Ship Fuel Storage System with Mobile Pressurized Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel storage systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied hydrogen in ships face challenges such as complex and risky filling operations due to cryogenic temperatures and limited port logistics, which restrict refueling flexibility and safety, especially on passenger ships.
Innovation Solution
A mobile fuel storage system comprising a container or truck trailer with cryogenic tanks maintaining LNG or hydrogen at 1-15 bar pressure, connected to the ship's energy production system via a non-cryogenic pipe, allowing for safe and flexible refueling at any location without port-specific equipment, using an evaporator to convert liquefied gas to gaseous form for energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If LNG tanks are filled at atmospheric pressure and cryogenic temperature (-163°C), then the storage capacity is maximized, but the filling operation becomes delicate and risky with high leakage potential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric pressure to pressurized conditions (1-15 bar) during filling operations. This parameter change allows the fuel to be transferred in a controlled pressurized state, eliminating the need for delicate cryogenic filling operations while maintaining safe storage conditions. The pressurized mobile tank system enables reliable filling without the safety risks associated with atmospheric pressure cryogenic transfers.
2Quantity of substance
If fixed LNG storage tanks are installed on the ship, then the fuel storage capacity is increased, but the device complexity and safety risks during filling operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fuel storage system into two segments: fixed storage tanks for long-term capacity and mobile pressurized tanks for flexible refueling operations. This segmentation allows the ship to maintain high fuel storage capacity while using the mobile tanks to simplify the filling process, as the mobile tanks can be connected directly to the ship's fuel network without requiring complex port infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic refueling system where mobile pressurized tanks can be connected and disconnected from the ship's fuel network as needed. This dynamic approach replaces the static fixed tank system, allowing flexible refueling operations that can be performed anywhere without requiring permanent port infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If the ship uses traditional LNG storage tanks, then the fuel can be stored in large quantities, but the ship requires specific port logistics infrastructure for refueling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal refueling system where the mobile pressurized tanks can serve multiple functions: they can be filled at any location with basic pressurized gas infrastructure, transported to the ship, and connected to the ship's fuel network. This multi-functional system eliminates the need for specialized LNG port infrastructure, allowing the ship to refuel anywhere in the world, thereby achieving both large storage capacity and universal adaptability.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If pressurized LNG tanks (10 bar) are used to avoid boil-off, then the storage system becomes larger and heavier, but the fuel can be used directly by the energy production system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic pressure system where the mobile tanks maintain pressurized conditions (1-15 bar) only during active refueling and storage operations, rather than requiring permanently heavy pressurized fixed tanks. The pressurization is activated only when needed, allowing the use of lighter mobile tank structures while still achieving the benefits of pressurized storage (reduced boil-off, direct compatibility with energy production systems).
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 reduces or eliminates on-board leakage risks, enables safe and flexible refueling at any location, and increases storage capacity by using mobile and fixed tanks, allowing ships to operate independently of port logistics and public presence during filling.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator adapted to transform the liquefied gas contained in the storage system into gas in the gaseous phase
Implementation Method 2
a cryogenic tank adapted to maintain the liquefied gas at a pressure of between about 1 bar and about 15 bar
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention particularly relates to a ship (20) including a power-generation means (21) connected to a fuel supply network (22), characterized in that said fuel is stored in a movable storage system (10) that can be unloaded from the ship (20) in order to fill or replace same, characterized in that it further includes stationary vessels (14) for increasing the fuel storage capacity, and in that said movable system includes at least one movable vessel (10) that supplies fuel to the supply network (22) of the power-generation means (21) or to the stationary vessels (14) at the end of filling.