Self-Propelled LNG Barge Loading Tanker Trucks for Remote Islands
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to remote and scattered islands where building port infrastructure is not economically viable, and these locations lack the necessary LNG tanker trucks and distribution pipelines, making it difficult to provide a reliable and autonomous LNG supply.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled barge equipped with LNG tanker trucks, a connection module, loading modules, and distribution modules that can connect to a small LNG carrier for loading and unloading LNG into tanker trucks, allowing for flexible and autonomous LNG distribution to various locations without relying on specific port installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large methane or gas carriers are used to transport LNG, then the transport capacity is improved, but the requirement for port infrastructure with large draft and specialized loading terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the LNG transport system into multiple components: a mother vessel for bulk transport and multiple smaller barges for distribution. Each barge carries multiple tanker trucks, creating a segmented delivery network that can access locations without requiring large draft ports or specialized loading terminals for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The barges act as intermediaries between the mother vessel and the final delivery point. They receive LNG from the mother vessel and distribute it to tanker trucks, eliminating the need for direct port infrastructure connections at the final destination and enabling service to remote locations.
2Reliability
If port installations are built in each scattered island to supply LNG, then the supply reliability is improved, but the economic viability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barges are designed as multi-functional units that can serve multiple islands and locations sequentially. Instead of building dedicated infrastructure at each location, the same barge infrastructure can be deployed to various scattered islands, providing reliable supply without the economic burden of duplicate installations at each site.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service delivery where tanker trucks on the barges can autonomously load and distribute LNG to various locations without requiring permanent port infrastructure or specialized loading facilities at each destination. The barges themselves provide the necessary infrastructure mobility.
3Productivity
If a fixed port-based LNG supply system is used, then the distribution efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to remote and scattered locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static port-based infrastructure to a dynamic mobile platform. The barges can move between locations, and the tanker trucks can be distributed to various destinations, allowing the system to adapt its configuration and location based on demand while maintaining efficient distribution through standardized loading procedures.
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 efficient and autonomous LNG supply to remote areas by utilizing a barge with multiple loading positions and emergency systems, reducing the need for extensive port infrastructure and providing a flexible distribution method for scattered consumers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one LNG loading module for loading LNG into tanker trucks
Implementation Method 2
at least one connection module for connecting the barge to the LNG supply from a supply source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention solves problems relating to LNG supply in remote areas such as islands lacking port areas adapted for supplying LNG, the invention consisting of a barge for carrying liquefied natural gas LNG tanker trucks and the distribution thereof to different locations, comprising at least one self-propelled liquefied natural gas LNG tanker truck located on the deck of the barge, a connection module for connecting the barge to the LNG supply from a supply source, at least one LNG loading module for loading LNG into tanker trucks, at least one LNG distribution module linking the connection module for connecting the barge to the LNG supply and the LNG loading module for loading LNG into tanker trucks, tanker truck barge access means and tanker truck barge exit means.