Shallow-Draught LNG Storage Barge for Remote Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in providing reliable and cost-effective electrical power to geographically remote and rural areas with varying power demands, particularly in regions like Papua New Guinea, where existing power generation solutions are inefficient and energy costs are high due to the need for fuel transport, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), which incurs significant logistics costs.
Innovation Solution
A floating LNG storage and power generation system comprising a barge with shallow draught, utilizing a gas turbine and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) generator, which includes a closed-loop thermal circuit to capture latent energy from LNG regasification, and decouples propulsion from the storage barge to reduce maintenance risks and crew requirements, allowing for efficient and flexible power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuel is transported to remote sites, then power generation is enabled, but logistics costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the storage function from the transport process by implementing a floating storage barge that remains stationary at the remote site. The barge stores large quantities of LNG on-site, eliminating the need for continuous fuel transport while maintaining reliable power generation. This separation of storage from transport resolves the contradiction by providing both fuel availability and cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating storage barge acts as an intermediary between the mainland fuel supply and the remote power generation facility. It receives fuel periodically from supply vessels and stores it on-site, serving as a buffer that enables continuous power generation without frequent transport operations, thereby reducing logistics costs while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If propulsion is integrated with the storage barge, then mobility is provided, but maintenance risks and crew requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the system into two independent parts: a stationary storage barge and a separate tugboat for propulsion. The storage barge focuses solely on fuel storage and power generation, eliminating propulsion systems and associated maintenance risks. The tugboat provides mobility when needed, can be detached, and its crew can be reduced or eliminated in favor of remote control, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage barge is designed to be self-sufficient at its operational location, with sufficient fuel storage capacity to operate independently for extended periods. This self-service capability reduces the need for frequent relocation and associated propulsion usage, thereby minimizing maintenance risks while maintaining operational flexibility.
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
The system significantly reduces fuel handling and logistics costs while mitigating seismic hazards, providing efficient power generation with increased efficiency and reduced emissions, and allows for relocation to meet fluctuating demand, thus lowering energy costs and improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a gas turbine and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) generator, which includes a closed-loop thermal circuit to capture latent energy from LNG regasification
Implementation Method 2
a closed-loop thermal circuit to capture latent energy from LNG regasification
Implementation Method 3
at least one ballast pump to draw seawater into the hull for ballast control. The storage system for LNG may comprise at least one compressed air storage tank to supply compressed air for operating the at least one ballast pump
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a storage system for liquefied natural gas (LNG). An example storage system for LNG comprises: a floatable vessel formed as a barge, the vessel including: a vessel frame, a hull around the vessel frame and defining fore and aft sections, and a deck supported by the vessel frame; at least two LNG storage tanks carried by the vessel frame. A first LNG storage tank may be positioned on a port side of the vessel and a second LNG storage tank may be positioned on a starboard side of the vessel. Fluid transport conduits connected to the at least two LNG storage tanks to allow fluid flow into and out of the at least two LNG storage tanks may be provided. A valve system to control flow of fluid in the fluid transport conduits may be provided. The vessel frame and the hull may define a broad and shallow draught.