EP4739898A1 - Fuel supply system, power generating unit, power plant and method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system - Google Patents

Fuel supply system, power generating unit, power plant and method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system

Info

Publication number
EP4739898A1
EP4739898A1 EP23745231.3A EP23745231A EP4739898A1 EP 4739898 A1 EP4739898 A1 EP 4739898A1 EP 23745231 A EP23745231 A EP 23745231A EP 4739898 A1 EP4739898 A1 EP 4739898A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
leakage space
generating unit
power generating
pressure
fuel supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23745231.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Anders SMEDS
Jani MÄKINEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wartsila Finland Oy
Original Assignee
Wartsila Finland Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wartsila Finland Oy filed Critical Wartsila Finland Oy
Publication of EP4739898A1 publication Critical patent/EP4739898A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F02M21/0293—Safety devices; Fail-safe measures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B63/00—Adaptations of engines for driving pumps, hand-held tools or electric generators; Portable combinations of engines with engine-driven devices
    • F02B63/04—Adaptations of engines for driving pumps, hand-held tools or electric generators; Portable combinations of engines with engine-driven devices for electric generators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D17/00—Controlling engines by cutting out individual cylinders; Rendering engines inoperative or idling
    • F02D17/04—Controlling engines by cutting out individual cylinders; Rendering engines inoperative or idling rendering engines inoperative or idling, e.g. caused by abnormal conditions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
    • F02D19/02—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with gaseous fuels
    • F02D19/025—Failure diagnosis or prevention; Safety measures; Testing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D19/00—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures
    • F02D19/06—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed
    • F02D19/0639—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels
    • F02D19/0642—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels at least one fuel being gaseous, the other fuels being gaseous or liquid at standard conditions
    • F02D19/0644—Controlling engines characterised by their use of non-liquid fuels, pluralities of fuels, or non-fuel substances added to the combustible mixtures peculiar to engines working with pluralities of fuels, e.g. alternatively with light and heavy fuel oil, other than engines indifferent to the fuel consumed characterised by the type of fuels at least one fuel being gaseous, the other fuels being gaseous or liquid at standard conditions the gaseous fuel being hydrogen, ammonia or carbon monoxide
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D29/00—Controlling engines, such controlling being peculiar to the devices driven thereby, the devices being other than parts or accessories essential to engine operation, e.g. controlling of engines by signals external thereto
    • F02D29/06—Controlling engines, such controlling being peculiar to the devices driven thereby, the devices being other than parts or accessories essential to engine operation, e.g. controlling of engines by signals external thereto peculiar to engines driving electric generators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M21/00—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form
    • F02M21/02—Apparatus for supplying engines with non-liquid fuels, e.g. gaseous fuels stored in liquid form for gaseous fuels
    • F02M21/0218—Details on the gaseous fuel supply system, e.g. tanks, valves, pipes, pumps, rails, injectors or mixers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M65/00—Testing fuel-injection apparatus, e.g. testing injection timing ; Cleaning of fuel-injection apparatus
    • F02M65/006—Measuring or detecting fuel leakage of fuel injection apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
    • G01M3/2815—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes using pressure measurements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2807—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes
    • G01M3/283—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipes for double-walled pipes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D41/00—Electrical control of supply of combustible mixture or its constituents
    • F02D41/22—Safety or indicating devices for abnormal conditions
    • F02D2041/224—Diagnosis of the fuel system
    • F02D2041/225—Leakage detection
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T70/00—Maritime or waterways transport
    • Y02T70/50—Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to the propulsion system

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)

Abstract

The fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine (10) comprises a double-walled fuel supply line (1) having an inner pipe (2) for conveying pressurized fuel and an outer pipe (3) arranged around the inner pipe (2) such that an annular leakage space (4) is formed between the inner pipe (2) and the outer pipe (3), the leakage space (4) being open to the outside of the leakage space (4) for continuous venting of the leakage space (4). The leakage space (4) is connected to the outside via flow restriction means (6), and the fuel supply system comprises means (7) for monitoring the pressure in the leakage space (4).

Description

Fuel supply system, power generating unit, power plant and method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system
Technical field of the invention
The invention concerns a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine, as defined in claim 1. The invention also concerns a power generating unit comprising a piston engine and a fuel supply system, and a power plant comprising a power generating unit. The invention further concerns a method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system of a power generating unit.
Background of the invention
There is an increasing need for large internal combustion engines, such as ship and power plant engines, that can be operated using other types of fuel than conventional liquid fuels, such as light fuel oil or heavy fuel oil. Alternative fuels can be either liquid fuels, such as methanol or ammonia, or gaseous fuels, such as natural gas or hydrogen.
The use of alternative fuels helps reducing carbon dioxide and other emissions of the engines. However, the use of alternative fuels also poses many challenges. For instance, leakages of gaseous fuels pose a much more serious safety risk than leakages of liquid fuels with high flash point. Also, some fuels, such as methanol, can be more toxic than conventional fuels, such as light fuel oil.
In many cases, the use of alternative fuels causes a need for extra safety measures. A common safety measure to address both the risk of fires and poisoning is to use double-walled pipes for conveying fuel. A double-walled pipe comprises an inner pipe for conveying the fuel and an outer pipe arranged coaxially around the inner pipe to form an annular leakage space between the two pipes. The leakage space collects the fuel possibly leaking from the inner pipes and allows both detecting leakages and conveying the leaking fuel to a safe place, such as a tank or outdoors.
In case of gaseous fuels, the leakage space can be an open space that is vented outdoors. A problem related to open leakage spaces is that detection of small leakages is difficult and typically requires an expensive gas detector. A major problem with gas detectors is that the detectors are very sensitive to all sorts of leaks. The detectors sense even so called fugitive leaks, which are minor and non-dangerous leaks. Thus, due to their sensitive nature, the use of gas detectors in fuel supply systems may result in increase of false shutdowns as the detectors detect fugitive leaks and report the leaks to the engine control system, eventually causing the shutdown of the fuel supply system and engine. A further problem with gas detectors is that they do not allow testing the condition of the outer pipe.
Another problem encountered with prior outer pipe leakage detection systems is that they typically include various external components, which would maybe not otherwise be associated with the engine. Such components may include for example moving parts such as outlet/inlet valves or gas detectors. The additional parts increase both the system complexity of the fuel supply system and the risk of system failure in case of component malfunctioning or failure. The system complexity is particularly cumbersome when a) the engine is operated in places where repair or maintenance services are elusively available, or b) the engine is operated in such a manner that unexpected fuel supply system failures result in significant loss of revenue. Such places may be remote locations such as jungles, islands or places with underdeveloped infrastructure. Further example of engine operation is when engine is used for electricity generation and utilized in a peaking power plant that is operated during peak electricity demand hours. In a peaking power plant, it is important that all the sub-systems of the power plant remain functional even in a standby mode to allow quick starting of the engines when needed. Frequent starts and varying loads and operating temperatures of peaking power plants cause extra challenges for leak monitoring of fuel supply systems.
Summary of the invention
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine. Other objects of the invention are to provide an improved power generating unit and power plant. A still further object is to provide an improved method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system.
The fuel supply system according to the invention comprises a double-walled fuel supply line having an inner pipe for conveying pressurized fuel and an outer pipe arranged around the inner pipe such that an annular leakage space is formed between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, the leakage space being open to the outside of the leakage space for continuous venting of the leakage space, wherein the leakage space is connected to the outside via flow restriction means, and the fuel supply system comprises means for monitoring the pressure in the leakage space.
As the leakage space is continuously open to the outside of the leakage space, possible leakages into the leakage space are safely and reliably conveyed outdoors. Due to the flow restriction means, a greater leakage leads to a pressure increase in the leakage space, and leakages can thus be detected by pressure monitoring means. The flow restriction means and pressure monitoring means also enable testing of proper functioning of the leakage space.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the flow restriction means comprise at least one orifice. An orifice can be dimensioned to achieve the desired flow from the leakage space to outdoors. By changing the size of the orifice, the sensitivity of leak detection can be adjusted. If the cross-sectional area of the orifice is small, even small leaks can be detected quickly. With a larger orifice, the pressure in the leakage space increases more slowly, and the system does not react too easily to non-harmful leakages. The ability to adjust the sensitivity of leak detection is beneficial in particular in engines that can be operated using different fuels. For instance due to the different molecule sizes of different fuels, the leak properties may be different. By changing the size of the orifice, the leak detection can be optimized for each fuel without a need to make other changes to the system.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the flow restriction means comprise a single orifice having a cross-sectional area of 0.1-10 mm2, or the flow restriction means comprise two or more orifices allowing parallel flow from the leakage space, and the combined cross-sectional area of the orifices is 0.1- 10 mm2. The cross-sectional area of the orifice(s) can be 0.2-5.0 mm2. A suitably dimensioned orifice ensures that the leakage space is effectively vented, but in case of a significant leakage, the pressure in the leakage space rises allowing thus detection of the leakage. Also, gas-tightness of the leakage space can be tested. According to an embodiment of the invention, the fuel supply system comprises means for introducing pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space for testing the functionality of the leakage space. The pressurized nonflammable gas can be air. By introducing pressurized air or other gas into the leakage space, the tightness of the leakage space can be tested and possible clogging of the flow restriction means can be detected.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the inner pipe is configured to convey gaseous fuel. The fuel supply system is best suited to detect leakages of gaseous fuel.
The power generating unit according to the invention comprises a piston engine and a fuel supply system defined above.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the means for monitoring the pressure in the leakage space are operatively connected to a control unit that is configured to monitor the pressure in the leakage space during operation of the engine. By monitoring the pressure, leakages into the leakage space can be detected. The control unit can be an engine control unit, a control unit of the power generating unit or a control unit of a power plant. The control unit can be located remotely from the power generating unit.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to trigger an alarm when the pressure in the leakage space exceeds a predetermined alarm threshold. An alarm triggered in an early phase allows the operator of the power generating unit to react to the leakage and shutting down of the engine can possibly be avoided.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit is configured to shut down the engine when the pressure in the leakage space exceeds a predetermined shutdown threshold. For safety reasons, a significant leakage into the leakage space may require the engine to be shut down.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit is configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space when predetermined conditions are met and/or upon manual activation of the functionality test. According to an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit is configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space when the power generating unit is switched to a standby mode. By performing a functionality test when the power generating unit is switched to a standby mode, it can be ensured that the leakage space is operational when the engine needs to be started.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit is configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space at predetermined intervals when the power generating unit is in a standby mode. Especially in a peaking power plant, the power generating unit may need to be in the standby mode for long periods of time to be able to quickly respond to increased power demand. By performing functionality tests at regular intervals, it can be ensured that the leakage space remains operational.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit is configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space at predetermined intervals when the engine is running. Leakages from the leakage space may not be detected, if the flow rate out of the leakage space corresponds to the flow rate into the leakage space. Also, clogging of the flow restriction means may not be detected, if there are no leakages into the leakage space. By regular functionality tests, it can be ensured that the leakage space has remained operational.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the shutdown threshold is configured to be higher during the functionality test of the leakage space than during other operation of the power generating unit. By raising the shutdown threshold, erroneous shutdown of the engine during the functionality test can be avoided.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit is configured to perform the functionality test by introducing pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space and by monitoring the pressure in the leakage space after the supply of the pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space has been terminated to detect too fast or too slow decreasing of the pressure. Too fast decreasing of the pressure can be an indication of a leakage of the leakage space. Too slow decreasing of the pressure can be an indication of clogged flow restriction means. According to an embodiment of the invention, the engine is a four-stroke engine.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the engine is arranged within a building and the power generating unit comprises a venting pipe connecting the leakage space to the outdoors.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit comprises a degassing valve, which is configured to allow the inner pipe of the fuel supply line to be connected to the venting pipe to allow discharging of fuel from the inner pipe into the venting pipe upon shutdown of the engine. As the fuel from the inner pipe can be vented outdoors, the safety of the power generating unit is improved.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit comprises a bypass valve, which is configured to allow the leakage space to be connected to the venting pipe such that the flow restriction means are bypassed. This allows quicker venting of the leakage space.
The power plant according to the invention comprises a power generating unit defined above.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power plant comprises at least three engines.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the power plant is a peaking power plant. As a peaking power plant is not operated continuously at a constant power, the operating temperatures and fuel flow rates vary. The continuously vented leakage space allows reliable leakage protection and leakage detection also in peaking power plants.
The method of performing a functionality test of the leakage space of the fuel supply system of a power generating unit defined above comprises the steps of
- supplying pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space until the pressure in the leakage space reaches a predetermined pressurization target value,
- terminating the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space when the pressurization target value has been reached, - after terminating the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space, monitoring the pressure in the leakage space, and
- based on the monitored pressure, determining whether the decrease rate of the pressure in the leakage space is within predetermined limits.
The method allows detecting leakages from the leakage space and clogged flow restriction means.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of determining whether the decrease rate of the pressure in the leakage space is within the predetermined limits is performed by comparing the pressure of the leakage space at the end of a predetermined period of time after terminating the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space to a predetermined lower limit value and to a predetermined upper limit value. Alternatively, the time needed to reach a predetermined pressure could be compared to a predetermined lower limit value and a predetermined upper limit value.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the pressurization target value is within the range of 50-1500 mbar. With a suitable pressurization, reliable test cycle is achieved while minimizing the energy consumption.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the step of supplying pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space is preceded by the steps of measuring the pressure in the leakage space and comparing the pressure to a limit value. According to an embodiment of the invention, the limit value is 5-50 mbar. By measuring the pressure prior to the supply of the pressurized gas, it is ensured that the result is not affected by an existing leakage into the leakage space.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises a step of verifying that the pressure in the leakage space reaches a depressurization target value within a predetermined period of time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the depressurization target value is within the range of 5-50 mbar. By verifying that the depressurization target value is reached, it is ensured that the leakage detection functions properly during subsequent operation of the engine.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the functionality test is aborted in case the pressurization target value is not reached within a predetermined period of time. Too slow pressurization may indicate a severe leakage from the leakage space or malfunction of pressurizing means.
Brief description of the drawings
Embodiments of the invention are described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
Fig. 1 shows schematically a fuel supply system according to an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2 shows as a flow chart the method according to the invention,
Fig. 3 shows an example of pressure increase in a leakage space of the fuel supply system in case of a very small leakage into the leakage space, and
Fig. 4 shows an example of pressure increase in the leakage space in case of a larger leakage into the leakage space.
Detailed description of embodiments of the invention
Figure 1 shows schematically a power generating unit according to an embodiment of the invention and a fuel supply system of the power generating unit.
The power generating unit comprises an internal combustion engine 10. The engine 10 is a large piston engine. The cylinder diameter of the engine 10 is at least 150 mm and/or the rated power of the engine 10 is at least 500 kW. The engine 10 is preferably a four-stroke engine. The engine 10 can comprise any reasonable number of cylinders. The cylinders can be arranged, for instance, in line or in a V-configuration. The engine 10 is coupled to a generator 11 and configured to drive the generator 11 for producing electricity.
The power generating unit can be part of a power plant. The power plant can comprise one or more power generating units. The power plant could comprise, for instance, at least three power generating units. The power plant can be, in particular, a peaking power plant. A peaking power plant is a power plant that is operated during peak electricity demand hours. The power plant is thus not constantly operated, but the engines of the peaking power plant are started according to the demand to respond to high electricity demand. The power plant thus provides regulating power to a power grid. The engines of a peaking power plant are not necessarily operated at full power, but the power may be adjusted to correspond to the power demand of the power grid.
Instead of a peaking power plant, the power plant could be the sole or main electricity generation facility of an isolated power grid, for instance on a remote island or in other remote area. The power plant could thus function both as a base load power plant and a peaking power plant.
The fuel supply system of figure 1 supplies to the engine 10 a first fuel. The first fuel can be, in particular, highly flammable and/or highly toxic, thus requiring specific protective measures for reducing the risk of fires and/or for preventing the persons operating the engine 10 from being exposed to the fuel.
The first fuel can be gaseous fuel. The expression “gaseous fuel” refers here to a fuel that is gaseous at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of 20 °C. The first fuel can be, for instance, natural gas or biogas. The term “biogas” refers here to a gas that mainly consists of methane and which is obtained from renewable sources. The biogas can be produced for example from organic waste. Natural gas could be stored either as a liquefied gas (LNG) or compressed gas (CNG). Biogas could be stored in a similar manner. Instead of methane-based fuels, the first fuel could be, for instance, hydrogen or ammonia or a mixture of two or more types of gaseous fuel.
The engine 10 can be further configured to be operable using a second fuel. The second fuel can be either gaseous fuel or liquid fuel. If the first fuel is natural gas or biogas, the second fuel could be, for instance, hydrogen. Alternatively, the second fuel could be liquid fuel, such as light fuel oil or heavy fuel oil. The engine 10 can also be operable using a third fuel or even further fuels.
The engine 10 can thus be a gas engine, a dual-fuel engine or a multi-fuel engine. The engine 10 is configured to be operable using at least one gaseous fuel or other fuel requiring special safety measures. In addition to that, the engine 10 can be configured to be operable using one or more additional fuels, which can be either gaseous or liquid.
The engine 10 can be configured to be operable using mixtures of different fuels. For instance, the engine 10 could be operable using a mixture of hydrogen and some other gaseous fuel and/or a mixture of ammonia and some other gaseous fuel. When the engine 10 is operated using a gaseous fuel, it can utilize a liquid fuel, such as light fuel oil as a pilot fuel facilitating ignition of the gaseous fuel. However, that is not necessary, but the gaseous fuel could be self-igniting or spark plugs or other ignition means could be used for igniting the gaseous fuel.
The engine 10 can be provided with two or more separate or partly separate fuel supply systems. For instance, the engine 10 can be operable using a second fuel and the engine 10 could be provided with a separate fuel supply system for supplying the second fuel to the engine 10. The second fuel could be a liquid fuel, such as light fuel oil, or a gaseous fuel. The engine 10 could also be operable using mixtures of different fuels or using one fuel as a main fuel and another fuel as a pilot fuel for igniting the main fuel.
The fuel supply system for the first fuel comprises a double-walled fuel line 1 for supplying fuel to the engine 10. The fuel line 1 comprises an inner pipe 2 that is configured to convey the fuel, and an outer pipe 3 arranged around the inner pipe 2 such that an annular leakage space 4 is formed between the inner pipe 2 and the outer pipe 3. The purpose of the leakage space 4 is to receive any fuel possibly leaking from the inner pipe 2. The leakage space 4 is open to the outside of the leakage space 4 for continuous venting of the leakage space 4. The leakage space 4 is thus not gastight, but any leakage from the inner pipe 2 into the leakage space 4 is eventually vented to a safe place, such as to the atmosphere sufficiently far from the engine 10. The leaking fuel can be conveyed outside of any building surrounding the power generating unit.
In the embodiment of figure 1 , the engine 10 is arranged within a building 12. The fuel is supplied to the engine 10 from the outside of the building 12. Within the building 12, the fuel supply line 1 is double-walled. The fuel supply line 1 comprises branches for supplying the fuel to the cylinders of the engine 10. Also the branches are double-walled. Outside of the building 12, the fuel supply line 1 is single-walled. However, the fuel supply line 1 could be doublewalled also outside of the building 12. The fuel supply line 1 could also be double-walled only within a part of the building 12. For instance, the building 12 could be provided with a gastight engine room, and the fuel supply line 1 could be single-walled outside of the engine room.
In the fuel supply system of figure 1 , the fuel supply line 1 is provided with flexible portions 16, 17 for preventing transmission of vibrations of the engine 10 to connections between double-walled and single-walled portions of the fuel supply system. Also the flexible portions 16, 17 of the fuel supply line 1 are double-walled.
The flow from the leakage space 4 to the outside of the leakage space 4 is not completely free, but the fuel supply system is provided with flow restriction means 6. The leakage space 4 is connected to the outside of the leakage space 4 via the flow restriction means 6. The flow restriction means 6 are configured to allow continuous outflow from the leakage space 4, but to limit the flow rate. In case there is no leakage of fuel from the inner pipe 2 into the leakage space 4, the pressure in the leakage space 4 is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure. Also in case of a minor leakage, the pressure in the leakage space 4 remains very close to the atmospheric pressure. If the flow rate of the leaking fuel is sufficiently high, the flow restriction means 6 limit the flow from the leakage space 4. The pressure in the leakage space 4 thus rises.
To detect a rising pressure of the leakage space 4, the fuel supply system is provided with means for monitoring the pressure in the leakage space 4. The means for monitoring the pressure in the leakage space 4 can comprise one or more pressure sensors 7. Increased pressure in the leakage space 4 is an indication of fuel leakage into the leakage space 4, and leakages can thus be detected by monitoring the pressure in the leakage space 4.
The flow restriction means 6 can comprise an orifice. The orifice is arranged such that the leakage space 4 is connected to the outside of the leakage space 4 solely via the orifice. The orifice allows continuous outflow from the leakage space 4, but the flow rate through the orifice is limited. By suitable dimensioning of the orifice, effective venting of the leakage space 4 can be ensured, while simultaneously allowing detection of leakages by monitoring pressure in the leakage space 4.
The cross-sectional area of the orifice could be in the range of 0.1-10 mm2. Preferably the cross-sectional area is in the range of 0.2-5.0 mm2, and even more preferably in the range of 1 .0-3.0 mm2. Instead of a single orifice, the flow restriction means 6 could comprise two or more orifices allowing parallel flow from the leakage space 4. In that case, the combined cross-sectional area of the orifices could be in the above-mentioned ranges. For instance due to the vibrations of the engine 10, threaded connections between parts of the fuel supply line 1 may get loose, which can lead to leakages both from the inner pipe 2 of the fuel supply line 1 and from the leakage space 4. Also, the small orifice of the flow restriction means 6 may get clogged.
In the embodiment of figure 1 , the fuel supply system further comprises means 8, 9 for introducing pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space 4 for testing the functionality of the leakage space 4. This allows detecting leakage of the leakage space 4 and clogging of the orifice. The non-flammable gas can be air, such as instrument air that is also used for other purposes in the engine 10. However, also some other non-flammable gas, such as nitrogen could be used. In the embodiment of figure 1 , the means or introducing pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space 4 comprise an air tank 9 configured to store pressurized air and an air-feed valve 8 for controlling the supply of pressurized air into the leakage space 4. The air-feed valve 8 can be a solenoid valve. The air tank 9 and air-feed valve 8 are not necessary, but the air supply into the leakage space 4 could be controlled by a compressor. By supplying pressurized gas into the leakage space 4 and monitoring the pressure in the leakage space 4, leakages from the leakage space 4 and clogging of the orifice can be detected. This allows ensuring that the leakage space 4 is operational and the engine 10 can be safely operated. If the orifice is clogged, fuel leaking into the leakage space 4 is not vented to the atmosphere and the pressure in the leakage space 4 can rise too high. If the outer pipe 3 of the fuel supply line 1 leaks, fuel leaking into the leakage space 4 can leak into an engine room.
The power generating unit is configured to continuously monitor the pressure in the leakage space 4 during operation of the engine 10. The pressure sensor 7 is operatively connected to a control unit 19, which can receive data from the pressure sensor 7. The control unit 19 can be a control unit of the engine 10, a control unit of the power generating unit or a control unit of the power plant. The control unit 19 can be remotely located. The control unit 19 can be a dedicated control unit used for the pressure monitoring, or a control unit having several functions. If the pressure in the leakage space 4 exceeds a predetermined alarm threshold, the control unit 19 can trigger an alarm. This allows an operator of the engine 10 to react to minor leakages and take appropriate corrective measures. This can allow avoiding a shutdown of the engine 10 or at least preparing for the shutdown of the engine 10, for instance by starting another engine of the power plant. The alarm threshold can be, for instance, in the range of 10-100 mbar. The pressure range referred above means gauge pressures. Similarly, all the other pressures mentioned below are gauge pressures, unless otherwise indicated.
If the pressure in the leakage space 4 exceeds a predetermined shutdown threshold, the power generating unit can be configured to shut down the engine 10. In case of a significant leakage into the leakage space 4, or in case of a smaller leakage continuing over a longer period of time, the engine 10 can thus be automatically shut down. The shutdown threshold is higher than the alarm threshold. The shutdown threshold can be, for instance, 50-300 mbar higher than the alarm threshold. The shutdown threshold could be, for instance, in the range of 150-400 mbar. If the alarm threshold is lower than 100 mbar or there is no alarm threshold, the shutdown threshold could be even lower than 150 mbar. The shutdown threshold could be, for instance, in the range of 50-400 mbar.
Very small fuel leaks, which do not cause safety concerns, may be allowed. This kind of leaks, which can be called as fugitive leaks, cause only a minor increase of the pressure in the leakage space 4. The alarm threshold may thus not be reached even if the leak continues over a long period of time. Figure 3 shows a calculated example of the development of the pressure in the leakage space 4 in case of a fugitive leak. The pressure in the leakage space 4 rises slowly and is stabilized after a certain period of time to approximately 4 mbar.
Figure 4 shows a calculated example of how the pressure in the leakage space 4 can develop in case a larger leakage into the leakage space 4 occurs. In the example of figure 4, the alarm threshold is 50 mbar and the shutdown threshold is 200 mbar. The pressure in the inner pipe 2 of the fuel supply line 1 is 8.5 bar and the engine 10 is operated at full power. The diameter of a leak hole is 0.56 mm and the diameter of the orifice of the flow restriction means 6 is 1 .5 mm. In the example of figure 4, the alarm threshold is reached in 180 seconds. The shutdown threshold is reached in approximately 19 minutes. After an alarm has been triggered, the operator of the engine 10 has thus approximately 16 minutes to react to the alarm. In case of a significant leaks, the shutdown threshold may be reached so soon after reaching of the alarm threshold that the operator does not have time to react to the alarm, but the engine 10 is shut down when the shutdown threshold is reached.
The development of the pressure in the leakage space 4 can be affected by the dimensioning of the orifice. If the size of the orifice is increased, the alarm and shutdown thresholds are reached more slowly. By selecting a suitable size for the orifice, for example different properties of different fuels can be taken into account.
To ensure that the leakage space 4 has remained operational, i.e. the orifice is not clogged and there are no leakages from the leakage space 4, functionality tests can be performed according to a certain pattern.
The engine 10 can be switched to a standby mode when it is expected that start-up of the engine 10 will be needed. The power generating unit can be configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space 4 when the power generating unit is switched to the standby mode. This helps ensuring that the engine 10 can be reliably operated when needed.
The power generating unit may be in the standby mode for longer periods of time. The power generating unit can be configured to perform the functionality test of the leakage space 4 at predetermined intervals when the power generating unit is in a standby mode. The functionality test could be performed, for instance, at 12-48 h intervals.
The power generating unit can be configured to perform the functionality test of the leakage space 4 at predetermined intervals when the engine 10 is running. This allows detecting leakages from the leakage space 4 and clogging of the orifice. If there are no leakages into the leakage space 4 and the temperature of the leakage space 4 is steady, clogging of the orifice cannot be detected by solely monitoring the pressure in the leakage space 4. Also, as the leakage space 4 is normally at an atmospheric pressure, the pressure monitoring of the leakage space 4 does not allow detecting leakages from the leakage space 4. When the engine 10 is running, the functionality test could be performed at intervals of 6-24 hours. To allow performing the functionality test when the engine 10 is running, the shutdown threshold may be need to be set temporarily higher than during other operation of the power generating unit. The shutdown threshold may be increased, for instance, by 100-500 mbar.
The functionality test could also be initiated by a manual command by an operator of the engine 10.
The functionality test is performed by introducing pressurized air into the leakage space 4 and by monitoring the pressure in the leakage space 4. The development of the pressure in the leakage space 4 depends on the gas tightness of the leakage space 4. The gas tightness of the leakage space 4 may be affected by the condition of the connections and the outer shell of the outer pipe 3 and the condition of the orifice of the flow restriction means 6. Any leakage through the connections or outer shell of the outer pipe 3 increases the flow rate from the leakage space 4 and clogging of the orifice decreases the flow rate. The pressure in the leakage space 4 can be monitored after the supply of the pressurized air into the leakage space 4 has been terminated to detect too fast or too slow decreasing of the pressure. If the pressure drops too fast, that may indicate that the leakage space 4 is leaking. If the pressure drops too slowly, that may be an indication that the orifice is clogged. The condition of the leakage space 4 could also be determined by monitoring the pressure in the leakage space 4 during the introduction of pressurized air. If the pressure in the leakage space 4 increases too slowly, it is an indication of a leakage. If the pressure increases too fast, it is an indication of clogging of the orifice. If the condition of the leakage space 4 is determined during the supply of pressurized air, more accurate control of the pressure and flow rate of the supplied air is required. Therefore, it is simpler to determine the condition of the leakage space 4 by monitoring the decreasing of the pressure.
In the embodiment of figure 1 , the power generating unit is arranged within a building 12. The building 12 can be an engine hall accommodating one or more power generating units. The leakage space 4 is connected to the outdoors via a venting pipe 13.
In the embodiment of figure 1 , the power generating unit comprises a degassing valve 14. The degassing valve 14 is configured to allow the inner pipe 2 of the fuel supply line 1 to be connected to the venting pipe 13 to allow discharging of fuel from the inner pipe 2 into the venting pipe 13 upon shutdown of the engine 10. When the engine 10 is shut down, the inner pipe 2 can thus be emptied from fuel. The fuel supply system can comprise means for introducing pressurized non-flammable gas into the inner pipe 2 for purging the inner pipe 2. The non-flammable gas could be, for instance, air or inert gas, such as nitrogen.
In the embodiment of figure 1 , the power generating unit further comprises a bypass valve 15, which is configured to allow the leakage space 4 to be connected to the venting pipe 13 such that the flow restriction means 6 are bypassed. The flow restriction means 6 could be bypassed when the engine 10 is shut down to quickly vent fuel from the leakage space 4. The flow restriction means 6 could also be bypassed if clogging of the orifice is detected. The power generating unit can be provided with means for introducing pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space 4 for purging the leakage space 4. The non-flammable gas could be, for instance, air or inert gas, such as nitrogen.
Although fuel supply system according to the invention has been described above in connection with a power generating unit of a power plant, the fuel supply system could be used in some other application. For instance, the engine 10 could be a main or an auxiliary engine of a ship.
Figure 2 shows as a flow chart the method according to the invention for performing a functionality test of the leakage space 4 of the fuel supply system of a power generating unit.
In a first step 101 of the method, pressurized non-flammable gas is supplied into the leakage space 4 until the pressure in the leakage space 4 reaches a predetermined pressurization target value. The pressurization target value can be, for instance, within the range of 50-1500 mbar. Preferably, the pressurization target value is within the range of 200-500 mbar.
In a second step 102 of the method, the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space 4 is terminated when the pressurization target value has been reached. In a third step 103 step of the method, the pressure in the leakage space 4 is monitored after the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space 4 has been terminated.
In a fourth step 104 of the method it is determined, based on the monitored pressure, whether the decrease rate of the pressure in the leakage space 4 is within predetermined limits.
The fourth step 104 can be performed by comparing the pressure of the leakage space 4 at the end of a predetermined period of time after terminating the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space 4 to a predetermined lower limit value and to a predetermined upper limit value. If the pressure is below the lower limit value, the decrease rate of the pressure has been too high, which can indicate a leak from the leakage space 4. If the pressure is above the upper limit value, the decrease rate has been too low, which can indicate that the orifice is clogged. The predetermined period of time can be, for instance, in the range of 30-120 seconds.
Instead of comparing the pressure after the predetermined period of time to lower and upper limit values, the pressure could be continuously monitored to determine the time needed to reach a predetermined pressure. The time needed to reach the predetermined pressure could be compared to a lower limit value and an upper limit value. If the time is below the lower limit value, the pressure has decreased too fast, which is an indication of a leakage of the leakage space 4. If the time is above the upper limit value, the pressure has decreased too slowly, which is an indication of clogged orifice.
The step of supplying the pressurized gas into the leakage space 4 can be preceded by the steps of measuring the pressure in the leakage space 4 and comparing the pressure to a limit value. The limit value can be, for instance, 5-50 mbar. Further steps of the functionality test can be delayed if the pressure is above the limit value. A pressure above the limit value can indicate a leakage into the leakage space 4, which can reduce the reliability of the functionality test.
The method can comprise a step of verifying that the pressure in the leakage space 4 reaches a depressurization target value within a predetermined period of time. The depressurization target value can be, for instance, within the range of 5-50 mbar. By monitoring that the depressurization target value is reached within a predetermined period of time, it is ensured that during subsequent monitoring of the pressure in the leakage space 4, fuel leakages from the inner pipe 2 into the leakage space 4 can be reliably detected. According to an embodiment of the invention, the functionality test is aborted in case the pressurization target value is not reached within a predetermined period of time. If reaching of the pressurization target value takes too long, it may indicate a severe leakage from the leakage space 4 or fault of the means 8, 9 for introducing the pressurized gas into the leakage space 4.

Claims

Claims:
1 . A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine (10), the fuel supply system comprising a double-walled fuel supply line (1 ) having an inner pipe (2) for conveying pressurized fuel and an outer pipe (3) arranged around the inner pipe (2) such that an annular leakage space (4) is formed between the inner pipe (2) and the outer pipe (3), the leakage space (4) being open to the outside of the leakage space (4) for continuous venting of the leakage space (4), wherein the leakage space (4) is connected to the outside via flow restriction means (6), and the fuel supply system comprises means (7) for monitoring the pressure in the leakage space (4).
2. A fuel supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the flow restriction means (6) comprise at least one orifice.
3. A fuel supply system according to claim 2, wherein the flow restriction means (6) comprise a single orifice having a cross-sectional area of 0.1- 10 mm2, or the flow restriction means comprise two or more orifices allowing parallel flow from the leakage space, and the combined cross- sectional area of the orifices is 0.1-10 mm2.
4. A fuel supply system according to claim 3, wherein the cross-sectional area of the orifice(s) is 0.2-5.0 mm2.
5. A fuel supply system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel supply system comprises means (8, 9) for introducing pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space (4) for testing the functionality of the leakage space (4).
6. A fuel supply system according to claim 5, wherein the pressurized nonflammable gas is air.
7. A fuel supply system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner pipe (2) is configured to convey gaseous fuel.
8. A power generating unit comprising a piston engine (10) and a fuel supply system according to any of the preceding claims.
9. A power generating unit according to claim 8, wherein the means (7) for monitoring the pressure in the leakage space (4) are operatively connected to a control unit (19) that is configured to monitor the pressure in the leakage space (4) during operation of the engine (10).
10. A power generating unit according to claim 9, wherein the control unit (19) is configured to trigger an alarm when the pressure in the leakage space (4) exceeds a predetermined alarm threshold.
11. A power generating unit according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the power generating unit is configured to shut down the engine (10) when the pressure in the leakage space (4) exceeds a predetermined shutdown threshold.
12. A power generating unit according to any of claims 8-11 , wherein the power generating unit is configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space (4) when predetermined conditions are met and/or upon manual activation of the functionality test.
13. A power generating unit according to any of claims 8-12, wherein the power generating unit is configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space (4) when the power generating unit is switched to a standby mode.
14. A power generating unit according to any of claims 8-13, wherein the power generating unit is configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space (4) at predetermined intervals when the power generating unit is in a standby mode.
15. A power generating unit according to any of claims 8-14, wherein the power generating unit is configured to perform a functionality test of the leakage space (4) at predetermined intervals when the engine (10) is running.
16. A power generating unit according to claims 11 and 15, wherein the shutdown threshold is configured to be higher during the functionality test of the leakage space (4) than during other operation of the power generating unit.
17. A power generating unit according to any of claims 12-16, wherein the power generating unit is configured to perform the functionality test by introducing pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space (4) and by monitoring the pressure in the leakage space (4) after the supply of the pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space (4) has been terminated to detect too fast or too slow decreasing of the pressure.
18. A power generating unit according to any of claims 12-17, wherein the engine (10) is a four-stroke engine.
19. A power generating unit according to any of claims 12-18, wherein the engine (10) is arranged within a building (12) and the power generating unit comprises a venting pipe (13) connecting the leakage space (4) to the outdoors.
20. A power generating unit according to claim 19, wherein the power generating unit comprises a degassing valve (14), which is configured to allow the inner pipe (2) of the fuel supply line (1 ) to be connected to the venting pipe (13) to allow discharging of fuel from the inner pipe (2) into the venting pipe (13) upon shutdown of the engine (10).
21 . A power generating unit according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the power generating unit comprises a bypass valve (15), which is configured to allow the leakage space (4) to be connected to the venting pipe (13) such that the flow restriction means (6) are bypassed.
22. A power plant comprising a power generating unit according to any of claims 8-21 .
23. A power plant according to claim 22, wherein the power plant comprises at least three engines (10).
24. A power plant according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the power plant is a peaking power plant.
25. A method of performing a functionality test of the leakage space (4) of the fuel supply system of a power generating unit according to any of claims 8-21 , the method comprising the steps of - (101 ) supplying pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space (4) until the pressure in the leakage space (4) reaches a predetermined pressurization target value,
- (102) terminating the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space (4) when the pressurization target value has been reached,
- (103) after terminating the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space (4), monitoring the pressure in the leakage space (4), and
- (104) based on the monitored pressure, determining whether the decrease rate of the pressure in the leakage space (4) is within predetermined limits.
26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the step of determining whether the decrease rate of the pressure in the leakage space (4) is within the predetermined limits is performed by comparing the pressure of the leakage space (4) at the end of a predetermined period of time after terminating the supply of the non-flammable gas into the leakage space (4) to a predetermined lower limit value and to a predetermined upper limit value.
27. A method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the pressurization target value is within the range of 50-1500 mbar.
28. A method according to any of claims 25-27, wherein the step of supplying pressurized non-flammable gas into the leakage space (4) is preceded by the steps of measuring the pressure in the leakage space (4) and comparing the pressure to a limit value.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein said limit value is 5-50 mbar.
30. A method according to any of claims 25-29, wherein the method comprises a step of verifying that the pressure in the leakage space (4) reaches a depressurization target value within a predetermined period of time.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the depressurization target value is within the range of 5-50 mbar.
32. A method according to any of claims 25-31 , wherein the functionality test is aborted in case the pressurization target value is not reached within a predetermined period of time.
EP23745231.3A 2023-07-04 2023-07-04 Fuel supply system, power generating unit, power plant and method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system Pending EP4739898A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FI2023/050424 WO2025008561A1 (en) 2023-07-04 2023-07-04 Fuel supply system, power generating unit, power plant and method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4739898A1 true EP4739898A1 (en) 2026-05-13

Family

ID=87468477

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23745231.3A Pending EP4739898A1 (en) 2023-07-04 2023-07-04 Fuel supply system, power generating unit, power plant and method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4739898A1 (en)
KR (1) KR20260018101A (en)
AU (1) AU2023452934A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2025008561A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2536309T3 (en) * 2011-11-04 2015-05-22 Caterpillar Motoren Gmbh & Co. Kg Double wall fuel supply pipe element
FI125272B (en) * 2012-12-11 2015-08-14 Wärtsilä Finland Oy Engine shutdown system and method for monitoring the shutdown system
WO2019052624A1 (en) * 2017-09-12 2019-03-21 Wärtsilä Finland Oy A gaseous fuel feeding system and a valve
US20200249115A1 (en) * 2019-02-05 2020-08-06 Sunwest Engineering Constructors, Inc. Fuel line leak detection system and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2025008561A1 (en) 2025-01-09
AU2023452934A1 (en) 2026-02-19
KR20260018101A (en) 2026-02-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20120240591A1 (en) Method for shutting down a generator to prepare the generator for restart
US11333075B2 (en) Method and system for safe gas turbine startup
US11156130B2 (en) Gas turbine cogeneration system and operation mode change method therefor
EP2291627B1 (en) Method and system for diagnosis of gas leakage in a gas-powered vehicle
EP3004621B1 (en) Fuel system and method for operating a piston engine
KR20180017819A (en) Nitrogen purging method and system
WO2025008561A1 (en) Fuel supply system, power generating unit, power plant and method of performing a functionality test of a leakage space of a fuel supply system
US10330024B2 (en) Universal external isolation and B and B valve skid for industrial gas appliances
KR20220053809A (en) System and control method thereof for natural gas dual fuel power plant
JP4287989B2 (en) Abnormality detection method for gas turbine fuel supply system
KR20190074990A (en) Method for preparing to start and preferably for then starting an internal combustion engine designed as a gas engine or dual-fuel motor
JP4744621B2 (en) Leakage gas detection device
JP2002372193A (en) Liquefied gas supply device
KR102065810B1 (en) Shut-down system for engine and method for monitoring shut-down system
CN114526177A (en) Testing device for gas valve of marine LGIP dual-fuel diesel engine
KR100461077B1 (en) testing system and the method for LPG engine
CN223597232U (en) Mobile hydrogen station testing device and system
JP2024095261A (en) Hydrogen sensor self-diagnosis device
KR20250174726A (en) Method of operation of an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine, a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine, and a leak unit for a fuel supply system
CN120628480A (en) A hydrogen fuel vehicle hydrogen pipeline air tightness test device and method
WO2014195557A1 (en) Fuel system and method for operating a piston engine
JP2025158302A (en) Combustion equipment, ammonia evaluation method
JPH04309715A (en) Fuel gas combustion device
CN121269081A (en) Marine ammonia fuel ventilation system, control method and control system thereof
CN121762137A (en) Engine sealing test device and test method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20260128

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR