Transportable LNG Power Supply Unit for Ships
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply solutions for ships, particularly container ships, are cumbersome, inflexible, and require separate berthing and cable connections, leading to inefficient and environmentally less friendly operations.
Innovation Solution
A compact, transportable power supply unit housed in standard containers, utilizing an internal combustion engine operated on natural gas, with integrated generator, control devices, fuel treatment, and exhaust gas cleaning, allowing direct on-board installation and operation, reducing the need for external connections and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a power supply unit is installed on a barge or lighter, then energy can be supplied to ships in port, but a separate berth and cable connection are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply unit with a container transport unit, merging the energy generation system (engine, generator) and energy storage system (fuel tank) into a single integrated container module. This eliminates the need for separate barge installations and complex cable connections, as the container itself serves as both transport vehicle and power supply platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the transport unit and the power supply platform. The standardized container can be easily deployed to different locations and provides energy supply capabilities without requiring specialized infrastructure, making the system universally applicable for various maritime energy supply scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy generation equipment is assembled from separate standard containers, then modular assembly is possible, but assembly and disassembly are too complex for frequent movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple separate containers that require complex assembly, the patent integrates all power supply components (engine, generator, fuel tank, control systems) into a single standardized container. This eliminates the need for frequent assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining the benefits of modular, standardized design that can be easily transported and deployed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power supply components are placed in separate transport containers, then transport flexibility is improved, but separate installation sites are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates all essential power supply components into a single integrated container unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate installation sites. The unified design allows the entire power supply system to be transported as one module and installed in a single location, reducing both transport complexity and installation requirements while maintaining full functionality.
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
This solution simplifies and accelerates the handling and transport of power supply units, offering greater convenience and environmental benefits by providing a self-contained, flexible power supply directly to ships, reducing emissions and eliminating the need for separate installations and cable connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one internal combustion engine, which can be operated on gas, in particular a natural gas
Implementation Method 2
at least one generator for generating power which can be driven by the at least one internal combustion engine
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to transportable and compact power supply unit for supplying a water vehicle, in particular an electrical power supply system of the water vehicle, with electrical energy and in particular for arrangement on the water vehicle, containing in a transport container or a plurality of transport containers that can be connected together, wherein the transport container or the plurality of transport containers can be transported as a single, coherent unit: at least one internal combustion engine that can be operated on gas, in particular a natural gas, at least one generator for generating power, which can be driven by the at least one internal combustion engine, at least one control device for the at least one internal combustion engine and/or at least one control device for the at least one generator, at least one fuel treatment device for the at least one internal combustion engine and/or at least one exhaust gas cleaning device for the at least one internal combustion engine, and at least one fuel storage device, wherein the fuel of the fuel storage device is a gas, in particular a natural gas, which is present preferably as liquefied gas, especially preferably as LNG.