JP6760879B2 - Gas engine and how to operate the gas engine - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a gas engine that burns a mixture of fuel gas and intake air, and a method of operating the gas engine.

Conventionally, gas engines have been used in various fields as engines for power generation, large vehicles, ships, and the like. It is known that such a gas engine has a poorer initial load input property, which is a load that can be applied after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 40 seconds) from the start of operation of the gas engine, as compared with a diesel engine or the like. This tendency is particularly noticeable in gas engines equipped with turbochargers. This initial load input property is one index for evaluating the performance of a gas engine.

Patent Document 1 describes the time required for the generator to output the rated output after the start of operation of the engine by raising the temperature of the cooling water in the cold state in an engine such as a diesel engine or a gas engine. Techniques for shortening are disclosed. Specifically, by heating the cooling water in a pressurized state, the engine output is efficiently warmed up by raising the temperature of the cooling water to a higher temperature while preventing the cooling water from boiling. Is quickly reaching the rated output.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-77358

However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any technical idea for improving the initial load input property of the gas engine. In a gas engine in which a mixture of fuel gas and intake air is supplied to the engine body for combustion, if the temperature of the mixture is high, the density of the mixture decreases, and it becomes difficult for the mixture to enter the engine body. For this reason, in a gas engine, if the temperature of the cooling water is raised and the load is applied in the cold state as described in Patent Document 1, the temperature of the air-fuel mixture in the engine body also rises, and conversely. There is a risk of reducing the load input property.

At least some embodiments of the present invention have been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gas engine having a high initial load input property and a method of operating the gas engine.

(1) The gas engine according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes an engine main body that burns a mixture of fuel gas and intake air, an air supply passage for supplying air supply to the engine main body, and the above. A turbocharger including a compressor that compresses the air supply supplied to the engine body, and a first cooler that cools the compressed air supply that is the air supply compressed by the compressor by heat exchange with a refrigerant. A gas engine including a temperature adjusting device capable of adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to a first temperature or a second temperature which is a temperature higher than the first temperature. When the operation of the gas engine is started, the temperature adjusting device adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature or lower, and initially with respect to the gas engine. After starting the loading, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is adjusted to the second temperature.

According to the configuration of (1) above, when the operation of the gas engine is started, the temperature adjusting device sets the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature, which is lower than the second temperature. Adjust to the following (for example, 20 ° C.). Therefore, the density of the fuel gas contained in the air-fuel mixture burned in the engine body (air-fuel mixture density) is made higher than that when the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is the second temperature, so that the gas engine can be used. The initial load that can be applied can be increased (the initial load input property can be increased).
Further, according to the configuration of (1) above, the temperature adjusting device sets the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler higher than the first temperature after the initial load is applied to the gas engine. Adjust to a second temperature (eg 35 ° C). This second temperature is, for example, a temperature set as a temperature at which the gas engine can be operated with high efficiency and no condensed water is generated when the gas engine is operated at the rated output. Therefore, the gas engine after the initial load is started to be applied can be operated in a highly efficient state, and the generation of condensed water can be prevented.

(2) In some embodiments, in the configuration described in (1) above, the temperature regulator includes a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and an external heat source, and the first cooler. While connecting the first heat exchanger, the high temperature side first refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant flows from the first cooler toward the first heat exchanger, and the first cooler and the first heat. While connecting to the exchanger, the refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger and a circulation passage including a low temperature side first refrigerant passage in which the refrigerant flows from the first heat exchanger toward the first cooler. A control valve for controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant is included.

According to the configuration (2) above, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler can be adjusted by the control valve that controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger. In this way, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler can be adjusted to the first temperature or lower or the second temperature with a simple configuration.

(3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (2) above, the temperature regulator branches from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage and joins the low temperature side first refrigerant passage, the first heat. The control valve further includes a bypass passage that bypasses the exchanger, and the control valve has a branch portion that branches from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage to the bypass passage, and a merging portion that the bypass passage joins the low temperature side first refrigerant passage. Including a three-way valve provided on either one of the above.

According to the configuration of (3) above, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler can be adjusted by the bypass passage and the three-way valve provided at either the branch portion or the merging portion of the bypass passage. it can. In this way, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler can be adjusted to the first temperature or lower or the second temperature by a simple configuration including the bypass passage and the three-way valve.

(4) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (2) above, the temperature adjusting device includes a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and an external heat source, and a first refrigerant passage on the high temperature side. The second heat exchanger is connected, the high temperature side second refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant flows from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage toward the second heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the low temperature side. In addition to connecting to the side first refrigerant passage, the control valve further includes a low temperature side second refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant flows from the second heat exchanger toward the low temperature side first refrigerant passage. It includes an on-off valve provided in the second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side.

According to the configuration of (4) above, the first cooling is performed by the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side, the second refrigerant passage on the low temperature side, and the on-off valve provided in the second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side. The temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the vessel can be adjusted. As described above, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler by a simple configuration including the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side, the second refrigerant passage on the low temperature side, and the on-off valve is set to the first temperature. It can be adjusted below the temperature or to the second temperature.

(5) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of (2) to (4) above, the temperature regulator measures the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler. The control valve controller includes a control valve controller that controls the opening degree of the control valve based on the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the temperature measuring means, and the control valve controller operates the gas engine. When started, the opening degree of the control valve is controlled so that the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is adjusted to the first temperature, and an initial load is applied to the gas engine. Is configured to control the opening degree of the control valve so as to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the second temperature.

According to the configuration of (5) above, by further providing a control valve controller that controls the opening degree of the control valve based on the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the temperature measuring means, the control valve controller can be further provided according to the operation timing of the gas engine. The temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler can be automatically adjusted to the first temperature or lower or the second temperature.

(6) In some embodiments, in the configuration according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the compressor is provided between the compressor and the first cooler in the air supply passage. A second cooler for cooling the compressed air supply compressed by the compressor by heat exchange with the refrigerant is further provided.

The temperature of the supply air compressed by the compressor becomes a high temperature of 100 ° C. or higher, while the above-mentioned first temperature and second temperature are about 20 ° C. to 40 ° C. Therefore, according to the configuration (6) above, the capacity of the first cooler can be reduced by providing the second cooler between the compressor and the first cooler in the air supply passage. Further, by effectively utilizing the heat energy recovered by the second cooler, the energy efficiency of the entire gas engine can be improved.

(7) The operation method of the gas engine according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes an engine main body that burns a mixture of fuel gas and intake air, and an air supply passage for supplying air supply to the engine main body. First cooling that cools the compressed air supply, which is the air supply compressed by the compressor, and the turbocharger including the compressor that compresses the supply air supplied to the engine body by heat exchange with the refrigerant. A method of operating a gas engine including a device, wherein when the operation of the gas engine is started, a first adjustment step of adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to a first temperature or lower. And the second adjustment step of adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature after the initial load is applied to the gas engine. , Equipped with.

According to the method (7) above, in the first adjustment step, when the operation of the gas engine is started, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is set to a temperature lower than the second temperature. Adjust to below temperature (eg 20 ° C). Therefore, the density of the fuel gas contained in the air-fuel mixture burned in the engine body (air-fuel mixture density) is made higher than that when the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is the second temperature, so that the gas engine can be used. The initial load that can be applied can be increased (the initial load input property can be increased).
Further, according to the method (7) above, after the initial load is applied to the gas engine, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is set to a second temperature (for example, a temperature higher than the first temperature). Adjust to 35 ° C). This second temperature is, for example, a temperature set as a temperature at which the gas engine can be operated with high efficiency and no condensed water is generated when the gas engine is operated at the rated output. Therefore, the gas engine after the initial load is started to be applied can be operated in a highly efficient state, and the generation of condensed water can be prevented.

(8) The method of operating the gas engine according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a method of operating the gas engine according to the above (2), which is branched from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage to the low temperature side first refrigerant passage. A bypass passage additional step for adding a bypass passage that bypasses the first heat exchanger, a branch portion that branches from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage to the bypass passage, and the bypass passage are The gas engine is followed by a first additional step including a three-way valve additional step of adding a three-way valve to one of the merging portions merging with the low temperature side first refrigerant passage, and the first additional step. When the operation of the above is started, the first opening degree adjusting step for adjusting the opening degree of the three-way valve and the first opening degree adjusting step for adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature or lower, and After starting to apply the initial load to the gas engine, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is adjusted to a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. It includes a first refrigerant temperature adjusting step including a second opening degree adjusting step for adjusting the opening degree of the valve.

According to the method (8) above, the initial load input property of the gas engine can be increased as in the method (7) above. In addition, the gas engine after starting the initial load can be operated in a highly efficient state, and the generation of condensed water can be prevented.
Further, according to the method (8) above, the first additional step of adding a bypass passage and a three-way valve to the gas engine described in (2) above and the opening degree of the added three-way valve are set. It includes a first refrigerant temperature adjusting step that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature or the second temperature by adjusting. Therefore, for example, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler can be adjusted to the first temperature or lower or the second temperature by adding a bypass passage and a three-way valve to the existing gas engine. It has excellent retrofitting to existing gas engines, such as being possible.

(9) In the operation method of the gas engine according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and an external heat source is added to the gas engine according to the above (2). In the second heat exchanger additional step to be installed, the high temperature side first refrigerant passage and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the refrigerant heads from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage to the second heat exchanger. A step for adding a second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side to add a second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side, which connects the second heat exchanger and the first refrigerant passage on the low temperature side, and the refrigerant exchanges the second heat. A step for adding a second refrigerant passage on the low temperature side to add a second refrigerant passage on the low temperature side flowing from the vessel to the first refrigerant passage on the low temperature side, and an on-off valve adding an on-off valve to the second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side. When the operation of the gas engine is started after the second additional step including the installation step and the second additional step, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is lowered to the first temperature or less. The refrigerant supplied to the first cooler after the third opening adjustment step for adjusting the opening degree of the on-off valve and the initial load being applied to the gas engine are started so as to be adjusted to. A second refrigerant temperature adjusting step including a fourth opening degree adjusting step for adjusting the opening degree of the on-off valve so as to adjust the temperature of the first temperature to a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. ..

According to the method (9) above, the initial load input property of the gas engine can be increased as in the method (7) above. In addition, the gas engine after starting the initial load can be operated in a highly efficient state, and the generation of condensed water can be prevented.
Further, according to the method (9) above, the second heat exchanger, the second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side, the second refrigerant passage on the low temperature side, and the on-off valve are added to the gas engine described in (2) above. The second refrigerant temperature adjustment that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature or lower or the second temperature by adjusting the opening of the second additional step to be installed and the additional on-off valve. It has steps and. Therefore, for example, by adding a second heat exchanger, a second refrigerant passage on the high temperature side, a second refrigerant passage on the low temperature side, and an on-off valve to the existing gas engine, the gas engine is supplied to the first cooler. It is excellent in retrofitting to existing gas engines, such as being able to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant to the first temperature or the second temperature.

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas engine having a high initial load input property and a method of operating the gas engine.

It is a schematic block diagram of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the change of the load applied to the gas engine after the operation of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention was started. It is a figure which showed the change of the set temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the 1st cooler after starting the operation of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the process performed by the control valve controller of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the operation method of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the operation method of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the 1st additional step which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the 1st refrigerant temperature adjustment step which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the operation method of the gas engine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the 2nd addition step which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the 2nd refrigerant temperature adjustment step which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to this, but are merely explanatory examples. Absent.
For example, expressions that represent relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric" or "coaxial" are exact. Not only does it represent such an arrangement, but it also represents a state of relative displacement with tolerances or angles and distances to the extent that the same function can be obtained.
Further, for example, an expression representing a shape such as a quadrangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represents a shape such as a quadrangular shape or a cylindrical shape in a geometrically strict sense, but also includes a concavo-convex portion or a concavo-convex portion within a range in which the same effect can be obtained. The shape including the chamfered portion and the like shall also be represented.
On the other hand, the expressions "equipped", "equipped", "equipped", "included", or "have" one component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other components.

1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 are schematic configuration diagrams of a gas engine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an engine main body 2, an air supply passage 4, a turbocharger 6, a first cooler 8, and a temperature. The adjusting device 10 is provided.

The engine body 2 is configured to burn a mixture of intake air taken into the air supply passage 4 from the outside of the gas engine 1 and fuel gas. Examples of the fuel gas include natural gas and LP gas.

The air supply passage 4 is connected to such an engine body 2, and is configured to be able to supply air supply (the above-mentioned air-fuel mixture or intake air) to the engine body 2.

The turbocharger 6 is provided in the air supply passage 4, and includes a compressor 6a that compresses the supply air supplied to the engine body 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the turbocharger 6 includes a turbine 6b provided in the exhaust passage 12 of the gas engine 1 and coaxially connected to the compressor 6a. The turbocharger 6 is configured so that the compressor 6a can compress the supply air supplied to the engine body 2 by driving the turbine 6b with the exhaust gas discharged from the engine body 2.

The first cooler 8 is provided between the compressor 6a in the air supply passage 4 and the engine main body 2, and cools the compressed air supply, which is the air supply compressed by the compressor 6a, by heat exchange with the refrigerant. It is configured as follows.

The temperature adjusting device 10 is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 to a second temperature T2, which is a temperature equal to or lower than the first temperature T1 or higher than the first temperature T1.
Here, "adjusting to the first temperature T1 or less" in the present disclosure means that if the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is lower than the first temperature T1, the temperature adjusting device 10 will use such a refrigerant. It also includes not adjusting the temperature.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the temperature controller 10 includes a first heat exchanger 16 that exchanges heat between the above-mentioned refrigerant and an external heat source, and a circulation passage 18. A control valve 20 that controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 16 is included. The external heat source is, for example, the outside air outside the gas engine 1.
The circulation passage 18 connects the first cooler 8 and the first heat exchanger 16, and also includes a high-temperature side first refrigerant passage 18a in which the refrigerant flows from the first cooler 8 toward the first heat exchanger 16. , The first cooler 8 and the first heat exchanger 16 are connected, and the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b, in which the refrigerant flows from the first heat exchanger 16 toward the first cooler 8, is provided. ..

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the gas engine 1 is provided with a mixer 14 for mixing the intake air and the fuel gas at a position upstream of the compressor 6a in the air supply passage 4. Therefore, the mixer 14 generates an air-fuel mixture in which the intake air taken into the air supply passage 4 from the outside of the gas engine 1 and the fuel gas are mixed. Then, such an air-fuel mixture is compressed by the compressor 6a to generate a compressed air-fuel mixture (compressed air supply), then cooled by the first cooler 8 and supplied to the engine body 2. Further, in some embodiments, although not shown, the mixer 14 may be arranged between the compressor 6a and the first cooler 8 in the air supply passage 4.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a change in the load applied to the gas engine after the operation of the gas engine according to the embodiment of the present invention is started. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a change in the set temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler after the operation of the gas engine according to the embodiment of the present invention is started.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the gas engine 1 is maintained in an almost unloaded state from the start of operation of the gas engine 1 (operation start time t0) to the elapse of a predetermined period (start time t1). .. Then, when the start time t1 is reached, the initial load P1 is started to be applied to the gas engine 1. Then, when the elapsed time Δt maintained in a state where the fluctuation with respect to the initial load P1 is, for example, ± 1% or less elapses, the charging of the initial load P1 is completed (completion time t2). Then, after the completion time t2, the load applied to the gas engine 1 becomes even larger than the initial load P1, and finally becomes the rated load P2, which is the load when the gas engine 1 is operated at the rated output. ..
When the gas engine 1 is used for an emergency power generation set, the start time t1, the elapsed time Δt, and the initial load input rate ρ (initial load P1 / rated load P2) are, for example, 40 seconds for the start time t1. Therefore, it is preferable to specify that the initial load input rate ρ ≧ 30% so that the elapsed time Δt is 15 seconds.
Alternatively, the moment when the output of the gas engine 1 measuring the start time t1 and the completion time t2 exceeds the threshold values defined in advance for the start time t1 and the completion time t2 is the start time t1 and the completion time. It may be determined as t2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the set temperature Tα of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is set to the first temperature T1 from the operation start time t0 to the start time t1. Then, when the completion time t2 is reached, the set temperature Tα of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is set to the second temperature T2. In this way, when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started, the temperature adjusting device 10 adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 to the first temperature T1 and initially with respect to the gas engine 1. After starting the loading of the load P1, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted to the second temperature T2. Further, in some embodiments, the set temperature Tα may be set to the first temperature T1 or less.
The set temperature Tα is a target temperature when the temperature adjusting device 10 adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8.

According to the gas engine 1 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is set to be higher than the second temperature T2. The temperature is adjusted to be lower than the first temperature T1 (for example, 20 ° C.), which is a low temperature. Therefore, the density of the fuel gas contained in the air-fuel mixture burned by the engine body 2 (air-fuel mixture density) is made higher than that when the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is the second temperature T2. The initial load P1 that can be applied to the gas engine 1 can be increased (the initial load input property is increased).

According to the study by the present inventor, for example, when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted to 20 ° C., and the conventional gas engine 1 is turned on. An initial load P1 that is about 5% to 10% larger than a possible initial load can be applied, and a gas engine 1 having a good initial load input property can be provided.

Further, according to the gas engine 1 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature adjusting device 10 is supplied to the first cooler 8 after the initial load P1 is applied to the gas engine 1. The temperature of the refrigerant is adjusted to a second temperature T2 (for example, 35 ° C.), which is a temperature higher than the first temperature T1. The second temperature T2 is, for example, a temperature set as a temperature at which the gas engine 1 can be operated with high efficiency and no condensed water is generated when the gas engine 1 is operated at the rated output. is there. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of condensed water while operating the gas engine 1 in a highly efficient state.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 described above, the temperature regulator 10 includes a first heat exchanger 16, a high temperature side first refrigerant passage 18a and a low temperature side first refrigerant passage. A circulation passage 18 including 18b and a control valve 20 are included.

According to such a configuration, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 can be adjusted by the control valve 20 that controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 16. In this way, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 can be adjusted to the first temperature T1 or less or the second temperature T2 with a simple configuration.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the temperature regulator 10 is a first heat exchanger that branches off from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage 18a and joins the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b. It further includes a bypass passage 22 that bypasses 16. The control valve 20 is provided at either a branch portion 22a that branches from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage 18a to the bypass passage 22 and a merging portion 22b where the bypass passage 22 merges with the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b. Includes a three-way valve 20a (20). In the illustrated embodiment, the confluence portion 22b is provided with a three-way valve 20a. By adjusting the opening degree of the three-way valve 20a, the temperature adjusting device 10 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the first cooler 8 and flowing toward the first heat exchanger 16. There is.

According to such a configuration, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted by the bypass passage 22 and the three-way valve 20a provided in either the branch portion 22a or the merging portion 22b of the bypass passage 22. Can be adjusted. In this way, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 can be adjusted to the first temperature T1 or less or the second temperature T2 by a simple configuration including the bypass passage 22 and the three-way valve 20a.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the temperature regulator 10 has a second heat exchanger 24 configured to exchange heat between the above-mentioned refrigerant and an external heat source, and a second heat exchanger on the high temperature side. The 1st refrigerant passage 18a and the 2nd heat exchanger 24 are connected, and the refrigerant passing through the 1st cooler 8 flows from the 1st refrigerant passage 18a on the high temperature side toward the 2nd heat exchanger 24. The passage 26, the second heat exchanger 24, and the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b are connected, and the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger 24 moves from the second heat exchanger 24 to the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b. Further includes a second refrigerant passage 28 on the low temperature side flowing toward. The control valve 20 includes an on-off valve 20b (20) provided in the second refrigerant passage 26 on the high temperature side.
The second heat exchanger 24 is a heat exchanger provided separately from the first heat exchanger 16.

According to such a configuration, the second heat exchanger 24, the high temperature side second refrigerant passage 26, the low temperature side second refrigerant passage 28, and the on-off valve 20b provided in the high temperature side second refrigerant passage 26 The temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 can be adjusted. As described above, the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 by a simple configuration including the second heat exchanger 24, the high temperature side second refrigerant passage 26, the low temperature side second refrigerant passage 28, and the on-off valve 20b. The temperature can be adjusted to the first temperature T1 or less or the second temperature T2.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the temperature regulator 10 comprises a temperature measuring means 30 for measuring the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 and a temperature measuring means. A control valve controller 100 that controls the opening degree of the control valve 20 based on the temperature of the refrigerant measured by 30 is included.

Such a temperature measuring means 30 is, for example, a temperature sensor. When this temperature sensor is used for the gas engine 1 provided with the bypass passage 22 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the temperature sensor is on the downstream side of the confluence 22b and is on the downstream side of the confluence portion 22b, and the first cooler 8 is used. It is arranged at a position where the temperature of the refrigerant flowing toward can be acquired. Further, when it is used for the gas engine 1 provided with the low temperature side second refrigerant passage 28 as shown in FIG. 2, it is on the downstream side of the low temperature side second refrigerant passage 28 and is on the downstream side of the low temperature side second refrigerant passage 28. It is arranged at a position where the temperature of the refrigerant flowing toward the can be acquired.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process performed by the control valve controller of the gas engine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control valve controller 100 adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 to the first temperature T1 when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started. Control valve 20 so as to control the opening degree of the gas engine 1 and adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 to the second temperature T2 after starting to input the initial load P1 to the gas engine 1. It is configured to control the opening degree of.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control valve controller 100 is acquired by an ECU (not shown) of the gas engine 1 in addition to the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 acquired by the temperature measuring means 30 (temperature sensor). The operation start timing for starting the operation of the gas engine 1 and the charging completion timing for completing the charging of the initial load P1 to the gas engine 1 are acquired. Then, the control valve controller 100 generates an opening command for controlling the opening degree of the control valve 20 based on the acquired temperature of the refrigerant, the operation start timing, and the charging completion timing, and the opening degree of the control valve 20 is changed. It is configured to send commands.

According to such a configuration, the operation start timing and the initial stage of the gas engine 1 are further provided by further providing the control valve controller 100 that controls the opening degree of the control valve 20 based on the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the temperature measuring means 30. The temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 can be automatically adjusted to the first temperature T1 or less or the second temperature T2 according to the charging completion timing of the load P1.

Further, in some embodiments, the control valve controller 100 is the first when the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is higher than the first temperature T1 when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started. The opening degree of the control valve 20 is controlled (fully opened) so that the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 16 is maximized.

When the initial load of the gas engine 1 is applied, the lower the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8, the higher the density of the fuel gas contained in the air-fuel mixture (air-fuel mixture density). Therefore, the initial load of the gas engine 1 It is possible to increase the input property. According to such a configuration, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted so as to be immediately below the first temperature T1 immediately after the operation of the gas engine 1 is started. Therefore, at the start time t1 when the initial load P1 is applied, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the first temperature T1, so that the initial load input property is high. The gas engine 1 can be operated with.

Further, in some embodiments, the control valve controller 100 determines the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 between the start of operation of the gas engine 1 and the application of the initial load P1. The opening degree of the control valve 20 may be controlled so that the refrigerant does not flow into the first heat exchanger 16 as long as the temperature is maintained at the first temperature T1 or lower.

If the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is maintained at the first temperature T1 or less between the start of the operation of the gas engine 1 and the application of the initial load P1, There is no need to cool the refrigerant. According to such a configuration, in the above-mentioned case, since the refrigerant is not cooled by the first heat exchanger 16, the energy efficiency of the entire gas engine 1 can be improved.

Further, in some embodiments, the control valve controller 100 is the first when the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1 when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started. 1 The opening degree of the control valve 20 may be controlled so as to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 8 to the first temperature T1.

When the charging of the initial load P1 is completed, it is preferable to quickly adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 to the second temperature T2 described above. According to such a configuration, when the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 starts the operation of the gas engine 1, the initial load P1 is started even if the temperature is equal to or lower than the first temperature T1. The start time t1 is adjusted to the first temperature T1. Therefore, when the charging of the initial load P1 is completed, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 can be quickly adjusted to the second temperature T2.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas engine 1 is provided between the compressor 6a and the first cooler 8 in the air supply passage 4 and the air is compressed by the compressor 6a. A second cooler 32 that cools the compressed air supply by heat exchange with the refrigerant is further provided.

The temperature of the supply air compressed by the compressor 6a is as high as 100 ° C. or higher, while the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are about 20 ° C. to 40 ° C. Therefore, according to such a configuration, the compressed air supplied by the compressor 6a is generated by providing the second cooler 32 between the compressor 6a and the first cooler 8 in the air supply passage 4. Since it is cooled by the first cooler 8 after being cooled by the second cooler 32, the capacity of the first cooler 8 can be reduced.

Further, according to such a configuration, the energy efficiency of the entire gas engine can be improved by effectively utilizing the heat energy recovered by the second cooler 32. For example, if the temperature of the refrigerant that has passed through the second cooler 32 is about 90 degrees, such a refrigerant can be used as a refrigerant for cooling the engine body 2 (water jacket).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a gas engine operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the operation method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first adjustment step S1 and a second adjustment step S2.

In the first adjustment step S1, when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted to the first temperature T1 or less.
In the second adjustment step S2, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted to the second temperature T2 after the initial load P1 is applied to the gas engine 1.

According to the operation method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the first adjustment step S1, when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started, the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is charged. The temperature is adjusted to be lower than the first temperature T1 (for example, 20 ° C.), which is lower than the second temperature T2. Therefore, the density of the fuel gas contained in the air-fuel mixture burned by the engine body 2 (air-fuel mixture density) is made higher than that when the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is the second temperature T2. The initial load P1 that can be applied to the gas engine 1 can be increased (the initial load input property is increased).

Further, according to the operation method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 after the initial load P1 is applied to the gas engine 1 is adjusted. The temperature is adjusted to a second temperature T2 (for example, 35 ° C.), which is a temperature higher than the first temperature T1. As described above, the second temperature T2 is set as a temperature at which, for example, when the gas engine 1 is operated at the rated output, the gas engine 1 can be operated with high efficiency and no condensed water is generated. Temperature. Therefore, the gas engine 1 after the initial load P1 is started to be charged can be operated in a highly efficient state, and the generation of condensed water can be prevented.

In some embodiments, a method of operating the gas engine 1 including a first heat exchanger 16, a circulation passage 18, and a control valve 20, wherein the first adjustment step S1 is supplied to the first cooler 8. It includes a first opening degree control step that controls the opening degree of the control valve 20 so as to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant to the first temperature T1 or less. Further, the second adjustment step S2 includes a second opening degree control step that controls the opening degree of the control valve 20 so as to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 to the second temperature T2.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a gas engine operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the first additional step according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the first refrigerant temperature adjusting step according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the operation method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is for the gas engine 1 configured to include the first heat exchanger 16, the circulation passage 18, and the control valve 20. , The first additional step S3 and the first refrigerant temperature adjusting step S4 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the first additional step S3 includes a bypass passage additional step S31 and a three-way valve additional step S32.
In the bypass passage addition step S31, a bypass passage 22 that branches from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage 18a and joins the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b and bypasses the first heat exchanger 16 is added.
In the three-way valve additional step S32, the branch portion 22a branching from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage 18a to the bypass passage 22 and the merging portion 22b where the bypass passage 22 joins the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b are three-way. A valve 20a is additionally installed.
Note that FIG. 8A shows only an example of the order in which the bypass passage additional step S31 and the three-way valve additional step S32 are performed, and the present invention is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the first refrigerant temperature adjusting step S4 includes a first opening degree adjusting step S41 and a second opening degree adjusting step S42.
In the first opening degree adjusting step S41, when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started after the first additional step S3, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted to the first temperature T1 or less. As described above, the opening degree of the three-way valve 20a is adjusted.
In the second opening degree adjusting step S42, the three-way valve adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 to the second temperature T2 after the initial load P1 is started to be applied to the gas engine 1. Adjust the opening degree of 20a.

According to the operating method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the initial load input property of the gas engine 1 is increased as in the operating method of the gas engine 1 illustrated and described with reference to FIG. be able to. Further, the gas engine 1 after the initial load P1 is started to be charged can be operated in a highly efficient state, and the generation of condensed water can be prevented.

Further, according to the operation method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the gas engine 1 is configured to include the first heat exchanger 16, the circulation passage 18, and the control valve 20. The temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is set to the first temperature by adjusting the opening degree of the first additional step S3 for adding the bypass passage 22 and the three-way valve 20a and the added three-way valve 20a. A first refrigerant temperature adjusting step S4 for adjusting to T1 or less or a second temperature T2 is provided. Therefore, for example, by adding a bypass passage 22 and a three-way valve 20a to the existing gas engine 1, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is set to the first temperature T1 or less, or the second. It is excellent in retrofitting to the existing gas engine 1, such as being able to adjust to the temperature T2.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a gas engine operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the second additional step according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the second refrigerant temperature adjusting step according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the operation method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is for the gas engine 1 configured to include the first heat exchanger 16, the circulation passage 18, and the control valve 20. , A second additional step S5 and a second refrigerant temperature adjusting step S6 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the second additional step S5 includes a second heat exchanger additional step S51, a high temperature side second refrigerant passage additional step S52, a low temperature side second refrigerant passage additional step S53, and an on-off valve. The additional step S54 is included.
In the second heat exchanger addition step S51, the second heat exchanger 24 for heat exchange between the refrigerant and the external heat source is additionally installed.
In the high temperature side second refrigerant passage additional step S52, the high temperature side first refrigerant passage 18a and the second heat exchanger 24 are connected, and the refrigerant moves from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage 18a to the second heat exchanger 24. A second refrigerant passage 26 on the high temperature side is additionally installed.
In the low temperature side second refrigerant passage additional step S53, the second heat exchanger 24 and the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b are connected, and the refrigerant goes from the second heat exchanger 24 to the low temperature side first refrigerant passage 18b. A second refrigerant passage 28 on the low temperature side is additionally installed.
In the on-off valve addition step S54, the on-off valve 20b is additionally attached to the second refrigerant passage 26 on the high temperature side.
In FIG. 10A, the order in which the second heat exchanger additional step S51, the high temperature side second refrigerant passage additional step S52, the low temperature side second refrigerant passage additional step S53, and the on-off valve additional step S54 are performed is performed. Only one example is shown, and the present invention is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the second refrigerant temperature adjusting step S6 includes a third opening degree adjusting step S61 and a fourth opening degree adjusting step S62.
In the third opening degree adjusting step S61, when the operation of the gas engine 1 is started, the opening degree of the on-off valve 20b is adjusted so that the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted to the first temperature T1 or less. To adjust.
In the fourth opening degree adjusting step S62, the on-off valve is adjusted so that the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 is adjusted to the second temperature T2 after the initial load P1 is started to be applied to the gas engine 1. Adjust the opening degree of 20b.

According to the operating method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the initial load input property of the gas engine 1 is increased as in the operating method of the gas engine 1 illustrated and described with reference to FIG. be able to. Further, the gas engine 1 after the initial load P1 is started to be charged can be operated in a highly efficient state, and the generation of condensed water can be prevented.

Further, according to the operation method of the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the gas engine 1 is configured to include the first heat exchanger 16, the circulation passage 18, and the control valve 20. , The second additional step S5 for adding the second heat exchanger 24, the second refrigerant passage 26 on the high temperature side, the second refrigerant passage 28 on the low temperature side, and the on-off valve 20b, and the opening degree of the added on-off valve 20b. A second refrigerant temperature adjusting step S6 for adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler 8 to the first temperature T1 or lower or the second temperature T2 by adjusting is provided. Therefore, for example, by adding a second heat exchanger 24, a second refrigerant passage 26 on the high temperature side, a second refrigerant passage 28 on the low temperature side, and an on-off valve 20b to the existing gas engine 1, the first The temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 8 can be adjusted to the first temperature T1 or less or the second temperature T2, and is excellent in retrofitting to the existing gas engine 1.

Although the operation method of the gas engine 1 and the gas engine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various types within the range not deviating from the object of the present invention. Can be changed.

1 Gas engine 2 Engine body 4 Air supply passage 6 Turbocharger 6a Compressor 6b Turbine 8 1st cooler 10 Temperature regulator 12 Exhaust passage 14 Mixer 16 1st heat exchanger 18 Circulation passage 18a High temperature side 1st refrigerant passage 18b Low temperature Side 1st Refrigerant Passage 20 Control Valve 20a Three-way Valve 20b Open / Close Valve 22 Bypass Passage 22a Branch 22b Confluence 24 Second Heat Exchanger 26 High Temperature Side Second Refrigerant Passage 28 Low Temperature Side Second Refrigerant Passage 30 Temperature Measuring Means 32 Cooler 100 Control valve controller P1 Initial load P2 Rated load S1 First adjustment step S2 Second adjustment step S3 First additional step S4 First refrigerant temperature adjustment step S5 Second additional step S6 Second refrigerant temperature adjustment step S31 Bypass Passage addition step S32 Three-way valve addition step S41 First opening adjustment step S42 Second opening adjustment step S51 Second heat exchanger addition step S52 High temperature side second refrigerant passage Addition step S53 Low temperature side second refrigerant passage Addition step S54 Addition step S61 Third opening adjustment step S62 Fourth opening adjustment step Tα Set temperature T1 First temperature T2 Second temperature t0 Operation start time t1 Start time t2 Completion time

Claims (9)

The engine body that burns the mixture of fuel gas and intake air,
An air supply passage for supplying air to the engine body and
A turbocharger including a compressor that compresses the air supply supplied to the engine body, and
A first cooler that cools the compressed air supply compressed by the compressor by heat exchange with the refrigerant.
A gas engine including a temperature adjusting device capable of adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to a first temperature or a second temperature which is a temperature higher than the first temperature. ,
The temperature controller
When the operation of the gas engine is started, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is adjusted to be equal to or lower than the first temperature, and at the same time.
A gas engine configured to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the second temperature after starting to apply an initial load to the gas engine. The temperature controller
A first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and an external heat source,
A high-temperature side first refrigerant passage through which the first cooler and the first heat exchanger are connected and the refrigerant flows from the first cooler toward the first heat exchanger, and the first cooling. A circulation passage that connects the device and the first heat exchanger and includes a low temperature side first refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant flows from the first heat exchanger toward the first cooler.
The gas engine according to claim 1, further comprising a control valve for controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger. The temperature regulator further includes a bypass passage that bypasses the first heat exchanger, branching from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage and joining the low temperature side first refrigerant passage.
The control valve includes a three-way valve provided at either a branch portion that branches from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage to the bypass passage and a confluence portion where the bypass passage joins the low temperature side first refrigerant passage. The gas engine according to claim 2. The temperature controller
A second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and an external heat source,
A high temperature side second refrigerant passage that connects the high temperature side first refrigerant passage and the second heat exchanger, and the refrigerant flows from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage toward the second heat exchanger.
A low-temperature side second refrigerant passage that connects the second heat exchanger and the low-temperature side first refrigerant passage, and the refrigerant flows from the second heat exchanger toward the low-temperature side first refrigerant passage. The gas engine according to claim 2, wherein the control valve further includes an on-off valve provided in the high temperature side second refrigerant passage. The temperature controller
A temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler, and
A control valve controller that controls the opening degree of the control valve based on the temperature of the refrigerant measured by the temperature measuring means is included.
The control valve controller controls the opening degree of the control valve so as to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature or lower when the operation of the gas engine is started. And at the same time
The opening degree of the control valve is controlled so as to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the second temperature after the initial load is applied to the gas engine. The gas engine according to any one of claims 2 to 4. A second cooler provided between the compressor and the first cooler in the air supply passage and cooling the compressed air supply, which is the air supplied by the compressor, by heat exchange with the refrigerant. The gas engine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising. The engine body that burns the mixture of fuel gas and intake air,
An air supply passage for supplying air to the engine body and
A turbocharger including a compressor that compresses the supply air supplied to the engine body, and
A method of operating a gas engine including a first cooler that cools the compressed air supply compressed by the compressor by heat exchange with a refrigerant.
When the operation of the gas engine is started, the first adjustment step of adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature or lower, and
After applying the initial load to the gas engine, a second adjusting step of adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. How to operate the gas engine to be equipped. For the gas engine according to claim 2.
A bypass passage addition step for branching from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage and joining the low temperature side first refrigerant passage and adding a bypass passage for bypassing the first heat exchanger, and
A three-way valve additional step in which a three-way valve is added to either a branch portion that branches from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage to the bypass passage or a merging portion where the bypass passage joins the low temperature side first refrigerant passage. The first additional step, including,
After the first additional step
When the operation of the gas engine is started, the first opening degree adjusting step for adjusting the opening degree of the three-way valve so as to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature or lower. And, after starting to apply the initial load to the gas engine, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is adjusted to a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. , A method of operating a gas engine including a first refrigerant temperature adjusting step including a second opening degree adjusting step for adjusting the opening degree of the three-way valve. For the gas engine according to claim 2.
A second heat exchanger additional step of adding a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and an external heat source.
The high temperature side first refrigerant passage and the second heat exchanger are connected, and a high temperature side second refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant flows from the high temperature side first refrigerant passage toward the second heat exchanger is additionally provided. High temperature side second refrigerant passage additional step,
The second heat exchanger is connected to the low temperature side first refrigerant passage, and a low temperature side second refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant flows from the second heat exchanger toward the low temperature side first refrigerant passage is added. Second refrigerant passage additional step on the low temperature side,
A second additional step including an on-off valve additional step of adding an on-off valve to the high-temperature side second refrigerant passage, and
After the second add-on step
When the operation of the gas engine is started, a third opening degree adjusting step for adjusting the opening degree of the on-off valve so as to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler to the first temperature or lower. And, after starting to apply the initial load to the gas engine, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first cooler is adjusted to a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. A method for operating a gas engine, comprising: a second refrigerant temperature adjusting step including a fourth opening degree adjusting step for adjusting the opening degree of the on-off valve.

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