JP2020147221A - Floating facility and manufacturing method of floating facility - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a floating facility capable of improving energy efficiency, and a manufacturing method of the floating facility.SOLUTION: A floating facility comprises a floating body, LNG tanks installed on the floating body, a first heat exchanger for evaporating a liquefied natural gas from the LNG tanks by heat-exchanging with a heat medium to obtain re-gasified LNG, and an expansion turbine satisfying the following condition (A) or (B). (A) the expansion turbine is configured so as to be driven by the re-gasified LNG from the first heat exchanger. (B) the expansion turbine constitutes a part of thermodynamic cycle using the liquefied natural gas as a low temperature heat source in the first heat exchanger and is configured so as to be driven by the gasified heat medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to floating equipment and a method for manufacturing the floating equipment.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is usually stored in the form of a cold liquid at about −160 ° C. Therefore, a method for effectively utilizing the cold energy of LNG has been proposed.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cryogenic power generation device that generates electricity using LNG cold heat. More specifically, the cryogenic power generation device described in Patent Document 1 uses a heat medium cooled by heat exchange with LNG as a cold heat source and heat exhausted from a main combustion engine using LNG as fuel as a heat source. Includes cycles. Then, the generator is driven by the expansion turbine provided on the heat cycle to generate electricity.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-104847

By the way, the floating storage and regasification facility (FSRU: Floating Storage & Regasification Unit), which is equipped with an LNG storage tank and regasification facility on the floating body, is similar to the LNG receiving terminal on land in that it stores and regasifies LNG. It fulfills the function of, and is used by being fixedly anchored at a pier or the like. However, in the above-mentioned cryogenic power generation using the cold heat of LNG, a large-scale device is usually used. Therefore, in such a floating type facility, there are problems such as space restrictions on the floating body and installation cost of the device. Therefore, cryogenic power generation has not been introduced. Therefore, it is required to introduce cryogenic power generation in floating equipment to improve energy efficiency.

In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a floating equipment and a method for manufacturing the floating equipment, which can improve energy efficiency.

(1) The floating type equipment according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is
Floating body and
The LNG tank provided on the floating body and
A first heat exchanger for vaporizing liquefied natural gas from the LNG tank by heat exchange with a heat medium to obtain regasified LNG.
An expansion turbine that satisfies the following conditions (A) or (B),
To be equipped.
(A) It is configured to be driven by the regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger.
(B) The first heat exchanger is configured to form part of a thermodynamic cycle in which the liquefied natural gas is used as a low temperature heat source and to be driven by the heat medium in a gas state.

As used herein, the term "regasified LNG" means a gas obtained by heating liquefied natural gas (LNG) with a heat exchanger and vaporizing it.

According to the configuration (1) above, in a floating facility (FSRU) capable of storing and regasifying liquefied natural gas stored in an LNG tank, the cold heat of the LNG stored in the LNG tank provided on the floating body. Can be used to drive an expansion turbine. Therefore, by driving the generator with the expansion turbine, it is possible to generate power by utilizing the cold heat of LNG, and the energy efficiency of the floating type equipment as a whole can be improved.

The expansion turbine satisfying the above condition (A) may be usable as a turbine (for example, a steam turbine) as a main engine for generating a propulsive force of a floating body. In this case, an LNG tanker (car carrier) having a turbine that can be used as a main engine can be operated as a floating LNG storage and regasification facility (FSRU). Therefore, the operation of the floating type equipment can be switched between the LNG tanker and the FSRU according to, for example, the demand for LNG, and the floating type equipment can be used efficiently.

(2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) above,
The floating type equipment is
An internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply liquefied natural gas from the LNG tank is further provided.

According to the configuration of (2) above, an LNG tanker (car carrier) having an internal combustion engine that can be used as a main engine can be operated as a floating LNG storage regasification facility (FSRU). Therefore, the operation of the floating type equipment can be switched between the LNG tanker and the FSRU according to, for example, the demand for LNG, and the floating type equipment can be used efficiently.
Further, according to the configuration of (2) above, when the floating type equipment is operated as an FSRU, it is possible to generate power by an internal combustion engine in addition to power generation by an expansion turbine. Therefore, the amount of power generation can be flexibly adjusted according to the power demand in the floating type equipment.

(3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (2) above,
The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (A).
The heat medium includes cooling water after cooling the internal combustion engine.

According to the configuration of (3) above, the cooling water of the internal combustion engine is used as a heat medium to regasify the LNG from the LNG tank, so that the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine is effectively utilized for efficiency. It becomes possible to generate electricity.

(4) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (3) above,
The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (A).
The floating type equipment is
A high-pressure turbine having a communicable outlet on the inlet side of the expansion turbine and including turbine blades shorter than the expansion turbine.
It includes an introduction line configured to introduce the regasified LNG directly into the expansion turbine without going through the high pressure turbine.

The volumetric flow rate of the fluid supplied to the turbine may differ depending on whether the turbine is used as a main engine or the like when operating as an LNG tanker or as an expansion turbine for power generation when operating as an FSRU. In this respect, the expansion turbine of the above (4) is a turbine configured to supply a fluid having a lower pressure than the fluid supplied to the high pressure turbine. That is, in the configuration of (4) above, in the floating equipment (FSRU), the regasified LNG is made to flow in from the middle stage of the turbine, so that the volume flow band in the expansion turbine is set to the same as when operating as an LNG tanker. Easy to match. Therefore, the expansion turbine can be appropriately driven in the floating turbine.

(5) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (4) above,
The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (A).
The floating type equipment is
A low-pressure turbine having a communicable inlet on the outlet side of the expansion turbine and including turbine blades longer than the expansion turbine.
It includes a discharge line configured to discharge the regasified LNG from the expansion turbine without going through the low pressure turbine.

The expansion turbine of (5) above is a turbine configured to supply a fluid having a higher pressure than the fluid supplied to the low pressure turbine. That is, in the configuration of (5) above, in the floating equipment (FSRU), the regasified LNG is discharged from the middle stage of the turbine, so that the volume flow band in the expansion turbine is set to the same as when operating as an LNG tanker. Easy to match. Therefore, the expansion turbine can be appropriately driven in the floating turbine.

(6) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (5) above,
The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (A).
The expansion turbine includes a first turbine and a second turbine having a lower inlet pressure than the first turbine.
The first turbine is configured to supply the regasified LNG from the first heat exchanger.
The floating type equipment is
A second heat exchanger for heating the regasified LNG discharged from the first turbine is further provided.
The second turbine is configured to supply the regasified LNG from the second heat exchanger.

In the configuration of (6) above, the expansion turbine has a structure of a reheating turbine including a first turbine and a second turbine to which a heated fluid is supplied after being discharged from the first turbine. Therefore, for example, when a reheating turbine is used as the main engine in an LNG tanker, the reheating turbine can be used as an expansion turbine when operating as an FSRU with the same structure. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while suppressing the equipment cost.

(7) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above,
The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (B).
The floating type equipment is
A condenser provided on the downstream side of the expansion turbine on the thermodynamic cycle for condensing the heat medium, and
A pump provided on the downstream side of the condenser on the thermodynamic cycle and for boosting the heat medium.
An evaporator provided on the downstream side of the pump on the thermodynamic cycle and for evaporating the heat medium is provided.
The condenser includes the first heat exchanger configured to condense the heat medium by heat exchange with the liquefied natural gas.

According to the configuration of (7) above, in the floating type equipment, it is possible to drive an expansion turbine on a thermodynamic cycle using LNG from an LNG tank provided on the floating body as a low-temperature heat source. That is, the expansion turbine is supplied with a heat medium that is the working fluid of the thermodynamic cycle, not the gas derived from LNG from the LNG tank. Therefore, it is possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while avoiding leakage of LNG from the expansion turbine.
Further, according to the configuration of (7) above, the pressure of the heat medium in the thermodynamic cycle can be set regardless of the air supply pressure (supply pressure to the demand destination) of the regasified LNG, so that a wide range of LNG can be set. Applicable to insufflation pressure.

(8) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (7) above,
The floating type equipment is
It is equipped with an internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply fuel gas derived from the liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank.
The evaporator is configured to evaporate the heat medium using the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine.

According to the configuration of (8) above, the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine is used as a high-temperature heat source for evaporating the heat medium (working fluid) in the thermodynamic cycle, so that the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine is effectively used. However, it is possible to generate electricity efficiently.

(9) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (7) or (8) above,
The floating type equipment is
It is equipped with an internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply fuel gas derived from the liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank.
The internal combustion engine is configured to supply the regasified LNG from the first heat exchanger as fuel.

According to the configuration of (9) above, LNG regasified by heat exchange with the heat medium in the first heat exchanger as the condenser in the thermodynamic cycle is supplied to the internal combustion engine as fuel. , Floating equipment can be operated efficiently.

(10) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above,
The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (B).
The floating type equipment is
A first cooler provided on the downstream side of the expansion turbine on the thermodynamic cycle for cooling the heat medium, and
A compressor provided on the downstream side of the first cooler on the thermodynamic cycle for compressing the heat medium, and a compressor.
A heater provided on the downstream side of the compressor on the thermodynamic cycle and for heating the heat medium is provided.
The first cooler includes the first heat exchanger configured to cool the heat medium by heat exchange with the liquefied natural gas.

According to the configuration (10) above, in the floating type equipment, it is possible to drive an expansion turbine on a thermodynamic cycle using LNG from an LNG tank provided on the floating body as a low-temperature heat source. That is, the expansion turbine is supplied with a heat medium that is the working fluid of the thermodynamic cycle, not the gas derived from LNG from the LNG tank. Therefore, it is possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while avoiding leakage of LNG from the expansion turbine.
Further, in the case of an LNG tanker equipped with a turbine or a compressor, the configuration of (10) above can be obtained by forming a thermodynamic cycle using existing equipment (turbine or compressor). Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while suppressing the equipment cost.

(11) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (10) above,
The floating type equipment is
Further comprising a rotating shaft connecting the expansion turbine and the compressor
The compressor is configured to be driven by the expansion turbine via the rotating shaft.

According to the configuration (11) above, the compressor on the thermodynamic cycle and the expansion turbine are connected via a rotating shaft. Therefore, in the LNG tanker, when a device (for example, a supercharger) including a compressor and a turbine connected by a rotating shaft is used, the thermodynamic cycle is formed by using this device to form the above (10). ) Floating equipment can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while suppressing the equipment cost.

(12) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (10) or (11) above,
The floating type equipment is
It is equipped with an internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply fuel gas derived from the liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank.
The heater is configured to heat the heat medium using the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine.

According to the configuration (12) above, the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine is used as a high-temperature heat source for heating the heat medium (working fluid) in the thermodynamic cycle, so that the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine is effectively used. However, it is possible to generate electricity efficiently.

(13) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (10) to (12) above,
An internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply fuel gas derived from the liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank.
A second cooler provided between the expansion turbine and the first cooler on the thermodynamic cycle is provided.
The second cooler is configured to cool the heat medium by heat exchange with the liquefied natural gas supplied from the LNG tank to the internal combustion engine.

According to the configuration of (13) above, since the heat medium of the thermodynamic cycle is further cooled by heat exchange with LNG from the LNG tank in the second cooler, the cold heat of LNG is used to further cool the heat medium. It can generate electricity efficiently.

(14) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (13) above,
The expansion turbine includes a rotor, a casing surrounding the rotor, and a seal portion that suppresses fluid leakage through a gap between the rotor and the casing.
The seal portion is configured to supply the regasified LNG supplied to the expansion turbine or an inert gas having a higher pressure than the heat medium.

According to the configuration of (14) above, an inert gas having a higher pressure than the fluid (regasification LNG or heat medium) supplied to the expansion turbine is supplied to the seal portion. Therefore, for example, in a floating equipment. Even if the operation mode is changed and the type of fluid supplied to the expansion turbine is changed, proper shaft sealing is possible without changing the structure of the seal portion.

(15) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (14) above,
The floating type equipment is
It further comprises a generator configured to be driven by the expansion turbine.

According to the configuration of (15) above, the expansion turbine can be driven by utilizing the cold heat of LNG stored in the LNG tank provided on the floating body, and the generator can be driven by the expansion turbine. it can. Therefore, it is possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG, and it is possible to improve the energy efficiency of the floating type equipment as a whole.

(16) The method for manufacturing a floating device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is as follows.
With the hull
The main engine provided on the hull and
A method for obtaining the floating equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 15 by modifying an LNG ship provided with an LNG tank provided on the hull.
A step of providing a first heat exchanger for vaporizing the liquefied natural gas in the LNG tank by heat exchange to obtain a regasified LNG.
The step of forming the regasification LNG supply line that guides the regasification LNG to the gas facility, and
With
The first heat exchanger is described below in relation to the expansion turbine so that the main engine or the turbine constituting a part of the thermodynamic cycle for exhaust heat recovery of the main engine functions as an expansion turbine. The condition of (A) or (B) is satisfied.
(A) The expansion turbine is configured to be driven by the regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger.
(B) The first heat exchanger is configured to form a part of a thermodynamic cycle in which the liquefied natural gas is used as a low-temperature heat source so that the expansion turbine is driven by the heat medium in a gas state. ..

According to the method (16) above, the LNG carrier including the turbine that constitutes a part of the main engine or the thermodynamic cycle is provided with a first heat exchanger so that the turbine functions as an expansion turbine, and is re-installed. By forming the gasification LNG supply line, it is possible to manufacture a floating equipment having the above configuration (1). The floating type equipment thus obtained makes it possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG, and the energy efficiency of the floating type equipment as a whole can be improved.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a floating equipment and a method for manufacturing the floating equipment, which can improve energy efficiency.

It is the schematic of the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 2B. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 4B. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 5B. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is the schematic of the expansion turbine which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 7B. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 8B. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 9B. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 10B. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the LNG tanker corresponding to the floating type equipment shown in FIG. 11B. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment which concerns on one Embodiment.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to this, but are merely explanatory examples. Absent.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a floating type facility according to an embodiment. The floating facility 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a facility (FSRU) for storing and regasifying LNG. The floating equipment 100 can be obtained, for example, by modifying an LNG tanker 101 (LNG carrier) for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG). In FIG. 1, the elements included in the LNG tanker 101 before modification are shown by solid lines, and the elements added by modification are shown by broken lines.

As shown in FIG. 1, the LNG tanker 101 before modification includes a hull 2 (floating body), a main engine 4 provided on the hull 2, and an LNG tank 6 provided on the hull 2. The hull 2 has a bow 2a having a shape that reduces the resistance that the hull receives from a fluid such as seawater, and a stern 2b to which a rudder 3 for adjusting the traveling direction of the hull 2 can be attached. The main engine 4 is an engine for generating power for driving the propeller 5 as a propulsion machine. The LNG tanker 101 shown in FIG. 1 includes an engine 16 and a turbine 40 as a main engine 4.
The LNG tanker 101 may further include a thermodynamic cycle (eg Rankine cycle, Brayton cycle, etc.) for recovering the exhaust heat of the main engine 4 (for example, engine 16). The thermodynamic cycle will be described later.

The floating equipment 100 obtained by modifying the above-mentioned LNG tanker 101 is further driven by using the first heat exchanger 8 for vaporizing the LNG in the LNG tank 6 by heat exchange and the cold heat of the LNG. The expansion turbine 18 is provided. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the turbine 40 functions as an expansion turbine 18. Further, the floating equipment 100 further expands the first LNG line 10 for guiding the LNG from the LNG tank 6 to the first heat exchanger 8 and / or the regasified LNG from the first heat exchanger 8. A second LNG line 12 for guiding to the turbine is provided. Further, the floating equipment 100 includes a regasification LNG supply line 14 for guiding the regasification LNG from the expansion turbine 18 to the gas equipment (demand destination).

The floating equipment 100 can be modified to obtain the LNG tanker 101. That is, the equipment including the same hull 2 can be operated as the LNG tanker 101 or the floating equipment 100 (FSRU), and can be operated as the LNG tanker 101 and the floating equipment 100 by modification. It is possible to switch between the operation and the operation of.

Hereinafter, the floating equipment 100 and the LNG tanker 101 according to some embodiments will be described in more detail.

2A, 3A, 4A and 5A (hereinafter, also referred to as FIGS. 2A to 5A) show the LNG tanker 101 before being remodeled into the floating equipment 100 according to the embodiment, respectively. It is a schematic block diagram.
2B, 3B, 3C, 4B, and 5B (hereinafter, also referred to as FIGS. 2B to 5B) are modified LNG tankers 101 shown in FIGS. 2A to 5A, respectively. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the floating type equipment 100 obtained by this.
In addition, in the drawings after FIG. 2A, the illustration of the hull 2 (floating body) is omitted.

The LNG tanker 101 shown in FIGS. 2A to 5A includes an engine 16 (internal combustion engine) and a turbine 40 as a main engine 4. Further, the LNG tanker 101 is equipped with a boiler 32 for generating steam for driving the turbine 40.

Boil-off gas from the LNG tank 6 is supplied to the engine 16 and the boiler 32 via the gas supply line 20. The gas supply line 20 is provided with a compressor 22 for boosting the boil-off gas to an appropriate pressure and a gas header 24 for distributing the gas. The gas supply line 20 is branched into a first branch line 20a connected to the boiler 32 and a second branch line 20b connected to the engine 16 on the downstream side of the gas header 24. The first branch line 20a is provided with a valve 30 for adjusting the flow rate of the gas supplied to the boiler 32.

A generator 28 is connected to the engine 16, and the engine 16 drives the generator 28 to generate electric power. The electric power generated by the generator 28 is sent to the electric motor 66 (see FIG. 3A) via the transmission line 56. Then, the propeller 5B (see FIG. 3A) is rotationally driven by the electric motor via the gear 58B (see FIG. 3A). As shown in FIG. 3A, the power transmission line 56 may be appropriately provided with equipment such as a transformer 62 and a converter 64.

The engine 16 may be configured to be capable of supplying LNG-derived gas (boil-off gas or the like) as fuel and oil fuel (for example, light oil) as fuel via the oil supply line 26. ..

The boiler 32 is configured to burn the supplied fuel (boil-off gas) and generate steam by the combustion heat. The steam generated in the boiler 32 is supplied to the turbine 40 via the steam supply line 38. The boiler 32 may be configured to be capable of supplying LNG-derived gas (boil-off gas or the like) as fuel and oil fuel (for example, light oil) as fuel via the oil supply line 36. ..

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 4A, a generator 54 is connected to the turbine 40, the turbine 40 is rotationally driven by steam from the boiler 32, and the generator 54 is driven by the turbine 40. Power is being generated. The electric power generated in this way is sent to the electric motor via the transmission line and drives the propeller 5 via the electric motor in the same manner as the electric power generated by the generator 28 connected to the engine 16. It has become.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 5A, the turbine 40 is connected to the propeller 5A via a gear 58A. Then, the rotational energy of the rotary shaft of the turbine 40 is transmitted to the propeller 5A via the gear 58A, whereby the propeller 5A is driven.

The propeller 5 of the LNG tanker 101 may include a port side propeller 5A and a starboard side propeller 5B. Both the port side propeller 5A and the starboard side propeller 5B may be driven by an electric motor 66 (see FIG. 3A). Alternatively, one of the port side propeller 5A and the starboard side propeller 5B may be driven by the electric motor 66 (see FIG. 3A), and the other may be driven by the turbine 40 via a gear.

Further, the turbine 40 may have a plurality of stages of turbines having different inlet pressures. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-5A, the turbines 40 are a high pressure turbine 42, a medium pressure turbine 44 having an inlet pressure lower than that of the high pressure turbine 42, and a low pressure turbine having an inlet pressure lower than that of the medium pressure turbine 44, respectively. Includes turbine 46 and.
The high-pressure turbine 42 has an outlet portion communicable to the inlet side of the medium-pressure turbine, and includes turbine blades shorter than the medium-pressure turbine.
The low-pressure turbine 46 has an inlet that can communicate with the outlet side of the medium-pressure turbine, and includes turbine blades that are longer than the medium-pressure turbine.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the high pressure turbine 42, medium pressure turbine 44 and low pressure turbine 46 are arranged on one axis and drive the generator 54 via a common rotating shaft.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A, the turbine 40 further includes a reverse turbine 48. The high-pressure turbine 42 and the medium-pressure turbine 44 arranged on one shaft are connected to the generator 54 or the propeller 5A via a common rotary shaft, and the low-pressure turbine 46 and the middle pressure turbine 44 arranged on the other shaft are connected. The pressure turbine 44 is connected to the generator 54 or the propeller 5A via a common rotating shaft.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-5A, the steam from the steam supply line 38 is supplied to the inlet of the high pressure turbine 42. Further, the steam discharged from the high-pressure turbine 42 is supplied to the reheater 34 via the reheater inlet line 50 and is reheated. Then, the reheated steam from the reheater 34 is supplied to the inlet of the medium pressure turbine 44 via the reheater outlet line 52. The steam from the medium pressure turbine 44 is supplied to the low pressure turbine 46. The steam discharged from the low-pressure turbine 46 is returned to the boiler 32 via a condenser (not shown).

The floating equipment (FSRU) 100 shown in FIGS. 2B to 5B uses an engine 16 that has a function as a main engine 4 during operation as an LNG tanker 101 (before modification; see FIGS. 2A to 5A). It is designed to generate electric power used in the floating equipment 100. Further, by operating the turbine 40, which had a function as the main engine 4 when operating as the LNG tanker 101, as the expansion turbine 18, the electric power used in the floating equipment 100 is generated.

In the floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 2B to 5B, the boil-off gas from the LNG tank 6 is supplied to the engine 16 via the second branch line 20b of the gas supply line 20 as in the operation as the LNG tanker 101. It is supposed to be supplied. Further, a generator 28 is connected to the engine 16, and the generator 28 is driven by the engine 16 to generate electric power. The electric power generated by the generator 28 is transmitted to the demand destination in the floating type facility 100 via the transmission line.

Further, the floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 2B to 5B is provided with a first heat exchanger 8 for vaporizing the liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the LNG tank 6 to obtain a regasified LNG. ..

The floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 2B to 5B expands the first LNG line 10 for guiding the LNG from the LNG tank 6 to the first heat exchanger 8 and the regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger 8. It has a second LNG line 12 for guiding to a turbine. The first LNG line 10 is provided with an LNG pump 72 for boosting the LNG of liquid. Further, the floating equipment 100 has a cooling water line 74 through which cooling water for cooling the engine 16 flows, and the cooling water after cooling the engine 16 via the cooling water line 74 is the first. It is guided to the heat exchanger 8.

The first heat exchanger 8 heats and vaporizes the liquid LNG derived from the first LNG line 10 by heat exchange with the cooling water (heat medium) flowing through the cooling water line 74 to generate regasified LNG. It is configured to do so. The regasification LNG generated by the first heat exchanger 8 is supplied to the expansion turbine 18 (turbine 40) via the second LNG line, and the expansion turbine 18 is driven by the regasification LNG thus supplied. At the same time, the generator 54 connected to the expansion turbine 18 is driven.

The regasified LNG discharged from the expansion turbine 18 (turbine 40) is guided to the gas facility (demand destination) via the regasification LNG supply line 14.

In the above-described embodiment, in the floating facility (FSRU) 100 capable of storing and regasifying liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank 6, the cold heat of the LNG stored in the LNG tank 6 provided on the hull 2 is obtained. Can be used to drive the expansion turbine 18. Therefore, by driving the generator 54 by the expansion turbine 18, it is possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG, and the energy efficiency of the floating equipment 100 as a whole can be improved.

Further, the expansion turbine 18 in the above-described embodiment can be used as the turbine 40 as the main engine 4 for generating the propulsive force of the hull 2. Therefore, the LNG tanker 101 (see FIGS. 2A to 5A) having the turbine 40 that can be used as the main engine 4 can be modified and operated as the floating equipment (FSRU) 100. Therefore, for example, it is possible to switch between the operation as the LNG tanker 101 and the operation as the floating equipment (FSRU) 100 according to the demand for LNG, and thereby the floating equipment 100 can be used efficiently. it can.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the LNG tanker 101 having the engine 16 (internal combustion engine) that can be used as the main engine 4 can be modified and operated as the floating equipment (FSRU) 100. Therefore, for example, it is possible to switch between the operation as the LNG tanker 101 and the operation as the FSRU according to the demand for LNG and the like, whereby the floating equipment 100 can be efficiently used.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the heat medium that exchanges heat with LNG in the first heat exchanger 8 includes cooling water after cooling the engine 16. In this way, the cooling water of the engine 16 is used as a heat medium to regasify the LNG from the LNG tank 6, so that the exhaust heat of the engine 16 can be effectively used to generate electricity efficiently. Is possible.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2B, 3B and 3C, of the high pressure turbine 42, medium pressure turbine 44 and low pressure turbine 46 constituting the turbine 40, the medium pressure turbine 44 has the function of the expansion turbine 18.

That is, the regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger 8 is directly introduced into the medium pressure turbine 44 (expansion turbine 18) via the second LNG line 12 (introduction line) without passing through the high pressure turbine 42. It has become so. Further, the regasified LNG discharged from the medium pressure turbine 44 (expansion turbine 18) is discharged to the regasified LNG supply line 14 (discharge line) without passing through the low pressure turbine 46. .. In addition, in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B, the illustration of the low pressure turbine 46 is omitted.

The volumetric flow rate of the fluid supplied to the turbine 40 is as an expansion turbine 18 for power generation when the turbine 40 is used as the main engine 4 when operating as the LNG tanker 101 and when operating as the floating equipment (FSRU) 100. It may differ from the case used.
In this respect, the expansion turbine 18 according to the above-described embodiment is a medium-pressure turbine 44 configured to supply a fluid having a lower pressure than the fluid supplied to the high-pressure turbine 42. That is, in the above-described embodiment, in the floating equipment (FSRU) 100, the regasified LNG is allowed to flow in from the middle stage of the turbine 40, so that the volume flow rate band in the expansion turbine 18 is operated as the LNG tanker 101. Easy to match with time. Therefore, in the floating turbine 100, the expansion turbine 18 can be appropriately driven.

Further, the expansion turbine 18 according to the above-described embodiment is a medium-pressure turbine 44 configured to supply a fluid having a higher pressure than the fluid supplied to the low-pressure turbine 46. That is, in the above-described embodiment, in the floating equipment (FSRU) 100, the regasified LNG is discharged from the middle stage of the turbine 40, so that the volume flow band in the expansion turbine 18 is operated as the LNG tanker 101. Easy to match with time. Therefore, in the floating turbine 100, the expansion turbine 18 can be appropriately driven.

Further, in this way, by using only the middle stage of the turbine 40 (medium pressure turbine 44 in the above embodiment) as the expansion turbine 18 driven by the regasification LNG, the other parts of the turbine 40 can be used. , It is also possible to generate electricity.

For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, steam from the boiler 32 is supplied to the low pressure turbine 42 and the low pressure turbine 46 having a rotating shaft different from the medium pressure turbine 44 via the steam supply line 76. , The low pressure turbine 46 and the generator 55 connected to the low pressure turbine 46 are driven. As described above, during operation as the FSRU, in addition to the expansion turbine 18, the low-pressure turbine 46 driven by steam can also generate electric power, so that more electric power can be supplied.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, the high pressure turbine 42 and the medium pressure turbine 44 have the function of an expansion turbine 18. That is, the expansion turbine 18 includes a high-pressure turbine 42 (first turbine) and a medium-pressure turbine (second turbine) having an inlet pressure lower than that of the high-pressure turbine 42. The high-pressure turbine 42 (first turbine) is supplied with regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger 8. Further, the regasified LNG discharged from the high-pressure turbine 42 (first turbine) is guided to the second heat exchanger 69 via the reheat line 78, and is connected to the heat medium at the second heat exchanger 69. After being heated by heat exchange, it is supplied to the inlet of the medium pressure turbine 44.

In the second heat exchanger 69 shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, cooling water (cooling water after cooling the engine 16) from the cooling water line 74 is used as a heat medium for reheating the regasified LNG. It is supposed to be guided. The first heat exchanger 8 and the second heat exchanger 69 may have a structure that shares a single casing as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, or may have separate casings. You may have.

In the above-described embodiment, the expansion turbine 18 is supplied with the fluid heated by the second heat exchanger 69 after being discharged from the high-pressure turbine 42 (first turbine) and the high-pressure turbine 42 (first turbine). It has a structure of a reheat turbine including a pressure turbine 44 (second turbine). Therefore, when the reheating turbine (turbine 40) is used as the main engine 4 as in the LNG tanker 101 shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the reheating turbine has the same structure as the floating equipment (FSRU). It can be used as the expansion turbine 18 when operating as 100. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while suppressing the equipment cost.

The method of modifying the LNG tanker 101 shown in FIGS. 2A to 5A to obtain the floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 2B to 5B is to vaporize the LNG in the LNG tank 6 by heat exchange with the LNG tanker 101. The step of providing the first heat exchanger 8 and the step of providing the regasification LNG supply line 14 for guiding the regasification LNG generated by the first heat exchanger 8 to the gas facility (customer). Including. The first heat exchanger 8 is provided so as to satisfy the following conditions (A) in relation to the expansion turbine 18 so that the turbine 40 constituting the main engine 4 functions as the expansion turbine 18.
(A) The expansion turbine 18 is configured to be driven by regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger 8.

Further, the method of modifying the LNG tanker includes a step of providing a first LNG line 10 for guiding the LNG from the LNG tank 6 to the first heat exchanger 8 and a regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger 8. May include the step of providing a second LNG line 12 to guide the gas to the expansion turbine.

Further, the method of modifying the LNG tanker may further include a step of providing a cooling water line for guiding the cooling water that has cooled the engine 16 to the first heat exchanger 8.

Further, when the floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 3B and 5B is obtained from the LNG tanker 101 shown in FIGS. 3A and 5A, the gear 58A and the propeller 5A connected to the turbine 40 are separated from the turbine 40, and the turbine is separated from the turbine 40. A step of connecting the generator 54 to the 40 may be included.

In the case of obtaining the floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B from the LNG tanker 101 shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, a step of further providing a second heat exchanger 69 and a step of providing the high pressure turbine 42 (first turbine). It may include a step of providing a reheat line 78 extending from the outlet to the inlet of the medium pressure turbine 44 (second turbine) via the second heat exchanger 69.

By modifying the LNG tanker 101 by the modification method described above, for example, the floating equipment 100 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2B to 5B can be obtained. The floating equipment 100 thus obtained makes it possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG, and the energy efficiency of the floating equipment as a whole can be improved.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the expansion turbine 18 (for example, the expansion turbine 18 shown in FIGS. 2B to 5B) according to some embodiments. The expansion turbine 18 shown in FIG. 6 is a fluid passing through a gap between the rotor 19, the casing 18a surrounding the rotor 19, and the rotor 19 and the casing 18a (in the case of the expansion turbines of FIGS. 2B to 5B, 18 is regas). A sealing portion 80 for suppressing leakage of LNG) is included.

The seal portion 80 includes a plurality of labyrinth portions 82A to 82C provided at intervals in the axial direction. Then, at a position between the labyrinth portions 82B and 82C adjacent to each other, the space 83A formed between the rotor 19 and the casing 18a is inactive via the inert gas supply line 84 and the branch lines 84a and 84b. Gas (eg nitrogen) is being supplied. The pressure of the inert gas supplied to the space 83A is higher than that of the fluid supplied to the expansion turbine 18 (in the case of the expansion turbines of FIGS. 2B to 5B, 18 is regasification LNG).

The inert gas supply line 84 is provided with a valve 85 for adjusting the flow rate of the inert gas. Further, the fluid leaked from between the rotor 19 and the casing 18a through the labyrinth portion 82A (in the case of the expansion turbines of FIGS. 2B to 5B, 18 is regasification LNG), and leaked from the space 83A via the labyrinth portion 82B. The inert gas is recovered at a position between the labyrinth portions 82A and 82B adjacent to each other through the space 83B and the recovery line 86 formed between the rotor 19 and the casing 18a.

That is, the seal portion 80 is supplied with an inert gas (for example, nitrogen) having a higher pressure than the fluid supplied to the expansion turbine 18 (in the case of the expansion turbines of FIGS. 2B to 5B, 18 is regasification LNG). It has become.

According to the above configuration, an inert gas (for example, nitrogen gas) having a pressure higher than that of the fluid (regasification LNG or heat medium) supplied to the expansion turbine 18 is supplied to the seal portion 80. Even if the operation mode is changed between the floating equipment 100 and the LNG tanker 101 and the type of fluid supplied to the expansion turbine 18 is changed, it is possible to properly seal the shaft without changing the structure of the seal portion 80. Become.

7A, 8A, 9A, 10A and 11A (hereinafter, may be referred to as FIGS. 7A to 11A) are LNG tankers before being converted into the floating equipment 100 according to the embodiment, respectively. It is a schematic block diagram which shows 101.
7B, 8B, 9B, 10B and 11B (hereinafter, may be referred to as FIGS. 7B to 11B) are modified LNG tankers 101 shown in FIGS. 7A to 10A, respectively. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the obtained floating type equipment 100.

The LNG tanker 101 shown in FIGS. 7A to 11A is equipped with an engine 16 (internal combustion engine) as the main engine 4.
LNG from the LNG tank 6 is supplied to the engine 16 via the LNG fuel supply line 88. The LNG fuel supply line 88 is provided with a pump 90 for boosting the LNG to an appropriate pressure and a valve 89 for adjusting the flow rate of the LNG supplied to the engine 16. The engine 16 is configured to rotationally drive the propeller 5 (propulsion machine). The rotational energy generated by the engine 16 may be transmitted to the propeller 5 via a gear (not shown), or is generated by driving a generator (not shown) by the engine 16. The electric motor may be driven by the electric power, and the propeller 5 may be driven by the electric motor.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A, the LNG tanker 101 is provided with a thermodynamic cycle 102 that includes a circuit 104 through which a heat medium, which is a working fluid, flows. The thermodynamic cycle 102 includes an expansion turbine 18 provided on the circuit 104, a condenser 106 provided on the downstream side of the expansion turbine 18, a pump 108 provided on the downstream side of the condenser 106, and a pump 108. It is a Rankine cycle including an evaporator 110 provided on the downstream side of the above. A generator 113 is connected to the expansion turbine 18.

The expansion turbine 18 is configured to expand the heat medium flowing through the circuit 104 of the thermodynamic cycle 102, whereby the generator 113 is driven to generate electric power.

The condenser 106 is configured to condense the heat medium from the expansion turbine 18 by heat exchange with a low temperature heat source. For example, seawater can be used as the low temperature heat source.
The pump 108 is configured to boost the heat medium condensed by the condenser 106 into a liquid.

The evaporator 110 is configured to evaporate the liquid heat medium boosted by the pump 108 by heat exchange with a high-temperature heat source. As the high temperature heat source, for example, the exhaust gas of the engine 16 can be used. In addition, in FIGS. 7A and 8A, the exhaust gas from the engine 16 is supplied to the evaporator 110 via the exhaust gas line 92.

In the thermodynamic cycle 102 configured in this way, the generator 113 can be driven by utilizing the exhaust heat of the engine 16 recovered by the heat exchange in the evaporator 110.

In the floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B, the condenser 106 constituting the thermodynamic cycle 102 that was operated during operation as the LNG tanker 101 (before modification; see FIGS. 7A to 8A) is subjected to the first heat. Used as an exchanger 8.

The floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B is provided on the first LNG line 10 for guiding the LNG from the LNG tank 6 to the first heat exchanger 8 and the first LNG line 10 to boost the LNG of the liquid. LNG pump 72 and a valve 71 for adjusting the flow rate of LNG in the first LNG line 10. Further, the regasified LNG generated by the first heat exchanger 8 is guided to the gas facility (demand destination) via the regasified LNG supply line 14.

LNG from the LNG tank 6 is supplied to the condenser 106 (first heat exchanger 8) constituting the thermodynamic cycle 102 as a low-temperature heat source of the thermodynamic cycle 102 via the first LNG line 10. ing. That is, the condenser 106 is configured to condense the heat medium of the thermodynamic cycle 102 by heat exchange with LNG. The expansion turbine 18 is configured to be driven by a heat medium that has passed through the condenser 106 (first heat exchanger 8), the pump, and the evaporator 110 and is in a gas state.

According to the above-described embodiment, in the floating equipment 100, the expansion turbine 18 on the thermodynamic cycle 102 using LNG from the LNG tank 6 provided on the hull 2 as a low temperature heat source can be driven. That is, the expansion turbine is supplied with a heat medium that is the working fluid of the thermodynamic cycle 102, not the LNG-derived gas from the LNG tank 6. Therefore, it is possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while avoiding leakage of LNG from the expansion turbine 18.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, unlike the case where the regasified LNG is directly expanded by the expansion turbine, the pressure of the heat medium in the thermodynamic cycle 102 is changed to the air supply pressure of the regasified LNG (supply to the demand destination). Since it can be set regardless of the pressure), it can be applied to a wide range of LNG air supply pressures, and can also be applied to a high pressure air supply pressure such as 10 to 15 MPa.
When the regasified LNG is directly expanded by the expansion turbine (see, for example, FIGS. 2B to 5B), when the air supply pressure of the regasified LNG is set high, the inlet pressure of the expansion turbine 18 is also increased accordingly. It may be difficult to achieve the required insufflation pressure due to the need.

Further, in the floating equipment 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the evaporator 110 constituting the thermodynamic cycle 102 is supplied via the LNG-derived fuel gas (LNG fuel supply line 88) stored in the LNG tank 6. It is configured to evaporate the heat medium using the exhaust heat of the engine 16 to which the gas) is supplied.

In this way, since the exhaust heat of the engine 16 is used as the high-temperature heat source for evaporating the heat medium (working fluid) in the thermodynamic cycle 102, the exhaust heat of the engine 16 is effectively used to generate electricity efficiently. Can be done.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B, the exhaust gas of the engine 16 was used as the above-mentioned high-temperature heat source, but in other embodiments, the high-temperature heat source is the cooling water after cooling the engine 16. It may be.
Further, in another embodiment, the above-mentioned high-temperature heat source may be seawater or the like.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the LNG tanker 101 (floating equipment 100) is supplied with LNG-derived fuel gas (gas supplied via the LNG fuel supply line 88) stored in the LNG tank 6. It has an engine 16 to be used. The engine 16 is configured to supply regasified LNG from the first heat exchanger 8 (that is, the condenser 106) as fuel.

In the above-described embodiment, the LNG regasified by heat exchange with the heat medium in the first heat exchanger 8 as the condenser 106 in the thermodynamic cycle 102 is supplied to the engine 16 as fuel. The LNG tanker 101 (floating equipment 100) can be operated efficiently.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A, the LNG tanker 101 is configured to be driven by a compressor 94 for compressing the air supplied to the engine 16 and exhaust gas from the engine 16. A supercharger 93 including a turbine 96, a rotary shaft 95 connecting the compressor 94 and the turbine 96, is provided. A generator 113 is connected to the turbine 96.

Air is supplied to the compressor 94 via the air introduction line 114. The compressed air generated by the compressor 94 is supplied to the engine 16 via the engine inlet line 116. The exhaust gas generated by the combustion of fuel in the engine 16 is discharged from the engine 16 via the engine outlet line 118 and sent to the turbine 96. The turbine 96 is driven by the exhaust gas from the engine 16, which drives the generator 113 to generate electric power. The exhaust gas that has finished its work in the turbine 96 is discharged from the exhaust gas line 120.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A, the LNG fuel supply line 88 for supplying LNG from the LNG tank 6 to the engine 16 has a heat exchanger 98 for regasifying LNG (described later). A second cooler) is provided.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the heat exchanger 98 (second cooler) is configured to heat and vaporize LNG by heat exchange with seawater introduced via line 99.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the heat exchanger 98 (second cooler) is configured to heat and vaporize LNG by heat exchange with air introduced via line 99. Further, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the air after passing through the heat exchanger 98 (second cooler) is supplied to the compressor 94 via the air introduction line 114. ..

In the floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B, the heat including the compressor 94 and the turbine 96 of the turbocharger 93 used during operation as the LNG tanker 101 (before modification; see FIGS. 9A to 10A). The mechanical cycle 122 is formed. The thermodynamic cycle 122 is a Brayton cycle that does not involve a phase change in the heat medium (working fluid).

In the thermodynamic cycle 122, the above-mentioned turbine 96 is provided in the circuit 124 through which the heat medium flows. The turbine 96 functions as an expansion turbine 18. On the thermodynamic cycle 122, a first cooler 126 for cooling the heat medium is provided on the downstream side of the turbine 96 (expansion turbine 18). The first cooler 126 includes a first heat exchanger 8 configured to cool the heat medium by heat exchange with liquefied natural gas.

Further, on the thermodynamic cycle 122, a compressor 94 for compressing the heat medium (the above-mentioned compressor 94) is provided on the downstream side of the first cooler 126. As described above, the compressor 94 and the turbine 96 are connected via a rotary shaft 95. A generator 113 is connected to the turbine 96 (expansion turbine 18). Further, on the thermodynamic cycle 122, a heater 128 is provided on the downstream side of the compressor 94. Exhaust gas from the engine 16 is supplied to the heater 128 via the exhaust gas line 130. The heater 128 is configured to heat the heat medium by exchanging heat with the exhaust gas from the engine 16.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, in the thermodynamic cycle 122, the heat exchanger 98 (second cooler) is located on the downstream side of the turbine 96 (expansion turbine 18) and on the upstream side of the first cooler 126. Is provided.

The floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B is provided on the first LNG line 10 and the first LNG line 10 for guiding the LNG from the LNG tank 6 to the first heat exchanger 8 to boost the LNG of the liquid. LNG pump 72 and a valve 71 for adjusting the flow rate of LNG in the first LNG line 10. Further, the regasified LNG generated by the first heat exchanger 8 is guided to the gas facility (demand destination) via the regasified LNG supply line 14.

LNG from the LNG tank 6 is supplied to the first cooler 126 (first heat exchanger 8) constituting the thermodynamic cycle 122 as a low-temperature heat source for the thermodynamic cycle 122 via the first LNG line 10. It has become. That is, the first cooler 126 is configured to cool the heat medium of the thermodynamic cycle 122 by heat exchange with LNG. The turbine 96 (expansion turbine 18) is configured to be driven by a heat medium in a gas state after passing through the first cooler 126.

According to the above embodiment, in the floating equipment 100, the turbine 96 (expansion turbine) on the thermodynamic cycle 122 using the LNG from the LNG tank 6 provided on the hull 2 as a low temperature heat source can be driven. .. That is, the expansion turbine 18 is supplied with a heat medium that is the working fluid of the thermodynamic cycle 122, not the gas derived from LNG from the LNG tank 6. Therefore, it is possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while avoiding leakage of LNG from the expansion turbine 18.
Further, in the case of the LNG tanker 101 equipped with the turbine 96 or the compressor 94, the thermodynamic cycle 122 is formed by using the existing equipment (turbine 96 or compressor 94 or supercharger 93) as described above. The configuration according to the embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while suppressing the equipment cost.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the floating equipment 100 includes a rotary shaft 95 that connects the turbine 96 (expansion turbine 18) and the compressor 94, and the compressor 94 is a turbine via the rotary shaft 95. It is configured to be driven by 96 (expansion turbine 18).

In this way, the compressor 94 on the thermodynamic cycle 122 and the turbine 96 (expansion turbine 18) are connected via a rotary shaft 95. Therefore, in the LNG tanker 101, when a device including a compressor 94 and a turbine 96 connected by a rotary shaft 95 (the above-mentioned supercharger 93) is used, this device is used to form a thermodynamic cycle 122. By doing so, the floating equipment 100 according to the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG while suppressing the equipment cost.

Further, in the floating equipment 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the heater 128 constituting the thermodynamic cycle 122 is supplied via the LNG-derived fuel gas (LNG fuel supply line 88) stored in the LNG tank 6. It is configured to evaporate the heat medium using the exhaust heat of the engine 16 to which the gas) is supplied.

In this way, since the exhaust heat of the engine 16 is used as the high-temperature heat source for heating the heat medium (working fluid) in the thermodynamic cycle 122, the exhaust heat of the engine 16 is effectively used to generate electricity efficiently. Can be done.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B, the exhaust gas of the engine 16 was used as the above-mentioned high-temperature heat source, but in other embodiments, the high-temperature heat source is the cooling water after cooling the engine 16. It may be.
Further, in another embodiment, the above-mentioned high-temperature heat source may be seawater or the like.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, a heat exchanger provided between the turbine 96 (expansion turbine 18) and the first cooler 126 (first heat exchanger 8) on the thermodynamic cycle 122. The 98 (second cooler) is configured to cool the heat medium by heat exchange with the LNG supplied to the engine 16.

In this way, the heat medium of the thermodynamic cycle 122 is further cooled by heat exchange with the LNG from the LNG tank 6 in the heat exchanger 98 (second cooler), so that the cold heat of the LNG is used. , Can generate heat more efficiently.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, the LNG fuel supply line 88 is provided with a heat exchanger 98 as a first heat exchanger 8 for heating and vaporizing the LNG. The heat exchanger 98 may be configured to heat LNG by, for example, heat exchange with seawater.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11B, the expansion turbine 136 (18) is provided at the branch line 132 branching from the LNG fuel supply line 88. The branch line 132 is provided with a valve 134 for adjusting the flow rate of the regasified LNG supplied to the expansion turbine 136. A generator 138 is connected to the expansion turbine 136. The regasification LNG is supplied to the expansion turbine 136 via the branch line 132, and the regasification LNG is expanded by the expansion turbine 136 and the generator 138 is driven. In this way, electric power is generated by the generator 138. The regasified LNG discharged from the expansion turbine 136 is temperature-controlled by the heat exchanger 140 and then guided to the gas facility (demand destination) via the regasification LNG supply line 14.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11B, the heat exchanger 98 provided in the LNG fuel supply line 88 constitutes a part of the thermodynamic cycle 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11B, the thermodynamic cycle 102 is provided on the downstream side of the circuit 104 through which the heat medium as the working fluid flows, the expansion turbine 112 (18) provided on the circuit 104, and the expansion turbine 112. It is a Rankine cycle including a condenser 106, a pump 108 provided on the downstream side of the condenser 106, and an evaporator 110 provided on the downstream side of the pump 108. A generator 113 is connected to the expansion turbine 18.

The expansion turbine 18 is configured to expand the heat medium flowing through the circuit 104 of the thermodynamic cycle 102, whereby the generator 113 is driven to generate electric power.

LNG from the LNG tank 6 is supplied to the condenser 106 (first heat exchanger 8) constituting the thermodynamic cycle 102 as a low-temperature heat source of the thermodynamic cycle 102 via the LNG fuel supply line 88. It has become. That is, the condenser 106 is configured to condense the heat medium of the thermodynamic cycle 102 by heat exchange with LNG. The expansion turbine 112 is configured to be driven by a heat medium that has passed through the condenser 106 (first heat exchanger 8), the pump 108, and the evaporator 110 and is in a gas state.

The evaporator 110 is configured to evaporate the liquid heat medium boosted by the pump 108 by heat exchange with a high-temperature heat source. The hot heat source is guided to the evaporator 110 via the line 107. As the high-temperature heat source, for example, the exhaust gas of the engine 16 or the cooling water of the engine 16 can be used. Moreover, seawater may be used as a high temperature heat source.

In the thermodynamic cycle 102 configured in this way, the generator 113 can be driven by utilizing the exhaust heat of the engine 16 recovered by the heat exchange in the evaporator 110.

In the above embodiment, the expansion turbine 136 driven by the regassing LNG from the first heat exchanger 8 (heat exchanger 98) and a part of the thermodynamic cycle 102 using the LNG as a low temperature heat source are formed. , And an expansion turbine 112 driven by a gas-state heat medium is used in combination. This makes it possible to increase the power recovered from the LNG cold heat.

The method of modifying the LNG tanker 101 shown in FIGS. 6A to 11A to obtain the floating equipment 100 shown in FIGS. 2B to 5B is to vaporize the LNG in the LNG tank 6 by heat exchange with the LNG tanker 101. The step of providing the first heat exchanger 8 and the step of providing the regasification LNG supply line 14 for guiding the regasification LNG generated by the first heat exchanger 8 to the gas facility (customer). Including. The first heat exchanger 8 is provided so as to satisfy the following conditions (B) in relation to the expansion turbine 18 so that the turbine 40 constituting the main engine 4 functions as the expansion turbine 18.
(B) The expansion turbine 18 is configured to be driven by a gas-state heat medium by forming a part of thermodynamic cycles 102 and 122 that utilize liquefied natural gas as a low-temperature heat source in the first heat exchanger 8. Will be done.

Further, the method of modifying the LNG tanker includes a step of providing a first LNG line 10 for guiding the LNG from the LNG tank 6 to the first heat exchanger 8 and a regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger 8. May include the step of providing a second LNG line 12 to guide the gas to the expansion turbine.

Further, the method of modifying the LNG tanker may further include a step of providing a cooling water line for guiding the cooling water that has cooled the engine 16 to the first heat exchanger 8.

By modifying the LNG tanker 101 by the modification method described above, for example, the floating equipment 100 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6B to 11B can be obtained. The floating equipment 100 thus obtained makes it possible to generate electricity by utilizing the cold heat of LNG, and the energy efficiency of the floating equipment as a whole can be improved.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes a modified form of the above-described embodiments and a combination of these embodiments as appropriate.

In the present specification, expressions representing relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric" or "coaxial". Strictly represents not only such an arrangement, but also a tolerance or a state of relative displacement at an angle or distance to the extent that the same function can be obtained.
For example, expressions such as "same", "equal", and "homogeneous" that indicate that things are in the same state not only represent exactly the same state, but also have tolerances or differences to the extent that the same function can be obtained. It shall also represent the state of existence.
Further, in the present specification, the expression representing a shape such as a quadrangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represents a shape such as a quadrangular shape or a cylindrical shape in a geometrically strict sense, but also within a range in which the same effect can be obtained. , The shape including the uneven portion, the chamfered portion, etc. shall also be represented.
Further, in the present specification, the expression "comprising", "including", or "having" one component is not an exclusive expression excluding the existence of another component.

2 Hull 2a Nose 2b Stern 3 Steering 4 Main engine 5 Propeller 5A Left side propeller 5B Right side propeller 6 LNG tank 8 1st heat exchanger 10 1st LNG line 12 2nd LNG line 14 Regassing LNG supply line 16 Engine 18 Expansion turbine 18a Casing 19 Rotor 20 Gas supply line 20a First branch line 20b Second branch line 22 Compressor 24 Gas header 26 Oil supply line 28 Generator 30 Valve 32 Boiler 34 Reheater 36 Oil supply line 38 Steam supply line 40 Turbine 42 High pressure turbine 44 Medium pressure turbine 46 Low pressure turbine 48 Reverse turbine 50 Reheater inlet line 52 Reheater outlet line 54 Generator 55 Generator 56 Transmission line 58A, 58B Gear 62 Transformer 64 Converter 66 Electric motor 69 Second heat exchanger 71 Valve 72 LNG pump 74 Cooling water line 76 Steam supply line 78 Reheat line 80 Seal part 82A, 82B, 82C Labyrinth part 83A, 83B Space 84 Inactive gas supply line 84a, 84b Branch line 85 Valve 86 Recovery line 88 LNG fuel supply Line 89 Valve 90 Pump 92 Exhaust Line 93 Supercharger 94 Compressor 95 Rotating Shaft 96 Turbine 98 Heat Exchanger 99 Line 100 Floating Equipment 101 LNG Tanker 102 Thermodynamic Cycle 104 Circuit 106 Condenser 107 Line 108 Pump 110 Evaporator 112 Expansion Turbine 113 Generator 114 Air Introduction Line 116 Engine Inlet Line 118 Engine Exit Line 120 Exhaust Line 122 Thermodynamic Cycle 124 Circuit 126 First Cooler 128 Heater 130 Exhaust Line 132 Branch Line 134 Valve 136 Expansion Turbine 138 Generator 140 Heat Turbine

Claims (16)

Floating body and
The LNG tank provided on the floating body and
A first heat exchanger for vaporizing liquefied natural gas from the LNG tank by heat exchange with a heat medium to obtain regasified LNG.
An expansion turbine that satisfies the following conditions (A) or (B),
Floating equipment equipped with.
(A) It is configured to be driven by the regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger.
(B) The first heat exchanger is configured to form part of a thermodynamic cycle in which the liquefied natural gas is used as a low temperature heat source and to be driven by the heat medium in a gas state. The floating equipment according to claim 1, further comprising an internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply liquefied natural gas from the LNG tank. The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (A).
The floating type equipment according to claim 2, wherein the heat medium includes cooling water after cooling the internal combustion engine. The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (A).
A high-pressure turbine having a communicable outlet on the inlet side of the expansion turbine and including turbine blades shorter than the expansion turbine.
The floating equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an introduction line configured to directly introduce the regasified LNG into the expansion turbine without passing through the high-pressure turbine. The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (A).
A low-pressure turbine having a communicable inlet on the outlet side of the expansion turbine and including turbine blades longer than the expansion turbine.
The floating equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a discharge line configured to discharge the regasified LNG from the expansion turbine without passing through the low-pressure turbine. The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (A).
The expansion turbine includes a first turbine and a second turbine having a lower inlet pressure than the first turbine.
The first turbine is configured to supply the regasified LNG from the first heat exchanger.
A second heat exchanger for heating the regasified LNG discharged from the first turbine is further provided.
The floating equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second turbine is configured to supply the regasified LNG from the second heat exchanger. The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (B).
A condenser provided on the downstream side of the expansion turbine on the thermodynamic cycle for condensing the heat medium, and
A pump provided on the downstream side of the condenser on the thermodynamic cycle and for boosting the heat medium.
An evaporator provided on the downstream side of the pump on the thermodynamic cycle and for evaporating the heat medium is provided.
The floating equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the condenser includes the first heat exchanger configured to condense the heat medium by heat exchange with the liquefied natural gas. It is equipped with an internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply fuel gas derived from the liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank.
The floating equipment according to claim 7, wherein the evaporator is configured to evaporate the heat medium by using the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine. It is equipped with an internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply fuel gas derived from the liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank.
The floating equipment according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the internal combustion engine is configured to supply the regasified LNG from the first heat exchanger as fuel. The expansion turbine satisfies the condition (B).
A first cooler provided on the downstream side of the expansion turbine on the thermodynamic cycle for cooling the heat medium, and
A compressor provided on the downstream side of the first cooler on the thermodynamic cycle for compressing the heat medium, and a compressor.
A heater provided on the downstream side of the compressor on the thermodynamic cycle and for heating the heat medium is provided.
The floating equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cooler includes the first heat exchanger configured to cool the heat medium by heat exchange with the liquefied natural gas. Further comprising a rotating shaft connecting the expansion turbine and the compressor
The floating equipment according to claim 10, wherein the compressor is configured to be driven by the expansion turbine via the rotating shaft. It is equipped with an internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply fuel gas derived from the liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank.
The floating equipment according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the heater is configured to heat the heat medium by using the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine configured to be able to supply fuel gas derived from the liquefied natural gas stored in the LNG tank.
A second cooler provided between the expansion turbine and the first cooler on the thermodynamic cycle is provided.
The second cooler according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second cooler is configured to cool the heat medium by heat exchange with the liquefied natural gas supplied from the LNG tank to the internal combustion engine. Floating equipment. The expansion turbine includes a rotor, a casing surrounding the rotor, and a seal portion that suppresses fluid leakage through a gap between the rotor and the casing.
The seal portion according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the regasified LNG supplied to the expansion turbine or an inert gas having a pressure higher than that of the heat medium is supplied. Floating equipment. The floating equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a generator configured to be driven by the expansion turbine. With the hull
The main engine provided on the hull and
A method for obtaining the floating equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 15 by modifying an LNG ship provided with an LNG tank provided on the hull.
A step of providing a first heat exchanger for vaporizing the liquefied natural gas in the LNG tank by heat exchange to obtain a regasified LNG.
The step of forming the regasification LNG supply line that guides the regasification LNG to the gas facility, and
With
The first heat exchanger is described below in relation to the expansion turbine so that the main engine or the turbine constituting a part of the thermodynamic cycle for exhaust heat recovery of the main engine functions as an expansion turbine. A method for manufacturing floating equipment that satisfies the conditions of (A) or (B).
(A) The expansion turbine is configured to be driven by the regasification LNG from the first heat exchanger.
(B) The first heat exchanger is configured to form a part of a thermodynamic cycle in which the liquefied natural gas is used as a low-temperature heat source so that the expansion turbine is driven by the heat medium in a gas state. ..

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