WO2022264795A1 - Methane number estimation device, gas engine control device, and methane number estimation method - Google Patents

Abstract

This methane number estimation device estimates a methane number of gas fuel supplied to a gas engine of interest, and is provided with: a first association information acquisition unit that acquires first association information in which ignition timing, knocking strength, and a methane number of supplied gas fuel in the gas engine are associated with each other in advance; an ignition timing acquisition unit that acquires ignition timing of interest representing ignition timing in the gas engine of interest; a knocking strength acquisition unit that acquires a knocking strength of interest representing a knocking strength in a cycle including the ignition timing of interest of the gas engine of interest; and a methane number estimation unit that estimates a methane number of the gas fuel supplied to a cylinder of the gas engine of interest, from the ignition timing of interest and the knocking strength of interest, on the basis of the first association information.

Description

Methane number estimation device, gas engine controller, and method for estimating methane number

The present disclosure relates to a device for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a gas engine, a control device for a gas engine including the device for estimating the methane number, and a method for estimating the methane number.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-100293 filed with the Japan Patent Office on June 16, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

For example, it is known that gas properties (eg, methane number) differ depending on the production area of natural gas. A typical control device for controlling the operating state of a conventional gas engine has not been able to detect changes in gas properties (for example, methane number) of gas fuel supplied to the gas engine. Therefore, when the properties of the gas fuel supplied to the gas engine change, such as when switching the gas fuel, the gas engine deviates from the appropriate operating range, resulting in abnormal combustion such as knocking or misfiring. There is fear.

In the above gas engine, when using a plurality of gas fuels with different methane values, a valve is provided in the gas fuel supply system so that the plurality of gas fuels are not mixed up, and one of the plurality of gas fuels is selected. It has been the practice to supply gas engines exclusively with gas fuel. When switching the gas fuel, the gas engine is stopped, various parameters are changed so as to correspond to the new gas fuel, and then the gas engine is restarted. Since it is not preferable to operate the gas engine intermittently in terms of efficiency, it is desired to operate the gas engine continuously even when the gas fuel is switched.

As a measure to keep the gas engine running continuously even when switching the gas fuel, it is conceivable to change the ignition timing of the gas fuel in the gas engine to the safe side before switching the gas fuel. In this case, there is a possibility that the output of the gas engine and the fuel consumption performance will be lowered. Therefore, it is desired to acquire changes in gas properties (eg, methane number) of gas fuel supplied to gas engines.

Japanese Patent No. 6002235

In Patent Document 1, a calorimeter that detects the calorific value of gas fuel supplied to the cylinder and a gas chromatograph that detects the composition of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder calculate the methane number based on the detected value, It discloses changing the ignition timing based on the calculated methane number. Special sensors such as calorimeters and gas chromatographs are not normally equipped with gas engines, so the installation and management of special sensors may increase the manufacturing cost and management cost of the gas engine. be.

In view of the circumstances described above, an object of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a methane number estimation device capable of estimating the methane number without using a special sensor during operation of the gas engine, a gas engine control device, and a methane number estimator. The purpose is to provide a method for estimating the price.

A methane number estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A methane number estimation device for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine, which is a gas engine having at least one cylinder,
a first association information acquisition unit that acquires first association information in which ignition timing, knocking intensity, and methane number of supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine;
an ignition timing acquisition unit that acquires a target ignition timing that is the ignition timing in the target gas engine;
a knocking intensity acquisition unit that acquires the target knocking intensity, which is the knocking intensity in a cycle including the target ignition timing of the target gas engine;
a methane number estimating unit that estimates a methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target ignition timing and the target knocking intensity based on the first association information.

A gas engine control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
the methane number estimation device;
an ignition timing control unit configured to control a target ignition timing, which is the ignition timing of the target gas engine, according to the methane number of the gas fuel estimated by the methane number estimation device.

A methane number estimation method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A methane number estimation method for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine, which is a gas engine having at least one cylinder,
a first association information acquiring step unit for acquiring first association information in which the ignition timing, the knocking intensity, and the methane number of the supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine;
an ignition timing acquisition step of acquiring a target ignition timing, which is the ignition timing in the target gas engine;
a knocking intensity acquisition step of acquiring the target knocking intensity, which is the knocking intensity in a cycle including the target ignition timing of the target gas engine;
a methane number estimation step of estimating a methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target ignition timing and the target knocking intensity based on the first association information.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a methane number estimating device, a gas engine control device, and a methane number estimating method capable of estimating the methane number without using a special sensor during operation of the gas engine are provided. be.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an engine system including a gas engine control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas fuel supply system in one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a methane number estimation method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between knocking intensity and ignition timing in one cylinder; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of estimating a methane number using a specific knocking intensity; FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a methane number estimation method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; It is a figure which shows the relationship between the methane number and calorific value for every production center of gas fuel. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the engine load in the gas engine for every gas fuel, and the gas supply amount of the gas fuel supplied to a gas engine. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a methane number estimation method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing changes in in-cylinder pressure with respect to crank angle; It is a figure which shows the relationship between a lower calorific value and the methane number of gas fuel. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the methane number of gas fuel supplied to the gas engine and the ignition timing of the gas engine;

Several embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as the embodiment or shown in the drawings are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but are merely illustrative examples. No.
For example, expressions denoting relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a direction", "along a direction", "parallel", "perpendicular", "center", "concentric" or "coaxial" are strictly not only represents such an arrangement, but also represents a state of relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function can be obtained.
For example, expressions such as "identical", "equal", and "homogeneous", which express that things are in the same state, not only express the state of being strictly equal, but also have tolerances or differences to the extent that the same function can be obtained. It shall also represent the existing state.
For example, expressions that express shapes such as squares and cylinders do not only represent shapes such as squares and cylinders in a geometrically strict sense, but also include irregularities and chamfers to the extent that the same effect can be obtained. The shape including the part etc. shall also be represented.
On the other hand, the expressions "comprising", "including", or "having" one component are not exclusive expressions excluding the presence of other components.
In addition, the same code|symbol may be attached|subjected about the same structure and description may be abbreviate|omitted.

(engine system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an engine system including a gas engine control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
A methane number estimating device 1 (1A, 1B, 1C) according to some embodiments is a target gas engine 2 having at least one cylinder 21, which is a gas engine 2t. It is a device for estimating the methane number MNt. Here, the target gas engine 2t is the target gas engine 2 for which the methane number of the gas fuel supplied by the methane number estimation device 1 is estimated. Hereinafter, the word "target" or the symbol t may be attached to the parameters and the like for the target gas engine 2t in order to distinguish them from the gas engines 2 other than the target gas engine 2t.

In the illustrated embodiment, the methane number estimation device 1 is mounted on a control device 3 that controls the operation and combustion of the gas engine 2 . As shown in FIG. 1, the engine system 4 injects gas fuel into the target gas engine 2t, the target control device 3t which is the control device 3 of the target gas engine 2t, and the cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t. A gas fuel injection device (combustion injection valve in the illustrated example) 41 configured as above, a gas fuel supply system 5 (see FIG. 2) for supplying gas fuel to the gas fuel injection device 41, and a target gas engine 2t and an ignition device (in the illustrated example, a spark plug) 42 that ignites the gas (air-fuel mixture) containing the gas fuel inside the cylinder 21 in the .

In the illustrated embodiment, the target gas engine 2t has a plurality of cylinders 21. The gas fuel injection device 41 and the ignition device 42 are individually provided for each cylinder 21 .

The target gas engine 2t(2) is configured to generate power by burning gas fuel inside. In the illustrated embodiment, the engine system 4 further comprises a generator 43 connected to the drive shaft 22 of the subject gas engine 2t. The power generator 43 is configured to receive power generated by the target gas engine 2t via the drive shaft 22 and generate power using the power transmitted from the target gas engine 2t.

(Measuring equipment installed in the engine system)
The engine system 4 includes a knocking sensor 44 provided for each cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t(2) and an in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 provided for each cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t(2). The knocking sensor 44 and the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 are measuring devices mounted on a normal gas engine. The engine system 4 is not equipped with special sensors such as a calorimeter and a gas chromatograph.

The knocking sensor 44 is configured to generate electricity according to the vibration of the cylinder 21 to which it is attached. In one embodiment, the knocking sensor 44 vibrates a weight incorporated in the sensor according to the vibration of the cylinder 21 to which it is attached, and the vibration of the weight applies force to the piezoelectric element (piezoelectric ceramics) to generate electricity. Let When knocking occurs, the vibration is greater than normal, so the electric force generated by the piezoelectric element increases. By monitoring the electrical quantity generated by the knocking sensor 44 with the target control device 3t(3), it is possible to detect whether or not knocking occurs in the cylinder 21 to which the knocking sensor 44 is mounted.

The in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 is configured to generate electricity according to the pressure inside the cylinder 21 to which it is attached. In one embodiment, the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 uses a piezoelectric element, a strain gauge, or the like as a pressure detection element. By monitoring the electrical quantity generated by the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 with the target control device 3t(3), the pressure inside the cylinder 21 to which the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 is mounted can be monitored.

(Gas engine controller)
The target control device 3t(3) is composed of an engine control unit for controlling the operation of each device provided in the engine system 4 such as the target gas engine 2t, the gas fuel injection device 41, the ignition device 42, and the like. The target control device 3t(3) includes an engine control unit 31, a combustion control unit 32, a combustion diagnosis unit 33, a gas fuel supply amount control unit 34, and an ignition timing control unit 35, as shown in FIG. , and the methane number estimation device 1 .

For example, information regarding the operation of the target gas engine 2t is sent from each device included in the engine system 4, such as the target gas engine 2t, to each part of the target control device 3t (3) such as the methane number estimation device 1. ing. The information about the operation of the target gas engine 2t includes, for example, the rotation speed of the target gas engine 2t, engine (generator 43) output, engine (generator 43) load, inlet pressure, outlet pressure, inlet temperature, outlet Temperature or pressure ratio, crank angle of cylinder 21, detection value of knocking sensor 44, detection value of in-cylinder pressure sensor 45, and the like are included.

The combustion diagnosis unit 33 is configured to be able to execute combustion diagnosis of each cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t based on information regarding the operation of the target gas engine 2t, such as the detection value of the knocking sensor 44 and the detection value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45. It is The combustion control unit 32 determines the gas fuel supplied to each cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t based on the result of the combustion diagnosis sent from the combustion diagnosis unit 33 and the information sent from each part of the target control device 3t(3). and the ignition timing of each cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t.

The gas fuel supply amount control unit 34 controls valves provided in the gas fuel supply system 5 so that the gas fuel supply amount determined by the combustion control unit 32 is supplied to each cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t. It is configured to control the opening and closing of the gas fuel injection device 41 . The ignition timing control unit 35 is configured to control the ignition timing of the ignition device 42 so that the ignition device 42 ignites at the ignition timing determined by the combustion control unit 32 .

The engine control unit 31 is configured to control the operation and stop of the target gas engine 2t based on the information regarding the operation of the target gas engine 2t and the information sent from each part of the target control device 3t(3).

(gas fuel supply system)
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas fuel supply system in one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the gas fuel supply system 5 includes a first gas fuel storage device (in the illustrated example, a gas fuel storage tank) 51 that stores a first gas fuel, and the first gas fuel A second gas fuel storage device (in the illustrated example, a gas fuel storage tank) 52 that stores a second gas fuel having a different methane number, and a target gas engine 2 t (specifically, from the first gas fuel storage device 51 , the first gas fuel supply line 53 for sending the first gas fuel to the gas fuel injection device 41) in the target gas engine 2t, and the second gas fuel storage device 52 to the target gas engine 2t (specifically , the second gas fuel supply line 54 for sending the second gas fuel to the gas fuel injection device 41) in the target gas engine 2t, and the supply source of the gas fuel sent to the target gas engine 2t, the first gas and a switching device 55 configured to be switchable between the fuel storage device 51 and the second gas fuel storage device 52 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the second gas fuel supply line 54 joins the first gas fuel supply line 53 at the junction 56 . The switching device 55 includes a first valve 551 provided on the upstream side (first gas fuel storage device 51 side) of the confluence portion 56 of the first gas fuel supply line 53 , and a second gas fuel supply line 54 . and a second valve 552 provided on the upstream side (second gas fuel storage device 52 side) of the confluence portion 56 of the gas. Each of the first valve 551 and the second valve 552 moves a valve body that opens and closes the gas fuel supply path, thereby controlling the gas supplied to the downstream side (the target gas engine 2t side) of the valve body. It is possible to adjust the flow rate of fuel.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the gas fuel stored in the first gas fuel storage device 51 consists of the first liquefied gas. The gas fuel stored in the second gas fuel storage device 52 is composed of a second liquefied gas having a methane number different from that of the first liquefied gas. In the solid line portion in FIG. 2, the gas fuel is in a liquid state, and in the dotted line portion in FIG. 2, the gas fuel is in a gaseous state.

The first gas fuel supply line 53 is connected to the first valve 551 after the first liquefied gas extracted from the first gas fuel storage device 51 by the first pump 531 is vaporized by the first vaporization device 532 . A first liquefied gas supply line 533 for leading to and a first boil-off gas obtained by vaporizing the first liquefied gas in the first gas fuel storage device 51 to the first valve 551. and a boil-off gas supply line 534 .

The second gas fuel supply line 54 is connected to the second valve 552 after the second liquefied gas extracted from the second gas fuel storage device 52 by the second pump 541 is vaporized by the second vaporizer 542 . A second liquefied gas supply line 543 for leading to and a second boil-off gas obtained by vaporizing the second liquefied gas in the second gas fuel storage device 52 to the second valve 552. and a boil-off gas supply line 544 .

(First methane number estimation method)
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a methane number estimation method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
The methane number estimation method 100 according to some embodiments is a method for estimating the target methane number MNt described above. The methane number estimation method 100 includes, as shown in FIG. 3, a first association information acquisition step S101, an ignition timing acquisition step S102, a knocking intensity acquisition step S103, and a methane number estimation step S104.

In the illustrated embodiment, several steps (first correlation information acquisition step S101, ignition timing acquisition step S102, knocking intensity acquisition step S103, methane number estimation step S104) in the methane number estimation method 100 are is performed by the estimation device 1 (1A). The methane number estimation device 1 (1A) is configured to be able to execute a first association information acquisition step S101, an ignition timing acquisition step S102, a knocking intensity acquisition step S103, and a methane number estimation step S104. It is supposed to be done. Some steps in the methane number estimation method 100 may be performed by a device or device other than the methane number estimation device 1 (1A), or may be performed manually.

In the first association information acquisition step S101, first association information AI1 in which the ignition timing IT, the knocking intensity KI, and the methane number MN of the supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine 2 can be acquired. done. In the illustrated embodiment, the first association information acquisition unit 11 executes the first association information acquisition step S101. The first association information AI1 is created in advance and stored in the database section 46 prior to the first association information acquisition step S101. The first association information acquisition section 11 acquires the first association information AI1 from the database section 46 .

The database unit 46 is provided outside the methane number estimation device 1 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, but is provided inside the methane number estimation device 1 in some other embodiments. may In addition, the database unit 46 may be provided inside the control device 3, or may be provided at a remote location from the gas engine 2 and the control device 3, and communicated with the methane number estimation device 1 via a network line or the like. It may be provided so as to be communicable.

The first association information AI1 indicates the correspondence between the ignition timing IT in the gas engine 2, the knocking intensity KI in the gas engine 2, and the methane number MN of the gas fuel supplied to the gas engine 2. It is sufficient if the methane number MN corresponding to the ignition timing IT and the knocking intensity KI, which are the input information, can be obtained as the output information when the ignition timing IT and the knocking intensity KI are used as input information.

In the ignition timing acquisition step S102, the target ignition timing ITt, which is the ignition timing IT in the target gas engine 2t, is acquired. In the illustrated embodiment, the ignition timing obtaining section 12 executes the ignition timing obtaining step S102. The ignition timing acquisition unit 12 acquires the target ignition timing ITt from the combustion control unit 32, the ignition timing control unit 35, and the like.

In the knocking intensity acquisition step S103, the target knocking intensity KIt, which is the knocking intensity KI in the cycle including the target ignition timing ITt of the target gas engine 2t, is acquired. In the illustrated embodiment, the knocking intensity acquiring section 13 executes the knocking intensity acquiring step S103.

The target knocking intensity KIt is calculated by a known method using parameters generally measured in the engine system 4 (for example, the detected value of the knocking sensor 44 and the detected value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45). In one embodiment, the knocking intensity acquisition unit 13 acquires the detection value of the knocking sensor 44 and the detection value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45, and from the detection values of the knocking sensor 44, the horizontal axis is the crank angle and the vertical axis is pressure. form a waveform that The knocking intensity acquisition unit 13 uses the detected value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 to remove the low-frequency component from the above waveform, and then uses the maximum pressure amplitude in each cycle as the target knocking intensity KIt. Note that when the combustion diagnosis unit 33 calculates the target knocking intensity KIt, the knocking intensity acquisition unit 13 may acquire the target knocking intensity KIt calculated by the combustion diagnosis unit 33 .

In the methane number estimation step S104, the target methane number MNt is estimated from the target ignition timing ITt and the target knocking intensity KIt based on the above-described first association information AI1. In the illustrated embodiment, the methane number estimation unit 14 executes the methane number estimation step S104. Specifically, the methane number estimation unit 14, based on the first association information AI1 acquired by the first association information acquisition unit 11, the target ignition timing ITt acquired by the ignition timing acquisition unit 12 and the knocking intensity acquisition unit A target methane number MNt is estimated from the target knocking intensity KIt obtained by 13 .

According to the above method, by using the first association information AI1 indicating the relationship between the ignition timing IT, the knocking intensity KI, and the methane number MN of the supplied gas fuel in the gas engine 2, the target ignition timing The target methane number MNt can be estimated from ITt and the target knocking intensity KIt. The ignition timing IT and the knocking intensity KI can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine 2t during operation of the target gas engine 2t. Therefore, according to the above method, the target methane number MNt can be estimated during operation of the target gas engine 2t without using a special sensor such as a calorie meter.

In some embodiments, the above-described methane number estimation device 1 (1A) includes, as shown in FIG. Based on an ignition timing acquiring unit 12 that acquires the target ignition timing ITt, a knocking intensity acquiring unit 13 that acquires the target knocking intensity KIt in the cycle including the above-described target ignition timing ITt, and the above-described first association information AI1. , and a methane number estimation unit 14 for estimating a target methane number MNt from the target ignition timing ITt and the target knocking intensity KIt.

According to the above configuration, by using the first association information AI1 indicating the relationship between the ignition timing IT, the knocking intensity KI, and the methane number MN of the supplied gas fuel in the gas engine 2, the target ignition timing The target methane number MNt can be estimated from ITt and the target knocking intensity KIt. The ignition timing IT and the knocking intensity KI can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine 2t during operation of the target gas engine 2t. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the target methane number MNt can be estimated during operation of the target gas engine 2t without using a special sensor such as a calorie meter.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between knocking intensity and ignition timing in one cylinder. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a methane number estimation method using a specific knocking intensity.
In some embodiments, the above-described methane number estimating unit 14 (methane number estimating step S104), as shown in FIG. From the target ignition timing ITt1 in the cycle including the target knocking intensity KIt1 when reaching the knocking intensity KIs of and the target knocking intensity KIt1 when reaching the specific knocking intensity KIs, based on the first association information AI1, the target The methane number (target methane number MNt) of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder 21 in the gas engine 2t is estimated.

FIG. 4 shows changes in knocking intensity KI and ignition timing IT with respect to time T of one cylinder 21 under constant load conditions in which the target engine load ELt of the target gas engine 2t is constant. As shown in FIG. 4, when the ignition timing IT is gradually advanced, the knocking intensity KI (amplitude width) gradually increases and exceeds a specific knocking intensity KIs.

In FIG. 5, under constant load conditions where the target engine load ELt of the target gas engine 2t is constant, the horizontal axis represents the ignition timing IT of one cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t, and the knocking intensity KI of the one cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t. A graph with a vertical axis is shown. The above graph includes a first curve C1 showing the relationship between the ignition timing IT and the knocking intensity KI for a gaseous fuel having a first methane number, and a gas fuel having a second methane number higher than the first methane number. A second curve C2 representing the relationship between ignition timing IT and knocking intensity KI in fuel is shown. The first curve C1 and the second curve C2 are included in the first association information AI1 described above.

As shown in FIG. 5, the methane number estimating section 14 (methane number estimating step S104) described above continues until the target knocking intensity KIt reaches a specific knocking intensity KIs in one cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t. The ignition timing controller 35 is instructed to advance the target ignition timing ITt from the set ignition timing ITs set in advance.

As shown in FIG. 5, the methane number estimating unit 14 (methane number estimating step S104) described above performs the target A knocking intensity KIt1 and a target ignition timing ITt1 are obtained. The methane number estimating unit 14 (methane number estimating step S104) described above calculates the target The ratio of the ignition timing ITt1 is obtained, and the target methane number MNt can be calculated from the ratio of the target ignition timing ITt1, the first methane number, and the second methane number.

As the specific knocking intensity KIs is set higher, the difference in the target ignition timing ITt for each gas fuel can be increased. Therefore, the accuracy of estimating the target methane number MNt can be improved, but the possibility of knocking may increase. . According to the above configuration, by estimating the target methane number MNt using the target knocking intensity KIt1 and the target ignition timing ITt1 in the cycle in which the specific knocking intensity KIs is reached, knocking of the target gas engine 2t is suppressed, The target methane number MNt can be estimated with high accuracy.

The target methane number MNt estimated by the methane number estimation unit 14 is sent to the combustion control unit 32 . The combustion control unit 32 determines the ignition timing of each cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t based on the target methane number MNt estimated by the methane number estimation unit 14 . The ignition timing control unit 35 adjusts the ignition timing of the ignition device 42 based on the target methane number MNt estimated by the methane number estimation unit 14 so that the ignition device 42 ignites at the ignition timing determined by the combustion control unit 32. configured to control. That is, the ignition timing control section 35 is configured to control the target ignition timing ITt according to the target methane number MNt estimated by the methane number estimating section 14 .

In some embodiments, at least one of the methane number estimating device 1 and the control device 3 calculates the target methane number MNt estimated by the methane number estimating unit 14 in one cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t. may be reflected in other cylinders 21 than the one cylinder 21 described above. In this case, the influence of performance change of the target gas engine 2t when estimating the target methane number MNt can be reduced.

In some embodiments, the methane number estimation device 1 may estimate the target methane number MNt for each cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t. In this case, an appropriate target methane number MNt can be estimated for each cylinder 21, so that variations in combustion for each cylinder 21 can be suppressed.

(Second methane number estimation method)
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a methane number estimation method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
The methane number estimation method 200 according to some embodiments is a method for estimating the target methane number MNt described above. The methane number estimation method 200 includes, as shown in FIG. 6, a second association information acquisition step S201, an engine load acquisition step S202, a gas supply amount acquisition step S203, and a methane number estimation step S204. .

In the illustrated embodiment, some steps in the methane number estimation method 200 (second association information acquisition step S201, engine load acquisition step S202, gas supply amount acquisition step S203, methane number estimation step S204) is performed by the value estimation device 1 (1B). The methane number estimation device 1 (1B) is configured to be able to execute a second association information acquisition step S201, an engine load acquisition step S202, a gas supply amount acquisition step S203, and a methane number estimation step S204. is to be performed. Some steps in the methane number estimation method 200 may be performed by a device or device other than the methane number estimation device 1 (1B), or may be performed manually.

In the second association information acquisition step S201, the second association information AI2 in which the engine load EL, the gas supply amount FS of the gas fuel to be supplied, and the methane number MN of the gas fuel in the gas engine 2 are associated in advance is obtained. Acquisition is done. In the illustrated embodiment, the second association information acquisition unit 61 executes the second association information acquisition step S201. The second association information AI2 is created in advance and stored in the database unit 46 prior to the second association information acquisition step S201. The second association information acquisition section 61 acquires the second association information AI2 from the database section 46 .

The second association information AI2 is between the engine load EL in the gas engine 2, the gas supply amount FS of the gas fuel supplied to the gas engine 2, and the methane number MN of the gas fuel supplied to the gas engine 2. When the engine load EL and the gas supply amount FS are used as input information, the methane number MN corresponding to the input information, ie, the engine load EL and the gas supply amount FS, can be obtained as output information. If it is

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the methane number and the calorific value for each production area of gas fuel. FIG. 7 shows a graph in which the horizontal axis is the calorific value and the vertical axis is the methane number, and the gas fuel is plotted for each production area on this graph. As shown in FIG. 7, the methane number tends to decrease as the calorific value increases.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the engine load in the gas engine for each gas fuel and the gas supply amount of the gas fuel supplied to the gas engine. FIG. 8 shows a graph in which the horizontal axis represents the engine load in the gas engine and the vertical axis represents the gas supply amount of the gas fuel supplied to the gas engine. The graph includes a first straight line SL1 indicating the relationship between the engine load and the gas supply amount in a gas fuel having a first methane number, and a second methane number higher than the first methane number. and a second straight line SL2 showing the relationship between the engine load and the gas supply amount in gas fuel. As shown in FIG. 8, the amount of gas supplied tends to increase as the engine load increases.

Generally, gas supply tends to decrease as the calorific value increases. From the above, there is a certain correlation between the gas supply amount, the calorific value, and the methane number. As the calorific value increases, the gas supply rate and methane number tend to decrease. The second association information AI2 includes information indicating the correlation between the gas supply amount, the calorific value, and the methane number.

In the engine load acquisition step S202, the target engine load ELt, which is the engine load EL of the target gas engine 2t, is acquired. In the illustrated embodiment, the engine load acquisition unit 62 executes the engine load acquisition step S202. The engine load acquisition unit 62 includes the target gas engine 2t, the generator 43 connected to the target gas engine 2t so as to be able to transmit power, sensors normally attached to the target gas engine 2t, the engine control unit 31, the combustion control unit 32, and the like. acquires the target engine load ELt from. The engine load EL and the target engine load ELt may be the load of a generator connected to the gas engine 2 so as to be able to transmit power. In the engine load acquisition step S202, the load of the generator 43 described above may be acquired as the target engine load ELt.

In the gas supply amount acquisition step S203, the target gas supply amount FSt, which is the gas supply amount FS during the period in which the target engine load ELt of the target gas engine 2t is acquired, is acquired. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply amount acquisition unit 63 executes the gas supply amount acquisition step S203. The gas supply amount acquisition unit 63 acquires the target gas supply amount FSt from the target gas engine 2t, a sensor normally attached to the target gas engine 2t, the combustion control unit 32, the gas fuel supply amount control unit 34, and the like.

In the methane number estimation step S204, the target methane number MNt is estimated from the target engine load ELt and the target gas supply amount FSt based on the above-described second association information AI2. In the illustrated embodiment, the methane number estimation unit 64 performs the methane number estimation step S204. Specifically, the methane number estimation unit 64 acquires the target engine load ELt and the gas supply amount acquired by the engine load acquisition unit 62 based on the second association information AI2 acquired by the second association information acquisition unit 61. A target methane number MNt is estimated from the target gas supply amount FSt acquired by the unit 63 .

According to the above method, by using the second association information AI2 indicating the relationship between the engine load EL, the gas supply amount FS of the supplied gas fuel, and the methane number MN in the gas engine 2, the target engine The target methane number MNt can be estimated from the load ELt and the target gas supply amount FSt. The engine load EL and the gas supply amount FS can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine 2t during operation of the target gas engine 2t. Therefore, according to the above method, the target methane number MNt can be estimated during operation of the target gas engine 2t without using a special sensor such as a calorie meter.

In some embodiments, the above-described methane number estimation device 1 (1B) includes, as shown in FIG. a gas supply amount acquisition unit 63 for acquiring the target gas supply amount FSt during the period in which the above-described target engine load ELt was acquired; and the above-described second association information AI2. and a methane number estimation unit 64 for estimating the target methane number MNt from the target engine load ELt and the target gas supply amount FSt based on.

According to the above configuration, by using the second association information AI2 indicating the relationship between the engine load EL, the gas supply amount FS of the supplied gas fuel, and the methane number MN in the gas engine 2, the target engine The target methane number MNt can be estimated from the load ELt and the target gas supply amount FSt. The engine load EL and the gas supply amount FS can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine 2t during operation of the target gas engine 2t. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the target methane number MNt can be estimated during operation of the target gas engine 2t without using a special sensor such as a calorie meter.

(Third methane number estimation method)
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a methane number estimation method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.
The methane number estimation method 300 according to some embodiments is a method for estimating the target methane number MNt described above. The methane number estimation method 300 includes, as shown in FIG. and a value estimation step S305.

In the illustrated embodiment, several steps in the methane number estimation method 300 (third association information acquisition step S301, heat release amount acquisition step S302, supply amount acquisition step S303, lower calorific value calculation step S304, methane number The estimation step S305) is performed by the methane number estimation device 1 (1C). The methane number estimation device 1 (1C) is configured to be able to execute a third association information acquisition step S301, a heat release amount acquisition step S302, a supply amount acquisition step S303, a lower calorific value calculation step S304, and a methane number estimation step S305. are designed to perform these steps. Some steps in the methane number estimation method 300 may be performed by a device or device other than the methane number estimation device 1 (1C), or may be performed manually.

In the third association information acquisition step S301, third association information AI3 in which the lower heating value LHV and the methane number MN of the supplied gas fuel are associated in advance is acquired. In the illustrated embodiment, the third association information acquisition unit 71 executes the third association information acquisition step S301. The third association information AI3 is created in advance and stored in the database section 46 prior to the third association information acquisition step S301. The third association information acquisition section 71 acquires the third association information AI3 from the database section 46 .

The third association information AI3 indicates the correspondence between the lower calorific value LHV in the gas engine 2 and the methane number MN of the gas fuel supplied to the gas engine 2, and the lower calorific value LHV is input. Any information may be used as long as the methane number MN corresponding to the lower heating value LHV, which is input information, can be obtained as output information.

In the heat release amount acquisition step S302, the target heat release amount QCt, which is the heat release amount QC per cycle in the target gas engine 2t, is acquired. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat release amount acquisition unit 72 executes the heat release amount acquisition step S302.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in in-cylinder pressure with respect to crank angle. FIG. 10 shows a graph in which the horizontal axis is the crank angle θ and the vertical axis is the in-cylinder pressure. This graph shows a waveform PCA formed from the average value of the detection values of the plurality of in-cylinder pressure sensors 45 when the target gas engine 2t burns the gas fuel, and a waveform PCA when the target gas engine 2t does not burn the gas fuel. A waveform PCM formed from the detected value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 is shown.

The heat release amount acquisition unit 72 derives the target heat release amount QCt per cycle from the waveform formed from the detection value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor 45 . The target heat release amount QCt per cycle can be derived by a known method from changes in the cylinder internal pressure and changes in the internal volume of the cylinder 21 per cycle. In one embodiment, the heat release rate for each crank angle θ is derived from changes in the cylinder internal pressure and the change in the internal volume of the cylinder 21 per cycle, and by integrating the heat release rate for each crank angle θ, A target heat release amount QCt per cycle is calculated.

In the supply amount acquisition step S303, the target supply amount MFt, which is the supply amount MF per cycle of the gas fuel supplied to the target gas engine 2t during the period in which the target heat release amount QCt is acquired, is acquired. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply amount acquisition unit 73 executes the supply amount acquisition step S303. The supply amount acquisition unit 73 acquires the target supply amount MFt from the target gas engine 2t, a sensor normally attached to the target gas engine 2t, the combustion control unit 32, the gas fuel supply amount control unit 34, and the like.

In the lower calorific value calculation step S304, the target lower calorific value LHVt, which is the lower calorific value LHV in the target gas engine 2t, is calculated from the target heat release quantity QCt and the target supply quantity MFt. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower heating value calculator 74 executes the lower heating value calculation step S304.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower heating value calculation unit 74 uses the following equation (1) to determine the target heat release amount QCt acquired by the heat release amount acquisition unit 72 and the target heat release amount QCt acquired by the supply amount acquisition unit 73 A target lower heating value LHVt is calculated from the supply amount MFt.
LHVt=(QCt+Qhl)/MFt (1)
Qhl in the above formula (1) is heat loss and may be a constant.

The lower heating value calculation unit 74 acquires the target lower heating value LHVt estimated by using a filter such as a Kalman filter on the target lower heating value LHVt calculated by the above equation (1). It may be the target lower heating value LHVt.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the lower heating value and the methane number of gas fuel. FIG. 11 is a graph in which the horizontal axis is the lower heating value LHV and the vertical axis is the methane number MN of the gas fuel. This graph plots the gas fuel for each production area and shows the regression line RL formed from the plot. As shown in FIG. 11, the methane number tends to decrease as the lower heating value LHV increases.

In the methane number estimation step S305, the target methane number MNt is estimated from the target lower heating value LHVt based on the above-described third association information AI3. In the illustrated embodiment, the methane number estimation unit 75 performs the methane number estimation step S305. Specifically, the methane number estimating unit 75, based on the third association information AI3 acquired by the third association information acquisition unit 71, from the target lower heating value LHVt calculated by the lower heating value calculation unit 74, the target Estimate the methane number MNt.

According to the above method, by using the third association information AI3 indicating the relationship between the lower calorific value LHV and the methane number MN of the supplied gas fuel in the gas engine 2, from the target lower calorific value LHVt , the target methane number MNt can be estimated. The lower heating value LHV can be calculated from the heat release amount QC and the supply amount MF, which can be obtained from a sensor or the like that is normally attached to the target gas engine 2t during operation of the target gas engine 2t. Therefore, according to the above method, the target methane number MNt can be estimated during operation of the target gas engine 2t without using a special sensor such as a calorie meter.

In some embodiments, the above-described methane number estimation device 1 (1C) includes, as shown in FIG. a heat release amount acquisition unit 72 for acquiring the target heat release amount QCt, a supply amount acquisition unit 73 for acquiring the target supply amount MFt during the period in which the above-described target heat release amount QCt is acquired, and the above-described target heat release amount QCt and a lower heating value calculation unit 74 that calculates the target lower heating value LHVt from the above-described target supply amount MFt, and the target methane number MNt is estimated from the target lower heating value LHVt based on the above-described third association information AI3. and a methane number estimator 75 that

According to the above configuration, by using the third association information AI3 indicating the relationship between the lower calorific value LHV and the methane number MN of the supplied gas fuel in the gas engine 2, from the target lower calorific value LHVt , the target methane number MNt can be estimated. The lower heating value LHV can be calculated from the heat release amount QC and the supply amount MF, which can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally mounted on the target gas engine 2t during operation of the target gas engine 2t. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the target methane number MNt can be estimated during operation of the target gas engine 2t without using a special sensor such as a calorie meter.

Each of the first association information AI1, the second association information AI2, and the third association information AI3 includes a list, a table, a map, a function, and a machine learning including models of Each of the first association information AI1, the second association information AI2, and the third association information AI3 may be created based on steady-state test data, past actual values other than steady-state test data, experimental values, It may be created based on numerical analysis results and the like.

Each of the above-described first association information AI1, second association information AI2, and third association information AI3 is obtained not only from the information acquired from the target gas engine 2t, but also from the gas engines 2 other than the target gas engine 2t. may contain information that is Further, each of the first association information AI1, the second association information AI2, and the third association information AI3 does not include information acquired from the target gas engine 2t, and is acquired from the gas engine 2 other than the target gas engine 2t. may contain only information that is In these cases, it is desirable that the gas engines 2 other than the target gas engine 2t whose information is to be acquired are of the same or similar model as the target gas engine 2t.

The control device 3 of the gas engine 2 according to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. and an ignition timing control unit 35 configured to control the target ignition timing ITt, which is the ignition timing IT of the target gas engine 2t, according to the target methane number MNt of the gas fuel.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the methane number of gas fuel supplied to the gas engine and the ignition timing of the gas engine. As shown in FIG. 12, the higher the methane number MN, the more the ignition timing IT can be advanced. When the target methane number MNt increases, the ignition timing control unit 35 advances the target ignition timing ITt by that amount, and when the target methane number MNt decreases, advances the target ignition timing ITt by that amount. is retarded, it is possible to operate the target gas engine 2t with high efficiency.

According to the above configuration, the control device 3 of the gas engine 2 causes the ignition timing control unit 35 to adjust the ignition timing of the target gas engine 2t according to the methane number MNt of the gas fuel estimated by the methane number estimation device 1. By controlling the target ignition timing ITt, which is IT, it is possible to control the combustion of the target gas engine 2t according to the change in the methane number (target methane number MNt) of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder 21 of the target gas engine 2t. Become. In this case, the methane number MNt of the gas fuel can be continuously estimated and the target ignition timing ITt can be continuously adjusted when switching the gas fuel. Efficient continuous operation is possible.

The methane number estimating device 1 is configured such that the supplied gas fuel is a mixed gas of the first boil-off gas and the vaporized gas of the first liquefied gas, the vaporized gas of the second liquefied gas and the second boil-off gas. The target methane number can be estimated for any of a mixed gas of gases, or a mixed gas of a vaporized gas obtained by vaporizing the first liquefied gas and a vaporized gas obtained by vaporizing the second liquefied gas. Therefore, the target gas engine 2t equipped with the control device 3 can be operated continuously with high efficiency even when the above-described mixed gas is supplied as gas fuel.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modifications of the above-described embodiments and modes in which these forms are combined as appropriate. The control device 3 and the methane number estimation device 1 (1A, 1B, 1C) described above may be configured by a computer (microcomputer) including a processor, a memory (RAM), an auxiliary storage unit, an interface, and the like. . The processing contents of the control device 3 and the methane number estimation device 1 (1A, 1B, 1C) may be implemented as a program executed by a processor and stored in an auxiliary storage unit. Further, the processing contents of the methane number estimation device 1 (1A, 1B, 1C) are implemented as a program executed by a processor mounted on the control device 3, and stored in an auxiliary storage unit mounted on the control device 3. may be During program execution, these programs are expanded in memory. The processor is adapted to read the program from memory and execute the instructions contained in the program.

The contents described in the several embodiments described above can be understood, for example, as follows.

1) A methane number estimation device (1A(1)) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A methane number estimation device (1A) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine (2t), which is a gas engine (2) having at least one cylinder (21),
First obtaining first association information (AI1) in which ignition timing (IT), knocking intensity (KI), and methane number (MN) of supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in a gas engine (2) an association information acquisition unit (11) of
an ignition timing acquisition unit (12) that acquires a target ignition timing (ITt) that is the ignition timing (IT) in the target gas engine (2t);
a knocking intensity acquisition unit (13) for acquiring a target knocking intensity (KIt) that is the knocking intensity (KI) in a cycle including the target ignition timing (ITt) of the target gas engine (2t);
The gas fuel supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) from the target ignition timing (ITt) and the target knocking intensity (KIt) based on the first association information (AI1) a methane number estimator (14) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of

According to the configuration 1) above, the first association information indicating the relationship between the ignition timing (IT), the knocking intensity (KI), and the methane number (MN) of the supplied gas fuel in the gas engine (2). By using (AI1), the target methane number MNt (the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t) can be estimated from the target ignition timing (ITt) and the target knocking intensity (KIt). The ignition timing (IT) and the knocking intensity (KI) can be obtained from a sensor or the like that is normally attached to the target gas engine (2t) during operation of the target gas engine (2t). Therefore, according to the above configuration 1), the target methane number (MNt) can be estimated without using a special sensor such as a calorimeter while the target gas engine (2t) is in operation.

2) In some embodiments, the methane number estimation device (1A) according to 1) above,
The methane number estimation unit (14)
Under constant load conditions in which the engine load (ELt) of the target gas engine (2t) is constant, the target knocking intensity (KIt1) when the specific knocking intensity is reached, and the target knocking intensity (KIt1) when the specific knocking intensity is reached supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) from the target ignition timing (ITt1) in the cycle including the target knocking intensity (KIt1) based on the first association information (AI1) Estimate the methane number (MNt) of the gas fuel.

As the specific knocking intensity is set higher, the difference in the target ignition timing (ITt1) for each gas fuel can be increased, so the accuracy of estimating the target methane number (MNt) can be improved, but the possibility of knocking increases. There is fear. According to the above configuration 2), by estimating the target methane number (MNt) using the target knocking intensity (KIt1) and the target ignition timing (ITt1) in the cycle in which the specific knocking intensity is reached, the target gas engine ( 2t), while suppressing the knocking, the target methane number (MNt) can be estimated with high accuracy.

3) A methane number estimation device (1B(1)) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A methane number estimation device (1B) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine (2t), which is a gas engine (2) having at least one cylinder (21),
Second association information (AI2) in which the engine load (EL), the gas supply amount (FS) of the gas fuel to be supplied, and the methane number (MN) of the gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine (2), a second association information acquisition unit (61) that acquires
an engine load acquisition unit (62) that acquires a target engine load (ELt) that is the engine load (EL) in the target gas engine (2t);
a gas supply amount acquisition unit (63) for acquiring a target gas supply amount (FSt), which is the gas supply amount (FS) during the period in which the target engine load (ELt) of the target gas engine (2t) was acquired;
The gas supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) from the target engine load (ELt) and the target gas supply amount (FSt) based on the second association information (AI2) and a methane number estimator (64) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of the fuel.

According to the configuration of 3) above, in the gas engine (2), the second association indicating the relationship between the engine load (EL), the gas supply amount (FS) of the gas fuel to be supplied, and the methane number (MN) By using the information (AI2), the target methane number (MNt, the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t) is calculated from the target engine load (ELt) and the target gas supply amount (FSt). can be estimated. The engine load (EL) and the gas supply amount (FS) can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine (2t) during operation of the target gas engine (2t). Therefore, according to the above configuration 3), the target methane number (MNt) can be estimated without using a special sensor such as a calorimeter while the target gas engine (2t) is in operation.

4) A methane number estimation device (1C(1)) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A methane number estimation device (1C) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine (2t), which is a gas engine (2) having at least one cylinder (21),
A third association information acquisition unit that acquires third association information (AI3) in which the lower heating value (LHV) and the methane number (MN) of the supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine (2). (71) and
a heat release amount acquisition unit (72) for acquiring a target heat release amount (QCt), which is a heat release amount (QC) per cycle in the target gas engine (2t);
Supply amount acquisition for acquiring a target supply amount (MFt), which is a supply amount (MF) per cycle of the gas fuel supplied to the target gas engine (2t) during the period in which the target heat release amount (QCt) was acquired a part (73);
A lower calorific value calculation unit ( 74) and
Based on the third association information (AI3), the methane number (MNt) of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) is calculated from the target lower heating value (LHVt) and a methane number estimator (75) for estimating.

According to the configuration of 4) above, the third association information (AI3) indicating the relationship between the lower heating value (LHV) and the methane number (MN) of the supplied gas fuel in the gas engine (2) is used. By doing so, the target methane number (MNt, the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t) can be estimated from the target lower heating value (LHVt). The lower heating value (LHV) can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine (2t) during operation of the target gas engine (2t) from the heat release amount (QC) and the supply amount (MF). can be calculated. Therefore, according to the above configuration 4), the target methane number (MNt) can be estimated without using a special sensor such as a calorimeter while the target gas engine (2t) is in operation.

5) A control device (3) for a gas engine (2) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A methane number estimation device (1 (1A, 1B, 1C)) according to any one of 1) to 4) above;
The target ignition timing (ITt), which is the ignition timing (IT) of the target gas engine (2t), is controlled according to the methane number (MNt) of the gas fuel estimated by the methane number estimation device (1). and an ignition timing control unit (35) configured as follows.

According to the above configuration 5), the control device (3) of the gas engine (2), in the ignition timing control section (35), the methane number (MNt ), by controlling the target ignition timing (ITt), which is the ignition timing (IT) of the target gas engine (2t), the gas fuel methane supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) It becomes possible to control the combustion of the target gas engine (2t) according to the change in the valence (MNt). In this case, the methane number (MNt) of the gas fuel can be continuously estimated when switching the gas fuel, and the target ignition timing (ITt) can be continuously adjusted, so when switching the gas fuel, the target gas engine (2t) Continuous operation with high efficiency is possible without stopping the

6) A methane number estimation method (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A methane number estimation method (100) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of a gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine (2t), which is a gas engine (2) comprising at least one cylinder (21), comprising:
First obtaining first association information (AI1) in which ignition timing (IT), knocking intensity (KI), and methane number (MN) of supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in a gas engine (2) An association information acquisition step (S101) of
an ignition timing acquisition step (S102) for acquiring a target ignition timing (ITt) that is the ignition timing (IT) in the target gas engine (2t);
a knocking intensity acquisition step (S103) of acquiring a target knocking intensity (KIt) that is the knocking intensity (KI) in a cycle including the target ignition timing (ITt) of the target gas engine (2t);
The gas fuel supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) from the target ignition timing (ITt) and the target knocking intensity (KIt) based on the first association information (AI1) and a methane number estimation step (S104) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of.

According to the method 6) above, the first association information indicating the relationship between the ignition timing (ITt), the knocking intensity (KI), and the methane number (MN) of the supplied gas fuel in the gas engine (2) By using (AI1), the methane number (target methane number MNt) of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) is calculated from the target ignition timing (ITt) and target knocking intensity (KIt). can be estimated. The ignition timing (IT) and the knocking intensity (KI) can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine (2t) during operation of the target gas engine (2t). Therefore, according to the above method 6), the target methane number (MNt) can be estimated without using a special sensor such as a calorimeter while the target gas engine (2t) is in operation.

7) A methane number estimation method (200) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A methane number estimation method (200) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of a gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine (2t), which is a gas engine (2) comprising at least one cylinder (21), comprising:
Second association information (AI2) in which the engine load (EL), the gas supply amount (FS) of the gas fuel to be supplied, and the methane number (MN) of the gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine (2), a second association information acquisition step (S201) for acquiring
an engine load acquisition step (S202) for acquiring a target engine load (ELt), which is the engine load (EL) in the target gas engine (2t);
A gas supply amount acquisition step (S203) for acquiring a target gas supply amount (FSt), which is the gas supply amount (FS) during the period in which the target engine load (ELt) of the target gas engine (2t) was acquired;
The gas supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) from the target engine load (ELt) and the target gas supply amount (FSt) based on the second association information (AI2) and a methane number estimation step (S204) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of the fuel.

According to the method of 7) above, in the gas engine (2), the second association indicating the relationship between the engine load (EL), the gas supply amount (FS) of the gas fuel supplied, and the methane number (MN) By using the information (AI2), the target methane number (MNt, the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t) is calculated from the target engine load (ELt) and the target gas supply amount (FSt). can be estimated. The engine load (EL) and the gas supply amount (FS) can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine (2t) during operation of the target gas engine (2t). Therefore, according to the above method 7), the target methane number (MNt) can be estimated without using a special sensor such as a calorimeter while the target gas engine (2t) is in operation.

8) A method for estimating methane number (300) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A methane number estimation method (300) for estimating the methane number (MNt) of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine (2t), which is a gas engine (2) comprising at least one cylinder (21), comprising:
A third association information acquisition step of acquiring third association information (AI3) in which the lower heating value (LHV) and the methane number (MN) of the supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine (2). (S301);
A heat release amount acquisition step (S302) for acquiring a target heat release amount (QCt), which is a heat release amount (QC) per cycle in the target gas engine (2t);
Supply amount acquisition for acquiring a target supply amount (MFt), which is a supply amount (MF) per cycle of the gas fuel supplied to the target gas engine (2t) during the period in which the target heat release amount (QCt) was acquired a step (S303);
A lower calorific value calculation step ( S304) and
Based on the third association information (AI1), the methane number (MNt) of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder (21) in the target gas engine (2t) is calculated from the target lower heating value (LHVt) and an estimating methane number estimation step (S305).

According to the method of 8) above, the third association information (AI3) indicating the relationship between the lower heating value (LHV) and the methane number (MN) of the supplied gas fuel in the gas engine (2) is used. By doing so, the target methane number (MNt, the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder 21 in the target gas engine 2t) can be estimated from the target lower heating value (LHVt). The lower heating value (LHV) can be obtained from a sensor or the like normally attached to the target gas engine (2t) during operation of the target gas engine (2t) from the heat release amount (QC) and the supply amount (MF). can be calculated. Therefore, according to the above method 8), the target methane number (MNt) can be estimated during operation of the target gas engine (2t) without using a special sensor such as a calorimeter.

1, 1A to 1C Methane number estimation device 2 Gas engine 2t Target gas engine 3 Control device 3t Target control device 4 Engine system 5 Gas fuel supply system 11 First association information acquisition unit 12 Ignition timing acquisition unit 13 Knocking intensity acquisition unit 14 Methane number estimation unit 21 Cylinder 22 Drive shaft 31 Engine control unit 32 Combustion control unit 33 Combustion diagnosis unit 34 Gas fuel supply amount control unit 35 Ignition timing control unit 41 Fuel injection valve 41 Gas fuel injection device 42 Ignition device 43 Generator 44 knocking sensor 45 in-cylinder pressure sensor 46 database unit 51 first gas fuel storage device 52 second gas fuel storage device 53 first gas fuel supply line 54 second gas fuel supply line 55 switching device 56 junction 61 second associated information acquisition unit 62 engine load acquisition unit 63 gas supply amount acquisition unit 64 methane number estimation unit 71 third association information acquisition unit 72 heat release amount acquisition unit 73 supply amount acquisition unit 74 lower calorific value calculation unit 75 methane number estimation Units 100, 200, 300 Methane number estimation method AI1 First association information AI2 Second association information AI3 Third association information EL Engine load ELt Target engine load FS Gas supply amount FSt Target gas supply amount IT, ITc1, ITc2 Ignition timing ITs Set ignition timing ITt, ITt1 Target ignition timing KI, KIs Knocking intensity KIt, KIt1 Target knocking intensity LHV Lower heating value LHVt Target lower heating value MF Supply amount MFt Target supply amount MN Methane value MNt Target methane value QC Heat release amount QCt Target heat release amount S101 First correlation information acquisition step S102 Ignition timing acquisition step S103 Knocking intensity acquisition step S104 Methane number estimation step S201 Second association information acquisition step S202 Engine load acquisition step S203 Gas supply amount acquisition step S204 Methane number estimation step S301 Third association information acquisition step S302 Heat release amount acquisition step S303 Supply amount acquisition step S304 Lower heating value calculation step S305 Methane number estimation step

Claims (8)

1. A methane number estimation device for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine, which is a gas engine having at least one cylinder,
   a first association information acquisition unit that acquires first association information in which ignition timing, knocking intensity, and methane number of supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine;
   an ignition timing acquisition unit that acquires a target ignition timing that is the ignition timing in the target gas engine;
   a knocking intensity acquisition unit that acquires the target knocking intensity, which is the knocking intensity in a cycle including the target ignition timing of the target gas engine;
   a methane number estimation unit that estimates the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target ignition timing and the target knocking intensity based on the first association information;
   Methane number estimator.
2. The methane number estimation unit
   In a constant load condition in which the engine load of the target gas engine is constant, the target knocking intensity when the specific knocking intensity is reached, and the target knocking intensity in a cycle including the target knocking intensity when the specific knocking intensity is reached. estimating the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target ignition timing based on the first association information;
   The apparatus for estimating methane number according to claim 1.
3. A methane number estimation device for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine, which is a gas engine having at least one cylinder,
   a second association information acquisition unit that acquires second association information in which the engine load, the gas supply amount of the gas fuel to be supplied, and the methane number of the gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine;
   an engine load acquisition unit that acquires a target engine load that is the engine load in the target gas engine;
   a gas supply amount acquisition unit that acquires a target gas supply amount, which is the gas supply amount during a period in which the target engine load of the target gas engine is acquired;
   a methane number estimating unit that estimates the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target engine load and the target gas supply amount based on the second association information. ,
   Methane number estimator.
4. A methane number estimation device for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine, which is a gas engine having at least one cylinder,
   a third association information acquisition unit that acquires third association information in which the lower calorific value and the methane number of the supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine;
   a heat release amount acquisition unit that acquires a target heat release amount, which is the amount of heat release per cycle in the target gas engine;
   a supply amount acquisition unit that acquires a target supply amount that is a supply amount per cycle of the gas fuel supplied to the target gas engine during the period in which the target heat release amount is acquired;
   a lower calorific value calculation unit that calculates a target lower calorific value, which is a lower calorific value in the target gas engine, from the target heat release amount and the target supply amount;
   a methane number estimating unit that estimates the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target lower heating value based on the third association information;
   Methane number estimator.
5. a methane number estimation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
   an ignition timing control unit configured to control the target ignition timing, which is the ignition timing of the target gas engine, according to the methane number of the gas fuel estimated by the methane number estimation device;
   Gas engine controller.
6. A methane number estimation method for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine, which is a gas engine having at least one cylinder,
   a first association information acquiring step of acquiring first association information in which ignition timing, knocking intensity, and methane number of supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine;
   an ignition timing acquisition step of acquiring a target ignition timing, which is the ignition timing in the target gas engine;
   a knocking intensity acquisition step of acquiring the target knocking intensity, which is the knocking intensity in a cycle including the target ignition timing of the target gas engine;
   a methane number estimation step of estimating the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target ignition timing and the target knocking intensity based on the first association information;
   Method for estimating methane number.
7. A methane number estimation method for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine, which is a gas engine having at least one cylinder,
   a second association information acquisition step of acquiring second association information in which the engine load, the gas supply amount of the gas fuel to be supplied, and the methane number of the gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine;
   an engine load acquiring step of acquiring a target engine load that is the engine load in the target gas engine;
   a gas supply amount acquiring step of acquiring a target gas supply amount, which is the gas supply amount during a period in which the target engine load of the target gas engine is acquired;
   a methane number estimation step of estimating the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target engine load and the target gas supply amount based on the second association information. ,
   Method for estimating methane number.
8. A methane number estimation method for estimating the methane number of gas fuel supplied to a target gas engine, which is a gas engine having at least one cylinder,
   a third association information acquisition step of acquiring third association information in which the lower calorific value and the methane number of the supplied gas fuel are associated in advance in the gas engine;
   a heat release amount acquiring step of acquiring a target heat release amount, which is the amount of heat release per cycle in the target gas engine;
   A supply amount acquisition step of acquiring a target supply amount, which is a supply amount per cycle of the gas fuel supplied to the target gas engine during the period in which the target heat release amount is acquired;
   a lower calorific value calculation step of calculating a target lower calorific value, which is a lower calorific value in the target gas engine, from the target heat release amount and the target supply amount;
   a methane number estimation step of estimating the methane number of the gas fuel supplied to the cylinder in the target gas engine from the target lower heating value based on the third association information;
   Method for estimating methane number.

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