Floating LNG Station On-Sea Refueling and Boil-Off Gas Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LNG carriers lack the capability to refuel ships or marine structures at sea, imposing time and space restraints as they must move to harbors for refueling, and do not effectively utilize or process boil-off gas for fuel or power generation.
Innovation Solution
A floating LNG station equipped with an LNG tank, pumps, and a system for processing boil-off gas, which includes a multistage pressurizing pump, unloading unit, and boil-off gas processing device, allowing for on-sea refueling and utilization of boil-off gas as fuel for power generation, with dynamic positioning and self-mooring capabilities to maintain stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LNG carriers transport LNG to faraway places using storage tanks, then long-distance marine transport is enabled, but the carriers cannot refuel ships or marine structures at sea and must return to harbors for refueling
Solution Approach 1:
The LNG carrier is transformed into a dual-functional vessel that can both transport LNG and serve as a floating refueling station. The cargo tank system is adapted to function as both storage and dispensing infrastructure, enabling the carrier to refuel ships at sea without returning to harbor, thereby eliminating time and space restraints associated with traditional refueling operations
2Loss of energy
If conventional LNG carriers simply transport LNG without refueling function, then the cargo tank structure remains simple, but boil-off gas cannot be effectively utilized or processed for fuel or power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The boil-off gas, which is typically a waste product or energy loss in conventional LNG carriers, is converted into a useful resource. The system processes this gas through compression and storage facilities, then utilizes it as fuel for onboard power generation or for refueling other vessels, transforming an energy loss into a valuable asset that reduces overall energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The LNG carrier becomes self-sufficient by processing its own boil-off gas onboard. The compressed natural gas is stored in dedicated tanks and can be used to power the carrier's auxiliary systems or to provide refueling services to other vessels, eliminating the need to discharge boil-off gas at port and reducing dependency on external facilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless on-sea refueling of ships and marine structures, minimizing time and space constraints, and effectively processes boil-off gas for fuel and power production, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an LNG pump which is installed at the LNG line so as to provide pumping force for discharge of the LNG
Implementation Method 2
a multistage pressurizing pump which is installed at the LNG line so as to pressurize the LNG with any one of low pressure, intermediate pressure, and high pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A floating type LNG station floats on the sea and is used for refueling a ship or a marine structure using LNG. The floating LNG station comprises: a floating structure; an LNG tank which is prepared for storing LNG in the floating structure; an LNG line for discharging the LNG from the LNG tank to the ship or the marine structure; and an LNG pump which provides the LNG line with pumping force for discharging the LNG.