Floating body

Abstract

To provide a floating body capable of improving energy efficiency.SOLUTION: A floating body includes: a tank that stores ammonia; a re-liquefaction device including a compressor that compresses gaseous ammonia in the tank, and a condenser that condenses and returns the ammonia compressed by the compressor to the tank; an ammonia-using device that is driven by ammonia gas; an ammonia supply device including a supply line that supplies liquid ammonia in the tank to the ammonia-using device, and an evaporator that is provided on the supply line and evaporates the ammonia flowing in the supply line to generate ammonia gas; and a connection line that introduces the ammonia compressed by the compressor in the re-liquefaction device to the ammonia supply device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a floating body.

Background Art

[0002] In a ship using liquefied gas such as LNG as fuel, the liquefied gas vaporizes due to natural heat input from outside the tank or heat input from equipment such as pumps in the tank storing the liquefied gas, generating boil-off gas. When the boil-off gas in the tank increases, the pressure in the tank rises.

[0003] As a treatment for boil-off gas in the tank to avoid an increase in the pressure in the tank, for example, there are operations such as compressing the boil-off gas with a compressor or the like and then supplying it as fuel to an engine generator (prime mover generator), a boiler, a main engine, etc., or condensing the boil-off gas with a reliquefaction device to reliquefy it and returning it to the tank.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a ship using LNG as fuel for a marine engine. In this Patent Document 1, boil-off gas from a cargo tank is compressed by a gas compressor and supplied to a marine engine such as a boiler. Also, the amount of boil-off gas reliquefied by a reliquefaction device is varied according to the operating state of the ship.

[0005] By the way, in recent years, the momentum to use decarbonized fuels has been extremely increasing internationally, and the active introduction of ammonia co-firing boilers in coal-fired power plants and the like has been under consideration. At the same time, in the field of floating bodies such as ships, the active introduction of ammonia, which is a decarbonized fuel, as fuel for a main engine, an engine generator, and a boiler, which are marine engines, has been under consideration. Therefore, the realization of a floating body operated with ammonia as fuel or a floating body transporting ammonia as cargo is aimed at.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] The boil-off gas mentioned above is also generated in tanks that store liquefied ammonia, a type of liquefied gas. Therefore, its use as fuel for marine engines is being considered. However, ammonia has a higher latent heat compared to other liquefied gases such as LNG, so the amount of boil-off gas generated is less compared to other liquefied gases.

[0008] Therefore, if boil-off gas of liquefied ammonia is used directly as fuel for marine engines, the required amount may be insufficient. In other words, it is currently difficult to use boil-off gas alone as fuel.

[0009] Therefore, instead of using boil-off gas, ammonia gas as fuel is sometimes obtained by extracting liquid ammonia from the tank and vaporizing it in an evaporator or similar device. In this case, since the boil-off gas is not consumed, it may be necessary to process the boil-off gas, for example, by re-liquefying it in a re-liquefaction device, in order to avoid an excessive rise in pressure inside the tank. However, in this case, while the liquid phase ammonia is vaporized in the evaporator, the boil-off gas is condensed in the re-liquefaction unit, which presents a challenge in terms of low energy efficiency.

[0010] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a floating structure that can improve energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above problems, the floating body according to this disclosure comprises a tank for storing ammonia, a reliquefaction device having a compressor for compressing gaseous ammonia in the tank, a condenser for condensing the ammonia compressed by the compressor and returning it to the tank, an ammonia utilization device operated by ammonia gas, a supply line for supplying liquid ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization device, an ammonia supply device provided in the supply line and having an evaporator for evaporating the ammonia flowing through the supply line to generate ammonia gas, and a connection line for introducing the ammonia compressed by the compressor in the reliquefaction device to the ammonia supply device. The ammonia supply device further includes a gas buffer chamber provided in the supply line between the evaporator and the ammonia utilization equipment, which is capable of storing the ammonia gas. ru.

[0012] Furthermore, the floating body according to this disclosure comprises a tank for storing ammonia, an ammonia utilization device operated by ammonia gas, an ammonia supply device having a supply line for supplying liquid-phase ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization device and an evaporator provided in the supply line for evaporating the ammonia flowing through the supply line to generate ammonia gas, a second supply line for supplying gaseous ammonia in the tank to the ammonia supply device, and a compressor for compressing the ammonia flowing through the second supply line. The ammonia supply device further includes a gas buffer chamber provided in the supply line between the evaporator and the ammonia utilization equipment, which is capable of storing the ammonia gas. ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a floating structure that can improve energy efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a floating body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the ammonia treatment system stored in a tank according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the ammonia treatment system stored in a tank according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a diagram for explaining the ammonia treatment system stored in the tank according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a diagram for explaining the ammonia treatment system stored in the tank according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing a floating body according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] <First Embodiment> [Floating Body] The floating body in the present embodiment is a ship that uses liquefied gas as fuel. Examples of the liquefied gas include ammonia (NH3). The type of the ship is not limited to a specific one. Examples of the type of the ship include a liquefied gas carrier, a ferry, a RO-RO ship, a car carrier, a passenger ship, and the like.

[0017] <00�0087>As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the floating body 1 includes a floating body main body 10, an upper structure 20, a tank 30, an ammonia utilization device 40, an ammonia supply device 50, a reliquefaction line 60, a reliquefaction device 70, a connection line 80, and a regulating valve 90.

[0018] (Floating Body Main Body) As shown in FIG. 1, the floating body main body 10 has side hulls 11A, 11B, a bottom hull 12, and an upper deck 13. The side hulls 11A, 11B have a pair of side hull outer plates that respectively form the left and right side hulls 11A and 11B. The bottom hull 12 has a bottom hull outer plate that connects these side hulls 11A, 11B. The upper deck 13 is provided across the pair of side hull outer plates.

[0019] With these side hulls 11A, 11B, bottom hull 12, and upper deck 13, the outer shell of the floating body main body 10 forms a box shape in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the ship's bow-stern direction Fa. The ship's bow-stern direction Fa in the present embodiment means the direction extending from the stern 15 to the bow 14 of the floating body main body 10 (the left-right direction in the figure).

[0020] (Superstructure) The superstructure 20 is a structure provided so as to face upward in the vertical direction Dv from the upper deck 13. The superstructure 20 has, for example, a living area, a bridge, etc.

[0021] (Tank) The tank 30 stores liquefied ammonia as fuel inside. The tank 30 accommodates liquid ammonia (liquefied ammonia) and gaseous ammonia (boil-off gas) generated by vaporization of this liquid ammonia. The tank 30 in the present embodiment is provided, for example, on the upper deck 13 on the stern 15 side in the fore-and-aft direction Fa rather than the superstructure 20.

[0022] (Ammonia utilization equipment) The ammonia utilization equipment 40 is a device that generates thermal energy by burning ammonia. The ammonia utilization equipment 40 is provided, for example, in a compartment such as an engine room (not shown) arranged inside the floating body main body 10.

[0023] Examples of the ammonia utilization equipment 40 include an engine generator that supplies power to the inside of the floating body main body 10 (inside the ship), a boiler that generates steam as a working fluid, and a main engine that generates power for propelling the floating body main body 10. The ammonia utilization equipment 40 in the present embodiment is an engine generator that uses gaseous ammonia as fuel. Hereinafter, gaseous ammonia is referred to as "ammonia gas", and liquid ammonia is referred to as "liquefied ammonia".

[0024] The exhaust gas discharged from the ammonia utilization equipment 40 by combustion of ammonia gas is purified, for example, by an exhaust gas purification device 200. The exhaust gas purified by the exhaust gas purification device 200 is discharged into the atmosphere through a flue 210 that penetrates the upper deck 13 and extends upward in the vertical direction Dv while being connected to the exhaust gas purification device 200.

[0025] Furthermore, the portion of the flue 210 that extends outside the floating body 10 is surrounded by the engine casing 220 and the funnel 230. These flue 210, engine casing 220, and funnel 230 are, for example, located on the stern side 15 in the bow-stern direction Fa than the superstructure 20.

[0026] (Ammonia supply system) As shown in Figure 2, the ammonia supply device 50 is a device that supplies liquefied ammonia in the liquid phase within the tank 30 to the ammonia utilization equipment 40. The ammonia supply device 50 is located, for example, inside the float body 10. The ammonia supply device 50 in this embodiment includes a pump 51, a supply line 52, an evaporator 53, and a gas buffer chamber 54.

[0027] (pump) The pump 51 is capable of pressurizing the liquid phase liquefied ammonia in the tank 30 to the outside of the tank 30. In this embodiment, the pump 51 is located inside the tank 30.

[0028] (Supply line) The supply line 52 is a pipe connecting the ammonia utilization equipment 40 and the pump 51. The supply line 52 supplies liquefied ammonia, which has been pumped by the pump 51, to the ammonia utilization equipment 40 via the evaporator 53 and the gas buffer chamber 54.

[0029] In this embodiment, the pressure of the liquefied ammonia being pumped by the pump 51 and flowing through the supply line 52 is, for example, in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 MPaG. The temperature of this liquefied ammonia is, for example, in the range of -40 to -30°C under the same pressure.

[0030] (Evaporator) The evaporator 53 is a heat exchanger that changes the state of liquefied ammonia flowing through the supply line 52 into ammonia gas by evaporating it. In other words, the evaporator 53 generates ammonia gas from the liquefied ammonia in the tank 30. The evaporator 53 is installed in the supply line 52. The evaporator 53 is also supplied with a heat source from an external source to heat the liquefied ammonia flowing through the supply line 52. Examples of heat sources supplied to the evaporator 53 include glycol water heated by recovering waste heat from the floating body 10, and the surrounding seawater that keeps the floating body 10 afloat.

[0031] Here, the evaporator 53 has the function of mixing a gaseous fluid supplied from an external source with a liquid fluid supplied from an external source to create a gas-liquid multiphase fluid. In this embodiment, the evaporator 53 mixes liquefied ammonia from the tank 30 flowing through the supply line 52 with ammonia gas flowing through the connection line 80 (described later) to create a gas-liquid multiphase ammonia. The evaporator 53 generates ammonia gas by exchanging heat between this gas-liquid multiphase ammonia and the heat source. Examples of evaporators 53 include microchannel heat exchangers.

[0032] (Gas buffer chamber) The gas buffer chamber 54 is a container having an internal space for temporarily storing ammonia gas generated by the evaporator 53. Therefore, the ammonia gas generated by the evaporator 53 is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 through the supply line 52 and temporarily stored in the gas buffer chamber 54. The ammonia gas temporarily stored in the gas buffer chamber 54 is supplied to the ammonia utilization equipment 40 through the supply line 52.

[0033] In this embodiment, the pressure of the ammonia gas stored in the gas buffer chamber 54 is, for example, in the range of 0.55 to 0.65 MPaG. Furthermore, the temperature of this ammonia gas is, for example, in the range of 15 to 50°C under the same pressure.

[0034] (Reliquefaction line) The reliquefaction line 60 leads the ammonia gas in the gas phase inside the tank 30, which is the boil-off gas, to the outside of the tank 30. In this embodiment, the reliquefaction line 60 is a pipe that guides the ammonia gas from the gas phase inside the tank 30 toward the reliquefaction device 70, and returns the liquefied ammonia reliquefied by the reliquefaction device 70 back into the tank 30. In this embodiment, the reliquefaction line 60 is located, for example, inside the float body 10. Note that the ammonia gas in the gas phase inside the tank 30 may contain small amounts of inert gases, etc.

[0035] One end of the reliquefaction line 60 is provided in the tank 30 to allow the discharge of ammonia gas from the gaseous phase within the tank 30. The other end of the reliquefaction line 60 is, for example, immersed in the liquid phase within the tank 30. For the sake of explanation, the side of the reliquefaction line 60 with the aforementioned one end will be referred to as the "upstream side," and the side of the reliquefaction line 60 with the aforementioned other end will be referred to as the "downstream side."

[0036] (Reliquefaction equipment) The reliquefaction device 70 is a device that reliquefies ammonia gas. In this embodiment, the reliquefaction device 70 is located, for example, inside the floating body 10. The reliquefaction device 70 includes a compressor 71, a condenser 72, and an expansion valve 73.

[0037] (Compressor) The compressor 71 is a device that compresses the ammonia gas supplied from the tank 30 via the reliquefaction line 60. The compressor 71 is located in the reliquefaction line 60. The compressor 71 compresses the ammonia gas supplied from the gas phase in the tank 30 to a predetermined pressure. The ammonia gas compressed by this compressor 71 is discharged into the reliquefaction line 60 downstream of the compressor 71.

[0038] Here, the ammonia gas introduced into the compressor 71 is compressed and heated to a predetermined temperature.

[0039] In this embodiment, the pressure of the ammonia gas flowing through the reliquefaction line 60 toward the compressor 71 is, for example, in the range of 0 to 20 kPaG, and the temperature of this ammonia gas is, for example, in the range of -25 to -15°C under the same pressure.

[0040] The temperature and pressure range of this ammonia gas may vary depending on the type of tank. For example, if tank 30 is an IMO Type A tank, the pressure will be in the range of, for example, 0 to 70 kPaG. If tank 30 is an IMO Type C tank, the pressure will be in the range of, for example, 0.2 to 0.7 MPaG. The terms "IMO Type A tank" and "IMO Type C tank" here refer to those defined by the IGC (International Gas Carrier) Code, which is the safety regulation for liquefied gases established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

[0041] Furthermore, the pressure of the ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 and flowing through the reliquefaction line 60 is, for example, in the range of 1.6 to 1.8 MPaG, and the temperature of this ammonia gas is, for example, in the range of 140 to 160°C under the same pressure.

[0042] (Condenser) The condenser 72 is a heat exchanger that condenses ammonia gas by cooling the ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71. The condenser 72 is located in the reliquefaction line 60 downstream of the compressor 71. The condenser 72 is supplied with a heat source from an external source to cool the ammonia gas. Examples of the heat source supplied to the condenser include the surrounding seawater that keeps the floating body 10 afloat.

[0043] (Expansion valve) The expansion valve 73 adiabatically expands the liquefied ammonia condensed by the condenser 72, thereby reducing the pressure and temperature of the ammonia. In this embodiment, the expansion valve 73 reduces the pressure and temperature of the liquefied ammonia condensed by the condenser 72 to a level where it is safe to return it to the tank 30.

[0044] The expansion valve 73 is located in the reliquefaction line 60 downstream of the condenser 72. The liquefied ammonia that has passed through the expansion valve 73 is guided into the tank 30 through the reliquefaction line 60 and released into the liquid phase in the tank 30 from the other end of the reliquefaction line 60.

[0045] In this embodiment, the pressure of the liquefied ammonia returning to the tank 30 via the expansion valve 73 is, for example, in the range of 0 to 20 kPaG. Furthermore, the temperature of the liquefied ammonia returning to the tank 30 via the expansion valve 73 is, under the same pressure, in the range of -40 to -30°C.

[0046] (Connection line) The connection line 80 is a pipe for introducing ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 of the reliquefaction unit 70 into the ammonia supply unit 50. In this embodiment, the connection line 80 connects the reliquefaction line 60 between the compressor 71 and the condenser 72 to the evaporator 53 of the ammonia supply unit 50.

[0047] (Adjustment valve) The control valve 90 is a valve capable of shutting off the flow of ammonia gas through the connection line 80 and adjusting the flow rate of ammonia gas through the connection line 80. The control valve 90 is installed in the connection line 80. When the control valve 90 is in the open state, ammonia gas flows through the connection line 80, and when it is in the closed state, ammonia gas does not flow through the connection line 80. The opening degree of the control valve 90 can be changed manually or automatically by the crew of the floating body 1.

[0048] Here, the ammonia gas flowing through the connection line 80 after passing through the control valve 90 merges with the liquefied ammonia supplied from the tank 30 in the evaporator 53. The gas-liquid mixed-phase ammonia that merges in the evaporator 53 is heated by the heat source and vaporizes into ammonia gas. This ammonia gas is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 through the supply line 52.

[0049] In this embodiment, the pressure of the ammonia gas flowing from the control valve 90 to the evaporator 53 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 0.7 MPaG. Furthermore, the temperature of this ammonia gas is, for example, in the range of 50 to 100°C under the same pressure.

[0050] (Effects and Benefits) In the above configuration, ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 of the reliquefaction unit 70 is introduced to the ammonia supply unit 50 as fuel through the connection line 80. In other words, the boil-off gas from the tank 30 compressed by the compressor 71 of the reliquefaction unit 70 can be effectively utilized, thus reducing the amount of liquefied ammonia supplied from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 through the supply line 52. Consequently, the thermal energy required for vaporization of liquefied ammonia in the evaporator 53 can be reduced. As a result, energy efficiency can be improved.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the ammonia gas, which has been brought to a predetermined pressure and temperature by the compressor 71, merges with liquefied ammonia in the evaporator 53. Therefore, even if the flow rate or velocity of the liquefied ammonia flowing through the supply line 52 from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 fluctuates, for example, the temperature of the ammonia gas flowing out of the evaporator 53 can be kept more constant. Consequently, ammonia gas with a more stable temperature can be supplied to the ammonia utilization equipment 40.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above configuration, a control valve 90 is provided in the connection line 80. Therefore, for example, when the amount of ammonia gas stored in the gas buffer chamber 54 is sufficient, or when the internal pressure of the tank 30 is low, the control valve 90 can be closed to stop the introduction of gaseous ammonia gas from the tank 30 into the evaporator 53. In addition, by stopping the introduction of ammonia gas into the evaporator 53 and introducing ammonia gas into the condenser 72 provided in the reliquefaction line 60, the internal pressure of the tank 30 can be continuously controlled. Thus, appropriate operation according to the situation can be achieved. Also, by adjusting the opening degree of the control valve 90, the amount of liquefied ammonia sent to the evaporator 53 through the connection line 80 can be adjusted.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above configuration, a gas buffer chamber 54 capable of storing ammonia gas from the evaporator 53 is provided in the supply line 52. Therefore, even if, for example, the amount of ammonia gas consumed by the ammonia utilization equipment 40 fluctuates, the required amount of ammonia gas can be continuously supplied to the ammonia utilization equipment 40 from the gas buffer chamber 54.

[0054] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the floating body 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 3. In the second embodiment described below, components common to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figure and their descriptions are omitted. In the second embodiment, the connection point between the connection line 80 and the ammonia supply device 50 is different from the connection point between the connection line 80 and the ammonia supply device 50 described in the first embodiment.

[0055] (Connection line) In this embodiment, the connection line 80 connects the reliquefaction line 60 between the compressor 71 and the condenser 72, and the supply line 52 in the ammonia supply device 50, which is on the tank 30 side of the evaporator 53.

[0056] (Effects and Benefits) In this configuration, ammonia gas, compressed to a predetermined pressure and temperature by the compressor 71, flows into the supply line 52 through which liquefied ammonia flows. The ammonia, which merges in the supply line 52 and becomes a gas-liquid mixed phase, is supplied to the evaporator 53. Therefore, even if the flow rate or velocity of liquefied ammonia flowing through the supply line 52 from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 fluctuates, the temperature of the ammonia gas flowing out of the evaporator 53 can be kept more constant. Consequently, ammonia gas with a more stable temperature can be supplied to the ammonia utilization equipment 40.

[0057] Furthermore, when the ammonia gas merges with the liquefied ammonia in the supply line 52, the ammonia gas is cooled by the liquefied ammonia (heat exchange), and a portion of the ammonia gas becomes liquefied ammonia. This increases the proportion of liquefied ammonia in the ammonia flowing through the supply line 52. Consequently, more ammonia gas can be produced in the evaporator 53.

[0058] Furthermore, in this configuration, even if, for example, an existing evaporator 53 with a single inlet capable of receiving ammonia is being used, the addition of the connection line 80 has little impact on the specifications of this evaporator 53. Therefore, the cost incurred when adding the connection line 80 can be suppressed.

[0059] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the floating body 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 4. In the second embodiment described below, components common to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figure and their descriptions are omitted. In the second embodiment, the connection point between the connection line 80 and the ammonia supply device 50 is different from the connection point between the connection line 80 and the ammonia supply device 50 described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the floating body 1 described in the third embodiment further includes a heat exchanger 100.

[0060] (Connection line) In this embodiment, the connection line 80 connects the reliquefaction line 60 between the compressor 71 and the condenser 72 to the gas buffer chamber 54 of the ammonia supply device 50.

[0061] (heat exchanger) The heat exchanger 100 converts the ammonia gas compressed by the compressor 71 into ammonia gas at the desired temperature. The heat exchanger 100 is located on the connection line 80 on the gas buffer chamber 54 side of the control valve 90. The heat exchanger 100 is supplied with an external heat source to adjust the ammonia gas flowing through the connection line 80 to the appropriate temperature required by the ammonia utilization equipment 40. Examples of heat sources supplied to the heat exchanger 100 include glycol water heated by recovering waste heat from the floating body 10, and the surrounding seawater that keeps the floating body 10 afloat. The ammonia gas flowing out of the heat exchanger 100 is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 through the connection line 80.

[0062] (Effects and Benefits) In this configuration, ammonia gas heated to the desired temperature by the heat exchanger 100 is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 and merges with ammonia gas from the evaporator 53. Therefore, even if the temperature and pressure of the ammonia gas from the evaporator 53 fluctuate due to fluctuations in the flow rate or velocity of liquefied ammonia flowing through the supply line 52, the temperature of the ammonia gas ultimately supplied from the gas buffer chamber 54 to the ammonia utilization equipment 40 can be kept more constant. Consequently, ammonia gas with a more stable temperature can be supplied to the ammonia utilization equipment 40.

[0063] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that of the embodiments, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the configuration are possible without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0064] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the floating body 1 may not have the reliquefaction line 60, reliquefaction device 70, connection line 80, and control valve 90 described above, and instead may have a second supply line 110, a compressor 71a, and a control valve 90a. The configuration of the second supply line 110, compressor 71a, and control valve 90a will be described below.

[0065] The second supply line 110 is a pipe for supplying ammonia gas, which is the boil-off gas in the tank 30, to the ammonia supply device 50. The second supply line 110 is located, for example, inside the float body 10. One end of the second supply line 110 is provided in the tank 30 to allow the discharge of gaseous ammonia from the tank 30. The other end of the second supply line 110 is connected to the evaporator 53 of the ammonia supply device 50.

[0066] The compressor 71a is a device that compresses ammonia gas from the tank 30 flowing through the second supply line 110. The compressor 71a is located in the second supply line 110. The compressor 71a compresses the ammonia gas to a predetermined pressure and discharges the compressed ammonia gas to the second supply line 110 on the evaporator 53 side of the compressor 71a.

[0067] The control valve 90a is a valve capable of shutting off the flow of ammonia gas through the second supply line 110 and adjusting the flow rate of ammonia gas through the second supply line 110. The control valve 90a is installed in the second supply line 110 between the compressor 71a and the evaporator 53. When the control valve 90a is in the open state, ammonia gas flows through the second supply line 110, and when it is in the closed state, ammonia gas does not flow through the second supply line 110. The opening degree of the control valve 90a can be changed manually or automatically by the crew of the floating body 1.

[0068] The configuration described above can also produce the effects and benefits described in the first embodiment. Although not shown in the diagram, the other end of the second supply line 110 may be connected to, for example, a supply line 52 upstream of the evaporator 53. Furthermore, the other end of the second supply line 110 may be connected to, for example, a gas buffer chamber 54. If the other end of the second supply line 110 is connected to a gas buffer chamber 54, a heat exchanger 100 may be provided in the second supply line 110.

[0069] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the tank 30 is provided on the upper deck 13, the configuration is not limited to this, and the tank 30 may be provided inside the floating body 10.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a tank 30 for storing fuel was described as an example. However, the tank for storing fuel is not limited to a tank 30 dedicated to fuel. For example, the tank for storing fuel may be a tank (cargo tank) for storing liquefied gas as cargo, which is placed in a cargo hold or the like within the floating body 10.

[0071] Furthermore, although the floating body 1 described in the above embodiment is a ship that uses ammonia as fuel, it is not limited to ammonia. The floating body 1 may also use liquefied gas such as LNG or LPG as fuel. Also, the floating body 1 is not limited to a ship, and instead of a ship, it may be an FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) or FSU (Floating Storage Unit), etc.

[0072] Furthermore, the configurations of the floating body 1 described in the above embodiments are not limited to independent configurations. The floating body 1 may be constructed by appropriately combining the components described in each embodiment.

[0073] <Note> The floating bodies described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0074] (1) The floating body 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a tank 30 for storing ammonia, a reliquefaction device 70 having a compressor 71 for compressing gaseous ammonia in the tank 30, and a condenser 72 for condensing the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 and returning it to the tank 30, an ammonia utilization device 40 operated by ammonia gas, a supply line 52 for supplying liquid ammonia in the tank 30 to the ammonia utilization device 40, and an evaporator 53 provided in the supply line 52 for evaporating the ammonia flowing through the supply line 52 to generate ammonia gas, and a connection line 80 for introducing the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 in the reliquefaction device 70 to the ammonia supply device 50.

[0075] As a result, the ammonia supply device 50 can effectively utilize the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 of the reliquefaction device 70, thereby reducing the amount of ammonia that the evaporator 53 evaporates from the tank 30.

[0076] (2) The floating body 1 according to the second embodiment is the floating body 1 of (1), and the connection line 80 may introduce the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 into the evaporator 53.

[0077] As a result, the ammonia, which has been brought to a predetermined pressure and temperature by the compressor 71, merges with the ammonia from the tank 30 in the evaporator 53. Therefore, even if, for example, the flow rate or velocity of ammonia flowing through the supply line 52 from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 fluctuates, the temperature of the ammonia gas flowing out of the evaporator 53 can be kept more constant.

[0078] (3) The floating body 1 according to the third embodiment is the floating body 1 of (1), wherein the connection line 80 may introduce the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 into the supply line 52 on the tank 30 side of the evaporator 53.

[0079] As a result, ammonia that has been brought to a predetermined pressure and temperature by the compressor 71 flows into the supply line 52, merges with ammonia from the tank 30, and is then supplied to the evaporator 53 through the supply line 52. Therefore, even if the flow rate or velocity of ammonia flowing through the supply line 52 from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 fluctuates, for example, the temperature of the ammonia gas flowing out of the evaporator 53 can be kept more constant. Furthermore, even if, for example, an evaporator 53 with a single inlet capable of receiving ammonia is being used, there is no need to change the specifications of this evaporator 53 when adding a connection line 80.

[0080] (4) The floating body 1 according to the fourth embodiment is the floating body 1 of (1), further comprising a heat exchanger 100 that converts the ammonia compressed by the compressor 71 into ammonia gas at a target temperature, the ammonia supply device 50 further comprising a gas buffer chamber 54 provided in the supply line 52 between the evaporator 53 and the ammonia utilization device 40 and capable of storing the ammonia gas, and the connection line 80 may introduce the ammonia gas, which has been brought to the target temperature by the heat exchanger 100, into the gas buffer chamber 54.

[0081] As a result, the ammonia gas, which has been heated to the desired temperature by the heat exchanger 100, is introduced into the gas buffer chamber 54 and merges with the ammonia gas from the evaporator 53. Therefore, even if the temperature and pressure of the ammonia gas from the evaporator 53 fluctuate due to fluctuations in the flow rate or velocity of ammonia flowing through the supply line 52, the temperature of the ammonia gas ultimately supplied from the gas buffer chamber 54 to the ammonia utilization equipment 40 can be kept more constant. Furthermore, even if the amount of ammonia gas consumed by the ammonia utilization equipment 40 fluctuates, the gas buffer chamber 54 can continue to supply the necessary amount of ammonia gas to the ammonia utilization equipment 40.

[0082] (5) The float 1 according to the fifth embodiment is any of the float 1 from (1) to (4), and may further include a control valve 90 capable of shutting off the flow of ammonia in the connection line 80 and adjusting the flow rate of ammonia flowing through the connection line 80.

[0083] This allows the control valve 90 to be closed, for example, when there is a sufficient amount of ammonia gas stored in the gas buffer chamber 54 or when the internal pressure of the tank 30 is low, thereby stopping the introduction of gaseous ammonia from the tank 30 into the evaporator 53. Furthermore, by adjusting the opening degree of the control valve 90, the flow rate of ammonia sent to the evaporator 53 through the connection line 80 can be adjusted.

[0084] (6) The floating body 1 according to the sixth embodiment comprises a tank 30 for storing ammonia, an ammonia utilization device 40 operated by ammonia gas, an ammonia supply device 50 having a supply line 52 for supplying liquid-phase ammonia in the tank 30 to the ammonia utilization device 40, and an evaporator 53 provided in the supply line 52 for evaporating the ammonia flowing through the supply line 52 to generate ammonia gas, a second supply line 110 for supplying gaseous ammonia in the tank 30 to the ammonia supply device 50, and a compressor 71a for compressing the ammonia flowing through the second supply line 110.

[0085] This allows for the utilization of ammonia in the gas phase within the tank 30, thereby reducing the amount of ammonia flowing from the tank 30 to the evaporator 53 of the ammonia supply device 50. In other words, it reduces the amount of ammonia from the tank 30 that the evaporator 53 evaporates. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1…Floating structure 10…Floating structure body 11A,11B…Side 12…Bottom 13…Upper deck 14…Bow 15…Stern 20…Superstructure 30…Tank 40…Ammonia utilization equipment 50…Ammonia supply device 51…Pump 52…Supply line 53…Evaporator 54…Gas buffer chamber 60…Reliquefaction line 70…Reliquefaction device 71,71a…Compressor 72…Condenser 73…Expansion valve 80…Connection line 90,90a…Control valve 100…Heat exchanger 110…Second supply line 200…Exhaust gas purification device 210…Flue 220…Engine casing 230…Funnel Dv…Vertical direction Fa…Bow and stern direction

Claims

1. A tank for storing ammonia, A reliquefaction apparatus having a compressor for compressing ammonia in the gas phase within the tank, and a condenser for condensing the ammonia compressed by the compressor and returning it to the tank, Ammonia-using equipment that operates using ammonia gas, An ammonia supply device comprising a supply line for supplying liquid ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization equipment, and an evaporator provided in the supply line for evaporating the ammonia flowing through the supply line to generate ammonia gas, A connection line for introducing the ammonia compressed by the compressor in the reliquefaction apparatus into the ammonia supply apparatus, Equipped with, The ammonia supply device further comprises a floating body provided in the supply line between the evaporator and the ammonia utilization equipment, and having a gas buffer chamber capable of storing the ammonia gas.

2. The floating body according to claim 1, wherein the connection line introduces the ammonia compressed by the compressor into the evaporator.

3. The floating body according to claim 1, wherein the connection line introduces the ammonia compressed by the compressor into the supply line on the tank side of the evaporator.

4. The compressor further comprises a heat exchanger that converts the compressed ammonia into ammonia gas at a target temperature. The floating body according to claim 1, wherein the connection line introduces the ammonia gas, which has been heated to a target temperature by the heat exchanger, into the gas buffer chamber.

5. The float according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a control valve capable of blocking the flow of ammonia in the connection line and adjusting the flow rate of ammonia flowing through the connection line.

6. A tank for storing ammonia, Ammonia-using equipment that operates using ammonia gas, An ammonia supply device comprising a supply line for supplying liquid ammonia in the tank to the ammonia utilization equipment, and an evaporator provided in the supply line for evaporating the ammonia flowing through the supply line to generate ammonia gas, A second supply line supplies ammonia in the gas phase within the tank to the ammonia supply device, A compressor for compressing the ammonia flowing through the second supply line, Equipped with, The ammonia supply device further comprises a floating body provided in the supply line between the evaporator and the ammonia utilization equipment, and having a gas buffer chamber capable of storing the ammonia gas.

Images