Ammonia fuel supply facility, and ammonia fuel supply method

Abstract

The ammonia fuel supply facility comprises a floating body floating on water, an ammonia tank provided on the floating body for storing liquid ammonia, an ammonia line for guiding the liquid ammonia in the ammonia tank to the outside of the floating body, a water line for guiding the surrounding water where the floating body is floating into the floating body, and a heating unit provided on the floating body for heating the liquid ammonia by exchanging heat between the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line and the water flowing through the water line.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ammonia fuel supply facility and an ammonia fuel supply method.

[0002] The present application claims priority to patent application No. 2021-119931 filed in Japan on July 20, 2021, and incorporates the contents thereof herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a marine fuel gas supply system that vaporizes liquefied natural gas and supplies it to an engine. Liquefied natural gas is kept in a liquid state to reduce its volume and improve efficiency during transportation or storage. Since such liquefied natural gas is sometimes supplied to an engine after vaporization, Patent Document 1 effectively utilizes the engine's waste heat by heat-exchanging the engine's cooling water with the liquefied natural gas when vaporizing the liquefied natural gas.

[0004] Meanwhile, as the international momentum for decarbonization fuels increases, the introduction of ammonia co-firing boilers in coal-fired power plants is being considered. When ammonia is used as fuel, new facilities such as ammonia storage tanks are required. However, in existing power plants, it may not be possible to secure space to install ammonia tanks. Therefore, for power plants facing the sea, lakes, or swamps, the storage of ammonia fuel on floating structures in the sea, lakes, or swamps is being considered. Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-531966 The problem to be solved

[0006] As described in Patent Document 1, when liquefied natural gas is used as fuel, the stored liquefied natural gas can be regasified and then supplied to a combustion device within a facility such as a power plant. However, if liquid ammonia is vaporized and then supplied to the combustion device, there is a possibility that the ammonia gas may be re-liquefied during supply depending on the supply pressure or ambient temperature. Therefore, it is preferable to supply the stored ammonia to the combustion device in a liquid state or to vaporize it immediately before the combustion device.

[0007] However, since the stored liquid ammonia is at a low temperature, such as approximately -33°C, burning it directly within the aforementioned combustion device results in significant energy loss. Furthermore, if it is vaporized immediately before the combustion device, external heat required for vaporization becomes necessary.

[0008] The present disclosure is made to solve the above problem and aims to provide an ammonia fuel supply facility and an ammonia fuel supply method capable of improving the energy efficiency of an onshore plant using ammonia as fuel. means of solving the problem

[0009] To solve the above problem, the following configuration is adopted.

[0010] An ammonia fuel supply facility according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a floating body floating on water, an ammonia tank provided on the floating body for storing liquid ammonia, an ammonia line for guiding the liquid ammonia in the ammonia tank to the outside of the floating body, a water line for guiding the surrounding water where the floating body is floating into the floating body, and a heating unit provided on the floating body for heating the liquid ammonia by exchanging heat between the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line and the water flowing through the water line. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to the ammonia fuel supply facility and ammonia fuel supply method of the above embodiment, the energy efficiency of an onshore plant using ammonia as fuel can be improved. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an ammonia fuel supply facility according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a figure corresponding to FIG. 1 in a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a figure corresponding to FIG. 1 in the third and fourth embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a control device in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the control device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an ammonia fuel supply method in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a control device in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an ammonia fuel supply method in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] [First embodiment]

[0014] Hereinafter, an ammonia fuel supply facility and an ammonia fuel supply method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an ammonia fuel supply facility according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] (Composition of ammonia fuel supply facilities)

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of this first embodiment is equipped with at least a floating body (2), an ammonia tank (3), an ammonia line (4), a water line (5), and a heating unit (6). The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of the first embodiment supplies liquid ammonia used as fuel to an onshore plant (not shown), such as a coal-fired power plant.

[0017] The floating body (2) is installed by floating on water, such as a sea, lake, or swamp, facing the above-mentioned land plant. The floating body (2) has at least a plurality of side walls (7) surrounding it and a bottom wall (8) covering the lower edge of these side walls (7). The floating body (2) of the first embodiment does not have a main engine for propelling the floating body (2), but it may have a main engine for propelling the floating body (2). As the floating body (2), for example, a liquefied gas carrier or an FSU (Floating Storage Unit) may be used.

[0018] The ammonia tank (3) stores liquid ammonia as fuel. This ammonia tank (3) is housed in a floating body (2). The liquid ammonia stored in the ammonia tank (3) is, for example, at -33°C. The ammonia tank (3) is covered with an insulating material that reduces heat input from the outside. Also, while FIG. 1 shows a case where one ammonia tank (3) is provided for one floating body (2), multiple ammonia tanks (3) may be provided for one floating body (2).

[0019] The ammonia line (4) directs liquid ammonia inside the ammonia tank (3) to the outside of the floating body (2). The ammonia line (4) of this embodiment has a manifold (9) at the end opposite to the ammonia tank (3), so that a loading connection pipe (10) (e.g., a loading arm) provided on land can be connected to this manifold (9). In addition, the ammonia line (4) is equipped with a booster pump (11) that boosts the pressure to supply liquid ammonia to the outside of the floating body (2). The booster pump (11) of this embodiment boosts the pressure of the liquid ammonia to, for example, about 1 MPa. The loading connection pipe (10) is connected to a pipe (12) extending from a plant on land. Liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line (4) is supplied to an onshore plant through these unloading connection pipes (10) and pipes (12). Here, at the onshore plant, for example, the liquid ammonia is pressurized and heated, then sprayed and burned in a liquid state, or the liquid ammonia is pressurized and heated to vaporize it into an ammonia gas state and then burned. In addition, in the ammonia line (4) of this embodiment, an opening / closing valve (16) for opening and closing the flow path of the ammonia line (4) is provided between the boosting pump (11) and the heating unit (6). In addition, a pipe joint (17) is provided between the opening / closing valve (16) and the heating unit (6) in the ammonia line (4). These opening / closing valves (16) and pipe joints (17) may be provided as needed and may be omitted. Additionally, the arrangement of the opening and closing valve (16) is not limited to between the booster pump (11) and the heating unit (6), and the arrangement of the pipe joint (17) is also not limited to between the opening and closing valve (16) and the heating unit (6).

[0020] The water line (5) guides the surrounding water where the floating body (2) is floating into the floating body (2). The water line (5) of this embodiment has an inlet (13) on one of the two side walls (7A) arranged facing each other, and an outlet (14) on the other side wall (7B). The water line (5) has a water pump (15) that supplies water from the inlet (13) toward the outlet (14). With this configuration, water introduced into the water line (5) from the inlet (13) passes through a heating unit (6) arranged above the ammonia tank (3) and is then discharged from the outlet (14). Additionally, although the water line (5) of this embodiment is illustrated as being wired to pass through the receiving space of the ammonia tank (3), it may also be wired to pass around the ammonia tank (3). When a water line (5) passes through the receiving space of an ammonia tank (3), the water line (5) is insulated so that no heat is input from the water line (5) to the liquid ammonia stored in the ammonia tank (3).

[0021] The heating unit (6) is provided in the floating body (2). The heating unit (6) of this embodiment is installed above the ammonia tank (3) as described above. The heating unit (6) heats the liquid ammonia by exchanging heat between the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line (4) and the water flowing through the water line (5). At this time, the temperature of the water flowing through the water line (5) is lowered by exchanging heat with the liquid ammonia. Here, the temperature of the liquid ammonia after heating by the heating unit (6) can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the water flowing through the water line (5). Since the temperature of the water around the floating body (2) changes according to the season or climate, the temperature of the liquid ammonia after heating can be kept within a predetermined range by adjusting the flow rate of the water flowing through the water line (5).

[0022] Effects of Action

[0023] The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of the first embodiment heats the liquid ammonia by exchanging heat between the water flowing through the water line (5) and the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line (4) in the heating section (6).

[0024] By doing this, it becomes possible to raise the temperature of the liquid ammonia using the heat of the surrounding water where the floating body (2) is floating. Therefore, energy loss within a combustion device, such as a boiler, in a land-based plant, such as a coal-fired power plant, can be reduced. In addition, since the energy required to heat the liquid ammonia right in front of the combustion device equipped in the land-based plant can be reduced, the use of external heat, such as steam, to heat the liquid ammonia in the land-based plant can be suppressed. Thus, it becomes possible to improve the energy efficiency of a land-based plant that uses ammonia as fuel.

[0025] In the first embodiment, liquid ammonia is pressurized by a booster pump (11) and then further heated in a heating unit (6).

[0026] By doing this, the pressurized liquid ammonia can be supplied to equipment such as vaporizers or combustion devices on land. As a result, the liquid ammonia can be rapidly pressurized to a narrow portion of the latent heat on the Mollier diagram. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve energy efficiency in onshore plants.

[0027] [Second embodiment]

[0028] Next, an ammonia fuel supply facility according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above only in that it is equipped with a heating device and a reheating unit. Therefore, in this second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to describe parts identical to those in the first embodiment described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a figure corresponding to FIG. 1 in a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] The ammonia fuel supply facility (201) of the second embodiment is equipped with at least a floating body (2), an ammonia tank (3), an ammonia line (4), a water line (5), a heating unit (6), a heating device (21), and a reheating unit (22). The ammonia fuel supply facility (201) of the second embodiment also supplies liquid ammonia used as fuel to an onshore plant (not shown), such as a coal-fired power plant, in the same way as the first embodiment.

[0031] The heating device (21) is a device that emits heat and is provided in the float (2). Examples of the heating device (21) include a generator engine that generates power within the float (2), an air conditioning device provided within the float (2), and a drain cooler in the case where steam is used as a heat source.

[0032] The reheating unit (22) reheats water whose temperature has been lowered by heat exchange with liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6) using heat from the heating device (21). The reheating unit (22) exemplified in this second embodiment reheats water whose temperature has been lowered using heat from the heating device (21). The water reheated by this reheating unit (22) is discharged to the outside of the body (2) from the outlet (14) of the water line (5). Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the case of reheating water using heat is described as an example, but the heat used to reheat water is not limited to heat. For example, the heating device (21) may be a dedicated device for reheating water whose temperature has been lowered.

[0033] Effects of Action

[0034] In the second embodiment above, the water in the water line (5) directed from the heating unit (6) to the discharge port (14) is reheated using the heat generated within the float (2).

[0035] By doing this, when a lower temperature limit is set for the water discharged from the float (2), it becomes possible to make the temperature of the water discharged from the outlet (14) to the outside of the float (2) higher than the lower temperature limit. In addition, since the water discharged to the outside of the float (2) can be reheated, there is no need to increase the flow rate of water supplied to the heating unit (6) to raise the temperature of the water discharged to the outside of the float (2), and thus the flow rate of water supplied to the heating unit (6) can be reduced. As a result, the output of the water pump (15) can be suppressed, thereby promoting energy saving. In addition, since it becomes possible to use a smaller water pump (15) with a smaller output, it becomes possible to, for example, make the ammonia tank (3) provided in the float (2) larger, or improve the freedom of installation of other devices.

[0036] In addition, the temperature of the water discharged around the float (2) can be prevented from dropping excessively and affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

[0037] [Third Embodiment]

[0038] Next, an ammonia fuel supply facility in the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above only in that it automatically controls the flow rate of water flowing through the water line (5). Therefore, in this third embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment described above are used for description, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a figure corresponding to FIG. 1 in the third and fourth embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] The ammonia fuel supply facility (301) of the third embodiment is equipped with at least a floating body (2), an ammonia tank (3), an ammonia line (4), a water line (305), a heating unit (6), a liquid ammonia state detection unit (31), a water state detection unit (32), and a control device (33). The ammonia fuel supply facility (301) of the third embodiment also supplies liquid ammonia used as fuel to an onshore plant (not shown), such as a coal-fired power plant, in the same way as the first embodiment.

[0041] The water line (305) guides the surrounding water where the float (2) is floating into the float (2), just like the water line (5) of the first embodiment. The water line (305) of this third embodiment differs from the water line (5) of the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a water pump (flow rate adjustment unit) (315) capable of adjusting the flow rate along it. The operation of this water pump (315) is controlled by a control device (33).

[0042] The liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) detects at least the temperature as the state of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6). The liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) of this embodiment detects the state of the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line (4) at a location close to the manifold (9) connected to the unloading connection pipe (10) in the ammonia line (4). The detection signal of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) is input to the control device (33).

[0043] The water state detection unit (32) detects the temperature of the water as a state in which the temperature is lowered by heat exchange with liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6). In this embodiment, the water state detection unit (32) detects the state of the water flowing through the water line (305) at a location closer to the outlet (14) than to the heating unit (6) in the water line (305). The detection signal of this water state detection unit (32) is input to the control device (33).

[0044] (Configuration of the control device)

[0045] The control device (33) controls the ammonia fuel supply facility (301). More specifically, the control device (33) controls the water pump (315) based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31). In addition, the control device (33) controls the water pump (315) based on the detection result of the water state detection unit (32).

[0046] (Hardware configuration diagram of the control unit)

[0047] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a control device in a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the control device (33) is a computer equipped with a CPU (61) (Central Processing Unit), ROM (62) (Read Only Memory), RAM (63) (Random Access Memory), HDD (64) (Hard Disk Drive), a signal transmission and reception module (65), etc. The signal transmission and reception module (65) receives detection signals from the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) and the water state detection unit (32), respectively. In addition, the signal transmission and reception module (65) transmits a control signal to control at least the water pump (315).

[0049] (Functional block diagram of the control device)

[0050] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the control device.

[0051] The CPU (61) of the control device (33) executes a program stored in advance in the HDD (64) or ROM (62), etc., thereby realizing the functional configuration of each of the signal receiving unit (71), water flow control unit (72), and command signal output unit (73).

[0052] The signal receiving unit (71) receives detection signals from the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) and the water state detection unit (32) through the signal transmitting and receiving module (65).

[0053] The water flow rate control unit (72) controls the operation of the water pump (315), more specifically, the flow rate (volume flow rate or mass flow rate) of water supplied to the heating unit (6) by the water pump (315), based on the detection signal of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) received from the signal receiving unit (71) and the detection signal of the water state detection unit (32).

[0054] The command signal output unit (73) outputs a control signal to the water pump (315) to realize control by the water flow rate control unit (72).

[0055] (Operation of the control device)

[0056] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an ammonia fuel supply method in a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Next, the operation of the control device (33) described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0058] First, the water flow rate control unit (72) of the control device (33) determines whether the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined first temperature range based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) (Step S01). If it is determined that the temperature of the liquid ammonia is not within the first temperature range (No in Step S01), the flow rate of the water pump (315) is adjusted (Step S03). In this Step S03, for example, if the temperature of the liquid ammonia is lower than the first temperature range, the output of the water pump (315) can be controlled to increase by only a predetermined unit flow rate, and if the temperature of the liquid ammonia is higher than the first temperature range, the output of the water pump (315) can be controlled to decrease by only a predetermined unit flow rate. Then, the process is repeated by returning to Step S01. That is, the output of the water pump (315) is gradually increased or decreased until the temperature detected by the liquid ammonia state detector (31) is within a predetermined first temperature range. Here, the first temperature range is a temperature range higher than the temperature of the liquid ammonia stored in the ammonia tank (3).

[0059] Meanwhile, if the temperature of the liquid ammonia is determined to be within the first temperature range by the above determination (Yes in Step S01), the water flow control unit (72) determines whether the temperature of the water after heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6) (hereinafter referred to as the discharge water temperature) is within a predetermined second temperature range based on the detection result of the water state detection unit (32) (Step S02). If the discharge water temperature is determined not to be within the second temperature range (No in Step S02), the flow rate of the water pump (315) is adjusted (Step S03). In this Step S03, for example, if the discharge water temperature is lower than the second temperature range, the output of the water pump (315) can be controlled to increase by only a predetermined unit flow rate, and if the discharge water temperature is higher than the second temperature range, the output of the water pump (315) can be controlled to decrease by only a predetermined unit flow rate. Then, the process is repeated by returning to Step S01. That is, the output of the water pump (315) is gradually increased or decreased until the temperature detected by the water state detection unit (32) is within a predetermined second temperature range. Also, if it is determined that the discharge water temperature is within the second temperature range (Yes in Step S02), the flow rate of the water pump (315) is not adjusted and the process returns to Step S01. Thus, the flow rate of the water pump (315) is not increased or decreased until either the liquid ammonia temperature disappears within the first temperature range or the discharge water temperature disappears within the second temperature range. Here, the second temperature range is a temperature range lower than the temperature of the water existing around the float (2).

[0060] Effects of Action

[0061] In the above third embodiment, the device is equipped with a liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) that detects the temperature of liquid ammonia heated by a heating unit (6), a water pump (315) that adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through a water line (305), and a water flow rate control unit (72) that adjusts the flow rate of water by the water pump (315) so that the temperature of liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined first temperature range based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31).

[0062] By doing this, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the flow rate of water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia so that the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by heat exchange becomes within a predetermined first temperature range. Therefore, while reducing the burden on the operator, it is possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency in the onshore plant, even if, for example, the water temperature around the float (2) fluctuates due to changes in the season or climate.

[0063] In the above third embodiment, a water state detection unit (32) is further provided to detect the temperature of water that has been lowered by heat exchange with liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6). And, based on the detection result of the water state detection unit (32), the water flow control unit (72) adjusts the water flow rate by the water pump (315) so that the temperature of the water that has been lowered by heat exchange with liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined second temperature range.

[0064] By doing this, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the flow rate of water that exchanges heat with liquid ammonia so that the temperature of the water that exchanges heat with liquid ammonia is within a predetermined second temperature range. Therefore, while reducing the burden on the operator, it is possible to suppress the discrepancy between the temperature of the water discharged around the float (2) and the temperature of the water existing around the float (2), thereby preventing it from affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

[0065] [Fourth embodiment]

[0066] Next, the ammonia fuel supply facility in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. In the third embodiment described above, the flow rate of the water pump (315) was adjusted based on the temperature of the liquid ammonia and the discharge water temperature, but this fourth embodiment differs in that the flow rate of the water pump (315) is adjusted based on the energy of the liquid ammonia and the energy of the water flowing through the water line (305). Therefore, in this fourth embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the third embodiment described above. Also, descriptions that overlap with the third embodiment are omitted.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 3, the ammonia fuel supply facility (401) of the fourth embodiment is equipped with at least a floating body (2), an ammonia tank (3), an ammonia line (4), a water line (305), a heating unit (6), a liquid ammonia state detection unit (431), a water state detection unit (432), and a control device (433), just like the ammonia fuel supply facility (301) of the third embodiment.

[0068] The liquid ammonia state detection unit (431) detects at least the temperature, pressure, and flow rate as the state of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6). The liquid ammonia state detection unit (431) of this embodiment detects the state of the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line (4) at a location close to the manifold (9) connected to the unloading connection pipe (10) in the ammonia line (4). The detection signal of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (431) is input to the control device (433).

[0069] The water state detection unit (432) detects at least the temperature (discharge water temperature), pressure, and flow rate as the state of water that has been lowered in temperature by heat exchange with liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6). In this embodiment, the water state detection unit (432) detects the state of water flowing through the water line (305) at a location closer to the discharge port (14) than the heating unit (6) in the water line (305). The detection signal of this water state detection unit (432) is input to the control device (433).

[0070] (Configuration of the control device)

[0071] The control device (433) controls the ammonia fuel supply facility (401). More specifically, the control device (433) controls the water pump (315) based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (431). Also, the control device (433) controls the water pump (315) based on the detection result of the water state detection unit (432). Furthermore, the description of the hardware configuration of the control device (433) is omitted because it is the same as that of the third embodiment.

[0072] (Functional block diagram of the control device)

[0073] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a control device in a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] The CPU (61) of the control device (433) executes a program stored in advance in the HDD (64) or ROM (62), etc., thereby realizing the functional configuration of the signal receiving unit (71), specific heat / specific gravity calculation unit (81), energy calculation unit (82), water flow rate control unit (472), and command signal output unit (73).

[0075] The signal receiving unit (71) receives detection signals from the liquid ammonia state detection unit (431) and the water state detection unit (432) through the signal transmitting and receiving module (65).

[0076] The specific heat and specific gravity calculation unit (81) calculates the temperature (e.g., °C or K) and pressure (e.g., kg / cm²) of the liquid ammonia detected by the liquid ammonia state detection unit (431). 2 Based on (e.g., bar, kPa, MPa, etc.), the specific heat (e.g., kcal / g°C) or specific gravity (kg / m³) of liquid ammonia 3 ) is calculated. In addition, the specific heat / specific gravity calculation unit (81) calculates the discharge water temperature (e.g., °C or K) detected by the water state detection unit (432) and the pressure of the water flowing through the water line (305) (e.g., kg / cm²). 2 Based on (e.g., bar, kPa, MPa, etc.), the specific heat of water (e.g., kcal / g°C) or specific gravity (kg / m³) 3 Produces ).

[0077] The energy output unit (82) is the flow rate of liquid ammonia detected by the liquid ammonia state detection unit (431) (e.g., m 3 / h) and the energy of liquid ammonia (e.g., kcal / h) is calculated based on the specific heat or specific gravity of liquid ammonia calculated by the specific heat / specific gravity calculation unit (81). In addition, the energy calculation unit (82) calculates the flow rate of water (e.g., m) detected by the water state detection unit (432). 3 The energy of water (e.g., kcal / h) is calculated based on the specific heat and specific gravity of water calculated by the specific heat and specific gravity calculation unit (81).

[0078] The water flow control unit (472) controls the operation of the water pump (315), more specifically, the flow rate (volume flow rate or mass flow rate) of water supplied to the heating unit (6) by the water pump (315), based on the energy of the liquid ammonia and the energy of the water calculated by the energy output unit (82).

[0079] The command signal output unit (73) outputs a control signal to the water pump (315) to realize control by the water flow rate control unit (72).

[0080] (Operation of the control device)

[0081] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an ammonia fuel supply method in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Next, the operation of the control device (433) described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0083] First, the control device (433) calculates the energy of liquid ammonia based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (431) by the specific heat / specific gravity calculation unit (81) and the energy calculation unit (82) (steps S21~S23), and also calculates the energy of water based on the detection result of the water state detection unit (432) (steps S11~S13).

[0084] Next, the water flow control unit (472) of the control device (433) determines whether the energy of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined first range based on the calculation result of the energy output unit (82) (Step S31). If it is determined that the energy of the liquid ammonia is not within the first range (No in Step S31), the flow rate of the water pump (315) is adjusted (Step S33). In this Step S33, for example, if the energy of the liquid ammonia is lower than the first range, the output of the water pump (315) can be controlled to increase by only a predetermined unit flow rate, and if the energy of the liquid ammonia is higher than the first range, the output of the water pump (315) can be controlled to decrease by only a predetermined unit flow rate. Then, the process is repeated by returning to Step S11. That is, the output of the water pump (315) is gradually increased or decreased until the energy of the liquid ammonia is within the predetermined first range.

[0085] Meanwhile, if it is determined by the above determination that the energy of the liquid ammonia is within the first range (Yes in Step S31), the water flow control unit (472) determines whether the energy of the water after heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined second range based on the calculation result of the energy calculation unit (82) (Step S32). If it is determined that the energy of the water is not within the second range (No in Step S32), the flow rate of the water pump (315) is adjusted (Step S33). In this Step S33, for example, if the energy of the water is lower than the second range, the output of the water pump (315) can be controlled to increase by only a predetermined unit flow rate, and if the energy of the water is higher than the second range, the output of the water pump (315) can be controlled to decrease by only a predetermined unit flow rate. Then, the process is repeated by returning to Step S11. That is, the output of the water pump (315) is gradually increased or decreased until the energy of the water calculated by the energy output unit (82) is within a predetermined second range. Also, if it is determined that the energy of the water is within the second range (Yes in step S32), the flow rate of the water pump (315) is not adjusted and the process returns to step S11. Thus, the flow rate of the water pump (315) is not increased or decreased until either the energy of the liquid ammonia is lost within the first range or the energy of the water is lost within the second range.

[0086] Effects of Action

[0087] In the above fourth embodiment, the device is equipped with a liquid ammonia state detection unit (431) that detects the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of liquid ammonia heated by a heating unit (6), a water pump (315) that adjusts the flow rate of water flowing through a water line (305), and a water flow rate control unit (472) that adjusts the flow rate of water by the water pump (315) so that the energy of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined first range based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (431).

[0088] By doing so, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the flow rate of water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia so that the energy of the liquid ammonia heated by heat exchange is within a predetermined first range. Therefore, while reducing the burden on the operator, it is possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency in the onshore plant, for example, even if the water temperature around the float (2) is lowered due to changes in the season or climate. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, since the flow rate of water by the water pump (315) is adjusted based on the energy of the liquid ammonia rather than the temperature of the liquid ammonia, the fluctuation in the energy of the liquid ammonia is reduced, making it possible to further suppress the decrease in energy efficiency in the onshore plant.

[0089] In the above fourth embodiment, a water state detection unit (432) is further provided to detect the state of water whose temperature has been lowered by heat exchange with liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6). And, the water flow rate control unit (472) adjusts the flow rate of water by the water pump (315) based on the detection result of the water state detection unit (432) so that the energy of the water whose temperature has been lowered by heat exchange with liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined second range.

[0090] By doing this, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the flow rate of water that exchanges heat with liquid ammonia so that the energy of the water that exchanges heat with liquid ammonia is within a predetermined second range. Therefore, while reducing the burden on the operator, it is possible to prevent the energy of the water discharged around the float (2) from diverging from the energy of the water existing around the float (2) and affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

[0091] <Other embodiments>

[0092] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes design changes, etc., within the scope of not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0093] For example, in the heating section (6) of each of the above embodiments, the case in which heat is directly exchanged between water flowing through the water line (5) and liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line (4) has been described. However, the heat exchange between water and liquid ammonia in the heating section (6) may be performed through other refrigerants.

[0094] In each of the above embodiments, the case in which water introduced from the inlet port (13) of the water line (5) is supplied to the heating unit (6) has been described. However, if there is equipment requiring cooling in the float (2), such equipment may be cooled with water flowing through the water line (5) to raise the water temperature before being supplied to the heating unit (6).

[0095] In the above third embodiment, the case in which both a liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) and a water state detection unit (32) are provided was described. However, the water state detection unit (32) may be omitted, and the processing of step S02 performed by the water flow rate control unit (72) may also be omitted. That is, the output of the water pump (315) may be adjusted based only on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31).

[0096] In the above third embodiment, an example was described in which the flow rate of water flowing through the water line (305) is increased or decreased by adjusting the output of the water pump (315). However, the method of increasing or decreasing the flow rate of water flowing through the water line (305) is not limited to a configuration that adjusts the output of the water pump (315). For example, a branch line (not shown) that discharges water from the water line (305) to the outside of the body (2) without passing through the heating unit (6) may be provided, and the flow rate of water supplied to the heating unit (6) may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of water classified into the branch line using a control valve, etc. Additionally, a bypass line (not shown) that causes the water flowing through the water line (305) to flow bypassing the heating unit (6) may be provided. Even when such a bypass line is provided, the flow rate of water supplied to the heating unit (6) can be adjusted using a control valve, etc. In addition, if a bypass line is provided, the water that is not undergoing heat exchange via the bypass line is combined with the water whose temperature has been lowered by the heating unit (6), so the temperature drop of the water discharged from the outlet (14) of the water line (305) can be suppressed.

[0097] In addition, in the third embodiment, a case was described in which the flow rate of water flowing through the water line (305) is increased or decreased based on the temperature of the liquid ammonia detected by the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) and the temperature of the water detected by the water state detection unit (32). However, this configuration is not limited to this, and for example, the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) may be capable of detecting the flow rate or pressure of the liquid ammonia in addition to the temperature of the liquid ammonia, and the water state detection unit (32) may be capable of detecting the flow rate or pressure of the water in addition to the temperature of the water. And, the control device (33) may calculate the heat per unit mass of liquid ammonia based on the temperature and flow rate of liquid ammonia, or the temperature and pressure of liquid ammonia, and calculate the heat per unit mass of water based on the temperature and flow rate of water, or the temperature and pressure of water, and control the water pump (315) based on the calculated heat of liquid ammonia and heat of water (for example, also called Heat Mass balance). By doing so, the energy balance of liquid ammonia and water can be controlled more precisely.

[0098] <Appendix>

[0099] The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) and ammonia fuel supply method described in the embodiment are understood as, for example, as follows.

[0100] (1) An ammonia fuel supply facility (1) according to the first embodiment comprises a floating body (2) floating on water, an ammonia tank (3) provided on the floating body (2) for storing liquid ammonia, an ammonia line (4) for guiding the liquid ammonia in the ammonia tank (3) to the outside of the floating body (2), a water line (5, 305) for guiding the surrounding water where the floating body (2) is floating into the floating body (2), and a heating unit (6) provided on the floating body (2) for heating the liquid ammonia by exchanging heat between the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line (4) and the water flowing through the water line (5, 305).

[0101] Thus, it becomes possible to raise the temperature of liquid ammonia by utilizing the heat of the surrounding water where the floating body (2) is floating. Therefore, energy loss within combustion devices such as boilers in land-based plants, such as coal-fired power plants, can be reduced. Furthermore, since the energy required to heat liquid ammonia directly in front of the combustion device equipped in the land-based plant can be reduced, the use of external heat, such as steam, to heat liquid ammonia in the land-based plant can be suppressed. Accordingly, it becomes possible to improve the energy efficiency of land-based plants that use ammonia as fuel.

[0102] (2) The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) according to the second embodiment is the ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of (1), and is provided with a heating device (21) that emits heat and is provided in the body (2), and a reheating unit (22) that reheats water, which has been lowered in temperature by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6), by the heat from the heating device (21).

[0103] Thus, when a lower temperature limit is set for the water discharged from the float (2), it becomes possible to make the temperature of the water discharged from the outlet (14) to the outside of the float (2) higher than the lower temperature limit. In addition, since the water discharged to the outside of the float (2) can be reheated, there is no need to increase the flow rate of water supplied to the heating unit (6) to raise the temperature of the water discharged to the outside of the float (2), and thus the flow rate of water supplied to the heating unit (6) can be reduced. As a result, the output of the water pump (15) can be suppressed, thereby promoting energy saving. In addition, since it becomes possible to use a smaller water pump (15) with a lower output, it becomes possible to, for example, make the ammonia tank (3) provided in the float (2) larger, or improve the freedom of installation of other devices.

[0104] In addition, the temperature of the water discharged around the float (2) can be prevented from dropping excessively and affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

[0105] (3) The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) according to the third embodiment is the ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of (1) or (2) and is equipped with a booster pump (11) that boosts the liquid ammonia.

[0106] As a result, pressurized liquid ammonia can be supplied to equipment such as vaporizers or combustion devices on land. Consequently, liquid ammonia can be rapidly pressurized at the onshore plant to the narrow region of the latent heat on the Mollier diagram. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve energy efficiency at the onshore plant.

[0107] (4) The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) according to the fourth embodiment is an ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of any one of (1) to (3), and is equipped with a liquid ammonia state detection unit (31) that detects at least the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6), a flow rate adjustment unit (315) that adjusts the flow rate of the water flowing through the water line (5, 305), and a water flow rate control unit (72) that adjusts the flow rate of the water by the flow rate adjustment unit (315) so that the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined first temperature range based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (31).

[0108] An example of a flow rate control unit (315) is a water pump.

[0109] Thus, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the flow rate of water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia so that the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by heat exchange becomes within a predetermined first temperature range. Therefore, while reducing the burden on the operator, it is possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency in the onshore plant, for example, even if the water temperature around the float (2) is lowered due to changes in season or climate.

[0110] (5) The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) according to the fifth embodiment is the ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of (4), and is equipped with a water state detection unit (32) that detects at least the temperature of water that has been lowered by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6), and the water flow rate control unit (72) adjusts the water flow rate by the flow rate adjustment unit (315) based on the detection result of the water state detection unit (32) so that the temperature of the water that has been lowered by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined second temperature range.

[0111] Thus, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the flow rate of water that exchanges heat with liquid ammonia so that the temperature of the water that exchanges heat with liquid ammonia is within a predetermined second temperature range. Therefore, while reducing the burden on the operator, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the water discharged around the float (2) from dropping excessively and affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

[0112] (6) The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) according to the sixth embodiment is an ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of any one of (1) to (3), and is equipped with a liquid ammonia state detection unit (431) that detects at least the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6), an energy calculation unit (82) that calculates the energy of the liquid ammonia based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit (431), a flow rate adjustment unit (315) that adjusts the flow rate of the water flowing through the water line (305), and a water flow rate control unit (472) that adjusts the flow rate of the water by the flow rate adjustment unit (315) based on the calculation result of the energy calculation unit (82) so that the energy of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit (6) is within a predetermined first range.

[0113] Thus, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the flow rate of water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia so that the energy of the liquid ammonia heated by heat exchange is within a predetermined first range. Therefore, while reducing the burden on the operator, it is possible to suppress the decrease in energy efficiency in the onshore plant, even if, for example, the water temperature around the float (2) is lowered due to changes in season or climate. Furthermore, since the flow rate of water is adjusted by the flow rate adjustment unit (315) based on the energy of the liquid ammonia rather than the temperature of the liquid ammonia, the energy fluctuation of the liquid ammonia is reduced, making it possible to further suppress the decrease in energy efficiency in the onshore plant.

[0114] (7) The ammonia fuel supply facility (1) according to the seventh embodiment is the ammonia fuel supply facility (1) of (6), and is equipped with a water state detection unit that detects at least the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of water that has been lowered in temperature by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit, and the energy calculation unit calculates the energy of the water that has been lowered in temperature by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit based on the detection result of the water state detection unit, and the water flow rate control unit adjusts the flow rate of the water by the flow rate adjustment unit so that the energy of the water that has been lowered in temperature by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit is within a predetermined second range based on the calculation result of the energy calculation unit.

[0115] Thus, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the flow rate of water that exchanges heat with liquid ammonia so that the energy of the water that exchanges heat with liquid ammonia is within a predetermined second range. Therefore, while reducing the burden on the operator, it is possible to prevent the energy of the water discharged around the float (2) from diverging from the energy of the water existing around the float (2) and affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

[0116] (8) The ammonia fuel supply method according to the eighth embodiment supplies liquid ammonia stored in an ammonia tank (3) provided on a floating body (2) on water to the outside of the floating body (2) after heating it by heat exchange with the surrounding water on which the floating body (2) is floating.

[0117] Thus, it becomes possible to raise the temperature of liquid ammonia by utilizing the heat of the surrounding water where the floating body (2) is floating. Therefore, energy loss within combustion devices such as boilers in land-based plants, such as coal-fired power plants, can be reduced. Furthermore, since the energy required to heat liquid ammonia directly in front of the combustion device equipped in the land-based plant can be reduced, the use of external heat, such as steam, to heat liquid ammonia in the land-based plant can be suppressed. Accordingly, it becomes possible to improve the energy efficiency of land-based plants that use ammonia as fuel.

[0118] (9) The ammonia fuel supply method according to the ninth embodiment is the ammonia fuel supply method of (8), and adjusts the flow rate of the water that heats the liquid ammonia so that the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by heat exchange is within a predetermined first temperature range.

[0119] Thus, even if the water temperature around the floating body (2) is lowered due to changes in season or climate, the energy efficiency of the onshore plant can be suppressed.

[0120] (10) The ammonia fuel supply method according to the 10th embodiment is the ammonia fuel supply method of (9), and the flow rate of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is adjusted so that the temperature of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is within a predetermined second temperature range.

[0121] By doing so, the temperature of the water discharged around the float (2) can be prevented from dropping excessively and affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

[0122] (11) The ammonia fuel supply method according to the 11th embodiment is the ammonia fuel supply method of (8), and adjusts the flow rate of the water that heats the liquid ammonia so that the energy of the liquid ammonia heated by heat exchange is within a predetermined first range.

[0123] By doing so, it becomes possible to reduce energy fluctuations of liquid ammonia, thereby further suppressing the decline in energy efficiency in onshore plants.

[0124] (12) The ammonia fuel supply method according to the 12th embodiment is the ammonia fuel supply method of (11), and the flow rate of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is adjusted so that the energy of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is within a predetermined second range.

[0125] Thus, the energy of the water discharged around the float (2) can be prevented from being separated from the energy of the water existing around the float (2) and affecting the surrounding ecosystem.

[0126] Industrial applicability

[0127] According to the ammonia fuel supply facility and ammonia fuel supply method of the above embodiment, the energy efficiency of an onshore plant using ammonia as fuel can be improved. Explanation of the symbols

[0128] 1… Ammonia fuel supply facility 2… Subsidiary 3… Ammonia tank 4… Ammonia line 5, 305… water line 6… heating part 7, 7A, 7B… sidewalls 8… floor wall 9… manifold 10… Loading and unloading connecting pipe 11… Booster pump 12… pipe 13… Introduction 14… outlet 15, 315… water pump 16… Opening and closing valve 17… pipe joints 21… heating device 22… Reheating section 31, 431… Liquid ammonia state detector 32, 432… Water state detection unit 33, 433… control device 61… CPU 62… ROM 63… RAM 64… HDD 65… Signal Transceiver Module 71… Signal receiver 72, 472… Water flow control unit 73… Command signal output section 81… Specific heat and specific gravity calculation section 82… Energy Output Department

Claims

Claim 1 A floating body floating on water; an ammonia tank provided on the floating body for storing liquid ammonia; an ammonia line for guiding the liquid ammonia in the ammonia tank to the outside of the floating body; a water line for guiding the surrounding water where the floating body is floating into the floating body; a heating unit provided on the floating body for heating the liquid ammonia by exchanging heat between the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line and the water flowing through the water line; a liquid ammonia state detection unit for detecting at least the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit; a flow rate adjustment unit for adjusting the flow rate of the water flowing through the water line; a water flow rate control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the water by the flow rate adjustment unit based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit so that the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit is within a predetermined first temperature range; and a water state detection unit for detecting at least the temperature of the water that has been lowered by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit, and the water flow rate An ammonia fuel supply facility in which the control unit adjusts the flow rate of the water by the flow rate adjustment unit based on the detection result of the water state detection unit, so that the temperature of the water, which has been lowered by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit, becomes within a predetermined second temperature range. Claim 2 A float floating on water; an ammonia tank provided on the float for storing liquid ammonia; an ammonia line for guiding the liquid ammonia in the ammonia tank to the outside of the float; a water line for guiding the surrounding water where the float is floating into the float; a heating unit provided on the float for heating the liquid ammonia by exchanging heat between the liquid ammonia flowing through the ammonia line and the water flowing through the water line; a liquid ammonia state detection unit for detecting at least the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit; an energy calculation unit for calculating the energy of the liquid ammonia based on the detection result of the liquid ammonia state detection unit; a flow rate adjustment unit for adjusting the flow rate of the water flowing through the water line; and a water flow rate control unit for adjusting the flow rate of the water by the flow rate adjustment unit so that the energy of the liquid ammonia heated by the heating unit is within a predetermined first range based on the calculation result by the energy calculation unit, and the liquid ammonia by the heating unit An ammonia fuel supply facility comprising a water state detection unit that detects at least the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of water that has been lowered in temperature by heat exchange with ammonia, an energy output unit that calculates the energy of the water that has been lowered in temperature by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit based on the detection result of the water state detection unit, and a water flow rate control unit that adjusts the flow rate of the water by the flow rate adjustment unit so that the energy of the water that has been lowered in temperature by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit is within a predetermined second range based on the calculation result of the energy output unit. Claim 3 An ammonia fuel supply facility according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a heating device provided in the body to emit heat, and a reheating unit that reheats water, whose temperature has been lowered by heat exchange with the liquid ammonia by the heating unit, by heat from the heating device. Claim 4 An ammonia fuel supply facility according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a booster pump for boosting the liquid ammonia. Claim 5 A method for supplying ammonia fuel, wherein liquid ammonia stored in an ammonia tank provided on a floating body is heated by heat exchange with the surrounding water on which the floating body is floating, and then supplied to the outside of the floating body, and the flow rate of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is adjusted so that the temperature of the liquid ammonia heated by heat exchange is within a predetermined first temperature range, and the flow rate of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is adjusted so that the temperature of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is within a predetermined second temperature range. Claim 6 A method for supplying ammonia fuel, wherein liquid ammonia stored in an ammonia tank provided on a floating body is heated by heat exchange with the surrounding water on which the floating body is floating, and then supplied to the outside of the floating body, and the flow rate of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is adjusted so that the energy of the liquid ammonia heated by heat exchange is within a predetermined first range, and the flow rate of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is adjusted so that the energy of the water that exchanges heat with the liquid ammonia is within a predetermined second range. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete

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