Feeding system for vessels and corresponding vessel

Abstract

The invention concerns a hydrogen feeding system (10) for vessels (100) for transporting passengers or cargo, comprising at least one tank module (11) containing a certain quantity of liquid hydrogen, at least one fuel preparation module (12) able to be connected to the at least one tank module (11), and at least one conversion module (13) connected to said fuel preparation module (12) in order to convert the hydrogen's chemical energy into electrical energy.

Description

[0001] “FEEDING SYSTEM FOR VESSELS AND CORRESPONDING VESSEL”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns a feeding system for vessels or installations, for example for passenger ships, or other types of similar-sized ships, or even for land- based installations that require an energy supply. More specifically, the invention concerns an energy feeding system in which the fuel is liquid hydrogen. This feeding system can be installed in a newly built or already existing vessel or installation.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Vessels have long been equipped with engines powered by fuel derived from fossil energies, such as oil or its derivatives for example.

[0006] It is known that this type of power supply contributes to environmental pollution, which has negative repercussions on the planet. This problem is felt to the point that some countries are taking measures to prevent the circulation of vessels, in particular large ships, powered by fossil fuels in their territory. For example, this type of measure is being studied, or even in preparation, in northern European countries, where passenger ships regularly circulate, carrying out cruises on rivers or marine protected areas.

[0007] Fixed land-based installations are equally known, for example located in isolated locations, such as in the desert for example, which require an electrical energy supply that, to date, can be obtained thanks to modules fed with oil or its derivatives, with the same problems as above. These installations can be, for example, production plants or even temporary installations, such as movie sets.

[0008] Alternative energies that do not pollute, or that pollute much less than oil, are also known, on which an alternative feeding system for vessels can be based, in order to make them compatible with the above provisions. One example of an alternative fuel is liquid hydrogen, the combustion of which leads to the formation of water. There are other types of non-polluting or less polluting alternative fuels, such as e-fuels, bioethanol, LPG or others.

[0009] While it is known by now to provide an alternative fuel-powered motorization, creating a corresponding feeding system for a vessel is much more complex, since essential issues have to be considered, such as ease of installation, the safety of the vessel’s personnel and that of passengers, as well as the system’s convenience and ease of use and maintenance, in particular with regard to how the system is refueled.

[0010] With regard to liquid hydrogen, there are very few examples of installations capable of providing so-called naval bunkering. This is due to the nature of liquid hydrogen, which is stored at -253 °C in containers suitably designed to maintain that temperature. The transfer of this fuel requires special installations not used for petroleum fuels, and therefore not commonly used in the vessel sector.

[0011] CN-A- 103615657 discloses a feeding system as in the preamble of claim 1, which however is a liquid natural gas, not specifically hydrogen, feeding system.

[0012] There is therefore the need to perfect a hydrogen feeding system for vessels or for installations that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0013] To do this, it is necessary to resolve the technical problem of providing a hydrogen feeding system for vessels or installations that provides for a fast and flexible replacement of the fuel tanks.

[0014] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen feeding system for vessels or installations that provides for a simple and fast loading of the hydrogen tanks on board.

[0015] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen feeding system for vessels or installations in which loading the tanks on board is also safe.

[0016] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen feeding system for vessels or installations with a very high safety level.

[0017] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0020] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a hydrogen feeding system according to the present invention for vessels or land-based installations comprises at least one tank module containing a certain quantity of liquid hydrogen, at least one fuel preparation module, comprising a tank connection chamber, able to be connected to the at least one tank module and which temporarily determines, together with it, a closed watertight chamber, and an evaporation chamber connected to the connection chamber and containing an evaporation device able to be removably connected to the at least one tank module in order to convert the liquid hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen, and at least one conversion module connected to the fuel preparation module, in particular to the evaporation chamber, and configured to convert the gaseous hydrogen’s chemical energy into electrical energy.

[0021] The at least one tank module, the at least one fuel preparation module and the at least one conversion module are able to be mounted or installed on board a vessel or in a land-based installation.

[0022] Doing so achieves at least the advantage of having a liquid hydrogen feeding system that can be easily installed on a vessel, in particular on a ship, or in an installation, and in which replacing the liquid hydrogen tanks is quick and simple. To overcome the problems related to managing the liquid hydrogen and transferring it from land, or from a vessel, to a receiving vessel, the present invention provides to store the hydrogen on board in removable tank modules that are replaced with full tank modules once the fuel has been consumed. The tank module is filled on land, in particular in a suitably equipped area of the port, or in a special installation.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the feeding system comprises at least one support device able to be translated in order to support the at least one tank module and displace it away from and close to the at least one fuel preparation module, in particular the connection chamber. Preferably, the support device is mobile along a rectilinear path. This facilitates the installation of the at least one tank module after it has been loaded onto the vessel.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the at least one conversion module contains at least one group of fuel cells.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one tank module comprises a container and a tank inside it, in which the liquid hydrogen is contained. In accordance with another aspect, the at least one tank module is able to be physically or structurally connected to the at least one fuel preparation module, in particular to the tank connection chamber. For this purpose, the at least one tank module comprises, on an end side, a first connection member for the removable connection with the connection chamber, and with a fluidic or liquid connection member for the fluidic or liquid connection with the evaporation chamber. Moreover, the at least one tank module preferably comprises, on a longitudinal side, a gripping counter-member to be gripped by the loading apparatus, that is, connected thereto. More preferably, the first connection member is also provided on the above-mentioned end wall.

[0026] Advantageously, the system preferentially comprises a connection device composed of a first connection member (corresponding to the above-mentioned first connection member of the at least one tank module) provided on the at least one tank module, and a second connection member provided on a wall of the at least one fuel preparation module, in particular on a wall of the connection chamber, the first and second connection member being connectable to each other, preferably in a watertight manner, more preferably removably.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vessel, in particular a vessel or ship for transporting passengers or cargo, comprises at least one technical compartment accessible from an aperture present in one of its sides, and a hydrogen feeding system as disclosed above. Advantageously, the vessel comprises a first technical compartment in which the at least one fuel preparation module and, during use, the at least one tank module are housed. Preferably, the at least one fuel preparation module is located at the bottom of the first technical compartment. Advantageously, the at least one technical compartment is oriented transversely, for example perpendicularly, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vessel.

[0028] According to one aspect, the vessel comprises a second technical compartment, distinct from the first and located above it, in which the loading apparatus is housed.

[0029] In accordance with another aspect, the vessel is a transport ship, in particular for passenger transport.

[0030] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0031] - fig. 1 is a cross-section view of a ship equipped with a feeding system according to the present invention;

[0032] - fig. 2 is a partial lateral view of the ship of fig. 1;

[0033] - fig. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a tank module of the feeding system according to the invention;

[0034] - fig. 4 is a three-dimensional view of a detail of a fuel preparation module of the feeding system according to the invention;

[0035] - fig. 5 is a plan view of a first technical compartment of the ship, in which two tank modules, two fuel preparation modules and two devices for supporting the feeding system are provided; and

[0036] - figs. 6 and 7 are schematic three-dimensional views of a part of the feeding system according to the invention, during two steps of the loading of two tank modules into the first technical compartment of a ship.

[0037] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0038] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0039] DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0040] With reference to fig. 1, a hydrogen feeding system 10 according to the present invention is shown installed on a vessel 100, in this case a transport vessel, in particular for passenger transport.

[0041] Although the feeding system 10 is shown here only on a vessel, it is clear to the person of skill in the art that it can also be installed in land-based installations which can be, for example, temporary or fixed production plants, or other fixed installations such as movie sets or suchlike. The feeding system 10 is composed of at least one tank module 11, at least one fuel preparation module 12 and at least one conversion module 13 for converting the chemical energy of the liquid hydrogen, stored in the tank module 11 , into electrical energy. In the example shown, two conversion modules 13 are provided, both fluidically connected to the at least one fuel preparation module 12 by means of suitable piping 14, only shown here in part for simplicity, so as to allow the outflow of gaseous hydrogen without any leaks.

[0042] In the example shown, the conversion modules 13 can be of the type with fuel cells configured to produce electrical energy; however, other types of conversion modules 13 are of course possible, provided they are configured to suitably exploit and transform the chemical energy deriving from the evaporated liquid hydrogen. For example, it can be a gas turbine that can be fed directly with gaseous hydrogen, or an internal combustion engine that can be fed directly with gaseous hydrogen.

[0043] As will appear from the following description, the example shown here also provides two tank modules 11 and two fuel preparation modules 12, as shown in figs. 5, 7, 8 and 9. We must clarify that the two tank modules 11 are identical to each other, as are the two fuel preparation modules 12. Hereafter, if reference is made to a tank module 11 or a fuel preparation module 12, the corresponding steps are to be considered applicable to both tank modules 11 , or to both fuel preparation modules 12.

[0044] In the example shown, the at least one tank module 11 is housed in a first technical compartment 101 located below the deck of the vessel 100, inside the hull 100A (figs. 1 and 5). It is oriented transversely with respect to the vessel 100, that is, the first technical compartment 101 has a longitudinal axis XI located transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis X0 of the vessel 100 (figs. 1 and 2).

[0045] The at least one tank module 11 is oriented longitudinally with respect to the first technical compartment 110, that is, it has its own longitudinal axis Yl, Y2 parallel to the longitudinal axis XI (figs. 1 and 5). The at least one fuel preparation module 12 is placed in the bottom 101 A of the first technical compartment 101, which bottom is positioned inside the vessel 100, spaced from the surface of the hull 100 A. The other end 101B of the first technical compartment 101 is instead open on the opposite surface of the hull 100 A, resulting in an aperture 101C equipped with a watertight closing door 101D (figs. 1 and 5).

[0046] Alternatively, it can be provided that the feeding system 10 is partly or totally external. For example, it can be provided that the tank modules 1 1 and the fuel preparation module 12 are mounted on a part of the vessel 100 externally.

[0047] For each tank module 11 there is provided a respective rectangular shaped support device 15 with longitudinal axis Y3 parallel to the longitudinal axis Yl, Y2 of the corresponding tank module 11. The support device 15 is translatable, in particular slidable, along its longitudinal axis Y3 close to and away from the fuel preparation module 12. In particular, the support device 15 is translatable between a position in which it is close to the corresponding fuel preparation module 12 and a position away from it, more precisely a position extracted from the first technical compartment 101, in order to be able to bring a tank module 11 out of the hull 100 A or to be able to receive a tank module 1 1, during a loading step, as will be explained below.

[0048] In the example shown, the support device 15 is mounted sliding along a pair of longitudinal guides 150 which are mounted along the first technical compartment 101 (fig. 5). Other alternative mechanisms that allow the support device 15 to translate along its longitudinal axis Y3 to the outside of the vessel 100 are of course possible. The guides 150 can have, for example, a length equal to the length of the first technical compartment 101 between its open end 10 IB and the fuel preparation module 12.

[0049] When the support device 15 is close to the fuel preparation module 12, it is understood that the tank module 11 that is resting thereon comes practically in contact with the fuel preparation module 12 and it can be structurally connected to it by means of a suitable connection device 16 (fig. 1). We must clarify that this connection device 16 forms a structural connection between the two modules 11, 12, which is in addition to the liquid connection operated to allow the liquid hydrogen feed into the feeding system 10, which is explained below.

[0050] For this purpose, the connection device 16 is composed of a first connection member 161 and a second connection member 162, the connection members 161, 162 being configured to couple in a watertight manner (figs. 3 and 4).

[0051] As shown in fig. 3, the tank module 11 comprises a tank 110 enclosed within a container frame 111, suitably of standard ISO sizes. The frame 111 is composed of four longitudinal beams 112 and eight end beams 13 each connected to the ends of two longitudinal beams 112. The longitudinal 112 and end 113 beams delimit four longitudinal sides 114, facing each other two by two, and two front or end sides 115 facing each other and each flanked by a respective end of the four longitudinal sides 114. In correspondence with one of the end sides 115 the tank module 11 is equipped with a liquid connection member 116, for example a flange of a type known in the art, connected inside the tank 110 so as to allow the outflow of the liquid hydrogen contained therein.

[0052] Advantageously, the length of the support device 15 is greater than the length of the tank module 11 , which corresponds to the length of the container. This ensures that the tank module 11 can be rested on the support device 15 stably and securely.

[0053] In correspondence with the same end side 112, the tank module 11 comprises the first connection member 161 which is configured as a closed-ring member surrounding the liquid connection member 116. The second connection member 162 is instead placed in or on the fuel preparation module 12 to which the tank module 11 connects.

[0054] The fuel preparation module 12 instead comprises a tank connection chamber 121 and a fuel evaporation chamber 122, which are created in a same block but separated from each other in a sealed manner, with the exception of a liquid connection counter-member 123, for example a flexible cryogenic hose, which is connected in a fixed manner inside the fuel evaporation chamber 122 but protrudes inside the tank connection chamber 121 (figs. 1, 4 and 5). The liquid connection counter-member 123 is configured to connect with the liquid connection member 116 of the tank module 11 in a sealed manner, in order to allow the transfer of liquid hydrogen from the tank 110 to the fuel evaporation chamber 122. In correspondence with the tank connection chamber 121 there is also provided an inlet aperture 126 to allow an operator to enter, equipped with a watertight door 127 (fig. 4).

[0055] The fuel preparation module 12 is oriented so as to have the fuel evaporation chamber 122 located right at the bottom 101 A of the first technical compartment 101 and the tank connection chamber 121 located between the fuel evaporation chamber 122 and the rest of the first technical compartment 101 (figs. 1 and 5), so as to be able to connect with the tank module 11.

[0056] For this purpose, the tank connection chamber 121 has a front wall 124, which is also the front wall of the fuel preparation module 12, facing toward the rest of the first technical compartment 101, during use. The second connection member 162 is attached on the front wall 124 and it also has a closed-ring shape, corresponding in shape and sizes to the first connection member 161 (figs. 1, 4 and 5).

[0057] The second connection member 162 delimits, inside it, an aperture 125 that allows access to the tank connection chamber 121, so that the liquid connection member 116 passes through it, thus allowing for its sealed connection with the liquid connection counter-member 123. Thanks to the connection device 16 it is possible to create a closed watertight chamber between the tank connection chamber 121 and the inside of the first connection member 161 of the tank module 11. This closed watertight chamber is therefore isolated from the rest of the vessel 100, to the benefit of safety, in particular when connecting the liquid connection counter-member 123 to a new tank module 11, which is installed on board, a critical step in which there is a high risk of loss of liquid hydrogen. To further improve safety, it can be provided to inert the closed watertight chamber with an inert gas, in particular nitrogen. These measures are useful especially if the feeding system 10 is installed in an enclosed environment. In the event that the system, or in any case the tank modules 11 and the fuel preparation module 12 are installed outside, the provision of a possibly inert closed watertight chamber can be ignored.

[0058] The feeding system 10 can also comprise a loading apparatus for loading tank modules 11 onto the vessel 100, which can be located outside the vessel 100 or on the vessel 100, in a known manner. The loading apparatus is suitably equipped with a lifting structure able to be connected to the tank module 11.

[0059] For this purpose, the tank module 11 is suitably equipped with a gripping counter-member 117 (figs. 3 and 7), the shape and sizes of which can correspond to those of the lifting structure.

[0060] Finally, the feeding system 10 provides a gaseous hydrogen venting apparatus 19, integrated in the vessel 100. This venting apparatus 19 is advantageously connected to the mast 100B of the vessel 100 (fig. 2) so as to evacuate any leaks of liquid hydrogen from the top of the vessel 100, with greater safety for passengers.

[0061] The operation of the hydrogen feeding system 10 described heretofore comprises the following steps. Hereafter, we will describe the operation of the system in a version equipped with two fuel preparation modules 12 in the same first technical compartment 101, and therefore able to receive two tank modules 11. Some technical details have been omitted from figs. 6 and 7, in particular the loading apparatus, because it is known per se, in order to show the handling of the tank modules 11 more clearly.

[0062] First, a step in which the two tank modules 11 are loaded onto the vessel 100 is performed. For this purpose, a barge 200 can be used, intended to approach the vessel 100 laterally while remaining parallel or substantially parallel to it (figs. 6 and 7). The barge 200 carries two tank modules 11 oriented perpendicularly to the barge, thus already parallel to the longitudinal axis XI, horizontal, of the first technical compartment 101. The end side 115 equipped with the liquid connection member 116 and the first connection member 161 is oriented toward the vessel 100, therefore the tank module 11 is ready to be inserted into the first technical compartment 101.

[0063] The loading apparatus is commanded to grip and lift the tank module 11. When the tank module 11 reaches the height suitable for it to be inserted into the first technical compartment 101, that is, above the height of the corresponding support device 15, the latter is extracted and the tank module 11 is rested thereon.

[0064] The detachment of the loading apparatus from the tank module 11 is then commanded. Subsequently, the translation of the support device 15 (fig. 6) is commanded until the tank module 11 reaches its position to the side of the corresponding fuel preparation module 12.

[0065] At this point, the first connection member 161 and the second connection member 162 are reciprocally connected, and the fluidic connection member and counter-member 113, 123, that is, the flange and the flexible cryogenic hose, are connected by an operator located inside the tank connection chamber 121.

[0066] The previous steps are repeated for the second tank module 11 to be loaded. The vessel 100 is then ready to set sail.

[0067] When the two tank modules 11 are empty, the flexible cryogenic hose and the flange, as well as the first connection member 161 and the second connection member 162, are disconnected by an operator.

[0068] The support device 15 is then commanded in order to bring it outside the hull 100A (fig. 7), and then take the tank module 11 by means of the loading apparatus, as explained above, and the tank module 11 is unloaded onto the barge 200.

[0069] We must clarify that, thanks to its modular shape, the feeding system 10 described heretofore can equally be installed on a newly built vessel or on an existing vessel, for example one powered by oil of a known type.

[0070] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the feeding system 10 and to the vessel 100 as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0071] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of hydrogen feeding system for vessels and corresponding vessel, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0072] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Hydrogen feeding system (10) for vessels (100) for transporting passengers or cargo, or for land-based installations, comprising:- at least one tank module (1 1) containing a certain quantity of liquid hydrogen,- at least one fuel preparation module (12) comprising an evaporation chamber (122) connected to the connection chamber (121) and containing an evaporation device able to be removably connected to the at least one tank module (11) to convert the liquid hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen,- at least one conversion module (13) connected to said fuel preparation module (12) to convert chemical energy of said gaseous hydrogen into electrical energy, wherein said at least one tank module (11), said at least one fuel preparation module (12) and said at least one conversion module (13) are mountable on board a vessel (100) or in a land-based installation; characterized in that said at least one fuel preparation module (12) comprises a tank connection chamber (121), able to be connected to the at least one tank module (11) and which temporarily determines, together with it, a closed watertight chamber.

2. Hydrogen feeding system (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one support device (15) able to be translated in order to support said at least one tank module (11) and displace it away from and close to said at least one fuel preparation module (12).

3. Hydrogen feeding system (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said at least one conversion module (13) comprises at least one group of fuel cells.

4. Hydrogen feeding system (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said tank module (11) comprises a tank (110) inside it, containing said liquid hydrogen, said tank module (11) being provided on an end side (115) with both a first connection member (161) for the removable connection with said at least one fuel preparation module (12) and also with a fluidic connection member (113) for the fluidic connection with said at least one fuel preparation module (12).

5. Hydrogen feeding system (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said tank module (11) comprises a tank (110) inside it, containing said liquidhydrogen, said tank module (11) being provided on a longitudinal side (114) with a gripping counter-member (114) to be gripped by a loading apparatus (17).

6. Hydrogen feeding system (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a connection device (16) composed of a first connection member (161) on said at least one tank module (11), and a second connection member (162) on a wall of said at least one fuel preparation module (12), wherein said first connection member (161) and second connection member (162) are connectable to each other in a watertight manner.

7. Vessel (100) comprising a hydrogen feeding system (10) as in any claim hereinbefore.

8. Vessel (100) as in claim 7, characterized in that it is a transport ship, in particular for passenger transport.

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