Vessels including methanol fueling system

Abstract

A vessel comprising a methanol fuel supply system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a fuel supply line for transferring methanol from a methanol storage unit to a demand point; two or more pumps provided in the fuel supply line for pressurizing methanol; and a heat exchanger provided downstream of the pumps for heating methanol; wherein the pumps are magnetic pumps and no structural contact surface may be formed within the magnetic pumps.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ship comprising a methanol fuel supply system. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), and other substances contained in exhaust gases emitted from ships are being regulated by international treaties, and these regulations are being strengthened every year.

[0003] Because liquefied natural gas (LNG) does not contain sulfur and produces less carbon dioxide, it is being used as an environmentally friendly fuel as a countermeasure to exhaust gas regulations.

[0004] However, since liquefied natural gas (LNG) is difficult to liquefy through pressurization alone and requires maintaining an ultra-low temperature of approximately -165°C, fuel tanks and fuel supply systems must be constructed from special materials capable of withstanding such temperatures. Furthermore, additional equipment may be required for heat dissipation, resulting in additional facility costs for constructing fuel tanks and other components. Additionally, as it is difficult to completely block heat from entering the tank, the ingress of heat causes the LNG to evaporate; consequently, the resulting evaporated gas can degrade fuel efficiency.

[0005] Methanol can be used as fuel for ships as an alternative to liquefied natural gas. In addition to being used as a material for synthetic resins and pesticides, methanol is mixed with gasoline and used as fuel; it is easy to handle because it does not contain sulfur and remains liquid at room temperature. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention was created to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a methanol-fueled vessel capable of reducing the emission of sulfur oxides and carbon dioxide in exhaust gas by using methanol as fuel.

[0007] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0008] A vessel comprising a methanol fuel supply system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a fuel supply line for transferring methanol from a methanol storage unit to a demand point; two or more pumps provided in the fuel supply line for pressurizing methanol; and a heat exchanger provided downstream of the pumps for heating methanol; wherein the pumps are magnetic pumps and no structural contact surface may be formed within the magnetic pumps.

[0009] Specifically, the magnetic pump may include a motor rotating part with an external magnet attached; and a pump rotating part with an internal magnet attached.

[0010] Specifically, it may include a return line through which methanol is returned from downstream of the heat exchanger to upstream of the pump. Effects of the invention

[0011] A vessel including the methanol fuel supply system of the present invention has the following effects.

[0012] A ship including a methanol fuel supply system according to the present invention can reduce the emission of sulfur oxides and carbon dioxide in exhaust gas by using methanol as fuel.

[0013] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a magnetic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a magnetic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of units according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the 10th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a degassing device and a first-second pump according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] The objects, specific advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical components are assigned the same number whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a methanol fuel supply system (1) equipped in a methanol fuel propulsion vessel may include a methanol storage unit (10), a fuel supply unit (20), a fuel supply valve (30), a high-pressure pump (40), and a demand source (50).

[0020] The methanol storage unit (10) may be a facility capable of storing methanol provided in the methanol fuel supply system (1), and may include any type of facility, and the methanol storage unit (10) may be a tank-type storage facility.

[0021] It should be noted that in this specification, the term "ship" encompasses not only merchant vessels that transport cargo from a place of origin to a destination, but also offshore structures that float at a certain point on the sea and perform specific tasks.

[0022] The fuel supply unit (20) can receive methanol from the methanol storage unit (10) and heat the methanol to a temperature suitable for supplying to a demand location (50). The fuel supply unit (20) may be a Low-flashpoint Fuel Supply System (LFSS).

[0023] The fuel supply unit (20) is composed of equipment such as a pressure pump, heat exchanger, and filter, as well as various valves and sensors for pressure control, flow control, venting, and nitrogen supply purposes, and may additionally include a service tank, nitrogen supply system, glycol system, gas-liquid separator, and vent mast. In particular, the fuel supply unit (20) includes a pressure pump (not shown) and can pressurize methanol at about -10°C to 45°C to about 7 bar to 10 bar. When the methanol is discharged from the fuel supply unit (20), the temperature of the methanol may be about 10°C to 70°C.

[0024] The fuel supply valve (30) is located between the fuel supply unit (20) and the high-pressure pump (40), and can effectively cut off the fuel supply by separating the fuel supply unit (20) and the high-pressure pump (40) when the fuel supply unit (20) malfunctions in the fuel supply line (L1). The fuel supply valve (30) may be composed of valves and filters, various sensors, etc., for purposes such as double shut-off and discharge, vent, pressure control, and nitrogen supply. The fuel supply valve (30) may be a fuel valve train (FVT) as a mechanism in which control valves that control the supply of methanol to the demand location (50) are concentrated.

[0025] The high-pressure pump (40) can pressurize methanol before supplying it to the demand location (50). When the fuel supply unit (20) delivers methanol to the fuel supply valve (30) through the pressure pump, the high-pressure pump (40) can further pressurize the methanol and deliver it to the demand location (50). The high-pressure pump (40) may be a high-pressure pump train and can inject liquid methanol into the engine at high pressure. The pressure of the methanol supplied from the high-pressure pump (40) to the demand location (50) may be approximately 300 bar. A master valve (MGV) may be provided at the downstream end of the high-pressure pump (40). The master valve (MGV) can control the supply of methanol to the demand location (50).

[0026] In a conventional fuel oil system, fuel is supplied to a demand point (50) through an injection pump and a valve inside the engine. At this time, a plunger inside the injection pump rises and pressurizes the fuel above a certain pressure. When the fuel reaches a certain pressure, the fuel supply valve opens, and the fuel is injected into the demand point (50), allowing the fuel to be burned at the demand point.

[0027] The methanol fuel supply system (1) of the present invention is equipped with a high-pressure pump (40) outside the demand location (50), so that methanol can be pressurized to 300 bar or more using the high-pressure pump (40) and supplied to the demand location (50) according to the required injection timing through the fuel injection valve.

[0028] The demand source (50) may be a methanol propulsion engine or a methanol power generation engine. The demand source (50) may use liquid methanol supplied through the high-pressure pump (40) to propel the ship or to produce electricity to be used on the ship.

[0029] Methanol can be returned from the demand source (50) to the methanol storage unit (10) through the fuel return line (L2).

[0030] The methanol fuel supply system (1) may include an inert gas supply unit (60). The inert gas supply unit (60) is configured to supply an inert gas such as nitrogen gas (N2) or carbon dioxide gas (CO2), and may include a device for generating inert gas or a device for storing inert gas. The inert gas supply unit (60) may supply inert gas to a fuel supply unit (20), a fuel supply valve (30), a high-pressure pump (40), a demand location (50), and a fuel supply line (L1), and may purge methanol with inert gas within the fuel supply unit (20), the fuel supply valve (30), the high-pressure pump (40), the demand location (50), and the fuel supply line (L1).

[0031] The methanol fuel supply system (1) may include a drain header (70), a drain drum (80), and a drain pump (90). When the inert gas supply unit (60) purges the pipes or devices with inert gas, the methanol present inside each pipe or device can be discharged to the outside of the pipe or device, and the methanol can be returned to the methanol storage unit (10) through the fuel return line (L2).

[0032] Inside the above piping or device, methanol can be collected from the drain drum (80) through the drain header (70). The drain drum (80) is equipped with a level sensor (81), and when it is confirmed by the level sensor (81) that methanol has been collected in the drain drum (80) at a level above a certain threshold, the drain pump (90) can be operated. The methanol collected in the drain drum (80) by the drain pump (90) can be transferred to the methanol storage unit (10).

[0033] When all the methanol in the drain drum (80) is discharged by the level sensor (81), the drain pump (90) may be stopped from operating.

[0034] When the pressure of methanol in the drain drum (80) is high, the drain pump (90) is not operated, and the methanol can be transferred to the methanol storage unit (10) through the bypass line (BL) by bypassing the drain pump (90).

[0035] A valve (not shown) for preventing backflow may be provided in the fuel supply unit (20), fuel supply valve (30), high-pressure pump (40), demand source (50), and the drain line (L3) connected from the fuel supply line (L1) to the drain header (70).

[0036] A pocket (not shown) in which bubbles, gases, etc. present in the drain line (L3) can be collected can be placed on the drain line (L3) to replace the drain drum (80).

[0038] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] When a fuel supply unit (20) supplies methanol to two or more demand locations (50), if methanol is supplied to another demand location (50) while methanol is being supplied to one demand location (50), the pressure of the methanol at the demand location (50) that was receiving the methanol first may drop rapidly, and if the pressure drop is significant, the supply of methanol may be stopped, and as a result, the operation of the demand location (50) that was receiving the methanol first may be stopped. Here, the fuel supply unit (20) may be a concept that includes a methanol storage unit (10).

[0040] Therefore, a buffer tank (100) may be provided to reduce pressure changes during the process of supplying methanol, and a throttle valve (BV) may be provided upstream of the fuel supply valve (30).

[0041] Specifically, the buffer tank (100) is filled with methanol, and the buffer tank (100) may be provided in a common pipe (header, 110) for supplying methanol to multiple demand points (50). When the fuel supply unit (20) supplies methanol to two or more demand points (50), additional methanol can be supplied from the buffer tank (100) to prevent the supply pressure of the methanol from dropping rapidly.

[0042] Likewise, by adjusting the opening of the throttle valve (BV), the supply pressure of methanol can be prevented from dropping rapidly when the fuel supply unit (20) supplies methanol to two or more demand points (50).

[0043] Meanwhile, in order to maintain the pressure of the methanol supplied to the demand source (50) above a certain level, the demand source (50) may be placed at a relatively low height. In this case, when the demand source (50) is placed at a relatively low height, hammering may occur in the fuel supply line (L1) when the methanol is filled into the fuel supply line (L1).

[0044] If air or gas is present in the fuel supply line (L1), the hammering phenomenon may occur more strongly, and if methanol and air are supplied together to the demand location (50), the fuel efficiency at the demand location (50) may decrease and the function of the demand location (50) may be damaged.

[0045] Therefore, the demand location (50) should be placed at a relatively low height, but to prevent strong hammering, air and other substances should not move along the fuel supply line (L1).

[0046] To prevent air, etc. from moving in the fuel supply line (L1), a curve may be formed in the fuel supply line (L1) to form a pocket section (120), which is a relatively high area, and air, etc. may be collected in the pocket section (120). A level switch (121) may be provided in the pocket section (120), and the level switch (121) may be used to check whether the fuel supply line (L1) is full of methanol. A discharge means (not shown) capable of discharging the collected air to the outside may be provided in the pocket section (120).

[0047] When the fuel supply unit (20) supplies methanol to two or more demand points (50), the throttle valve (BV), fuel supply valve (30), and master valve (MGV) can be controlled to prevent the pressure of the methanol from dropping rapidly.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, for example, while supplying methanol to the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502), methanol can be supplied to the third demand point (503) and the fourth demand point (504). To supply methanol to the third demand point (503), the third throttle valve (BV3) is first opened to a level below a certain level, and the third fuel supply valve (303) is kept closed until the pressure of methanol at the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502) is restored. When the pressure of methanol at the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502) is restored, the third fuel supply valve (303) is opened, and the third master valve (MGV3) is kept closed until the pressure of methanol at the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502) is restored. When the pressure of methanol is restored at the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502), the third master valve (MGV3) is opened, and when the pressure of methanol is restored at the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502), the opening of the third throttle valve (BV3) can be increased.

[0049] The percentage increase in the opening of the third throttle valve (BV3) can be determined by the percentage decrease in methanol pressure. The smaller the percentage decrease in methanol pressure, the greater the percentage increase in the opening of the third throttle valve (BV3). In other words, the percentage increase in the opening of the throttle valve and the percentage decrease in methanol pressure may be inversely proportional.

[0050] When the level switch (121) is turned on for a certain period of time or longer, when the drop in methanol pressure (%) is less than a certain value when the opening of the third throttle valve (BV3) is increased, and when the methanol pressure at the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502) is greater than a certain value when the opening of the third throttle valve (BV3) is increased, it can be determined that the fuel supply line (L1) is filled with methanol. When it is determined that the fuel supply line (L1) is filled with methanol, the third throttle valve (BV3) may be in a state of maximum opening.

[0051] Until it is determined that the fuel supply line (L1) is full of methanol, the process of increasing the opening of the third throttle valve (BV3), closing the third fuel supply valve (303), waiting for the pressure of methanol at the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502) to recover, opening the third fuel supply valve (303), closing the third master valve (MGV3), waiting for the pressure of methanol at the first demand point (501) and the second demand point (502) to recover, opening the third master valve (MGV3), and determining whether the fuel supply line (L1) is full of methanol can be repeated.

[0052] When the third fuel supply valve (303) is opened, if the pressure difference between the methanol pressure of the first demand place (501) and the second demand place (502) and the pressure difference between the first demand place (501) and the second demand place (502) immediately before the third fuel supply valve (303) is opened is less than 0.5 bar, it can be determined that the pressure of methanol in the first demand place (501) and the second demand place (502) has recovered.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] If there are two or more demand locations (50), the pressure required by the demand locations (50) may differ from each other.

[0056] The low-pressure demand source (51) receives methanol from the methanol storage unit (10), and the methanol can pass through the first-1 pump (P11), heat exchanger (HE), first-2 pump (P12), throttle valve (BV), and fuel supply valve (30).

[0057] Here, the operating pressure of the first-1 pump (P11) may be relatively lower than that of the first-2 pump (P12), and a master valve (MGV) may be included within the fuel supply valve (30).

[0058] The high-pressure demand source (52) receives methanol from the methanol storage unit (10), and the methanol can pass through the first-1 pump (P11), the heat exchanger (HE), the PCV valve (PCV), the fuel supply valve (30), and the high-pressure pump (40). Here, a master valve (MGV) may be provided downstream of the high-pressure pump (40).

[0059] While methanol is being supplied to either a low-pressure demand point (51) or a high-pressure demand point (52), if methanol is supplied to a demand point that was not previously supplied, the pressure of the methanol at the demand point that was previously supplied may drop rapidly. Therefore, by controlling the opening of the throttle valve (BV) provided in the low-pressure fuel supply line (L11) or the PCV valve (PCV) provided in the high-pressure fuel supply line (L12), the speed of supplying methanol to the demand point that is supplied later can be reduced, while preventing a rapid reduction in the pressure of the methanol at the demand point that is supplied first.

[0060] The throttle valve (BV) and the PCV valve (PCV) are interchangeable, and since controlling the opening of the throttle valve (BV) or the PCV valve (PCV) and controlling the fuel supply valve (30) or the master valve (MGV) to control the pressure of methanol is as described in FIG. 2, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, methanol can be supplied to a demand source (50) along a fuel supply line (L1). The methanol can pass through a first pump (P1), a heat exchanger (HE), and a second pump (P2). At this time, a first return line (RL1) through which methanol is returned from downstream of the second pump (P2) to upstream of the heat exchanger (HE), and a second return line (RL2) through which methanol is returned from downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) to upstream of the first pump (P1) may be provided.

[0064] The first pump (P1) and the second pump (P2) can be connected in series, and the operating pressure of the first pump (P1) may be relatively lower than that of the second pump (P2). The differential pressure (DP) of the first pump (P1) may be about 9 bar, and the differential pressure of the second pump (P2) may be about 4 bar.

[0065] A heat exchanger (HE) is provided downstream of the first pump (P1) to exchange heat between the methanol passing through the first pump (P1) and glycol water, or to exchange heat between the methanol returning from downstream of the second pump (P2) and glycol water. Since the methanol returning from downstream of the second pump (P2) can be heat exchanged at the heat exchanger (HE), there is no need to provide a separate heat exchanger for heat exchange of the methanol passing through the second pump (P2). Accordingly, the configuration cost of the methanol fuel supply system can be reduced.

[0066] The capacity of the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the heat exchanger (HE) can be determined according to the amount of methanol being returned. If the amount of methanol transferred from the methanol storage unit (10) to the first pump (P1) is 1 and the amount of methanol returned from downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) to upstream of the first pump (P1) is 0.5, the capacity of the first pump (P1) can be 1.5, and if the amount of methanol returned from downstream of the second pump (P2) to upstream of the heat exchanger (HE) is 2, the capacity of the heat exchanger (HE) can be 3.5. If the amount of methanol returned from downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) to upstream of the first pump (P1), which is 0.5, is excluded, the capacity of the second pump (P2) can be 3.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] If air or gas is present in the fuel supply line (L1) and methanol and air are supplied together to the demand location (50), the fuel efficiency at the demand location (50) may decrease and the function of the demand location (50) may be impaired.

[0070] Accordingly, in order to remove air or gas within the fuel supply lines (L11, L12), the heat exchanger (HE11, HE12, HE2) may include a configuration for discharging air, etc. to the outside, and in order to remove air or gas within the fuel supply lines (L11, L12), a drum (130) may be included.

[0071] When the heat exchanger (HE11, HE12, HE2) is of the Shell & Tube type, air, etc. can be collected at the upper part of the shell body, and when the heat exchanger (HE11, HE12, HE2) is of the Shell & Plate type, air, etc. can be collected at the upper part of the shell body or at the discharge nozzle of the plate, and air, etc. can be collected at the upper part of the drum (130). In this way, air, etc. can be collected in a certain area and discharged to the outside.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Methanol can be supplied to a demand source (50) along a fuel supply line (L1). The methanol can pass through a first pump (P1), a second pump (P2), and a third pump (P3) connected in parallel, and pass through a heat exchanger (HE). At this time, a return line (RL) may be provided to return the methanol from downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) to upstream of the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3). The differential pressure between the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3) may be approximately 13 bar.

[0075] By configuring the pumps in parallel, methanol supply is possible even if one pump is not operating, and the design of the methanol fuel supply system can be modified minimally even when changing the methanol supply capacity, and there is no need to equip the pumps with separate drums.

[0076] The first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3) can each have a capacity equal to the total flow rate of the methanol fuel supply system in order to perform the role of pressurizing the entire methanol of the methanol fuel supply system independently.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a magnetic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a magnetic pump according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first pump (P1), the second pump (P2), and the third pump (P3) may be magnetic drive pumps (MP). In a magnetic drive pump (MP), an external magnet is attached to the motor rotating part and an internal magnet is attached to the pump rotating part, so that when the motor rotates, the pump rotating part rotates and operates due to the rotational force of the motor and the magnetic force of the magnet. The external magnet provided in the motor rotating part of the pump and the internal magnet provided in the pump rotating part can be designed to have opposite poles, and a magnetic force can be formed between the external magnet and the internal magnet.

[0081] Mechanical seals are applied to general fluid transfer pumps, and mechanical seals can seal the rotating parts of the pump using springs and carbon packings to prevent fluid from escaping through the rotating parts of the pump. In mechanical seals, contact surfaces are created within the pump, and friction occurring at these contact surfaces can cause wear on the packings, etc., and fluid leakage may occur due to the wear of the packings, etc.

[0082] Since the motor rotating part and the pump rotating part can be separated from each other by a diaphragm, structural sealing such as packing is not applied to moving parts such as the pump rotating part, so fluid leakage due to wear of packing, etc. can be prevented.

[0084] In FIGS. 5 to 8, the number of pumps is set to three, consisting of a first pump (P1), a second pump (P2), and a third pump (P3), but this is for illustrative purposes only and the present invention is not limited by the number of pumps.

[0085] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] The low-pressure demand source (51) receives methanol from the methanol storage unit (10), and the methanol can pass through the first-1 pump (P11), the first-1 heat exchanger (HE11), the first-2 pump (P12), the first-2 heat exchanger (HE12), and the fuel supply valve (30). That is, the first-1 heat exchanger (HE11) can be placed in the first-1 pump (P11), and the first-2 heat exchanger (HE12) can be placed in the first-2 pump (P12).

[0087] The low-pressure demand center (51) can receive about 13 barg of methanol using the first-1 pump (P11) and the first-2 pump (P12).

[0088] The high-pressure demand source (52) receives methanol from the methanol storage unit (10), and the methanol can pass through the second pump (P2), the second heat exchanger (HE2), the fuel supply valve (30), and the high-pressure pump (40).

[0089] The high-pressure demand source (52) requires a relatively higher pressure than the low-pressure demand source (51), and the second pump (P2) pressurizes methanol to about 4 to 10 barg, and the high-pressure pump (40) receives methanol from the second pump (P2) and pressurizes the pressure of the methanol to about 300 barg.

[0090] A filter (not shown) may be provided in the low-pressure fuel supply line (L11) or the high-pressure fuel supply line (L12).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 1, a drain pump (91, 92), etc., may be provided for the recovery of methanol, and when the low-pressure demand point (51) and the high-pressure demand point (52) are stopped, methanol can be recovered from the device or piping through which methanol passes to the methanol storage unit (10). The capacity of the drain pump (91, 92) can be optimized by designing the capacity of the drain pump (91, 92) so that all the methanol can be drained within 2 minutes, taking into account the specifications of the piping, device, etc.

[0092] A fuel supply valve (30) may be provided upstream of a low-pressure demand point (51) or a high-pressure demand point (52) to fill methanol into a low-pressure demand point (51) or a high-pressure demand point (52), and an inert gas supply unit (60) may be connected upstream of the fuel supply valve (30) so that inert gas from the inert gas supply unit (60) purges the low-pressure demand point (51) or the high-pressure demand point (52), etc., in a certain sequence so that methanol is directed toward a drain pump (91, 92), and the methanol may be recovered to the top of the methanol storage unit (10) through the drain pump (91, 92).

[0093] A methanol storage unit (10) may be installed at a position higher than the first-1 pump (P11) so that the impeller of the first-1 pump (P11) is submerged in methanol. It is preferable that the methanol storage unit (10) be designed to be located about 3.3 m above the first-1 pump (P11). Of course, the methanol storage unit (10) may be designed to be located above the second pump (P2).

[0094] A methanol storage unit (10) is positioned above the first-1 pump (P11) so that methanol can fill the first-1 pump (P11) and the second pump (P2). A level switch may be provided at the front of the first-1 pump (P11) and the second pump (P2), and through the level switch, it can be checked whether the first-1 pump (P11) and the second pump (P2) are filled with methanol.

[0095] A first return line (RL1) that returns methanol from downstream of the first-1 pump (P11) to upstream of the first-1 pump (P11) and a second return line (RL2) that returns methanol from downstream of the second pump (P2) to upstream of the second pump (P2) may be provided. A PCV valve (Pressure Control Valve, PCV11, PCV2) may be provided in the return lines (RL1, RL2), and since the PCV valve (PCV11, PCV2) is open, the upstream of the first-1 pump (P11) or the second pump (P2) may be filled with methanol.

[0096] A return line may be provided for returning methanol from downstream of the first-2 pump (P12) to upstream of the first-2 pump (P12), and a PCV valve (PCV12) may be provided in the return line.

[0097] A level switch is provided upstream of the first-1 pump (P11) or the second pump (P2) to check whether the first-1 pump (P11), the second pump (P2), and the return lines (RL1, RL2) are filled with methanol. When it is determined that the first-1 pump (P11) or the second pump (P2) and the return lines (RL1, RL2) are filled with methanol, the first-1 pump (P11) or the second pump (P2) can be operated.

[0098] A drum (130) may be provided upstream of the first-second pump (P12) to discharge air, etc., from the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) to the drain line (L3). The water level in the drum (130) can be controlled so that the impeller of the first-second pump (P12) is submerged in methanol. When it is determined by a level switch provided in the drum (130) that the first-second pump (P12) is filled, the first-second pump (P12) may be operated.

[0100] The drain pump (91, 92) can be installed at the lowest position in the system supplying methanol. A level switch (not shown) can be provided at the same position as the drain pump (91, 92), and the level switch (not shown) can be used to check whether the draining of methanol is complete.

[0101] A first drain line (L31) connecting the front end of a low-pressure demand source (51) and the first drain pump (91), and a cross line (CL) connecting the front end of a high-pressure demand source (52) and the second drain line (L32) connecting the second drain pump (92) are provided so that the first drain pump (91) and the second drain pump (92) can back each other.

[0103] If space constraints within the vessel or changes to the equipment are required, redesigning the system and relocating the equipment may incur time and costs.

[0104] Therefore, by designing the system by dividing the system into units—a low-pressure unit that supplies methanol to a low-pressure demand location (51), a high-pressure unit that supplies methanol to a high-pressure demand location (52), and a heat transfer unit that supplies heat transfer fluid to a heat exchanger—and separating and combining each unit, the cost or time associated with designing the system can be reduced.

[0105] The methanol supply system according to the present invention is a system that supplies methanol to a demand source (50), and the demand source (50) may be a propulsion engine, a generator, or a boiler. For example, if a design change is required to use a system used in a propulsion engine in a boiler, the design of the system can be easily changed by combining a high-pressure unit, etc.

[0107] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of units according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 10, the high-pressure unit and the low-pressure unit are arranged in parallel, and the heat transfer unit can be arranged so that one side is in contact with the high-pressure unit and the low-pressure unit.

[0110] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to Fig. 11, methanol that has passed through the first-1 pump (P11) and the first-1 heat exchanger (HE11) can be supplied to a low-pressure demand source (51) and a high-pressure demand source (52).

[0112] Here, a high-pressure pump (40) may be provided at the front of the high-pressure demand point (52), and the required pressure of the high-pressure pump (40) may be about 4 to 10 barg, which is lower than the required pressure of the low-pressure demand point (51), which is about 13 barg.

[0113] Therefore, the discharge pressure of the first-1 pump (P11) can be designed to match the required pressure of the high-pressure pump (40), and the capacity of the first-1 pump (P11) can be designed to match the required flow rate of the low-pressure demand location (51) and the high-pressure demand location (52). By designing the first-1 pump (P11) in this way, there is no need to provide an additional pump to meet the required pressure of the high-pressure pump (40).

[0114] Since the filter (F) is placed at the downstream end of the first pump (P11), there is no need to provide a separate filter between the low-pressure demand point (51) and the high-pressure demand point (52).

[0116] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 12, methanol that has passed through the first-1 pump (P11), the first-1 heat exchanger (HE11), the first-2 pump (P12), and the first-2 heat exchanger (HE12) can be supplied to a low-pressure demand source (51) and a high-pressure demand source (52).

[0118] At this time, the methanol discharged from the first-1 pump (P11) and the first-2 pump (P12) becomes the pressure condition of the methanol required by the low-pressure demand place (51), and since the pressure of the methanol discharged from the first-2 pump (P12) may be greater than the pressure required by the high-pressure pump (40), the second PCV valve (PCV2) is provided at the downstream end of the first-2 pump (P12) to lower the pressure of the methanol supplied to the high-pressure pump (40).

[0120] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the 10th embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 13, the low-pressure demand source (51) is supplied with methanol that has passed through the first-1 pump (P11) and the first-2 pump (P12), and the pressure of the methanol may be about 13 barg.

[0122] The high-pressure demand source (52) receives methanol that has passed through the second pump (P2), and the pressure of the methanol may be about 4 to 10 barg.

[0123] The methanol supply system is equipped with a crossline (CL) so that when the first pump (P11) supplying methanol to the low-pressure demand location (51) is unable to operate, the second pump (P2) supplying methanol to the high-pressure demand location (52) can be used to supply methanol to the low-pressure demand location (52), or when the second pump (P2) supplying methanol to the high-pressure demand location (52) is unable to operate, the first pump (P11) supplying methanol to the low-pressure demand location (51) can be used to supply methanol to the high-pressure demand location (52).

[0124] At this time, when using the first pump (P11) that supplies methanol to the low-pressure demand location (51), the pressure of the methanol can be adjusted to about 13 barg, and when using the second pump (P2) that supplies methanol to the high-pressure demand location (52), the pressure of the methanol can also be adjusted to about 13 barg, so the pressure of the methanol required by the low-pressure demand location (51) can be matched even when using the second pump (P2).

[0125] However, since the pressure of the methanol supplied to the high-pressure pump (40) must be about 4 to 10 barg, if the pressure of the methanol supplied by the second pump (P2) is adjusted to about 13 barg because the first pump (P11) etc. is not operational, or if about 13 barg of methanol is supplied to the high-pressure demand place (52) using the first pump (P11) etc. because the second pump (P2) etc. is not operational, the second PCV valve (PCV22) is provided at the downstream end of the first pump (P12) to lower the pressure of the methanol supplied to the high-pressure pump (40).

[0127] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 14, methanol can be supplied to a low-pressure demand point (51) along a low-pressure fuel supply line (L11). At this time, methanol can be supplied to the low-pressure demand point (51) by passing through a first-1 pump (P11) and a heat exchanger (HE).

[0129] A heat exchanger (HE) is provided downstream of the first-1 pump (P11) to exchange heat between methanol that has passed through the first-1 pump (P11) and a heat medium such as glycol water, or to exchange heat between methanol returned downstream of the first-2 pump (P12) and a heat medium.

[0130] A first return line (RL1) branching downstream from the first-2 pump (P12) to return methanol upstream of the heat exchanger (HE), and a second return line (RL2) branching downstream from the heat exchanger (HE) to return methanol upstream of the first-1 pump (P11) may be provided. The pressure and flow rate of the methanol supply system can be controlled through the first return line (RL1) and the second return line (RL1).

[0131] A high-pressure fuel supply line (L12) may be provided, which branches off from the downstream of the heat exchanger (HE) of the low-pressure fuel supply line (L11) and connects to a high-pressure demand source (52). A high-pressure pump (40) may be provided in the high-pressure fuel supply line (L12).

[0132] A degassing line (DL) may be provided downstream of the heat exchanger (HE). The degassing line (DL) can degas residual gas within the methanol during the initial methanol supply. The degassing line (DL) may be provided at a location where the first return line (RL1) branches off or where the second return line (RL2) branches off.

[0133] If deaeration is required during operation, installing only an on / off valve on the deaeration line (DL) may cause a large amount of liquid to be discharged into the deaeration line (DL) along with gas due to the pressure difference between the deaeration line (DL) and the fuel supply lines (L11, L12), thereby causing the pressure in the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) to drop rapidly. To prevent the pressure in the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) from dropping rapidly, a control valve (CV) may be provided on the deaeration line (DL). The control valve (CV) may allow deaeration to proceed slowly. Gases, such as air, present in the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) may travel along the deaeration line (DL) and be collected at the deaeration header (DH).

[0134] By monitoring the discharge pressure of the 1-1 pump (P11) or the 1-2 pump (P12), if the pressure of the pump drops, it can be determined that there is air in the upstream section of the pump, and in this case, degassing can be performed.

[0135] Methanol can be supplied to a high-pressure demand location (52) along a high-pressure fuel supply line (L12) branched off downstream of the heat exchanger (HE). The heat exchanger (HE) can heat the methanol supplied to the high-pressure demand location (52). There is no need to provide a separate heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the methanol supplied to the high-pressure demand location (52).

[0137] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of a methanol fuel supply system provided in a methanol fuel-propelled vessel according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 15, a first degassing line (DL1) may be provided in the line through which methanol circulates from the downstream end of the first-1 heat exchanger (HE11) to the upstream end of the first-1 pump (P11). The first degassing line (DL1) provided in the line through which methanol circulates to the upstream end of the first-1 pump (P11) may be positioned higher than the impeller of the first-1 pump (P11) to prevent the formation of inert gas during the initial methanol supply.

[0139] In addition, a second degassing line (DL2) may be provided in the line through which methanol is circulated from the downstream end of the second heat exchanger (HE2) to the second pump (P2).

[0140] Although not shown in the drawing, a degassing line may also be formed in the line returning to the drum (130) from the downstream end of the first-second heat exchanger (HE12).

[0141] The methanol storage unit (10) is positioned relatively high so that when the methanol is initially supplied, the inert gas used during purging in the fuel supply lines (L11, L12) may exist in a pocket form. The degassing lines (DL1, DL2) can remove the inert gas present in the fuel supply lines (L11, L12).

[0142] A drum (130) may be provided upstream of the first-second pump (P12). The drum (130) can remove inert gas present in the low-pressure fuel supply line (L11). The drum (130) is filled with methanol in a normal state and can remove inert gas. At this time, the inert gas can be transferred to a drain line (not shown).

[0143] The drain line (not shown) and the inert gas line (not shown) may be positioned lower than the fuel supply lines (L11, L12).

[0145] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a degassing device and a first-second pump according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] The Net positive Suction Head (NPSHr) of the first-2 pump (P12) must be matched to prevent cavitation from occurring in the pump. A drum (130) may be provided upstream of the first-2 pump (P12).

[0147] The drum (130) may be equipped with a device capable of removing gas, and the pump may be stopped when the water level in the drum (130) drops below a certain level.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 16, the lowest water level of the drum (130) can be designed to be higher than the height at which the impeller of the first-second pump (P12) is completely submerged in methanol, and the lowest water level of the drum (130) can be 1.15 times the height of the pump body. The capacity of the drum (130) can be designed to be the capacity at which the first-second pump (P12) can discharge for one minute. The height of the drum (130) can be determined according to the capacity of the drum (130) determined in this way.

[0149] The drum (130) may be equipped with multiple level switches according to height. A low level switch (LS1) may be installed at the lowest water level of the drum (130).

[0150] For example, if the body height of the first-2 pump (P12) is 411 mm, the low-level switch (LS1) can be installed at 472 mm. The flow rate of the first-2 pump (P12) is 4.37 m 3 If the drum (130) is designed such that the first-second pump (P12) can discharge a capacity of 400 mm when the drum (130) is designed to discharge a capacity of 580 mm or more when measured from the lower level switch (LS1) when the drum (130) is designed to discharge a capacity of 400 mm. The upper level switch (LS2) can be installed at a height where the volume of the drum (130) is equal to the capacity that the first-second pump (P12) can discharge a capacity of 580 mm when measured from the lower level switch (LS1).

[0151] Using the low-level switch (LS1) provided in the drum (130), it can be checked whether the impeller of the first-2 pump (P12) is submerged in methanol. If the impeller of the first-2 pump (P12) is not submerged in methanol, the level switch does not sound an alarm, and the first-2 pump (P12) may not operate.

[0153] As such, a methanol fuel propulsion vessel according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a methanol fuel supply system (1), and the methanol fuel supply system can supply methanol to a demand source, and when the operation of the demand source is stopped, inert gas is injected into a device or pipe included in the methanol fuel supply system to purge the device or pipe, and methanol can be recovered from the device or pipe to a methanol storage unit.

[0154] In addition, the methanol fuel supply system (1) can prevent a sudden drop in pressure that may occur during the initial operation of the demand site by controlling the supply flow rate of methanol.

[0155] In addition, the methanol fuel supply system (1) includes a line for returning methanol, and since the methanol can repeatedly pass through a heat exchanger during the return process, the number of heat exchangers installed can be reduced.

[0156] Additionally, the methanol fuel supply system (1) may include a configuration capable of discharging gas contained in methanol to prevent damage to the device included in the methanol fuel supply system.

[0157] In addition, the methanol fuel supply system (1) can prevent methanol from leaking from the pump by using a magnetic pump.

[0158] In addition, the methanol fuel supply system (1) has the drum (130) positioned higher than the pump so that the impeller inside the pump can be submerged in methanol.

[0159] In addition, the methanol fuel supply system (1) can control the pump to operate after filling all the upstream piping of the pump with methanol.

[0161] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is obvious that it may include a combination of the above embodiments or a combination of at least one of the above embodiments and known technology as another embodiment.

[0162] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various combinations, modifications, and applications not exemplified in the embodiments are possible without departing from the essential technical content of the embodiments. Therefore, technical details regarding modifications and applications that can be easily derived from the embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0163] 1: Methanol fuel supply system 10: Methanol storage unit 20: Fuel supply unit 30, 301, 302, 303, 304: Fuel supply valve 40, 401, 402, 403, 404: High-pressure pump 50, 501, 502, 503, 504: Demand sources 51: Low-voltage demand center 52: High-voltage demand center 60: Inert gas supply unit 70: Drain header 80: Drain drum 81: Level sensor 90, 91, 92: Drain pump 100: Buffer tank 110: Common piping 120: Pocket section 121: Level switch 130: Drum L1: Fuel supply line L11: Low-pressure fuel supply line L12: High-pressure fuel supply line L2: Fuel return line L3: Drainline BL: Bypass Line CL: Cross Line DL: Degassing line RL: Return line RL1: 1st return line RL2: 2nd return line HE: Heat exchanger HE1: First heat exchanger HE11: Heat exchanger 1-1 HE12: Heat exchanger 1-2 HE2: 2nd heat exchanger DH: Degassing header P1: Pump 1 P11: Pump 1-1 P12: Pump 1-2 P2: Pump 2 P3: Third pump MP: Magnetic pump BV: Throttle Valve MGV: Master Valve PCV: PCV valve CV: Control valve F: Filter LS1: Low level switch LS2: High level switch

Claims

Claim 1 A ship comprising a methanol fuel supply system including: two or more fuel supply lines for transferring methanol from a methanol storage unit to a demand point; pumps provided in each of the fuel supply lines for pressurizing methanol; a heat exchanger provided in the fuel supply line integrated at the downstream end of the pumps for heating methanol; and a return line through which methanol is returned upstream of the pumps between the heat exchanger and the demand point; wherein the capacity of the pumps provided in each of the fuel supply lines and the capacity of the heat exchanger are determined according to the amount of methanol returned through the return line. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A vessel comprising a methanol fuel supply system, wherein, in claim 1, the pumps are configured in parallel. Claim 4 A vessel comprising a methanol fuel supply system, characterized in that, in claim 1, the pump is a magnetic pump. Claim 5 A ship comprising a methanol fuel supply system, wherein, in claim 4, the pump comprises: a motor rotating part with an external magnet attached; and a pump rotating part with an internal magnet attached.

Images