Floating equipment

Abstract

The floating facility (1) comprises a harvesting device (2) for importing plants that inhabit the water, a crusher (5) for crushing the plants harvested by the harvesting device (2), a plurality of fermentation tanks (11) for storing the plants for fermentation, a plant pipe for sending the plants crushed by the crusher (5) to the fermentation tanks (11), a fermentation liquid pipe for discharging the fermentation liquid produced by the fermentation of the plants from the fermentation tanks (11), a centrifuge (7) for separating and removing residue from the fermentation liquid, a distillation tower (8) for distilling the fermentation liquid from which residue has been removed by the centrifuge (7) to produce ethanol, and an ethanol tank (13) for storing the ethanol produced by the distillation tower (8).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating water system for producing ethanol. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, floating facilities for handling fossil fuels are known. For example, a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) that suppresses impact on the natural environment has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, fuels that replace fossil fuels are required from the perspective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which are a concern regarding their impact on the global environment. Prior art literature

[0004] Special Publication No. 2020-192895 The problem to be solved

[0005] The objective of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a floating water system for producing ethanol. means of solving the problem

[0006] An aquatic floating facility according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: an absorption means for absorbing plants inhabiting the water; a crushing means for crushing the plants absorbed by the absorption means; a plurality of fermentation tanks for storing the plants for fermentation; a plant piping for sending the plants crushed by the crushing means to the fermentation tanks; a fermentation liquid piping for removing the fermentation liquid produced by the fermentation of the plants from the fermentation tanks; a residue separation means for separating and removing residue from the fermentation liquid; a distillation means for distilling the fermentation liquid from which the residue has been removed by the residue separation means to produce ethanol; and an ethanol tank for storing the ethanol produced by the distillation means. Effects of the invention

[0007] According to the present embodiment, bioethanol can be efficiently produced using a substance that inhabits water as a raw material. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a floating facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the configuration below the deck of a floating facility according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a method for producing bioethanol by a floating water-based facility according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of an attitude control method for controlling the attitude of a floating facility according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a carbon dioxide fixation system for fixing carbon dioxide in the sea in a floating facility according to the present embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0009] (Embodiment)

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a floating facility (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of a floating facility (1) according to the present embodiment. In addition, identical parts in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0011] The floating facility (1) is a facility for producing bioethanol. For example, the floating facility (1) is an FPSO (floating production storage and offloading unit) that produces bioethanol. Hereinafter, bioethanol may simply be referred to as ethanol. The floating facility (1) may be composed of a vessel with a propulsion function. The floating facility (1) may be newly manufactured or modified from an existing vessel. For example, the floating facility (1) may be based on the modification of a VLCC (very large crude oil carrier). Here, the floating facility (1) is described as having a vessel-like configuration. The fuel for the floating facility (1) can be self-supplied by manufacturing ethanol. The fuel for the floating facility (1) is not limited to ethanol and may use any fuel.

[0012] Additionally, the floating facility (1) is described as a facility deployed in the sea to produce ethanol using seaweed as a raw material, but it is not limited thereto. The floating facility (1) may be deployed in a river or a lake. Furthermore, the raw material for ethanol is not limited to seaweed or seagrass, but can be any plant that inhabits natural waters such as seas, rivers, and lakes. For example, the seaweed used as a raw material can be kelp, wakame, Sargassum, Sargassum horneri, giant kelp, etc. Sargassum horneri, giant kelp, etc. are suitable as raw materials for ethanol because they grow quickly, and they are easy to secure as raw materials because they are not suitable for food.

[0013] The floating facility (1) comprises a harvesting device (2), a washing unit (3), a pre-crushing storage unit (4), a crusher (5), a first centrifuge (6), a second centrifuge (7), a distillation tower (8), and a hull (10). The harvesting device (2), the washing unit (3), the pre-crushing storage unit (4), the crusher (5), the first centrifuge (6), the second centrifuge (7), and the distillation tower (8) are installed on a deck positioned on the upper surface of the hull (10). A plurality of fermentation tanks (11), residue tanks (12), ethanol tanks (13), pumps (31), and ethanol pumps (34) are installed on the hull (10).

[0014] The floating equipment (1) is primarily controlled using a computer. The computer may consist of multiple units, or some or all of the computers may be connected to a network. Each component may have a control computer built in, and some of the components may not be controlled by a computer. For example, the computer includes an integrated automation system (IAS) that monitors and controls the attitude of the floating equipment (1) and a loading computer.

[0015] The harvesting device (2) collects seaweed that serves as a raw material for ethanol and injects it into the floating equipment (1). For example, the harvesting device (2) is installed near the bow (FP). The harvesting device (2) can be any arrangement or any device as long as it can inject seaweed into the floating equipment (1). For example, the harvesting device (2) is a crane-type device.

[0016] The washing section (3) is a place where equipment is installed to wash seaweed drawn from seawater with water such as seawater or fresh water. The washing section (3) removes attachments on the seaweed by washing the seaweed. The washing section (3) may not be necessary. For example, the seaweed may be washed manually or using equipment transported from outside the floating facility (1).

[0017] The pre-crushing storage unit (4) is a place for storing seaweed washed by the washing unit (3). For example, the pre-crushing storage unit (4) is a tank for storing seaweed before crushing. The pre-crushing storage unit (4) may not be necessary.

[0018] The grinder (5) sequentially takes the seaweed stored in the pre-grinding storage unit (4) and grinds it finely. The grinder (5) supplies the ground seaweed to the first centrifuge (6).

[0019] The first centrifuge (6) removes moisture from the seaweed crushed in the crusher (5). This reduces the volume of the seaweed in order to effectively utilize the capacity of the fermentation tank (11) provided in the limited space of the hull (10). The seaweed dehydrated by the first centrifuge (6) is stored in the fermentation tank (11) along with a fermentation material. The fermentation material is saccharifying yeast and enzymes. As a result, the seaweed is fermented in the fermentation tank (11) for several days (e.g., 14 days) to produce a fermented liquid.

[0020] In addition, any device may be used, not limited to a centrifuge, as long as moisture can be removed from the seaweed, and any treatment may be performed on the seaweed. Furthermore, the fermentation substance may be changed or added depending on the raw material.

[0021] The second centrifuge (7) removes residue from the fermented liquid that has been sufficiently fermented in the fermentation tank (11). Any device that can remove residue from the fermented liquid may be used, not limited to a centrifuge, and any treatment may be performed.

[0022] The distillation tower (8) distills the fermented liquid to finally produce ethanol. Any distillation method may be employed for distilling the fermented liquid, and any device may be used.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the specific configuration of the lower deck of the hull (10) will be described.

[0024] The hull (10) includes a plurality of fermentation tanks (11), residue tanks (12), ethanol tanks (13), a pipe for seaweed (21), a pipe for fermentation liquid (22), an emergency pipe (23), intermediate valves (24, 25), an emergency valve (26), a pump (31), valves (32, 33), and an ethanol pump (34).

[0025] A fermentation tank (11) is a tank that stores seaweed for a certain period of time to ferment the seaweed. The number of fermentation tanks (11) is determined by the fermentation period and the unit period for managing the fermentation. For example, if the minimum fermentation period for seaweed (minimum number of days required for fermentation) is 14 days, and one fermentation tank (11) is installed for every number of days elapsed since the day the seaweed is injected, then at least 14 fermentation tanks (11) are required. Since the fermentation tanks are injected with seaweed, it is desirable to paint them to prevent rust.

[0026] Additionally, the fermentation tank (11) can also function as a ballast tank for attitude control of the floating equipment (1). When the fermentation tank (11) functions as a ballast tank, the capacity of all fermentation tanks (11) may be the same. This makes it easier to perform calculations for attitude control.

[0027] Additionally, one fermentation tank (11) may correspond to a fermentation elapsed time of 2 days or more, and two or more fermentation tanks (11) may correspond to the same fermentation elapsed time. Additionally, the fermentation tank (11) may be managed by a fermentation elapsed time (e.g., 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, etc.) which is the elapsed time from the time of injection of seaweed.

[0028] Additionally, the fermentation tank (11) may be provided as a spare. For example, the spare fermentation tank (11) may be used at all times to ferment seaweed for at least the minimum fermentation period, or it may be kept empty and not used at all during normal times and used in an emergency (e.g., during attitude control).

[0029] Here, the minimum fermentation period is set to 14 days, and one fermentation tank (11) is installed for every day of fermentation, and one fermentation tank (11) is also installed as a reserve. Accordingly, a total of 15 fermentation tanks (11) are installed in the floating facility (1). In addition, the seaweed is fermented for 15 days, not 14 days.

[0030] The residue tank (12) is a tank for storing residue removed from the fermentation liquid. The ethanol tank (13) is a tank for storing bioethanol produced in the floating facility (1). The residue tank (12) and the ethanol tank (13) may be installed at any location on the hull (10) or on the deck. For example, the residue tank (12) and the ethanol tank (13) are installed on the stern (AP) side of the hull (10).

[0031] A pump (31) is installed in each fermentation tank (11). Each pump (31) is connected to the fermentation liquid pipe (22) through a valve (32). The pump (31) is a device that sends the fermented liquid, in which seaweed has been fermented, from the fermentation tank (11) to the second centrifuge (7) through the fermentation liquid pipe (22). Additionally, the pump (31) may be used to agitate the contents of the fermentation tank (11), such as seaweed and fermented liquid. This promotes the fermentation of the seaweed. That is, the pump (31) performs the function of sweeping out and circulating the contents of the fermentation tank (11).

[0032] Additionally, the pump (31) may be concentrated in one place instead of being installed in each fermentation tank (11). For example, a pump room may be installed at the rear of the fermentation tank (11), and the pump (31) may be integrated into the pump room. Also, the fermentation liquid piping (22) may be placed at the bottom of the fermentation tank (11).

[0033] An ethanol pump (34) is installed in an ethanol tank (13). The ethanol pump (34) is a device for transferring ethanol stored in the ethanol tank (13) overboard. The ethanol pump (34) can be used when shipping ethanol as a product.

[0034] The seaweed pipe (21) is connected to each fermentation tank (11) through a valve (33). The seaweed pipe (21) is a pipe for supplying seaweed before fermentation to the fermentation tank (11). By opening the valve (33) installed in the pipe to the fermentation tank (11) to which the seaweed is supplied and closing the other valve (33), the seaweed supplied to the seaweed pipe (21) is fed into the target fermentation tank (11). An intermediate valve (24) is installed in the longitudinal center of the seaweed pipe (21), but it may not be necessary.

[0035] The fermentation liquid pipe (22) is a pipe for discharging the fermentation liquid obtained by fermenting seaweed from the fermentation tank (11). The pump (31) installed in the fermentation tank (11) from which the fermentation liquid is discharged is operated by opening the valve (33) installed in the pipe connecting the fermentation liquid pipe (22) to the pump (31). As a result, the fermentation liquid stored in the specific fermentation tank (11) is discharged through the fermentation liquid pipe (22). An intermediate valve (25) is installed in the longitudinal center of the fermentation liquid pipe (22), but it may not be necessary.

[0036] An emergency pipe (23) is installed to connect the end of the seaweed pipe (21) on the bow (FP) side and the end of the fermentation liquid pipe (22) on the bow (FP) side. An emergency valve (26) is installed in the emergency pipe (23). The emergency valve (26) is normally closed. By opening the emergency valve (26), the seaweed pipe (21) and the fermentation liquid pipe (22) are connected by the emergency pipe (23), and the contents of any two fermentation tanks (11) can be transferred to each other. Accordingly, the fermentation tank (11) functions as a ballast tank. In addition, a dedicated pipe for transferring the contents of any two fermentation tanks (11) to each other may be installed separately from the seaweed pipe (21) and the fermentation liquid pipe (22) instead of the emergency pipe (23).

[0037] When an abnormality is detected in the position of the floating facility (1), the position of the floating facility (1) is controlled to return to normal by transferring part or all of the contents of one fermentation tank (11) to another fermentation tank (11). Accordingly, when transferring contents between two fermentation tanks (11), an emergency pipe (23) is used.

[0038] Additionally, by closing at least one of the intermediate valves (24, 25) of the seaweed pipe (21) and the fermentation liquid pipe (22), contents can be transferred between the two fermentation tanks (11), and at the same time, the seaweed pipe (21) or the fermentation liquid pipe (22) can perform its original role of supplying seaweed and discharging fermentation liquid. Specifically, contents are transferred between the two fermentation tanks (11) using the seaweed pipe (21) and the fermentation liquid pipe (22) on the side of the emergency pipe (23), and seaweed is supplied to the fermentation tank (11) or fermentation liquid is discharged from the fermentation tank (11) using the seaweed pipe (21) or the fermentation liquid pipe (22) on the side opposite to the emergency pipe (23).

[0039] Referring to Fig. 3, a method for producing bioethanol using a floating facility (1) will be explained.

[0040] Seaweed that serves as a raw material for ethanol is harvested by a harvesting device (2) (step S101). For example, there may be multiple seaweed shelves (cultivation shelves) for cultivating seaweed near a floating facility (1). The harvesting device (2) harvests seaweed by winding a string connecting multiple seaweed shelves. Additionally, the seaweed roots are left on the seaweed shelves, the seaweed is separated from the shelves, and the seaweed shelves are returned to the sea along with the remaining roots, thereby allowing new seaweed to grow from the roots of the seaweed shelves. Through this, seaweed can be harvested repeatedly from the seaweed shelves.

[0041] The collected seaweed is washed in the washing unit (3) to remove attachments on the seaweed (step S102). For example, the seaweed is washed with seawater and then washed with fresh water. In addition, the seaweed may undergo treatment to remove attachments in addition to washing with water. For example, attachments include sand, mud, garbage, salt, or fish roe.

[0042] The seaweed from which attachments have been removed is temporarily stored in the pre-grinding storage unit (4). The seaweed stored in the pre-grinding storage unit (4) is sequentially taken out and finely ground by a grinder (5) (step S103). The seaweed is ground finely enough so that it does not hinder movement within the seaweed pipe (21). It is preferable that the seaweed be finely ground until it becomes a fluid state.

[0043] The crushed seaweed is dehydrated by the first centrifuge (6) (step S104). Thus, the volume of the seaweed can be reduced by dehydration. The dehydrated seaweed is injected into the fermentation tank (11) together with fermentation materials such as saccharifying yeast and enzymes (step S105). The fermentation materials may be injected into the fermentation tank (11) together with the seaweed, or injected into the fermentation tank (11) separately from the seaweed. Thus, the seaweed is fermented in the fermentation tank (11) (step S106).

[0044] After a certain period (e.g., 14 days) has elapsed since the start of fermentation in the fermentation tank (11), the fermented liquid produced from the seaweed is discharged from the fermentation tank (11) (step S107). The discharged fermented liquid is separated into residues by the second centrifuge (7) (step S108). This separation may be gravity separation or pressure separation. The residues separated from the fermented liquid are stored in the residue tank (12). The residues stored in the residue tank (12) may be processed and used as fuel for the floating equipment (1), or they may be incinerated on the ship without processing, or they may be transported overboard as raw materials for fertilizer, etc.

[0045] The fermented liquid from which residue has been removed is transferred to a distillation tower (8) (step S109). The fermented liquid is distilled in the distillation tower (8) to produce ethanol (step S110). The concentration of the ethanol is at least a concentration that can be used as fuel for ships, etc. (e.g., 95%). In addition, to increase the purity of the ethanol, treatment such as dehydration may be performed to produce ethanol with a concentration of about 99.5% or higher (anhydrous ethanol).

[0046] The ethanol produced in the distillation tower (8) is stored in the ethanol tank (13) (step S111). In this way, bioethanol is produced from the raw material seaweed.

[0047] The ethanol stored in the ethanol tank (13) is shipped as a product (step S112). For example, the ethanol is transferred to an ethanol tanker or onshore facility. The method of transferring the ethanol overboard can be performed in any way. For example, a pipeline may be connected to the ethanol tank (13) so that the ethanol flows through the pipeline. Additionally, the ethanol tank (13) may be removable from the hull (10), and the ethanol may be transferred overboard along with the ethanol tank (13).

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, a method for controlling the attitude of a floating facility (1) is described. For example, attitude control is performed by a loading computer. In addition, attitude control may be automatically controlled by an IAS based on the calculation results of the loading computer, or may be artificially remotely controlled using an IAS.

[0049] First, a method for selecting a fermentation tank (11) into which seaweed is injected before fermentation is described. The selection of this fermentation tank (11) can be performed on any computer or artificially.

[0050] If there is only one empty fermentation tank (11), seaweed is injected into the empty fermentation tank (11). If there are multiple empty fermentation tanks (11), one of the multiple fermentation tanks (11) is selected. If there is no empty fermentation tank (11), the injection of seaweed is stopped, or if there is spare capacity in the recently injected fermentation tank (11), it is injected into that fermentation tank (11).

[0051] For example, when selecting one of a plurality of fermentation tanks (11), the fermentation tank (11) is determined according to a predetermined order so that the posture of the floating facility (1) is ideally maintained. Alternatively, to maintain the posture of the floating facility (1) normally, the best fermentation tank (11) to inject seaweed into is determined by calculation using a computer. Furthermore, the selection of the fermentation tank (11) for injecting seaweed can be made in any way, and it may be determined regardless of the posture of the floating facility (1).

[0052] Here, the yield of seaweed is not constant as it is affected by the natural environment. Therefore, the amount of contents stored in each fermentation tank (11) is usually different. Because of this, there is a possibility that the posture of the floating equipment (1) may tilt due to the weight of the contents in each fermentation tank (11). Therefore, posture control of the floating equipment (1) is performed as follows.

[0053] The computer constantly calculates and monitors the trim, which indicates the longitudinal (lengthwise) inclination of the hull, the heel, which indicates the transverse inclination of the hull, and the longitudinal strength (step S201).

[0054] If at least one of the calculated values ​​of trim, heel, and longitudinal strength exceeds a threshold, the computer generates an alarm indicating that an abnormality in the posture of the floating equipment (1) has been detected (step S202). The alarm may be accompanied by at least one of a display or a sound.

[0055] The computer selects two fermentation tanks (11) to remove abnormalities in posture when an alarm occurs (step S203). The computer selects two fermentation tanks (11) that transport contents according to the type of abnormality, such as trim, heel, or longitudinal strength.

[0056] If there is an empty fermentation tank (11), that fermentation tank (11) is selected as the top priority fermentation tank (11) for transfer. If there is no empty fermentation tank (11), the two selected fermentation tanks (11) are selected with priority if they have a short fermentation elapsed time (i.e., the seaweed injection date is short).

[0057] If the fermentation elapsed days of the two fermentation tanks (11) are different, it is necessary to update the fermentation elapsed days of the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer location. For example, if the fermentation elapsed days of the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer location are greater than the fermentation elapsed days of the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer source, the fermentation elapsed days of the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer location are updated to the fermentation elapsed days of the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer source. Otherwise, the fermentation elapsed days of the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer location may not be changed.

[0058] When the computer determines the two fermentation tanks (11) to perform the transfer of contents, it calculates the amount of contents transferred between the two fermentation tanks (11) to eliminate abnormalities that cause alarms (step S204).

[0059] Here, among the two fermentation tanks (11), the fermentation tank (11) serving as the transfer point requires a space with a capacity capable of accommodating the contents. For example, if the two fermentation tanks (11) have the same capacity and 100% of the contents are stored in the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer point and 75% of the contents are stored in the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer point, a maximum of 25% of the contents can be transferred. Therefore, if the problem is not resolved by transferring the contents within 25%, the other two fermentation tanks (11) must be found again. Considering that the fermentation tank (11) is also used for posture control, it is desirable to have a capacity of about 10% margin compared to the amount of seaweed typically fermented per day.

[0060] When the computer calculates the amount of contents to be transferred, it transfers the calculated amount of contents from the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer source to the fermentation tank (11) of the transfer location (step S205). By opening the emergency valve (26) installed in the emergency pipe (23), the contents can be transferred between the two fermentation tanks (11).

[0061] If there is no hindrance to the transfer of contents between the two fermentation tanks (11), at least one of the intermediate valves (24, 25) of the seaweed pipe (21) or the fermentation liquid pipe (22) can be closed. Accordingly, the seaweed pipe (21) or the fermentation liquid pipe (22) on the stern (AP) side, which is closed than the intermediate valve (24, 25), can transfer seaweed or discharge fermentation liquid as its original function, simultaneously with the transfer of contents between the two fermentation tanks (11).

[0062] After transferring the contents between the two fermentation tanks (11), the computer checks whether the alarm has stopped (i.e., whether the abnormality has been resolved) (step S206). If the alarm has stopped, the computer terminates the posture control to remove the posture abnormality (Yes in step S206). If the alarm has not stopped, the computer selects the two fermentation tanks (11) again to remove the posture abnormality (No in step S206, step S203).

[0063] In addition, it is desirable that the transfer of contents between the two fermentation tanks (11) be performed with the minimum number of times. Accordingly, the computer predicts the position of the floating equipment (1) after the transfer of contents and selects the two fermentation tanks (11) so that an abnormality is eliminated in the minimum number of transfers of contents.

[0064] For example, if two fermentation tanks (11) are selected to eliminate the Hill emergency, even if the Hill abnormality is resolved after the contents are transferred, an abnormality may occur in the trim or longitudinal strength. In this case, it is desirable to select two fermentation tanks (11) so that no abnormality of any kind occurs after the contents are transferred. In addition, there may be cases where no abnormality of any kind can be stopped unless the contents are transferred between three or more fermentation tanks (11). In this case, the number of times the contents are transferred can be minimized by simulating the transfer of contents between multiple fermentation tanks (11) in advance using a computer.

[0065] Additionally, although a configuration in which a ballast tank dedicated to attitude control is not installed and the fermentation tank (11) functions as a ballast tank used for attitude control has been described here, a ballast tank may be provided separately from the fermentation tank (11). In this case as well, the fermentation tank (11) may function as a ballast tank.

[0066] In addition, if dedicated ballast tanks are provided, it is desirable to minimize the number of ballast tanks. For example, attitude control is possible if there are 2 to 4 ballast tanks on the port and starboard sides, respectively. Therefore, when modifying a VLCC, etc., the volumetric efficiency of the floating facility (1) can be increased by leaving the minimum necessary ballast tanks and using the remaining ballast tanks as fermentation tanks (11), etc.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a carbon dioxide fixation system (40) that fixes carbon dioxide in the sea in a floating facility (1) according to the present embodiment.

[0068] The carbon dioxide fixation system (40) includes a plurality of air outlets (41), a pressure control valve (42), a compressor (43), and carbon dioxide piping (44).

[0069] Each air outlet (41) is installed in the fermentation tank (11). When the internal pressure of the fermentation tank (11) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value set in the air outlet (41), the air outlet (41) is opened. When the air outlet (41) is opened, carbon dioxide inside the fermentation tank (11) is released into the carbon dioxide pipe (44). When carbon dioxide is released from the fermentation tank (11) and the internal pressure of the fermentation tank (11) becomes less than the predetermined value set in the air outlet (41), the air outlet (41) is closed. The carbon dioxide released from each air outlet (41) is sent to the compressor (43) through the carbon dioxide pipe (44).

[0070] In the fermentation tank (11), raw materials are fermented and carbon dioxide is generated. The air outlet (41) prevents the internal pressure of the fermentation tank (11) from becoming overpressure by discharging the carbon dioxide generated in the fermentation tank (11) to the outside. Therefore, the internal pressure of the fermentation tank (11) is controlled by installing the air outlet (41).

[0071] A pressure control valve (42) is installed in the carbon dioxide pipe (44) connecting each air outlet (41) and the compressor (43). When the internal pressure of the carbon dioxide pipe (44) exceeds a set predetermined value, the pressure control valve (42) sends the carbon dioxide released from each fermentation tank (11) to the compressor (43). Additionally, the carbon dioxide released from each fermentation tank (11) may be stored in a tank, etc., and then sent to the compressor (43). Furthermore, the pressure control valve (42) may be installed to control the internal pressure of a tank, etc., in which carbon dioxide is stored.

[0072] The compressor (43) compresses the carbon dioxide released from each fermentation tank (11) and releases it into the sea (underwater). The carbon dioxide compressed by the compressor (43) is released through a pipeline equipped with an outlet to the sea. As a result, the carbon dioxide generated from each fermentation tank (11) is fixed in the sea, and carbon dioxide emissions are suppressed.

[0073] According to the present embodiment, bioethanol can be efficiently produced using a substance that inhabits water as a raw material.

[0074] In addition, by making the fermentation tank (11) for fermenting plants function as a ballast tank, there is no need to install a ballast tank dedicated to attitude control in the floating facility (1). Therefore, compared to the case where a ballast tank dedicated to attitude control is installed, the space of the floating facility (1) can be effectively utilized.

[0075] In addition, by installing a carbon dioxide fixation system (40), carbon dioxide generated in the fermentation tank (11) can be fixed in the water of the natural environment. This allows for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the floating facility (1). Furthermore, if raw material seaweed is being cultivated near the floating facility (1), the growth of the cultivated seaweed can be promoted. Additionally, even if the carbon dioxide fixation system (40) is not installed, there is no hindrance to the production of bioethanol in the floating facility (1).

[0076] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and components may be deleted, added, or modified. Additionally, new embodiments may be formed by combining or exchanging components of multiple embodiments. Even if such embodiments differ directly from the embodiments described above, if they are of the same nature as the present invention, they are described as embodiments of the present invention, and their description is omitted.

Claims

Claim 1 An aquatic floating facility characterized by comprising: an absorption means for absorbing plants inhabiting the water; a crushing means for crushing the plants absorbed by the absorption means; a plurality of fermentation tanks for storing the plants for fermentation, wherein the contents are transferred between two selected fermentation tanks among a plurality of fermentation tanks to control the position; a plant pipe for sending the plants crushed by the crushing means to the fermentation tanks; a fermentation liquid pipe for discharging the fermentation liquid produced by the fermentation of the plants from the fermentation tanks; a residue separation means for separating and removing residue from the fermentation liquid; a distillation means for distilling the fermentation liquid from which the residue has been removed by the residue separation means to produce ethanol; and an ethanol tank for storing the ethanol produced by the distillation means. Claim 2 A floating structure according to claim 1, characterized by having a moisture removal means for removing moisture from the plant. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A floating water facility according to claim 1, characterized by transferring contents between the two fermentation tanks using a pipe including the connected plant pipe and the fermentation liquid pipe for posture control. Claim 5 A floating water system according to claim 4, characterized by having a plant piping valve installed in the plant piping to transfer the plant to the fermentation tank while simultaneously transferring the contents between the two fermentation tanks. Claim 6 A floating water system according to claim 4, characterized by having a fermentation liquid piping valve installed in the fermentation liquid piping to discharge the fermentation liquid from the fermentation tanks simultaneously with the transfer of contents between the two fermentation tanks. Claim 7 A floating water facility characterized by using ethanol as fuel in claim 1. Claim 8 A floating water facility according to claim 1, characterized by using the residue separated from the fermentation liquid as fuel. Claim 9 A floating facility according to claim 1, characterized by being configured in the shape of a ship. Claim 10 A floating water facility according to claim 1, characterized by having a carbon dioxide fixation means for fixing carbon dioxide generated in the fermentation tank in water.

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