Method for cooling a heat exchanger of a gas supply system for a gas-consuming apparatus of a ship
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reliquefaction systems for liquefied natural gas on ships require significant energy input to cool heat exchangers, leading to prolonged activation times and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for supplying gas to a gas-consuming apparatus on a ship that includes a step of cooling the heat exchanger prior to and simultaneously with the condensation process, using controlled gas flow rates through multiple passes to maintain the exchanger at optimal temperatures, reducing energy consumption and activation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the heat exchanger is cooled down before the condensation process starts, then the activation time of the condensation unit is reduced, but the energy consumption increases due to the cooling requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is cooled down in advance during the supply phase before the condensation process is needed. This preliminary cooling action ensures that when condensation is required, the heat exchanger is already at the appropriate temperature, significantly reducing the activation time of the condensation unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger serves dual functions: it cools the gas during the supply phase and then performs condensation during the reliquefaction phase. By making the heat exchanger multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate cooling and condensation equipment, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining rapid activation capability.
2Speed
If a high flow rate of gas is used to cool the heat exchanger quickly, then the cooling speed increases, but the gas supply to the consuming apparatus may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow is divided into two separate streams: one stream passes through the heat exchanger to provide cooling, while another stream is directed to the gas-consuming apparatus for supply. This segmentation allows both cooling and gas supply to occur simultaneously without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the gas flow are assigned different functions based on local requirements. A controlled portion of the gas flow is directed through the heat exchanger where cooling is needed, while the majority of the gas flow is maintained for supply to the consuming apparatus. This local differentiation of flow quality ensures optimal performance of both cooling and supply functions.
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 approach minimizes energy consumption and activation time, maximizing liquefied gas production while minimizing losses by maintaining the heat exchanger at low temperatures, using aluminum plate exchangers and controlled flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchanger configured to perform a heat exchange between gas withdrawn between the supply unit and the gas-consuming apparatus and gas flowing between the tank and the supply unit
Implementation Method 2
a step of cooling the heat exchanger, this cooling step being implemented prior to the condensation step and at least partially simultaneously with the supply step
Implementation Method 3
a step of condensing at least a part of the gas withdrawn in the gaseous state from the tank by means of a condensation unit comprising at least one heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supplying gas to a gas-consuming apparatus provided on a ship including a tank containing the gas in the liquid state and in the gaseous state, in which the method includes: supplying the gas-consuming apparatus with gas withdrawn in the gaseous state from the tank and by a supply unit; condensing at least a part of the gas withdrawn in the gaseous state from the tank by a condensation unit having at least one heat exchanger configured to perform a heat exchange between gas withdrawn between the supply unit and the gas-consuming apparatus and gas flowing between the tank and the supply unit; and cooling the heat exchanger prior to the condensing and at least partially simultaneously with the supplying.