Ship Gas Fuel Loop With Boil-Off Reliquefaction and Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LPG carriers using diesel oil for propulsion generate harmful emissions, leading to environmental pollution, and there is a need for a more efficient and cleaner propulsion method.
Innovation Solution
A gas treatment system that utilizes liquefied petroleum gas or ammonia as fuel, incorporating a fuel tank, high pressure pump, reliquefaction apparatus, and liquefied gas collection line to efficiently manage and reuse boil-off gas, reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If diesel oil is used for ship propulsion, then sufficient power and propulsion are achieved, but harmful emissions (NOx, SOx, CO2) are generated causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the fuel from diesel oil to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which fundamentally alters the combustion characteristics and reduces harmful emissions. This parameter change transforms the fuel type to achieve cleaner combustion and lower environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes LPG, a readily available and cost-effective alternative fuel, to replace expensive and polluting diesel oil. The system employs a fuel tank and supply mechanism to deliver this short-term consumable fuel, achieving environmental benefits without significant infrastructure investment
2Loss of energy
If boil-off gas is not reliquefied, then the system is simpler, but energy is wasted and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the previously wasted boil-off gas into a useful resource by reliquefying it and returning it to the fuel tank. This transforms an energy loss into a beneficial fuel source, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing emissions while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated reliquefaction equipment
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding boil-off gas as waste, the invention recovers it through the reliquefaction apparatus, condenses it back to liquid form, and returns it to the fuel supply system. This recovery process maximizes fuel utilization and reduces energy waste
3Productivity
If liquefied gas is supplied directly to the engine without pressure adjustment, then the system is simpler, but the engine cannot operate efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a pressure control apparatus as an intermediary component between the fuel tank and the engine. This mediator adjusts the pressure of liquefied gas to optimal levels for engine combustion, ensuring efficient operation while integrating smoothly into the existing fuel supply system
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 allows for reduced environmental pollution and improved energy efficiency by using LPG or ammonia as propulsion fuel, minimizing harmful emissions and optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a high pressure pump provided in a liquefied gas supply line supplying the liquefied gas of the fuel tank in a liquid phase to the propulsion engine
Implementation Method 2
a reliquefaction apparatus liquefying boil-off gas generated in a cargo tank storing liquefied gas
Implementation Method 3
a cooler cooling the liquefied gas decompressed by the decompression valve to be introduced in a liquid phase into the high pressure pump
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas treatment system and a ship including the same. The gas treatment system treats liquefied gas as heavier hydrocarbons or ammonia. The gas treatment system includes: a fuel tank storing liquefied gas as a fuel to be supplied to a propulsion engine of a ship; a liquefied gas supply line supplying the liquefied gas of the fuel tank in a liquid phase to the propulsion engine, the liquefied gas supply line having a high pressure pump provided thereon; a reliquefaction apparatus liquefying boil-off gas generated in a cargo tank storing liquefied gas; and a liquefied gas collection line collecting the liquid liquefied gas discharged from the propulsion engine upstream of the high pressure pump. The reliquefaction apparatus transfers the liquefied boil-off gas to the fuel tank, thereby allowing the liquefied boil-off gas to be supplied to the propulsion engine by the high pressure pump.