WO2024034080A1

WO2024034080A1 - Gas supply system, ship, and gas supply method

Info

Publication number: WO2024034080A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/030633
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宏之武田; 晴彦冨永; 英司田本; 祐紀木村; 宏輔関; 悠平小島; 梨花子後藤
Original assignee: 川崎重工業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-08-10
Filing date: 2022-08-10
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

A gas supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a gas consumption device that can consume hydrogen gas; a tank for housing hydrogen gas; a first supply line that connects the tank to the gas consumption device; a first compressor that is disposed in the first supply line, and that is configured to be able to compress hydrogen gas discharged from the tank and guided through the first supply line to a pressure equal to or greater than a required pressure for the gas consumption device; an inert gas line through which inert gas is guided to the tank; a second supply line that is connected to a portion, of the first supply line, upstream of the first compressor, and is connected to a portion, of the first supply line, downstream of the first compressor; and a second compressor that is disposed in the second supply line, and that is configured to be able to compress a mixed gas that is a mixture of the inert gas and the hydrogen gas and that is discharged from the tank by the inert gas being guided to the tank through the inert gas line, to a pressure equal to or greater than the required pressure for the gas consumption device.

Description

Gas supply systems, ships and gas supply methods

The present disclosure relates to a gas supply system for supplying gas from a tank to a gas consumer, a ship equipped with the gas supply system, and a gas supply method for supplying gas from a tank to a gas consumer.

In recent years, development of systems for storing and transporting liquefied hydrogen has been progressing (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2021-177088A

To perform maintenance on a liquefied hydrogen storage tank, first remove the liquefied hydrogen from the tank to fill it with hydrogen gas, then replace the hydrogen gas in the tank with an inert gas, and then , it is necessary to replace the inert gas filled in the tank with air. Conversely, in order to store liquefied hydrogen in a tank after maintenance, replace the air in the tank with inert gas before supplying liquefied hydrogen to the tank, and then replace the air in the tank with inert gas. Replacement work with hydrogen gas is required. It is desirable to efficiently replace the gas in the tank.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a gas supply system, a ship, and a gas supply method that make it possible to efficiently replace gas in a tank.

In order to solve the above problems, a gas supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a gas consumer capable of consuming hydrogen gas, a tank that accommodates hydrogen gas, and a connection between the tank and the gas consumer. a first supply line disposed in the first supply line discharged from the tank and configured to be able to compress hydrogen gas led by the first supply line to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the gas consumer. a compressor, an inert gas line for guiding inert gas to the tank, connected to a portion upstream of the first compressor in the first supply line, and downstream of the first compressor in the first supply line; a second supply line connected to the side part; a second supply line disposed in the second supply line, the inert gas and the and a second compressor configured to be able to compress the mixed gas mixed with hydrogen gas to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the gas consumer.

A gas supply system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a first gas consumer that can consume hydrogen gas, a tank that accommodates hydrogen gas, and a first supply that connects the tank and the first gas consumer. a first compressor disposed in the first supply line and configured to be able to compress hydrogen gas discharged from the tank and guided through the first supply line to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the first gas consumer. an inert gas line that guides an inert gas to the tank; a second gas consumer capable of consuming a mixed gas of the inert gas and the hydrogen gas; and the first gas consumer in the first supply line. a second supply line connected to an upstream portion of the compressor and connected to the second gas consumer; and a second supply line that compresses the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the second gas consumer. and a second compressor configured to allow the compressor to operate.

A ship according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the above gas supply systems.

A gas supply method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a gas supply method for supplying gas discharged from a tank, and when hydrogen gas is discharged from the tank containing hydrogen gas, the gas supply method is a gas supply method for supplying gas discharged from a tank. Hydrogen gas discharged from the tank is guided to a first compressor and compressed, the compressed hydrogen gas is consumed by a first gas consumer, and a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas is produced from the tank. When discharging, the mixed gas discharged from the tank is guided to a second compressor of a different type from the first compressor and compressed, and the compressed mixed gas is transferred to the first gas consumer, or , consumed by a second gas consumer of a different type from the first gas consumer.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a gas supply system, a ship, and a gas supply method that make it possible to efficiently replace gas in a tank.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system according to a third embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the gas supply system based on 4th Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system according to Modification 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system according to modification 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, a gas supply system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, below, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same or equivalent element throughout all drawings, and overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system 1A according to the first embodiment. A gas supply system 1A described in this embodiment is mounted on a ship. The ship is a hydrogen carrier that transports liquefied hydrogen, and is equipped with a tank 2 that stores liquefied hydrogen as cargo. Although one tank 2 is shown in FIG. 1, the ship may include a plurality of tanks 2.

Furthermore, a main engine 3 is mounted on the hull of the ship. In this embodiment, the main engine 3 is a combination of two boilers 4 and one steam turbine 5.

The boiler 4 uses hydrogen gas as fuel. In this embodiment, the boiler 4 uses one or both of hydrogen gas and fuel oil as fuel. Therefore, even if hydrogen gas is not supplied to the boiler 4, or even if the hydrogen gas supplied to the boiler 4 does not reach the required amount of the boiler 4, by supplying fuel oil to the boiler 4, Boiler 4 can be operated. Boiler 4 may also be referred to as a gas consumer or a first gas consumer. The steam turbine 5 uses the steam generated by the two boilers 4 to drive the propulsion shaft of the propulsion device 6. The propulsion device 6 is, for example, a propeller. Note that the number of boilers 4 and the number of steam turbines 5 mounted on the hull as the main engine 3 are not limited to these. For example, the number of turbines 5 may be plural.

The main engine 3 uses boil-off gas generated by evaporation of liquefied hydrogen in the tank 2 as fuel for propulsion. In this embodiment, the gas supply system 1A supplies hydrogen gas in the tank 2 to the main engine 3 for propulsion. Tank 2 and boiler 4 are connected by a first supply line 10. The first supply line 10 leads gas discharged from the tank 2 to the boiler 4 . A first compressor 7 is arranged in the first supply line 10 . Note that the lines described below, including the first supply line 10, are flow paths for guiding fluid, and are composed of piping and the like.

In this embodiment, the tank 2 is a tank for storing liquefied hydrogen. When liquefied hydrogen is contained in the tank 2, a gas layer, which is a space above the liquid level of the liquefied hydrogen in the tank 2, is filled with hydrogen gas. The gas layer includes boil-off gas produced by vaporizing liquefied hydrogen in the tank 2. The upstream end of the first supply line 10 is located in the upper part of the tank 2 .

Additionally, the tank 2 is provided with a pressure gauge 8. The pressure gauge 8 detects the pressure of the air layer within the tank 2. That is, from the pressure measured by the pressure gauge 8, a pressure increase due to the generation of boil-off gas can be detected.

Additionally, the tank 2 is connected to an inert gas generator 31 via an inert gas line 32. More specifically, the upstream end of the inert gas line 32 is connected to the inert gas generator 31, and the downstream end of the inert gas line 32 is arranged at the lower part (for example, the bottom) of the tank 2. . However, the downstream end of the inert gas line 32 does not necessarily have to be located at the lower part of the tank 2. An on-off valve 33 that can open and close the flow path is arranged in the inert gas line 32.

The inert gas generator 31 generates inert gas. Examples of the inert gas include nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. The inert gas generator 31 is used to replace hydrogen gas in the tank 2 with inert gas. The inert gas generator 31 is operated, for example, by an operator's manual operation before performing gas replacement. By opening the on-off valve 33 and operating the inert gas generator 31, the inert gas generated by the inert gas generator 31 is guided into the tank 2 via the inert gas line 32. As a result, a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas is discharged from the tank 2 through the upstream end of the first supply line 10.

In this embodiment, a gas concentration meter 18 is disposed in a portion of the first supply line 10 upstream of the first compressor 7 (more specifically, in the first common flow path 11 to be described later). Gas concentration meter 18 measures hydrogen concentration. For example, during gas replacement, the proportion of hydrogen gas in the mixed gas discharged from the tank 2 is measured. That is, from the hydrogen concentration measured by the gas concentration meter 18, it is possible to grasp, for example, the progress of gas replacement. The gas concentration meter 18 does not need to be in the first supply line 10 and may be placed in the tank 2, for example.

The first compressor 7 is a compressor for compressing hydrogen gas. The first compressor 7 is configured to be able to compress the hydrogen gas led through the first supply line 10 to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer. Further, for example, the maximum discharge amount of the first compressor 7 is greater than or equal to the required flow rate of the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer. The first compressor 7 is used, for example, when a ship equipped with the gas supply system 1A supplies hydrogen from a hydrogen supply location (hereinafter also referred to as a loading port) such as a hydrogen production base to a hydrogen demand location (hereinafter also referred to as an unloading port). used when transporting. For example, while a ship is sailing from a loading port to a discharging port, the pressure within the tank 2 increases due to the generation of boil-off gas. Boil-off gas is discharged from the tank 2 in order to suppress the pressure increase within the tank 2. Hydrogen gas, which is the discharged boil-off gas, is compressed by the first compressor 7 to a pressure equal to or higher than the required pressure of the boiler 4, so that it can be used in the boiler 4 as a propulsion fuel.

The first supply line 10 includes a first common channel 11, two first branch channels 12, a second common channel 13, and two second branch channels 14. The first common channel 11, the two first branch channels 12, the second common channel 13, and the two second branch channels 14 are connected in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side. There is.

The first common flow path 11 extends from the tank 2. An on-off valve 17 that can open and close the flow path is arranged in the first common flow path 11 . The two first branch channels 12 are bifurcated at a branch point 10a, which is the downstream end of the first common channel 11. In this embodiment, the gas supply system 1A includes two first compressors 7 arranged in parallel to each other to ensure redundancy. The two first compressors 7 are arranged in the two first branch channels 12, respectively. Note that the number of first compressors 7 included in the gas supply system 1A may be one, or may be three or more. Depending on the number of first compressors 7, the number of first branch channels 12 may also change.

In this embodiment, the first compressor 7 is, for example, a turbo type or a reciprocating type. The two first compressors 7 may be of the same type or may be of different types. The first compressor 7 may be a type of compressor other than a turbo type or a reciprocating type.

An on-off valve 15 that can open and close the flow path is provided at the upstream side of the first compressor 7 in each first branch flow path 12.

A second common flow path 13 extends from the merging point 10b of the two first branch flow paths 12. The two second branch channels 14 are bifurcated at a branch point 10c, which is the downstream end of the second common channel 13. The downstream ends of the two second branch channels 14 are connected to the two boilers 4, respectively. Each second branch flow path 14 is provided with an on-off valve 16 that can open and close the second branch flow path 14 .

Further, the gas supply system 1A includes a second supply line 20, a second compressor 9 disposed on the second supply line 20, and a gas engine 41 for power generation.

The second supply line 20 branches and extends from a portion of the first supply line 10 upstream of the first compressor 7. More specifically, the upstream end 20a of the second supply line 20 is connected to the first common flow path 11.

The second supply line 20 includes a common flow path 21 , a first branch flow path 22 , and a second branch flow path 23 . The upstream end 20a of the common flow path 21 extends from a portion of the first supply line 10 upstream of the first compressor 7. The first branch channel 22 and the second branch channel 23 are bifurcated at a branch point 20b that is the downstream end of the common channel 21. That is, the second supply line 20 has two downstream ends, specifically, a downstream end 20c of the first branch channel 22 and a downstream end 20d of the second branch channel 23.

The downstream end 20c of the first branch flow path 22 is connected to the first supply line 10 (more specifically, the second common flow path 13). That is, the line extending from the upstream end 20a to the downstream end 20c in the second supply line 20 constitutes a bypass line that bypasses the first compressor 7. A downstream end 20d of the second branch flow path 23 is connected to the gas engine 41.

The second compressor 9 is arranged in the common flow path 21 in the second supply line 20. The second compressor 9 is basically a compressor used when replacing the gas in the tank 2.

For example, when performing maintenance on the tank 2, first, liquefied hydrogen is taken out from the tank 2 to create a state in which the tank 2 is filled with hydrogen gas (that is, a hydrogen gas atmosphere). Thereafter, inert gas is supplied into the tank 2 through the inert gas line 32 in order to purge the tank 2 of hydrogen gas. As a result, a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas is discharged from the tank 2 through the upstream end of the first supply line 10. The second compressor 9 is used to compress the mixed gas discharged at this time. The second compressor 9 is configured to be able to compress the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the boiler 4 . During gas replacement, the mixed gas discharged from the tank 2 is compressed by the second compressor 9 to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the boiler 4, and then consumed by the boiler 4.

Also, for example, after maintenance of the tank 2, the air inside the tank 2 is replaced with an inert gas. Thereafter, in order to purge inert gas from the tank 2 at a base (for example, a loading dock) where hydrogen gas is supplied, hydrogen gas is supplied into the tank 2 through a hydrogen line 60 (described later) or the like. As a result, a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas is discharged from the tank 2 through the upstream end of the first supply line 10. The second compressor 9 can also be used to compress the mixed gas discharged at this time.

The proper use of the first compressor 7 and the second compressor 9 will be explained in more detail. The first compressor 7 is suitable for pumping hydrogen gas having an extremely low specific gravity. The first compressor 7 is capable of compressing hydrogen gas to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer. Therefore, for example, hydrogen gas, which is boil-off gas discharged from the tank 2, is compressed by the first compressor 7 and used as propulsion fuel by the boiler 4. However, since the first compressor 7 is for pressure-feeding hydrogen gas, even if an attempt is made to use the first compressor 7 to force-feed the mixed gas, the hydrogen gas in the mixed gas discharged from the tank 2 will be transferred to the first compressor 7. There is a possibility that the mixed gas cannot be consumed in the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer, or even if the first compressor 7 can be used to compress the mixed gas, the mixed gas will be lower than when the second compressor 9 is used. Pumping may take too long.

Therefore, this embodiment includes a second compressor 9 to forcefully feed the mixed gas discharged from the tank 2 during gas replacement to the gas consumer. The second compressor 9 can compress the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer. Further, the second compressor 9 can compress the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the gas engine 41, which is the second gas consumer.

For example, the maximum amount of hydrogen gas discharged by the second compressor 9 is smaller than the maximum amount of hydrogen gas discharged by the first compressor 7. For this reason, for example, when the amount of boil-off gas generated per unit time is large, the second compressor 9 may not be able to sufficiently pump hydrogen gas, and the pressure increase within the tank 2 may not be suppressed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the gas supply system 1A includes the first compressor 7 suitable for pumping a gas with a low specific gravity, and the second compressor 9 suitable for pumping a gas with a large specific gravity. . Therefore, it is possible to use different compressors depending on the application, and it is possible to reliably suppress the pressure increase in the tank 2, and also to efficiently replace the hydrogen gas in the tank 2 during gas replacement.

In this embodiment, the second compressor 9 is a different type of compressor from the two first compressors 7. The second compressor 9 is, for example, a rotary type. The second compressor 9 may be a type of compressor other than a rotary type. The second compressor 9 is capable of compressing the mixed gas to a pressure higher than either the required pressure of the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer, or the required pressure of the gas engine 41, which is the second gas consumer. Good too.

An on-off valve 24 that can open and close the flow path is disposed at a portion of the second supply line 20 upstream of the second compressor 9. Further, an on-off valve 25 that can open and close the flow path is arranged in the first branch flow path 22 . Furthermore, an on-off valve 26 that can open and close the flow path is arranged in the second branch flow path 23 .

The gas engine 41 uses hydrogen gas as fuel to drive the generator 42. In this embodiment, the gas engine 41 is a dual fuel engine that burns one or both of hydrogen gas and fuel oil as fuel gas. Gas engine 41 may also be referred to as a second gas consumer.

Hydrogen gas used as fuel is guided to the gas engine 41 through the second branch flow path 23. Moreover, the required pressure of the gas engine 41 may be the same as the required pressure of the boiler 4, or may be different. For example, hydrogen gas compressed by the first compressor 7 or mixed gas compressed by the second compressor 9 may be guided to the gas engine 41 depending on the situation.

Note that when introducing the hydrogen gas compressed by the first compressor 7 to the gas engine 41, the hydrogen gas compressed by the first compressor 7 flows from the downstream end 20c of the second supply line 20 toward the branch point 20b. That is, in the portion between the downstream end 20c and the branch point 20b in the second supply line 20, the direction of gas flow may change depending on the situation.

The discharge amount of each of the first compressor 7 and the second compressor 9 is variable. The discharge amount of each compressor is controlled by a control device 50. The control device 50 is a so-called computer, and includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM (none of which are shown). The storage unit stores programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit, various fixed data, and the like.

For example, the control device 50 controls the first compressor 7 to change the amount of gas supplied to the boiler 4. For example, when there is a change in gas consumption in the main engine 3, such as switching from operating two boilers 4 to operating only one boiler 4, the control device 50 controls the first compressor 7. The first compressor 7 is controlled to reduce the discharge amount. Note that the above-mentioned on-off

valves

15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 33, 64, 65, 66, 72 are all manually operated valves; Some or all of 25, 26, 33, 64, 65, 66, and 72 may be automatic control valves controlled by the control device 50.

The gas supply system 1A further includes a hydrogen line 60. The hydrogen line 60 is a flow path for supplying hydrogen gas or liquefied hydrogen to the tank 2 or discharging hydrogen gas or liquefied hydrogen from the tank 2. In this embodiment, the hydrogen line 60 is connected to the first supply line 10 and the inert gas line 32. That is, a part of the first supply line 10 and a part of the inert gas line 32 are flow paths for supplying hydrogen gas or liquefied hydrogen to the tank 2 or discharging hydrogen gas or liquefied hydrogen from the tank 2. It is also used as

Specifically, the hydrogen line 60 includes a common flow path 61, a first branch flow path 62, and a second branch flow path 63. One end of the common channel 61 is configured to be connectable to a supply source of hydrogen gas or liquefied hydrogen, or a supply destination of hydrogen gas or liquefied hydrogen. For example, a coupler connectable to a loading arm installed at a loading port or unloading port is provided at one end of the common flow path 61. At a branch point 60a, which is the other end of the common channel 61, a first branch channel 62 and a second branch channel 63 are bifurcated.

One end of the first branch flow path 62 is connected to the common flow path 61 at the branch point 60a, and the other end of the first branch flow path 62 is connected to the tank 2 in the common flow path 11 of the first supply line 10. and the on-off valve 17. One end of the second branch flow path 63 is connected to the common flow path 61 at the branch point 60a, and the other end of the second branch flow path 63 is connected to the tank 2 and the on-off valve 33 in the inert gas line 32. connected to the part in between.

An on-off valve 64 that can open and close the common flow path is arranged in the common flow path 61. An on-off valve 65 that can open and close the flow path is arranged in the first branch flow path 62 . An on-off valve 66 that can open and close the flow path is arranged in the second branch flow path 63.

Furthermore, the gas supply system 1A further includes a connection line 71 that connects the first common flow path 11 and the inert gas line 32. For example, the connection line 71 is used when replacing inert gas in the tank 2 with hydrogen gas, as will be described later. An on-off valve 72 that can open and close the flow path is arranged in the connection line 71.

One end of the connection line 71 is connected to a portion of the first common flow path 11 between the connection point with the upstream end 20a of the second supply line 20 and the on-off valve 17. The other end of the connection line 71 is connected to a portion of the inert gas line 32 between the tank 2 and the on-off valve 33. Note that one end of the connection line 71 may be connected to the second supply line 20 instead of the first common flow path 11. For example, one end of the connection line 71 may be connected to a portion of the second supply line 20 between the upstream end 20a and the on-off valve 24. Further, the other end of the connection line 71 may be connected to a portion of the second branch flow path 63 closer to the inert gas line 32 than the on-off valve 66 .

Next, a gas supply method implemented by the gas supply system 1A of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, a method for supplying boil-off gas from the tank 2 storing liquefied hydrogen to the boiler 4 and a gas supply method performed during gas replacement in which the gas in the tank 2 is replaced with another gas will be described.

(Supply of boil-off gas)
When the ship is sailing from the loading port to the unloading port, the tank 2 is fully loaded with most of the space occupied by liquefied hydrogen. During navigation, hydrogen gas is generated in the tank 2 as liquefied hydrogen evaporates. Ships use this hydrogen gas as fuel gas for propulsion.

Specifically, the on-off

valves

15, 16, and 17 are opened, the on-off

valves

24, 25, 26, 33, 64, 65, 66, and 72 are closed, and the first compressor 7 is operated. Hydrogen gas is fed under pressure from the tank 2 to the boiler 4 by the first compressor 7 .

During navigation, if the ship's motion changes due to sudden rough weather, etc., the amount of boil-off gas generated in the tank 2 may increase. In this case, by increasing the amount of gas supplied to the boiler 4 by the first compressor 7, an increase in tank pressure due to an increase in the amount of boil-off gas can be suppressed. However, since it is difficult to change the load of the steam turbine 5 instantly, the amount of gas supplied to the boiler 4 exceeds the amount of gas consumed by the boiler 4.

In this embodiment, when the amount of gas supplied to the boiler 4 exceeds the amount of gas consumed by the boiler 4, surplus boil-off gas between the first compressor 7 and the boiler 4 in the first supply line 10 is It is effectively used in the gas engine 41, which is the second gas consumer. Specifically, the on-off

valves

25 and 26 are opened, hydrogen gas is introduced to the gas engine 41 through the first branch flow path 22 and the second branch flow path 23, and is consumed by the gas engine 41.

The timing of introducing hydrogen gas to the gas engine 41, that is, the timing of opening the on-off

valves

25 and 26, is an indicator that can directly or indirectly determine that the amount of gas supplied to the boiler 4 exceeds the amount of gas consumed by the boiler 4. It can be determined using For example, when the measured value of the pressure gauge 8 exceeds a predetermined value, the on-off

valves

25 and 26 may be opened, or when the discharge amount of the first compressor 7 exceeds a predetermined value, The on-off

valves

25 and 26 may be opened.

Note that the electricity generated by the generator 42 driven by the gas engine 41 is distributed to electrical equipment inside the ship. The electricity generated by the generator 42 may be stored in a battery or the like.

(Gas supply performed during gas replacement before maintenance)
Next, gas supply performed during gas replacement before maintenance of the tank 2 will be explained. Maintenance is performed, for example, at a predetermined dock, but in this embodiment, gas replacement is started before arriving at the dock, rather than after arriving at the dock.

For example, when a ship arrives at an unloading port with liquefied hydrogen stored in tank 2, the liquefied hydrogen in tank 2 is unloaded. As a result, the tank 2 changes from a fully loaded state to an empty state where there is no or little liquefied hydrogen in the space inside the tank 2. When the tank 2 is empty, the inside of the tank 2 is filled with hydrogen gas. Ships typically require maintenance on a regular basis, such as every 2.5 years or every 5 years. If maintenance is required, once unloading is complete, the vessel will not proceed to the next loading port, but instead will proceed to the dock for maintenance.

In this embodiment, gas replacement is performed while the ship is sailing towards the dock. Specifically, the on-off

valves

15, 26, 64, 65, 66, 72 are closed, the on-off

valves

16, 17, 24, 25, 33 are opened, and then the inert gas generator 31 and the second compressor 9 are opened. put it into operation. Thereby, inert gas is supplied from the inert gas generator 31 to the tank 2 containing hydrogen gas. As a result, a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas is discharged from the tank 2 through the upstream end of the first supply line 10.

The mixed gas discharged from the tank 2 is guided to the second compressor 9 through the common flow path 21 of the second supply line 20, and hydrogen gas is pressure-fed from the tank 2 to the boiler 4 through the first branch flow path 22. Of the mixed gas introduced to the boiler 4, hydrogen gas is used as fuel gas for the boiler 4, and the mixed gas is combusted.

Note that if the amount of hydrogen gas in the mixed gas supplied to the boiler 4 is not a sufficient amount as fuel gas for the boiler 4, fuel oil is supplied to the boiler 4. When the inert gas is sent to the bottom of the tank 2, the inert gas, which basically has a higher specific gravity than hydrogen gas, accumulates at the bottom of the tank 2. Therefore, immediately after starting the supply of inert gas to the tank 2, the concentration of hydrogen gas discharged from the tank 2 is high. As the inert gas continues to be supplied, the concentration of hydrogen gas discharged from the tank 2 decreases. Even in this case, the process can be carried out smoothly by supplying fuel oil to the boiler 4.

Further, the maximum amount of hydrogen gas discharged by the second compressor 9 is smaller than the maximum amount of hydrogen gas discharged by each first compressor 7. However, since the tank 2 is empty when sailing from the unloading port to the dock, there is no possibility that the tank pressure will increase due to boil-off gas. Therefore, when the tank 2 is empty, the flow rate for discharging hydrogen gas from the tank 2 may be smaller than when the tank 2 is fully loaded, and even the second compressor 9 is sufficient. meet the requirements. Furthermore, even if the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the boiler 4 is not sufficient, smooth navigation is possible by supplying fuel oil to the boiler 4.

In this way, the hydrogen gas in the tank 2 can be replaced with inert gas on the way to the dock. Thereafter, the inert gas in the tank 2 is replaced with air so that maintenance of the tank 2 can be performed.

(Gas supply performed during gas replacement after maintenance)
Next, gas supply performed during gas replacement after maintenance of the tank 2 will be explained. Gas replacement after maintenance is performed to store liquefied hydrogen in the tank 2.

That is, after maintenance is completed at the dock, the air in the tank 2 is replaced with inert gas. In this embodiment, the air in the tank 2 is replaced with inert gas while the ship is being navigated from the dock to the loading port.

After arriving at the loading port, the inert gas filled in tank 2 is replaced with hydrogen gas. Specifically, by connecting a loading arm installed at a loading dock to one end of the common flow path 61, the tank 2 and a hydrogen gas supply source (for example, a hydrogen gas generator) are connected. Thereafter, the on-off

valves

15, 17, 33, 66, etc. are closed, the on-off

valves

24, 64, 65, 72 are opened, and hydrogen gas is supplied through the common flow path 61, the first branch flow path 62, and the first common flow path 11. Hydrogen gas is supplied from the source to tank 2.

As hydrogen gas, which has a lower specific gravity than inert gas, accumulates in the upper part of tank 2, a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas is discharged from tank 2 through the end of inert gas line 32. . Note that immediately after starting the supply of hydrogen gas to the tank 2, the concentration of hydrogen gas discharged from the tank 2 is low. As the supply of hydrogen gas continues, the concentration of hydrogen gas discharged from the tank 2 increases.

The mixed gas discharged from the tank 2 is guided to the second compressor 9 through the inert gas line 32, the connection line 71, the first common flow path 11, and the common flow path 21. The mixed gas compressed by the second compressor 9 may be guided to the gas engine 41 and consumed by the gas engine 41, for example, by opening the on-off valve 26. Alternatively, the mixed gas compressed by the second compressor 9 may be led to a gas combustion unit (GCU; see FIG. 4) not shown in FIG. 1 and consumed. For example, when the hydrogen concentration measured by the gas concentration meter 18 is equal to or higher than the required concentration of the gas engine 41, the on-off valve 26 is opened and the mixed gas is consumed in the gas engine 41, so that the hydrogen concentration If the concentration is less than the required concentration of No. 41, the on-off valve 26 may be closed and processing may be performed in the GCU.

After completing the gas replacement from inert gas to hydrogen gas, close the on-off

valves

24, 33, 65, 72, etc., open the on-off

valves

15, 17, 32, 64, 72, etc., and fill the tank 2 with liquefied hydrogen. will be introduced. Whether or not the gas replacement from inert gas to hydrogen gas has been completed can be determined by, for example, whether the hydrogen concentration measured by the gas concentration meter 18 exceeds a reference value. Liquefied hydrogen is supplied from the liquefied hydrogen supply source to the tank 2 through the common channel 61, the second branch channel 63, and the inert gas line 32.

By supplying liquefied hydrogen into the tank 2, hydrogen gas is discharged from the tank 2 through the upstream end of the first supply line 10. The discharged hydrogen gas is guided to the first compressor 7 through the first supply line 10. The hydrogen gas compressed by the first compressor 7 may be led to the gas engine 41 and consumed by the gas engine 41, for example, by opening the on-off

valves

25 and 26. Alternatively, the hydrogen gas compressed by the first compressor 7 may be led to a GCU (not shown in FIG. 1) and consumed.

As explained above, in the gas supply system 1A of the present embodiment, a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas is supplied to the boiler 4 at a pressure higher than the required pressure, separately from the first compressor 7 for pressure-feeding boil-off gas. A second compressor 9 capable of compressing the air is provided. Therefore, it is possible to use a different compressor depending on the application, and it is possible to reliably suppress the pressure increase in the tank 2, and also to efficiently replace the hydrogen gas in the tank 2 during gas replacement.

Since the ship is equipped with a second compressor 9 for pressurizing mixed gas in addition to the first compressor 7 for pressurizing boil-off gas, when the ship sails toward a dock for maintenance work, for example, Gas replacement can be performed to replace the hydrogen gas in the tank 2 with an inert gas. Further, a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas can be effectively used in the propulsion boiler 4.

For ships that cannot perform gas replacement work on board, it is necessary to return the mixed gas to shore after berthing, making it difficult to smoothly transition to maintenance work. On the other hand, in this embodiment, while effectively utilizing the hydrogen gas in the tank 2 which is replaced with inert gas, the gas replacement in the tank 2 can be proceeded during the voyage to smoothly transition to maintenance work. It becomes possible.

Incidentally, inert gas has an extremely high specific gravity compared to hydrogen gas. For this reason, even if an attempt is made to force-feed the mixed gas using the first compressor 7 for pressure-feeding hydrogen gas, the hydrogen gas in the mixed gas discharged from the tank 2 is transferred to the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer. Or, even if the first compressor 7 can be used to compress the mixed gas, it may take too much time to pump the mixed gas compared to when the second compressor 9 is used. be. However, in this embodiment, in addition to the first compressor 7 for hydrogen gas that compresses hydrogen gas, a second compressor 9 capable of compressing the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the boiler 4 is provided. Different compressors can be used depending on whether the compressor is used to compress hydrogen gas or to compress the mixed gas discharged from the tank 2 during gas replacement on the way to the dock. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an increase in the performance required of the first compressor 7 or an excessive load on the first compressor 7 due to compressing the mixed gas.

By the way, depending on the type of gas consumer, the mixed gas cannot be consumed unless the proportion of hydrogen gas in the mixed gas is above a certain level, but in this embodiment, the gas consumer of the main engine 3 is the boiler 4. Therefore, the mixed gas can be consumed regardless of the mixing ratio of hydrogen gas and inert gas.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system 1B according to the second embodiment. In the gas supply system 1B according to the second embodiment, the second supply line 20 does not include the second branch flow path 23, unlike the gas supply system 1A according to the first embodiment. That is, both the gas compressed by the first compressor 7 and the gas compressed by the second compressor 9 are guided to the boiler 4. The second compressor 9 can compress the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer. The second compressor 9 does not need to be able to compress the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the gas engine 41, which is the second gas consumer.

This embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

<Third embodiment>
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system 1C according to the third embodiment. In the gas supply system 1C according to the third embodiment, the second supply line 20 does not include the first branch flow path 22, unlike the gas supply system 1A according to the first embodiment. That is, the gas compressed by the first compressor 7 is guided to the boiler 4, and the gas compressed by the second compressor 9 is guided to the gas engine 41. The second compressor 9 is capable of compressing the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the gas engine 41, which is the second gas consumer. The second compressor 9 does not need to be able to compress the mixed gas to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the boiler 4, which is the first gas consumer.

This embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gas supply system 1D according to the fourth embodiment. In the gas supply system 1D according to the fourth embodiment, unlike the gas supply system 1A according to the first embodiment, in addition to the gas engine 41 which is the second gas consumer, gas is supplied regardless of whether or not it is compressed. It is equipped with a GCU 81 that can consume the generated gas.

The second supply line 20 includes, in addition to a common flow path 21, a first branch flow path 22, and a second branch flow path 23. The first branch channel 22, the second branch channel 23, and the third branch channel 82 are branched at a branch point 20b, which is the downstream end of the common channel 21. A downstream end 20e of the third branch flow path 82 is connected to the gas combustion device 81. Furthermore, an on-off valve 83 that can open and close the flow path is arranged in the third branch flow path 82 .

The gas supply system 1D also includes a bypass line 84 that guides the gas discharged from the tank 2 to the GCU 81, bypassing the first compressor 7 and the second compressor 9. The upstream end of the bypass line 84 is connected to the upstream side of the on-off valve 24 in the common flow path 21, and the downstream end of the bypass line 84 is connected to the part between the on-off valve 83 and the GCU 81 in the third branch flow path 82. connected to the parts.

This embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, when the total amount of hydrogen gas supplied to both the boiler 4 and the gas engine 41 exceeds the total amount of hydrogen gas consumed by both the boiler 4 and the gas engine 41, the third branch Excess hydrogen gas can be supplied to the GCU 81 through the flow path 82. Moreover, in this embodiment, the gas discharged from the tank 2 can be guided to the GCU 81 through the bypass line 84 without passing through the first compressor 7 or the second compressor 9.

<Other embodiments>
The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, in the above embodiment, a hydrogen carrier that transports liquefied hydrogen as cargo is exemplified as an example of a ship, but the ship is not limited to this. For example, the vessel may be a hydrogen-fueled vessel that uses hydrogen gas as a propulsion fuel. In this case, the hydrogen fueled ship may be a cargo ship that carries cargo other than liquefied hydrogen, or a passenger ship. Further, the ship may be an offshore floating facility.

Further, although the gas supply system of the above embodiment is installed on a ship, the gas supply system may be installed on land equipment. For example, the gas supply system may be installed in a liquefied hydrogen production plant, liquefied hydrogen storage facility, liquefied hydrogen transportation facility, liquefied hydrogen loading terminal, etc., which are provided on land.

The shape of the tank is also not particularly limited, and may be spherical, horizontally cylindrical, or rectangular. Furthermore, the type of tank is not particularly limited, such as a membrane type, a self-supporting sphere type, etc.

In the above embodiment, each of the first gas consumer and the second gas consumer may be used for propulsion or power generation, or may be used for another purpose. In the above embodiment, the boiler 4 was described as the gas consumer or the first gas consumer, but the gas consumer or the first gas consumer does not need to be a boiler and can use hydrogen gas as a fuel gas. It may also be a gas engine. The gas engine does not have to be a dual-fuel engine, and may be a gas-only engine that uses only fuel gas as fuel. The gas consumer or the first gas consumer does not have to be the main machine, and may be an auxiliary machine. The gas consumer or the first gas consumer may be an installation for power generation.

In the above embodiment, the gas engine 41 for power generation has been described as the second gas consumer, but the second gas consumer does not need to be a gas engine for power generation. For example, the second gas consumer may be a boiler that can use hydrogen gas as fuel gas.

The gas supply system may include a plurality of second gas consumers. In this case, the types of the plurality of second gas consumers may be different from each other.

Furthermore, the opening and closing timings of the

valves

15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 33, 64, 65, 66, and 72 during gas replacement are not limited to those described in the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the on-off

valves

24 and 26 were closed during navigation from the loading port to the unloading port, but the on-off

valves

24 and 26 were opened while the on-off valve 25 was kept closed. It's okay. In this case, the hydrogen gas may be introduced to the second compressor 9 and pressurized above the pressure required by the second gas consumer 41, and the hydrogen gas may be consumed by the second gas consumer 41.

The

valves

15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 33, 64, 65, 66, and 72 described in the above embodiments were all described as on-off valves, but valves provided in each flow path is not limited to on-off valves. Each flow path provided with each

valve

15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 33, 64, 65, 66, 72 is provided with a pressure regulating valve instead of or in addition to an on-off valve. A flow control valve may also be provided. For example, if the required pressure of the second gas consumer is different from the required pressure of the first gas consumer, the portion between the downstream end 20c and the branch point 20b in the second supply line 20 (first branch flow path 22) The valve provided in the second gas consuming device may be a valve that can adjust the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied to the second gas consuming device to the required pressure of the second gas consuming device, which is reduced from the required pressure of the first gas consuming device.

The connection mode of the second supply line to the first supply line is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. The second supply line bypasses the first compressor and leads gas from the tank to the second compressor, and the second supply line bypasses the first compressor and leads the gas compressed by the second compressor to the gas consumer (first It may be of any type as long as it leads to the gas consumer or the second gas consumer.

For example, the second supply line may be composed of a plurality of flow paths separated from each other. For example, the second supply line is a line that branches from a portion of the first supply line upstream of the first compressor and joins a portion of the first supply line downstream of the first compressor, that is, The supply line may include a bypass line to be bypassed, and a line in which a second compressor is arranged, which branches off from the first supply line at a location different from the connection location with the bypass line. That is, the second compressor does not need to be arranged in the bypass line that bypasses the first compressor. FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of gas supply systems in which the second supply line is constituted by a plurality of flow paths separated from each other as Modifications 1 and 2, respectively.

A gas supply system 1E shown in FIG. 5 includes a gas consumer 101 that can consume hydrogen gas, a tank 102 that accommodates hydrogen gas, a first supply line 103 that connects the tank 102 and the gas consumer 101, and a first supply line 103 that connects the tank 102 and the gas consumer 101. 1 supply line 103 and configured to be able to compress the hydrogen gas discharged from the tank 102 to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the gas consumer 103; and an inert gas that guides the inert gas to the tank 102. The inert gas is introduced into the tank 102 by the line 105, the second supply line 106, and the inert gas line 105, and the mixed gas of the inert gas and hydrogen gas discharged from the tank 102 is A second compressor 107 configured to be capable of compressing at a pressure higher than the required pressure of the consumer 101 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the second supply line 106 includes a first subline 106a and a second subline 106b. The first subline 106a branches from a portion of the first supply line 103 upstream of the first compressor 104 and connects to a portion of the first supply line 103 downstream of the first compressor 104. That is, the first subline 106a is a line that bypasses the first compressor 104. The second sub-line 106b branches at a downstream portion of the first supply line 103 from the connection point with the first sub-line 106a, and joins the first supply line 103 further downstream. The second sub-line 106b may be connected (branched and merged) with the first supply line 103 at a portion upstream from two connection points with the first sub-line 106a. The second compressor 107 is arranged in the second subline 106b. In this example as well, it is possible to use different compressors depending on the purpose.

The gas supply system 1F shown in FIG. 6 includes a first gas consumer 201 that can consume hydrogen gas, a tank 202 that accommodates hydrogen gas, and a first supply line that connects the tank 202 and the first gas consumer 201. 203, a first compressor 204 arranged in the first supply line 203 and configured to be able to compress the hydrogen gas discharged from the tank 202 to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the first gas consumer 203; 202 , a second gas consumer 208 that can consume a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas, a second supply line 206 , and an inert gas line 205 that supplies inert gas to the inert gas line 205 . A second compressor configured to be able to compress a mixed gas of an inert gas and hydrogen gas, which is discharged from the tank 202 by being led to the tank 202, to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the first gas consumer 201. 207. As shown in FIG. 6, the second supply line 206 includes a first subline 206a and a second subline 206b. The first subline 206a branches from a portion of the first supply line 203 upstream of the first compressor 204 and joins a portion of the first supply line 203 downstream of the first compressor 204. The second subline 206b branches from the junction of the first subline 206a in the first supply line 203 and connects to the second gas consumer 208. The first subline 206a is a line that bypasses the first compressor 204. The second compressor 207 is arranged in the second subline 206b. In this example as well, it is possible to use different compressors depending on the purpose.

In the above embodiment, the hydrogen line 60 was connected to the first supply line 10 and the inert gas line 32, but the hydrogen line 60 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the first branch flow path 62 of the hydrogen line 60 may be directly connected to the tank 2 without going through the first supply line 10. That is, one end of the first branch flow path 62 may be arranged at the upper part of the tank 2. Further, for example, the second branch flow path 63 of the hydrogen line 60 may be directly connected to the tank 2 without going through the inert gas line 32. That is, one end of the second branch flow path 63 may be arranged at the lower part of the tank 2. Furthermore, the hydrogen line 60 was used both when supplying hydrogen gas to the tank 2 and when supplying liquefied hydrogen to the tank 2; A gas line that supplies the tank 2 and a liquid line that supplies liquefied hydrogen to the tank 2 may be provided separately.

The first to fourth embodiments, other embodiments, and Modifications 1 and 2 can be combined as appropriate. For example, the second supply line shown in Modifications 1 and 2 may be applied to each of the first to fourth embodiments.

The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and/or those configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. can be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry that includes a combination of . Processors are considered processing circuits or circuits because they include transistors and other circuits. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the recited functions or is hardware that is programmed to perform the recited functions. The hardware may be the hardware disclosed herein or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. If the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means or unit is a combination of hardware and software, where the software is used to configure the hardware and/or the processor.

[Disclosure items]
Each of the following items is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[Item 1]
a gas consumer capable of consuming hydrogen gas;
a tank containing hydrogen gas;
a first supply line connecting the tank and the gas consumer;
a first compressor disposed in the first supply line and configured to be able to compress hydrogen gas discharged from the tank and guided through the first supply line to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the gas consumer;
an inert gas line that leads inert gas to the tank;
a second supply line connected to a portion of the first supply line upstream of the first compressor and connected to a portion of the first supply line downstream of the first compressor;
The mixed gas, which is a mixture of the inert gas and the hydrogen gas, is disposed in the second supply line and is discharged from the tank by introducing the inert gas into the tank through the inert gas line. a second compressor configured to be able to compress at a pressure higher than the pressure required by the consumer;
gas supply system.
According to item 1, in addition to the first compressor for pressure-feeding boil-off gas, there is provided a second compressor that can compress a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the boiler. Therefore, it is possible to use a different compressor depending on the application, and it is possible to reliably suppress the pressure increase in the tank, and also to efficiently replace the hydrogen gas in the tank during gas replacement.

[Item 2]
The gas supply system according to item 1, wherein the gas consumer is a boiler.
Depending on the type of gas consumer, the mixed gas cannot be consumed unless the proportion of hydrogen gas in the mixed gas is above a certain level, but according to item 2, since the gas consumer is a boiler, hydrogen gas and Mixed gas can be consumed regardless of the mixing ratio with inert gas.

[Item 3]
a second gas consumer of a different type from the first gas consumer, which is capable of consuming the mixed gas;
Branching from a portion of the second supply line downstream of the second compressor, or branching from a portion of the first supply line downstream of the first compressor, and leading to the second gas consumer. The gas supply system according to item 1 or 2, further comprising a branch flow path.
According to item 3, even if the amount of hydrogen gas compressed by the first compressor and supplied to the first gas consumer exceeds the amount of hydrogen gas consumed by the first gas consumer, Excess hydrogen gas between the first compressor and the first gas consumer in the first supply line is guided to the second gas consumer through the branch flow path, and the hydrogen gas can be effectively utilized by the second gas consumer.

[Item 4]
a first gas consumer capable of consuming hydrogen gas;
a tank containing hydrogen gas;
a first supply line connecting the tank and the first gas consumer;
a first compressor disposed in the first supply line and configured to be able to compress hydrogen gas discharged from the tank and guided through the first supply line to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the first gas consumer;
an inert gas line that leads inert gas to the tank;
a second gas consumer capable of consuming a mixed gas of the inert gas and the hydrogen gas;
a second supply line connected to a portion of the first supply line upstream of the first compressor and connected to the second gas consumer;
Disposed in the second supply line, the inert gas is guided to the tank by the inert gas line, so that the mixed gas discharged from the tank can be compressed to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the second gas consumer. a second compressor configured;
gas supply system.
According to item 4, in addition to the first compressor for pressure-feeding boil-off gas, a second compressor is provided that can compress a mixed gas of an inert gas and hydrogen gas to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the boiler. For this reason, it is possible to use different compressors depending on the application, and it is possible to reliably suppress the pressure increase in the tank, and also to efficiently replace the hydrogen gas in the tank during gas replacement.

[Item 5]
A ship comprising the gas supply system according to any one of items 1 to 4 above.
In addition to the first compressor for compressing boil-off gas, ships are equipped with a second compressor for compressing mixed gas. Gas replacement can be performed to replace hydrogen gas with an inert gas. Furthermore, a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas can be effectively used in a propulsion boiler.

[Item 6]
A gas supply method for supplying gas discharged from a tank, the method comprising:
When discharging hydrogen gas from the tank containing hydrogen gas,
The hydrogen gas discharged from the tank is guided to a first compressor and compressed,
consuming the compressed hydrogen gas by a first gas consumer;
When discharging a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas from the tank,
The mixed gas discharged from the tank is guided to a second compressor of a different type from the first compressor and compressed,
A gas supply method, wherein the compressed mixed gas is consumed by the first gas consumer or a second gas consumer of a different type from the first gas consumer.
Inert gas has a much higher specific gravity than hydrogen gas. If a compressor for hydrogen gas is also used to compress a mixed gas during gas replacement, the performance required for the compressor for hydrogen gas may become too high, or the hydrogen gas may be compressed by compressing the mixed gas. There is a risk that the compressor used will be overloaded. However, according to the method in Item 6, different compressors are used for compressing hydrogen gas discharged from the tank and for compressing mixed gas discharged from the tank during gas replacement. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an increase in the performance required of the hydrogen gas compressor or an excessive load on the hydrogen gas compressor due to compressing the mixed gas.

[Item 7]
Discharging hydrogen gas from the tank containing hydrogen gas includes discharging hydrogen gas from the tank without supplying an inert gas to the tank containing hydrogen gas,
The gas according to item 6, wherein discharging the mixed gas from the tank includes discharging the mixed gas from the tank by supplying an inert gas to the tank containing hydrogen gas. Supply method.
There are two cases: when compressing the gas discharged from the tank when performing gas replacement, which replaces hydrogen gas in the tank with inert gas, and when compressing the gas discharged from the tank when gas replacement is not performed. You can use different compressors.

[Item 8]
The tank, the first compressor, the first gas consumer, the second compressor, and the second gas consumer are mounted on a ship,
Discharging hydrogen gas from the tank containing hydrogen gas means discharging the liquefied hydrogen in the tank while the ship is sailing toward the unloading port for unloading the liquefied hydrogen stored in the tank. including discharging hydrogen gas, which is a boil-off gas generated by evaporation, from the tank,
Discharging the mixed gas from the tank in order to perform the gas replacement may be performed while the vessel is anchored at the unloading port after unloading the liquefied hydrogen in the tank at the unloading port, or , the gas supply method according to item 7, which is carried out while the ship is sailing from the discharge port.
For ships that cannot carry out gas replacement work on board, it is necessary to return the mixed gas to land after berthing, which prevents a smooth transition to maintenance work. On the other hand, according to item 8, while effectively utilizing the hydrogen gas in the tank that is replaced with inert gas, it is possible to proceed with gas replacement during navigation and smoothly transition to maintenance work.

[Item 9]
Discharging hydrogen gas from the tank containing hydrogen gas includes discharging hydrogen gas from the tank without supplying an inert gas to the tank containing hydrogen gas,
Any of items 6 to 8, wherein discharging the mixed gas from the tank includes discharging the mixed gas from the tank by supplying hydrogen gas to the tank containing an inert gas. The gas supply method described in .
There are two cases: when compressing the gas discharged from the tank when performing gas replacement, which replaces inert gas in the tank with hydrogen gas, and when compressing the gas discharged from the tank when gas replacement is not performed. You can use different compressors.

Claims

a gas consumer capable of consuming hydrogen gas;
a tank containing hydrogen gas;
a first supply line connecting the tank and the gas consumer;
a first compressor disposed in the first supply line and configured to be able to compress hydrogen gas discharged from the tank and guided through the first supply line to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the gas consumer;
an inert gas line that leads inert gas to the tank;
a second supply line connected to a portion of the first supply line upstream of the first compressor and connected to a portion of the first supply line downstream of the first compressor;
The mixed gas, which is a mixture of the inert gas and the hydrogen gas, is disposed in the second supply line and is discharged from the tank by introducing the inert gas into the tank through the inert gas line. a second compressor configured to be capable of compressing at a pressure higher than the required pressure of the gas consumer;
gas supply system.
The gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein the gas consumer is a boiler.
a second gas consumer of a different type from the first gas consumer, which is capable of consuming the mixed gas;
Branching from a portion of the second supply line downstream of the second compressor, or branching from a portion of the first supply line downstream of the first compressor, and leading to the second gas consumer. The gas supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a branch flow path.
a first gas consumer capable of consuming hydrogen gas;
a tank containing hydrogen gas;
a first supply line connecting the tank and the first gas consumer;
a first compressor disposed in the first supply line and configured to compress hydrogen gas discharged from the tank and guided through the first supply line to a pressure higher than the required pressure of the first gas consumer;
an inert gas line that leads inert gas to the tank;
a second gas consumer capable of consuming a mixed gas of the inert gas and the hydrogen gas;
a second supply line connected to a portion of the first supply line upstream of the first compressor and connected to the second gas consumer;
Disposed in the second supply line, the inert gas is guided to the tank by the inert gas line, so that the mixed gas discharged from the tank can be compressed to a pressure higher than the pressure required by the second gas consumer. a second compressor configured to;
gas supply system.
A ship comprising the gas supply system according to claim 1 or 4.
A gas supply method for supplying gas discharged from a tank, the method comprising:
When discharging hydrogen gas from the tank containing hydrogen gas,
The hydrogen gas discharged from the tank is guided to a first compressor and compressed,
consuming the compressed hydrogen gas by a first gas consumer;
When discharging a mixed gas of inert gas and hydrogen gas from the tank,
The mixed gas discharged from the tank is guided to a second compressor of a different type from the first compressor and compressed,
A gas supply method, wherein the compressed mixed gas is consumed by the first gas consumer or a second gas consumer of a different type from the first gas consumer.
Discharging hydrogen gas from the tank containing hydrogen gas includes discharging hydrogen gas from the tank without supplying an inert gas to the tank containing hydrogen gas,
7. Discharging the mixed gas from the tank includes discharging the mixed gas from the tank by supplying an inert gas to the tank containing hydrogen gas. Gas supply method.
The tank, the first compressor, the first gas consumer, the second compressor, and the second gas consumer are mounted on a ship,
Discharging hydrogen gas from the tank containing hydrogen gas means discharging the liquefied hydrogen in the tank while the ship is sailing toward the unloading port for unloading the liquefied hydrogen stored in the tank. including discharging hydrogen gas, which is a boil-off gas generated by evaporation, from the tank,
Discharging the mixed gas from the tank in order to perform the gas replacement may be performed while the vessel is anchored at the unloading port after unloading the liquefied hydrogen in the tank at the unloading port, or 8. The gas supply method according to claim 7, wherein the method is carried out while the ship is sailing from the discharge port.
Discharging hydrogen gas from the tank containing hydrogen gas includes discharging hydrogen gas from the tank without supplying an inert gas to the tank containing hydrogen gas,
According to claim 6 or 7, discharging the mixed gas from the tank includes discharging the mixed gas from the tank by supplying hydrogen gas to the tank containing an inert gas. Gas supply method described.