base. Specifically, it relates to a connection base, a plant, and an installation method that can easily install and replace the container module.

Background Art

[0002] Various power generation systems using container modules have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The power generation system described in Patent Document 1 combined a plurality of container modules in which a hydrogen generation device, a hydrogen tank, and a fuel cell were installed inside to generate hydrogen and generate electricity.

[0003] When fluid or the like is moved between the container module and external equipment, it was necessary to accurately align the positions of the piping of the external equipment and the piping of the container module. Also, when installing a plurality of container modules, it was necessary to accurately align the positions of the pipes connecting the container modules to each other. It took time and effort to install the container module on a placement surface such as the ground surface. Also, work for fixing the placed container module to a placement surface such as the ground surface, such as laying anchor bolts, was not shown or took time.

[0004] When replacing a predetermined container module due to the occurrence of a failure or the like, it was necessary to disconnect and reconnect the pipes connecting the container modules to each other. In the case of pipes for hydrogen gas, operations such as nitrogen replacement were required, and the container module could not be easily replaced.

[0005] On an inclined ground surface, there was a problem that the installed container module tilted. For example, when a reciprocating compressor, a diesel engine, or the like was installed inside the container module, uneven wear of the piston ring occurred due to the tilting of the container module, resulting in a problem of shortening the life of the container module. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-010646 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a connecting base, plant, and installation method that facilitate the installation and replacement of container modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A plant for achieving the above objective comprises a container module in which equipment is installed, and a connecting base fixed to a mounting surface and on which the container module is mounted, wherein the connecting base comprises a connecting mechanism connected to equipment installed inside the container module, piping positioned below the top surface and one end connected to the connecting mechanism, a fixing mechanism for fixing the container module, and an external connecting mechanism connected to the other end of the piping and capable of connecting to other connecting bases and enabling the exchange of fluids between them, and the piping includes piping for fluids. Furthermore, the container module has a configuration in which the piping is connected to other container modules via the connecting base. It is characterized by the following:

[0010] A method for achieving the above objective is a method for installing a container module in a plant comprising a container module in which equipment is installed inside, and a connecting base fixed to a mounting surface and on which the container module is mounted, wherein the connecting base is equipped with a connecting mechanism connected to equipment installed inside the container module, a pipe positioned below the top surface and with one end connected to the connecting mechanism, a fixing mechanism for fixing the container module, and an external connecting mechanism connected to the other end of the pipe and capable of connecting to other connecting bases and enabling the exchange of fluids between them, the pipe includes a fluid pipe, and the method comprises a mounting step in which the container module is placed on the connecting base, a connecting step in which the container module is connected to the connecting mechanism, and a fixing step in which the container module is fixed to the connecting base by the fixing mechanism. The connection step is configured such that the container module is connected to other container modules and the piping via the connection base. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the connection of piping and other components of a container module can be completed by installing it on a connecting base. Furthermore, the container module can be removed from the connecting base by releasing the connection by the connecting mechanism and releasing the fixing mechanism. This is advantageous for easily installing and replacing container modules. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view illustrating a container module and a connecting base. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connecting base in a plan view. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the safety mechanism of the connecting base. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a plant in a plan view. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following description will be based on the embodiment shown in the figure, which includes the connecting base, plant, and installation method. In the figure, the short direction of the connecting base is indicated by arrow x, the long direction perpendicular to this short direction x is indicated by arrow y, and the vertical direction perpendicular to both the short direction x and the long direction y is indicated by arrow z.

[0014] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, Plant 1 comprises a container module 2 in which equipment 2a is installed, and a connecting base 3 fixed to a mounting surface such as the ground surface, on which the container module 2 is installed. In Figure 1, equipment 2a is shown with a dashed line for illustrative purposes.

[0015] If Plant 1 constitutes a hydrogen station, for example, then Equipment 2a consists of, for example, a tank for storing hydrogen fuel. The tank stores, for example, liquefied hydrogen or hydrogen gas as hydrogen fuel. Equipment 2a also consists of a vaporizer for gasifying liquefied hydrogen, a compressor for compressing hydrogen gas, and a dispenser for supplying hydrogen gas to the outside, such as a vehicle. One or more of the above-mentioned Equipment 2a are installed in a single container module 2.

[0016] Equipment 2a is not limited to the above. Equipment 2a can be modified as appropriate to suit the purpose of Plant 1. For example, if Plant 1 is a power plant, equipment 2a consists of a generator combined with an internal combustion engine and a tank for storing fuel corresponding to this internal combustion engine. Plant 1 may also consist of other chemical plants, such as an ammonia production plant.

[0017] Container module 2 is composed of, for example, 20ft containers for maritime transport. The size of container module 2 is not limited to the size of a 20ft container. For example, container module 2 may be composed of 40ft containers, 45ft containers, or containers of other sizes.

[0018] The connection base 3 is pre-fixed to a placement surface such as the ground surface. It is desirable for the connection base 3 to be fixed to the placement surface with the upper surface 3a being horizontal. The connection base 3 has a size such that the container module 2 can be installed on the upper surface 3a. In this embodiment, the connection base 3 has a size capable of installing, for example, a 20ft container.

[0019] The connection base 3 includes a connection mechanism 4 connected to the equipment 2a installed inside the container module 2, a pipe 5 disposed at a position below the upper surface 3a and having one end connected to the connection mechanism 4, and a fixing mechanism 6 for fixing the container module 2.

[0020] The connection mechanism 4 is composed of, for example, a multi-coupling capable of detaching a plurality of types of pipes 5 at once. Not limited to this, the connection mechanism 4 may be configured to be detachable for each pipe 5. In this embodiment, one connection mechanism 4 is installed on the connection base 3. Also, the connection mechanism 4 is installed on the upper surface 3a of the connection base 3. A container-side connection mechanism 2b corresponding to the connection mechanism 4 is installed on the lower surface of the container module 2. In FIG. 1, the container-side connection mechanism 2b is shown by a broken line for explanation purposes. The pipes connecting the equipment 2a and the container-side connection mechanism 2b, and the equipment 2a and the connection mechanism 4 are indirectly connected via the container-side connection mechanism 2b. It is also possible to configure the container module 2 not to have the container-side connection mechanism 2b and extend the connection mechanism 4 to the inside of the container module 2. At this time, the equipment 2a and the connection mechanism 4 are directly connected.

[0021] As illustrated in Figure 2, the piping 5 may include not only fluid piping (external piping) 5a for transporting hydrogen fuel, etc., but also power cables 5b for supplying electricity to equipment 2a, signal lines 5c for controlling equipment 2a, etc. In this case, the coupling mechanism 4 may be configured to connect and disconnect the external piping 5a, power cables 5b, and signal lines 5c using a multi-coupling, or it may be configured to connect and disconnect each piping 5 individually. The fluid piping 5a may consist of two or more lines. In Figure 1, the piping 5 is shown with a dashed line for illustrative purposes. Also in Figure 2, the power cable 5b is shown with a dashed line and the signal line 5c with a dotted line for illustrative purposes. The type and number of piping 5 can be changed as appropriate depending on the requirements of the container module 2 to be installed.

[0022] One end of the piping 5 is connected to the connecting mechanism 4, and the other end is connected to the external connecting mechanism 7. The connecting base 3 can receive supplies such as electricity and water from the outside via the external connecting mechanism 7. The connecting base 3 can also supply hydrogen fuel or electricity to the outside via the external connecting mechanism 7.

[0023] As illustrated in Figure 1, the fixing mechanism 6 has the function of fixing the container module 2 to the connecting base 3. The fixing mechanism 6 consists of a twist lock, for example, for fixing and lifting a container for maritime transport using a crane or the like. In this embodiment, the twist lock switches between fixing and releasing the container module 2 by rotating it 90° around the vertical z axis.

[0024] The fixing mechanism 6 is not limited to a twist lock. It is sufficient to have a configuration that can fix the container module 2 to the connecting base 3. For example, it may consist of fixing fittings that are placed between stacked containers for maritime transport and are configured to be connectable to the upper and lower containers, respectively. These fixing fittings are inserted into elliptical holes formed in both the connecting base 3 and the container module 2 and fixed to each of them. Alternatively, it may consist of lashing or the like that secures the container module 2 to the connecting base 3.

[0025] Next, the installation method for placing the container module 2 on the connecting base 3 will be explained. The connecting base 3 is pre-fixed to the mounting surface. At this time, the external connecting mechanism 7 is pre-connected to an external power source, water source, etc. First, the container module 2 is placed on the connecting base 3 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the placement step S10). After that, the container module 2 is connected to the connecting mechanism 4 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the connecting step S20). Then, the container module 2 is fixed to the connecting base 3 by the fixing mechanism 6 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the fixing step S30).

[0026] Specifically, the container module 2 is transported by a crane or reach stacker and placed on the upper surface 3a of the connecting base 3 (placement step S10). If the connecting mechanism 4 is composed of a multi-coupling, the container-side connecting mechanism 2b and the connecting mechanism 4 may be configured to automatically connect when the container module 2 is placed (connection step S20). Alternatively, the connecting mechanism 4 may be connected to the container module 2 by operating a lever or the like installed on the connecting base 3. If the fixing mechanism 6 is composed of a twist lock, the container module 2 is fixed to the connecting base 3 by the rotation of the twist lock (fixing step S30).

[0027] The configuration is not limited to one in which the fixing step S30 is executed after the linking step S20. The linking step S20 may be executed after the fixing step S30, and the linking step S20 and the fixing step S30 may be executed simultaneously.

[0028] If container module 2 needs to be replaced due to a malfunction or other reason, it will be removed from the connecting base 3 using the reverse procedure described above. Specifically, the connection of the connecting mechanism 4 will be released, the fixing by the twist lock will be released, and then container module 2 will be lifted from the connecting base 3 by a crane or the like.

[0029] This configuration facilitates the installation of the container module 2 on the mounting surface. When the container module 2 is placed on the connecting base 3, its position relative to the mounting surface is determined with high precision. Furthermore, the piping 5 is fixed to the connecting base 3 in advance, eliminating the need to align the container module 2 with the external piping. This is advantageous for facilitating the installation of the container module 2.

[0030] This configuration makes it easy to replace the container module 2. By disconnecting it from the coupling mechanism 4 and releasing it from the fixing mechanism 6, the container module 2 can be removed from the coupling base 3. This is advantageous for facilitating the replacement of the container module 2. Furthermore, since fixing hardware (twist locks) for shipping containers are widely available, the fixing mechanism 6 can be constructed inexpensively by using this hardware.

[0031] This configuration allows for a longer lifespan for the container module 2. The connecting base 3 is pre-fixed to the mounting surface with its upper surface 3a horizontal, making it easier to maintain the container module 2, which is mounted on the connecting base 3, horizontally. This avoids problems such as uneven wear of the piston rings of the equipment 2a. This configuration is advantageous for achieving a longer lifespan for the container module 2.

[0032] Even without the container module 2, the same effect as above can be obtained with only the connecting base 3. In other words, in addition to the plant 1 equipped with the container module 2 and the connecting base 3, the above effect can be obtained even with only the connecting base 3.

[0033] The coupling mechanism 4 is not limited to being formed on the upper surface 3a of the coupling base 3. The coupling mechanism 4 may be formed on the side of the coupling base 3, above the upper surface 3a of the coupling base 3. In this case, the container-side coupling mechanism 2b formed on the side of the container module 2 is configured to be connectable to the coupling mechanism 4.

[0034] As illustrated in Figure 1, the connecting base 3 may have a guide mechanism 8 positioned above the upper surface 3a of the connecting base 3, which guides the container module 2 to a predetermined position in the horizontal directions x and y. The guide mechanism 8 is configured to be in contact with the bottom surface of the container module 2 and has an inclined surface that slopes inward. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the guide mechanism 8 is above the upper surface 3a.

[0035] This configuration facilitates the installation and replacement of container module 2. Since container module 2 can be guided toward a predetermined position in the horizontal x and y directions, alignment between the coupling mechanism 4 and the container-side coupling mechanism 2b becomes easier. This is advantageous for facilitating the installation and replacement of container module 2.

[0036] It is desirable that the guide mechanism 8 be installed on both sides of the longitudinal direction y and both sides of the short direction x of the connecting base 3. By lowering the container module 2 with its center position somewhat aligned with the connecting base 3, the container module 2 comes into contact with the guide mechanism 8 and is guided to the correct position in the horizontal directions x and y.

[0037] If the connecting base 3 is equipped with an external connecting mechanism 7 that connects to the other end of the pipe 5 and can also be connected to other connecting bases 3, then the configuration will be such that the connecting mechanism 4 is connected to one end of the pipe 5 and the external connecting mechanism 7 is connected to the other end. The external connecting mechanism 7 can connect connecting bases 3 to each other. The external connecting mechanism 7 is not an essential component of the connecting base 3. The pipe 5 may also be extended outwards from the connecting base 3 without going through the external connecting mechanism 7 and connected directly to a power source or water source.

[0038] Multiple connecting bases 3 are pre-installed on the mounting surface and can be connected to each other via an external connecting mechanism 7. By installing container modules 2 on each of these connecting bases 3, the container modules 2 are indirectly connected to each other. For example, fluids processed in one container module 2 can be subjected to different processing in the next container module 2.

[0039] The configuration with an external connecting mechanism 7 facilitates the installation of the container modules 2. The piping 5 of multiple connecting bases 3 is pre-connected to each other by the external connecting mechanism 7. By installing multiple container modules 2 on the connecting bases 3, fluid movement, electrical supply, and signal exchange between the container modules 2 can be realized. Alignment, disconnection, and reconnection of the piping 5 between the container modules 2 are unnecessary.

[0040] This configuration allows for easy expansion of Plant 1. By increasing the number of connection bases 3 via the external connection mechanism 7, the number of container modules 2 can be increased, thereby expanding Plant 1.

[0041] The external connecting mechanism 7 installed on a single connecting base 3 may be one or more. If the connecting base 3 is equipped with multiple external connecting mechanisms 7, a control valve 9 may be installed in the external piping 5a for fluid to control the fluid flow path. Alternatively, the connecting base 3 may receive fluid or power, etc., via one external connecting mechanism 7 and supply fluid or power, etc., from the connecting base 3 to the outside via other external connecting mechanisms 7. Furthermore, the connecting base 3 may be configured to have multiple external connecting mechanisms 7 that supply fluid, etc., from the connecting base 3 to the outside.

[0042] As illustrated in Figure 3, the connecting base 3 is sized to accommodate multiple container modules 2 and may include multiple connecting mechanisms 4 configured to connect to each container module 2. In this case, the piping 5 includes an external piping 5a that connects the connecting mechanism 4 to the external connecting mechanism 7, and an intermediate piping 5d that connects the connecting mechanisms 4 to each other. Both the external piping 5a and the intermediate piping 5d are composed of fluid piping.

[0043] In this embodiment, the connecting base 3 is sized to accommodate two container modules 2 in the longitudinal direction y. For example, the connecting base 3 can be configured to be 40 ft in size, allowing for the installation of two 20 ft container modules 2. The connecting base 3 may also be configured to accommodate three or more container modules 2. In this case, the connecting base 3 has a fixing mechanism 6 for securing each container module 2.

[0044] By installing two container modules 2 on the connecting base 3, the two container modules 2 are connected to each other by piping 5, etc. For example, fluids processed in one container module 2 can be processed in the other container module 2.

[0045] This configuration allows multiple container modules 2 with different functions to be installed on a single connecting base 3. By changing the combination of container modules 2, the function of plant 1 can be easily modified.

[0046] As illustrated in Figure 3, the connecting base 3 may include a bypass pipe 5e that bypasses a specific connecting mechanism 4. The bypass pipe 5e bypasses the connecting mechanism 4 by connecting the external pipe 5a and the intermediate pipe 5d. In this case, the fluid flow path is controlled by opening and closing the control valve 9. The connecting base 3 may also include a bypass pipe 5e that bypasses multiple connecting mechanisms 4 simultaneously.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 4, the connecting base 3 may be sized to accommodate multiple container modules 2 in the short-side direction x. In Figure 4, the container modules 2 are shown with dashed lines for illustrative purposes. In this embodiment, the connecting base 3 is configured to accommodate a total of four container modules 2: two in the short-side direction x and two in the long-side direction y.

[0048] In this embodiment, the fluid supplied from the upper left external coupling mechanism 7 in Figure 4 moves from the upper left container module 2, being processed in the order of upper right, lower right, and lower left, and is discharged to the outside from the lower left external coupling mechanism 7.

[0049] As illustrated in Figure 5, the connecting base 3 may be equipped with a safety mechanism 10. Figure 5 shows only the components installed on the connecting base 3 illustrated in Figure 3 and related to the safety mechanism 10. The safety mechanism 10 includes a determination unit 10a that determines whether or not the container module 2 and the connecting mechanism 4 are connected, and a release unit 10b that allows the fixing of the container module 2 by the fixing mechanism 6 to be released when the connecting mechanism 4 is in a disconnected state. The safety mechanism 10 may also have a piping release unit 10c that controls the connection and disconnection of the connecting mechanism 4.

[0050] The safety mechanism 10 is configured, for example, by electronic control. In this case, the safety mechanism 10 includes a control unit 10d that controls the determination unit 10a and the release unit 10b. The determination unit 10a is configured, for example, by a sensor that determines whether or not the signal lines between the coupling mechanism 4 and the container-side coupling mechanism 2b are connected. The determination unit 10a determines that the device is coupled if it can receive a connection signal from the container module 2, and determines that it is disconnected if it cannot receive a connection signal. The safety mechanism 10, which has the determination unit 10a, the release unit 10b and the control unit 10d, is configured, for example, by a known PC or PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0051] If the connecting base 3 has a lever that is operated when connecting the connecting mechanism 4 and the container-side connecting mechanism 2b, the determination unit 10a may be configured with a proximity sensor that detects the position of this lever. The sensor determines whether the lever is tilted toward the connecting side or the disconnecting side. In this case, the piping release unit 10c is configured with the above lever.

[0052] The determination unit 10a may be composed of a pressure sensor that detects pressure in the coupling mechanism 4. If the pressure of the fluid passing through the coupling mechanism 4 is detected, it is determined that the system is coupled. The determination unit 10a may be composed of any of the aforementioned sensors, or it may be composed of a combination of multiple sensors.

[0053] The control unit 10d receives a signal from the determination unit 10a and determines whether the coupling mechanism 4 is coupled or uncoupled. When the coupling mechanism 4 is uncoupled, the control unit 10d sends a signal to the uncoupler unit 10b indicating that it can be uncoupled. The control unit 10d may also send a signal to the uncoupler unit 10b indicating that the coupling mechanism 4 is coupled when it is coupled.

[0054] The release unit 10b receives a signal from the control unit 10d indicating the connected or disconnected state, and based on this signal, it releases the fixed mechanism 6. The release unit 10b is composed of, for example, a motor that rotates the twist lock (fixed mechanism 6). The release unit 10b can keep the twist lock constituting the fixed mechanism 6 from rotating unless it receives a signal indicating the disconnected state. In Figure 5, the signal lines are shown as dashed lines for illustrative purposes. The release unit 10b may also be composed of a switch installed on the signal line of the motor that operates the fixed mechanism 6. The release unit 10b can be configured to block the signal that controls the motor unless it receives a signal indicating the disconnected state. Even if a signal to set the fixed mechanism 6 to a disconnected state is transmitted to the motor, the signal is blocked by the release unit 10b. The fixed mechanism 6 maintains a disconnected state.

[0055] The safety mechanism 10 may be composed of mechanical control. For example, the determination unit 10a mechanically detects the position of the lever (piping release unit 10c) operated when connecting the coupling mechanism 4, and can be configured so that the lever operation to release the fixing mechanism 6 is impossible unless the lever is in the release position. In this case, the release unit 10b is composed of the lever that operates the fixing mechanism 6.

[0056] With this configuration, when the coupling mechanism 4 is in the coupled state, the fixing mechanism 6 does not become unfixed, thus improving safety. When the coupling mechanism 4 is in the coupled state, even if a crane or the like attempts to lift the container module 2, it cannot be lifted because it is fixed to the coupling base 3. This prevents accidents in which the coupling mechanism 4 is accidentally damaged when removing the container module 2 from the coupling base 3.

[0057] When multiple connecting mechanisms 4 and fixing mechanisms 6 are installed on a single connecting base 3, the corresponding connecting mechanisms 4 and fixing mechanisms 6 work together. In Figure 5, the four fixing mechanisms 6 on the left side are controlled depending on whether or not the connecting mechanism 4 on the left side is connected. Similarly, the four fixing mechanisms 6 on the right side are controlled depending on whether or not the connecting mechanism 4 on the right side is connected.

[0058] As illustrated in Figure 6, Plant 1 may be composed of a combination of multiple connecting bases 3 and multiple types of container modules 2. The container module 2 can be configured to include a tank module 11a on which a tank for storing hydrogen fuel is installed, and a dispenser module 11b on which a dispenser for supplying hydrogen fuel to external vehicles, etc. This Plant 1 becomes a hydrogen station that supplies hydrogen fuel to vehicles, etc.

[0059] Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 6, multiple connecting bases 3 are connected to each other via an external connecting mechanism 7. The first connecting base 3 is equipped with a tank module 11a for storing liquid hydrogen and a vaporization module 11c for liquefying the liquid hydrogen. The second connecting base 3 is equipped with a compression module 11d for compressing the hydrogen fuel, which is composed of hydrogen gas, and a dispenser module 11b. The third and fourth connecting bases 3 are each equipped with two compression modules 11d. In Figure 6, the direction of movement of the hydrogen fuel, which is a fluid, is indicated by arrows for illustrative purposes.

[0060] In this embodiment, plant 1 first receives liquefied hydrogen from tank module 11a to vaporization module 11c. In vaporization module 11c, the liquid hydrogen is converted into hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is sent to compression module 11d and compressed to high pressure. The hydrogen gas that has passed through compression module 11d is supplied to vehicles, etc., via dispenser module 11b. Dispenser module 11b receives hydrogen gas compressed by one compression module 11d and hydrogen gas compressed by two compression modules 11d. Plant 1, with its configuration having multiple compression modules 11d, can compress hydrogen gas to high pressure in multiple stages. As illustrated in Figure 7, plant 1 may also have a configuration in which hydrogen gas compressed by one compression module 11d is supplied to vehicles, etc., via dispenser module 11b. In this case, the compressed hydrogen gas may or may not move between the connecting base 3 on which the dispenser module 11b is installed.

[0061] With this configuration, by installing container modules 2 on each of the multiple connecting bases 3, the connection of piping 5 between the container modules 2 can be completed. Compared to conventional technology that connects piping 5 between multiple container modules 2, the construction of the plant 1 becomes easier.

[0062] This configuration allows for fuel supply to Plant 1 by replacing the tank module 11a. Replacing the tank module 11a can be completed in approximately the same amount of time as container handling operations. This enables rapid fuel supply to Plant 1. Furthermore, if a compressor or other component malfunctions, processing at Plant 1 can be resumed by replacing the compression module 11d. This is advantageous for shortening the repair period for Plant 1.

[0063] With this configuration, Plant 1 can be easily expanded by adding connection base 3 and container module 2. For example, if fuel supply to multiple vehicles is required, dispenser module 11b can be added.

[0064] If hydrogen gas is stored as hydrogen fuel in the tank module 11a, the hydrogen gas may be compressed in the compression module 11d without going through the vaporization module 11c, and then supplied to the vehicle or the like from the dispenser module 11b. In this case, two tank modules 11a may be installed on the first connecting base 3, and the bypass piping 5e shown in Figure 3 may be used. Hydrogen gas can be supplied from each of the two tank modules 11a to the second connecting base 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1 Plant 2 Container Modules 2a equipment 2b Container-side coupling mechanism 3 Linked bases 3a Top side 4 Connection mechanism 5 Piping 5a External piping 5b Power cable 5c signal line 5d Intermediate piping 5e Bypass Piping 6 Fixing mechanism 7 External connection mechanism 8 Guide mechanism 9 Control valve 10 Safety mechanism 10a Judgment section 10b Release part 10c Piping release part 10d Control Unit 11a Tank Module 11b Dispenser Module 11c vaporization module 11d compression module x Short direction y Longitudinal direction z Vertical direction S10 Placement step S20 Connecting Step S30 Fixed Step

Claims

1. A plant comprising a container module in which equipment is installed, and a connecting base fixed to a mounting surface and on which the container module is mounted, The connecting base comprises a connecting mechanism that connects to equipment installed inside the container module, a pipe positioned below the upper surface and having one end connected to the connecting mechanism, a fixing mechanism for fixing the container module, and an external connecting mechanism connected to the other end of the pipe and capable of connecting to other connecting bases and enabling the exchange of fluids between them. The aforementioned piping includes piping for fluids, The plant is characterized in that the container module is configured to be connected to other container modules via the connecting base and the piping.

2. The connecting base is sized to accommodate multiple container modules and is equipped with multiple connecting mechanisms configured to be connectable to each of the container modules. The plant according to claim 1, wherein the piping comprises an external piping connecting the connecting mechanism and the external connecting mechanism, and an intermediate piping connecting the connecting mechanisms to each other.

3. A plant comprising a container module in which equipment is installed, and a connecting base fixed to a mounting surface and on which the container module is mounted, The connecting base comprises a connecting mechanism that connects to equipment installed inside the container module, a pipe positioned below the upper surface and having one end connected to the connecting mechanism, a fixing mechanism for fixing the container module, and an external connecting mechanism connected to the other end of the pipe and capable of connecting to other connecting bases and enabling the exchange of fluids between them, and is sized to accommodate multiple container modules, and comprises multiple connecting mechanisms configured to be connectable to each of the container modules. The plant is characterized in that the piping includes piping for fluids and comprises external piping connecting the coupling mechanism and the external coupling mechanism, and intermediate piping connecting the coupling mechanisms to each other.

4. The plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is equipped with a safety mechanism, the safety mechanism comprising a determination unit for determining whether or not the container module and the connecting mechanism are connected, and a release unit for releasing the fixing of the container module by the fixing mechanism when the connecting mechanism is in a disconnected state.

5. The plant according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit has a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the fluid passing through the coupling mechanism.

6. The plant according to claim 2 or 3, having bypass piping that bypasses the connecting mechanism.

7. A method for installing a container module in a plant comprising a container module in which equipment is installed inside, and a connecting base fixed to a mounting surface and on which the container module is mounted, The connecting base is equipped with a connecting mechanism that connects to equipment installed inside the container module, a pipe positioned below the upper surface and with one end connected to the connecting mechanism, a fixing mechanism for fixing the container module, and an external connecting mechanism connected to the other end of the pipe and capable of connecting to other connecting bases and enabling the exchange of fluids between them, wherein the pipe includes a fluid pipe. The installation step involves placing the container module onto the connecting base, A coupling step in which the container module is connected to the coupling mechanism, The container module comprises a fixing step which is fixed to the connecting base by the fixing mechanism, The installation method is characterized in that the connecting step has a configuration in which the container module is connected to other container modules and the piping via the connecting base.

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