WO2024251490A1 - Cycle gas refrigerator and liquefaction facility - Google Patents

Cycle gas refrigerator and liquefaction facility Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024251490A1
WO2024251490A1 PCT/EP2024/063572 EP2024063572W WO2024251490A1 WO 2024251490 A1 WO2024251490 A1 WO 2024251490A1 EP 2024063572 W EP2024063572 W EP 2024063572W WO 2024251490 A1 WO2024251490 A1 WO 2024251490A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
compressors
cycle
compressor
turbine
parallel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2024/063572
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pierre BARJHOUX
Florian Martin
Mathieu Roig
Franck Delcayre
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Priority to EP24727692.6A priority Critical patent/EP4724753A1/en
Priority to AU2024285178A priority patent/AU2024285178A1/en
Publication of WO2024251490A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024251490A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0005—Light or noble gases
    • F25J1/001—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
    • F01D15/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of engines with devices driven thereby
    • F01D15/005—Adaptations for refrigeration plants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D17/00—Radial-flow pumps, e.g. centrifugal pumps; Helico-centrifugal pumps
    • F04D17/08—Centrifugal pumps
    • F04D17/10—Centrifugal pumps for compressing or evacuating
    • F04D17/12—Multi-stage pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/04—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being fluid-driven
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/16—Combinations of two or more pumps ; Producing two or more separate gas flows
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/02—Surge control
    • F04D27/0269—Surge control by changing flow path between different stages or between a plurality of compressors; load distribution between compressors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B1/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle
    • F25B1/04—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle with compressor of rotary type
    • F25B1/053—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle with compressor of rotary type of turbine type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B11/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, using turbines, e.g. gas turbines
    • F25B11/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, using turbines, e.g. gas turbines as expanders
    • F25B11/04—Compression machines, plants or systems, using turbines, e.g. gas turbines as expanders centrifugal type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B40/00—Subcoolers, desuperheaters or superheaters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
    • F25B41/30—Expansion means; Dispositions thereof
    • F25B41/39—Dispositions with two or more expansion means arranged in series, i.e. multi-stage expansion, on a refrigerant line leading to the same evaporator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
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    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
    • F25B49/022—Compressor control arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B9/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point
    • F25B9/002—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point characterised by the refrigerant
    • F25B9/006—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point characterised by the refrigerant the refrigerant containing more than one component
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B9/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point
    • F25B9/06—Compression machines, plants or systems, in which the refrigerant is air or other gas of low boiling point using expanders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0047—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/005—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by expansion of a gaseous refrigerant stream with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/0062—Light or noble gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0065—Helium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
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    • F25J1/0067—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/007—Primary atmospheric gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0072—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F25J1/0284—Electrical motor as the prime mechanical driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F25J1/0288—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings using work extraction by mechanical coupling of compression and expansion of the refrigerant, so-called companders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
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    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
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    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F05D2260/20—Heat transfer, e.g. cooling
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    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
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    • F05D2260/20—Heat transfer, e.g. cooling
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
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    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—Component parts or details not otherwise provided for in this subclass
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    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—Component parts or details not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • F25B2400/07—Details of compressors or related parts
    • F25B2400/075—Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—Component parts or details not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • F25B2400/14—Power generation using energy from the expansion of the refrigerant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/25—Control of valves
    • F25B2600/2501—Bypass valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/13—Mass flow of refrigerants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/17—Speeds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2230/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure of gaseous process streams
    • F25J2230/20—Integrated compressor and process expander; Gear box arrangement; Multiple compressors on a common shaft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2240/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for expanding of process streams
    • F25J2240/40—Expansion without extracting work, i.e. isenthalpic throttling, e.g. JT valve, regulating valve or venturi, or isentropic nozzle, e.g. Laval
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/14—External refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop
    • F25J2270/16—External refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop with mutliple gas expansion loops of the same refrigerant

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cycle gas refrigerator and a liquefaction plant.
  • Turbo compressors can be placed upstream or downstream of a cycle compressor depending on the process conditions. This arrangement is most commonly found in cycles. Indeed, this arrangement is the simplest for process control because each compressor is independent of each other. This series configuration is made possible by operating conditions favorable to good compression efficiency and adequate working fluids.
  • turbo-compressor function involves matching the parameters of the expanded fluid to the compressed fluid so that both functions are performed with maximum efficiency.
  • Turbo-compressors must also be able to operate on all the configurations encountered by the refrigerator/liquefier.
  • the operating parameters of the turbo-compressor can constrain the possible turbine arrangements, making the process less efficient or more complex.
  • An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.
  • the refrigerator according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises at least one motor for driving at least one of the rotating shafts carrying a turbine and a compressor and in that at least the two compressors in parallel coupled to a turbine are each associated with a respective member for measuring the flow rate passing through the compressor concerned and with a respective member for regulating the flow rate admitted into the compressor, for example one or more movable steering members upstream or downstream such as an "IGV", the at least two turbines coupled to the compressors each comprising a respective sensor for measuring the rotation speed of the turbine and a respective system for controlling the rotation speed of the turbine, the refrigerator comprising an electronic control and command member comprising a microprocessor and configured to receive measurements from the flow rate measuring members and the speed measuring sensors and to control the flow rate regulating members.
  • the refrigerator comprising an electronic control and command member comprising a microprocessor and configured to receive measurements from the flow rate measuring members and the speed measuring sensors and to control the flow rate regulating members.
  • the refrigerator uses at least one motor-turbo-compressor (instead of the turbo-compressor previously described) in order to operate this active control between compressors coupled in parallel via an adjustment of the electrical powers injected into the motor.
  • This control could be carried out by a frequency variator of rotation of the said electric motor(s).
  • Providing at least one motor makes it possible to control the rotation speed of the corresponding wheels (compressor and turbine) and to stabilize the operation of the coupled compressor and turbine assembly(s), especially if several are installed in parallel. Indeed, in the case of a parallel arrangement, the slightest disturbance can destabilize the assembly and make the operation non-optimal. This can even lead to operating one of the compressors in an unsafe operating zone such as the pumping zone. This disadvantage is eliminated or reduced thanks to the motor(s). This also makes it possible to optimize the operating point of the machines (compressors/turbines).
  • the invention also relates to a plant for liquefying a feed gas stream comprising a feed line configured to be connected to a source of feed gas to be liquefied, for example hydrogen, a set of heat exchangers in heat exchange with the feed gas stream carried by the feed line, the plant comprising a refrigerator in heat exchange with the set of heat exchangers and configured to cool the feed gas stream, the refrigerator conforms to any one of the characteristics above or below.
  • the invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the features above or below within the scope of the claims.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic and partial view of an example of structure and operation of a liquefaction installation comprising an example refrigerator according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic and partial view illustrating an example of operation of an electronic control and command device of the refrigerator.
  • the illustrated cycle gas refrigerator 2 comprising a cycle circuit 3 containing a cycle gas comprising at least one of: nitrogen, helium, hydrogen.
  • the cycle circuit 3 is configured to subject the cycle fluid to a thermodynamic cycle to bring the cycle fluid to a determined cryogenic temperature at at least one end of the cycle circuit 3. As illustrated in , this cold power produced can be used to cool a feed gas stream 18 such as hydrogen for example via a set of heat exchangers 19.
  • the feed gas stream can be supplied to a first end of a feed line 18 by a source 19.
  • a second end of the feed line can be connected to a storage for recovering the cooled (liquefied) feed gas.
  • the cold power produced can be used to liquefy the cycle gas itself which can be recovered.
  • the cycle circuit 3 comprises, preferably arranged in series in the cycle circuit 3, a cycle fluid compression mechanism 4, a cycle fluid cooling system 5, 6, 7, 8, a cycle fluid expansion mechanism 10 and a cycle fluid heating system.
  • the cycle fluid expansion mechanism 10 comprises at least two turbines 10 mounted in rotation on respective rotating shafts 11, preferably arranged in series in the cycle circuit 3.
  • the compression mechanism comprises at least three rotary compressors 4 arranged in parallel in the cycle circuit 3 and mounted respectively on three rotating shafts. At least two of the rotating shafts of the compressors 4 are coupled respectively to the turbines 10 to recover the expansion work of the cycle fluid for the compression of the cycle fluid.
  • the cooling system and the cycle gas reheating system may comprise one or more heat exchangers, in particular one or more counter-current heat exchangers ensuring a heat exchange between relatively cold and hot flows of the cycle.
  • the refrigerator 2 comprises at least one motor 12 for driving at least one of the rotating shafts 11 carrying a turbine 10 and a compressor 4. That is to say that at least one of the compressor pairs coupled to a turbine (turbo-compressor) is a motor-turbo-compressor.
  • At least the two compressors 4 in parallel coupled to a turbine 11 are each associated with a respective member 9 for measuring the flow rate passing through the compressor 4 concerned (for example a flow meter) and with a respective member 14 for regulating the flow rate admitted into the compressor 4.
  • the respective flow regulation member 14 admitted into the compressor 4 is for example one or more movable guide members arranged upstream and/or downstream such as an “IGV” (Inlet Guide Vane).
  • the respective flow regulation member 14 admitted into the compressor 4 may be a bypass (controlled diversion of the flow supplying the compressor or compression stage concerned).
  • the turbines 10 coupled to the compressors 4 each preferably comprise a respective sensor 17 for measuring the rotation speed of the turbine 10 and a respective system 15, 16 for controlling the rotation speed of the turbine 10.
  • the refrigerator 1 comprising an electronic control and command member 20 comprising a microprocessor and configured to receive measurements from the flow rate measuring members 9 and the speed measuring sensors 17 and to control the flow rate regulating members 14, 16 and/or motor(s) 12. Cf. .
  • Flow control may be achieved using an external actuator, for example an "IGV” arranged upstream of the compressor, an “IGV” arranged downstream of the compressor, a controlled vane diffuser, a compressor bypass line and valve 4.
  • an external actuator for example an "IGV” arranged upstream of the compressor, an “IGV” arranged downstream of the compressor, a controlled vane diffuser, a compressor bypass line and valve 4.
  • An admitted flow regulation member 14 may be common to several of the compressors in parallel.
  • the system 15, 16 for controlling the rotation speed of the turbine 10 may comprise, for example: an “IGV” which may be variable at the input and/or a throttling valve and/or a turbine bypass valve.
  • This speed control system may regulate a rotation speed which is preferably the same target for each machine.
  • the use of at least one motor to drive a compressor coupled to a turbine of the parallel sets makes it possible to control the rotation speed of the compressor(s)/turbine(s) set, whatever the operating conditions around the turbine and the compressor.
  • the power of the motor can be adapted according to the power of the turbine and that required by the compressor. This makes it possible to stabilize the operation of the rotating machines (compressors/turbines). This is particularly interesting compared to an arrangement of turbo-compressors in parallel (without motors), which can quickly be destabilized.
  • the proposed arrangement also makes it possible to adjust the rotation speed so as to optimize the operation of the machines.
  • the motor(s) make it possible to increase the power of the compressor concerned with respect to that of the associated turbine. This provides better operation (depending on the cycle configuration).
  • the gas flow rate through each turbine can be determined by its distributor geometry, unless a control system (such as an IGV/expansion valve upstream of the equipment for example) can adjust it to some extent.
  • a control system such as an IGV/expansion valve upstream of the equipment for example
  • the total cycle flow rate can be determined by the turbine flow rate (with possibly also a possible flow rate sent to a cold end of the cycle). This total flow rate is compressed in the compression mechanism.
  • the distribution of this total flow rate between compressors in parallel can be achieved either passively (typically via a very similar hydraulic circuit) or "actively" (for example via an IGV, throttle valve, etc.). In the end, the entire cycle gas flow rate is compressed.
  • the fluid circuit leading to each compressor is configured to have the same characteristics in terms of pressure loss in particular (reproduction of obstacles for the gas: same number of bends/developed lengths of pipes, etc.).
  • This configuration is particularly advantageous or efficient when the compressor/turbine speeds and compressor mechanical powers are identical for each compressor.
  • the mechanical power of the compressor which is for example either:
  • the cycle circuit comprises three drive motors 12 configured to drive respectively three rotating shafts 11 of three rotating compressors 4 arranged in parallel in the cycle circuit 3.
  • the three compressors 4 in parallel are coupled respectively to three turbines 11.
  • this configuration is not limiting.
  • any other configuration for example: more than two compressors, turbines in series and/or in parallel (the architecture being adapted to balance the powers of the turbines on each of the shafts which connect them to the compressors).
  • at least one wheel compressor/turbine
  • the number of motors driving the compressors is preferably greater than two.
  • the 4 compressors arranged in parallel have identical pressure differentials (between their inlet and outlet). However, the flow rates within these 4 compressors in parallel can fluctuate and be different. This can generate problems and instabilities when the 4 compressors in parallel are identical.
  • the control described above makes it possible to correct this problem.
  • the control also makes it possible to regulate the rotation speed of the turbines 10 coupled to a determined operating point, in particular the optimum operating point of the turbine, i.e. at its maximum efficiency.
  • the electronic control and command unit 20 can be configured to additionally control the speeds of the motor(s) 12 of the motor-turbo-compressors in parallel, for example via a frequency variator (electric motor). This motor speed makes it possible to set the optimum operating point of the turbines and compressors.
  • a frequency variator electric motor
  • the electronic control and command unit 20 can be configured to apply an identical rotation speed instruction for the turbines 10 coupled to the compressors 4.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a cryogenic refrigerator (2) with a cycle circuit comprising a compression mechanism having at least three rotary compressors (4) arranged in parallel and mounted, respectively, on three rotary shafts, at least two of the rotary shafts being coupled respectively to turbines (10), at least one motor (12) for driving at least one of the rotary shafts (11), at least the two compressors (4) in parallel coupled to a turbine (10) are each associated with a respective member (9) for measuring the flow rate passing through the compressor (4) in question and with a respective member (14) for regulating the flow rate admitted into the compressor (4), the coupled turbines (10) each comprising a respective sensor (17) for measuring the speed of rotation of the turbine (10) and a respective system (15, 16) for controlling the speed of rotation of the turbine (10), the refrigerator (1) comprising a control member (20) comprising a microprocessor and configured to receive measurements from the flow measurement members (9) and from the sensors (17) for measuring the speed and controlling the flow control members (14).

Description

Réfrigérateur à gaz de cycle et installation de liquéfaction.Cycle gas refrigerator and liquefaction plant.

L’invention concerne un réfrigérateur à gaz de cycle ainsi qu’une installation de liquéfaction.The invention relates to a cycle gas refrigerator and a liquefaction plant.

L’invention concerne plus particulièrement un réfrigérateur à gaz de cycle, comprenant un circuit de cycle contenant un gaz de cycle comprenant au moins l’un parmi : de l’azote, de l’hélium, de l’hydrogène, le circuit de cycle étant configuré pour soumettre le fluide de cycle à un cycle thermodynamique pour amener le fluide de cycle à une température cryogénique déterminée à au moins une extrémité du circuit de cycle, le circuit de cycle comprenant un mécanisme de compression du fluide de cycle, un mécanisme de refroidissement du fluide de cycle, un mécanisme de détente du fluide de cycle, dans lequel le mécanisme de détente du fluide de cycle comprend au moins deux turbines montées en rotation sur des arbres tournants respectifs, le mécanisme de compression comprenant au moins trois compresseurs rotatifs disposés en parallèle dans le circuit de cycle et montés respectivement sur trois arbres tournants, au moins deux des arbres tournants étant accouplés respectivement, aux turbines pour récupérer du travail de détente du fluide de cycle pour la compression du fluide de cycle.The invention more particularly relates to a cycle gas refrigerator, comprising a cycle circuit containing a cycle gas comprising at least one of: nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, the cycle circuit being configured to subject the cycle fluid to a thermodynamic cycle to bring the cycle fluid to a determined cryogenic temperature at at least one end of the cycle circuit, the cycle circuit comprising a cycle fluid compression mechanism, a cycle fluid cooling mechanism, a cycle fluid expansion mechanism, in which the cycle fluid expansion mechanism comprises at least two turbines rotatably mounted on respective rotating shafts, the compression mechanism comprising at least three rotary compressors arranged in parallel in the cycle circuit and respectively mounted on three rotating shafts, at least two of the rotating shafts being respectively coupled to the turbines to recover cycle fluid expansion work for compressing the cycle fluid.

Un aspect important dans les réfrigérateurs/liquéfacteurs à hydrogène et/ou hélium est de minimiser la consommation d’énergie. Un des moyens pour réduire cette consommation est de récupérer de l’énergie de détente du gaz de cycle pour la compression de ce gaz de cycle via une machine appelée « turbo-booster » (c’est-à-dire « turbo-compresseur », c’est-à-dire accouplement d’une turbine et d’un compresseur). Cf. par exemple US2015168057A ou WO2009130466A. Les turbo-compresseurs permettent à la fois de diminuer la consommation d’énergie électrique apportée au cycle et de diminuer la taille du compresseur de cycle. An important aspect in hydrogen and/or helium refrigerators/liquefiers is to minimize energy consumption. One way to reduce this consumption is to recover energy from the expansion of the cycle gas for the compression of this cycle gas via a machine called a "turbo-booster" (i.e. "turbo-compressor", i.e. coupling of a turbine and a compressor). See for example US2015168057A or WO2009130466A. Turbo-compressors make it possible both to reduce the consumption of electrical energy supplied to the cycle and to reduce the size of the cycle compressor.

Les turbo-compresseurs peuvent être mis en amont ou en aval d’un compresseur de cycle en fonction des conditions du procédé. Cet arrangement se retrouve le plus fréquemment dans les cycles. En effet, cet arrangement est le plus simple pour le contrôle du procédé car chaque compresseur est indépendant les uns des autres. Cette configuration en série est rendue possible par des conditions de fonctionnement favorables à une bonne efficacité de compression et à des fluides de travail adéquatsTurbo compressors can be placed upstream or downstream of a cycle compressor depending on the process conditions. This arrangement is most commonly found in cycles. Indeed, this arrangement is the simplest for process control because each compressor is independent of each other. This series configuration is made possible by operating conditions favorable to good compression efficiency and adequate working fluids.

La fonction turbo-compresseur suppose d’accorder les paramètres du fluide détendu au fluide comprimé pour que les deux fonctions soient réalisées avec le maximum d’efficacité. Il faut aussi que les turbo-compresseurs puissent fonctionner sur l’ensemble des configurations rencontrés par le réfrigérateur/liquéfacteur. Les paramètres de fonctionnement du turbo-compresseur peuvent contraindre les arrangements possibles de turbines, rendant le processus moins efficace ou plus complexe.The turbo-compressor function involves matching the parameters of the expanded fluid to the compressed fluid so that both functions are performed with maximum efficiency. Turbo-compressors must also be able to operate on all the configurations encountered by the refrigerator/liquefier. The operating parameters of the turbo-compressor can constrain the possible turbine arrangements, making the process less efficient or more complex.

Dans le cas de turbo-compresseurs arrangés en parallèle, ces compresseurs réaliseront le même taux de compression. La variation de puissance d’une turbine aura alors un impact direct sur les autres turbo-compresseurs et donc un impact sur l’efficacité et l’opérabilité de l’ensemble du réfrigérateur.In the case of turbo-compressors arranged in parallel, these compressors will achieve the same compression ratio. The variation in power of one turbine will then have a direct impact on the other turbo-compressors and therefore an impact on the efficiency and operability of the entire refrigerator.

Un but de la présente invention est de pallier tout ou partie des inconvénients de l’art antérieur relevés ci-dessus.An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.

A cette fin, le réfrigérateur selon l'invention, par ailleurs conforme à la définition générique qu’en donne le préambule ci-dessus, est essentiellement caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend au moins un moteur d’entraînement de l’un au moins des arbres tournants portant un turbine et un compresseur et en ce qu’au moins les deux compresseurs en parallèle accouplés à une turbine sont associés chacun un organe respectif de mesure du débit passant par le compresseur concerné et à un organe respectif de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur, par exemple un ou des organes directeurs mobiles en amont ou en aval tel qu’un « IGV », les au moins deux turbines accouplées aux compresseurs comprenant chacune un capteur respectif de mesure de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine et un système respectif de contrôle de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine, le réfrigérateur comprenant un organe électronique de contrôle et de commande comprenant un microprocesseur et configuré recevoir des mesures des organes de mesure du débit et des capteurs de mesure de la vitesse et commander les organes de régulation de débit.To this end, the refrigerator according to the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that it comprises at least one motor for driving at least one of the rotating shafts carrying a turbine and a compressor and in that at least the two compressors in parallel coupled to a turbine are each associated with a respective member for measuring the flow rate passing through the compressor concerned and with a respective member for regulating the flow rate admitted into the compressor, for example one or more movable steering members upstream or downstream such as an "IGV", the at least two turbines coupled to the compressors each comprising a respective sensor for measuring the rotation speed of the turbine and a respective system for controlling the rotation speed of the turbine, the refrigerator comprising an electronic control and command member comprising a microprocessor and configured to receive measurements from the flow rate measuring members and the speed measuring sensors and to control the flow rate regulating members.

Selon la solution proposée, le réfrigérateur utilise au moins un moto-turbo-compresseur (en lieu et place du turbo-compresseur précédemment décrit) afin d’opérer ce contrôle actif entre des compresseurs accouplés en parallèle via un ajustement des puissances électriques injectées dans le moteur. Ce contrôle pourrait être effectué par un variateur de fréquence de rotation du ou desdits moteurs électriques.According to the proposed solution, the refrigerator uses at least one motor-turbo-compressor (instead of the turbo-compressor previously described) in order to operate this active control between compressors coupled in parallel via an adjustment of the electrical powers injected into the motor. This control could be carried out by a frequency variator of rotation of the said electric motor(s).

Bien que l’ajout de moteur(s) augment l’investissement en matériel du réfrigérateur, ceci permet de contrôler la fréquence de rotation du moteur pour améliorer l’efficacité de détente des turbines et/ou de compression en parallèle et la puissance de compression. C'est à dire que, par rapport à l’art antérieur il est ainsi possible d’augmenter la pression de sortie par rapport à un turbo-booster classique, ou il est possible de réduire la taille du compresseur de cycle.Although the addition of motor(s) increases the investment in equipment of the refrigerator, this allows to control the rotation frequency of the motor to improve the expansion efficiency of the turbines and/or parallel compression and the compression power. That is to say, compared to the prior art it is thus possible to increase the output pressure compared to a conventional turbo-booster, or it is possible to reduce the size of the cycle compressor.

Le fait de prévoir au moins un moteur permet de contrôler la vitesse de rotation des roues correspondantes (compresseur et turbine) et de stabiliser le fonctionnement du ou des ensembles compresseur et turbine accouplés, notamment si plusieurs sont installés en parallèle. En effet, en cas d’agencement en parallèle une moindre perturbation peut déstabiliser l'ensemble et rendre le fonctionnement non optimal. Cela peut même conduire à faire fonctionner un des compresseurs dans une zone de fonctionnement non sécurisée comme la zone de pompage. Cet inconvénient est supprimé ou diminué grâce au(x) moteur(s). Ceci permet également d’optimiser le point de fonctionnement des machines (compresseurs/turbines).Providing at least one motor makes it possible to control the rotation speed of the corresponding wheels (compressor and turbine) and to stabilize the operation of the coupled compressor and turbine assembly(s), especially if several are installed in parallel. Indeed, in the case of a parallel arrangement, the slightest disturbance can destabilize the assembly and make the operation non-optimal. This can even lead to operating one of the compressors in an unsafe operating zone such as the pumping zone. This disadvantage is eliminated or reduced thanks to the motor(s). This also makes it possible to optimize the operating point of the machines (compressors/turbines).

Par ailleurs, des modes de réalisation de l’invention peuvent comporter l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • les compresseurs en parallèle sont identiques, l’organe électronique de contrôle et de commande étant configuré pour appliquer une consigne de débit admis dans les compresseur qui est identique pour tous les compresseurs en parallèle,
  • l’organe électronique de contrôle et de commande est configuré pour appliquer une consigne de vitesse de rotation identique pour les turbines accouplées aux compresseurs,
  • l’organe de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur comprend, au moins l’un parmi : un ou des organes directeurs mobiles, une vanne guide d’entrée « IGV » disposée en amont, un diffuseur à aubages variables en aval de la roue du compresseur, un système de bypass du compresseur,
  • le réfrigérateur comporte un organe de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur commun à au moins plusieurs des compresseurs en parallèle,
  • le système de contrôle de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine comprend au moins l’un parmi : une vanne guide d’entrée «IGV», une vanne de laminage, un système de bypass de la turbine,
  • le réfrigérateur comprend trois moteurs d’entraînement ou plus configurés pour assurer l’entraînement respectivement des trois arbres tournants des trois compresseurs rotatifs disposés en parallèle dans le circuit de cycle,
  • l’organe électronique de contrôle et de commande est configuré pour piloter les vitesses du ou des moteurs,
  • le ou les moteurs sont du type électrique et l’organe électronique de contrôle et de commande est configuré pour commander la vitesse de rotation du ou des moteurs pour réaliser le même taux de compression dans chaque compresseur.
Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features:
  • the compressors in parallel are identical, the electronic control and command unit being configured to apply a flow rate setpoint admitted into the compressors which is identical for all the compressors in parallel,
  • the electronic control and command unit is configured to apply an identical rotation speed setpoint for the turbines coupled to the compressors,
  • the flow regulating member admitted into the compressor comprises at least one of: one or more mobile steering members, an inlet guide valve “IGV” arranged upstream, a variable-blade diffuser downstream of the compressor wheel, a compressor bypass system,
  • the refrigerator includes a flow regulating member admitted into the compressor common to at least several of the compressors in parallel,
  • the turbine rotation speed control system comprises at least one of: an inlet guide valve “IGV”, a throttling valve, a turbine bypass system,
  • the refrigerator comprises three or more drive motors configured to respectively drive the three rotating shafts of the three rotary compressors arranged in parallel in the cycle circuit,
  • the electronic control and command unit is configured to control the speeds of the motor(s),
  • the motor(s) are of the electric type and the electronic control and command unit is configured to control the rotation speed of the motor(s) to achieve the same compression ratio in each compressor.

L’invention concerne également une installation de liquéfaction d’un flux de gaz d’alimentation comprenant une conduite d’alimentation configurée pour être reliée à une source de gaz d’alimentation à liquéfier, par exemple de l’hydrogène, un ensemble d’échangeurs de chaleur en échange thermique avec le flux de gaz d’alimentation véhiculé par la conduite d’alimentation, l’installation comprenant un réfrigérateur en échange thermique avec l’ensemble d’échangeurs de chaleur et configuré pour refroidir le flux de gaz d’alimentation, le réfrigérateur est conforme à l’une quelconque des caractéristiques ci-dessus ou ci-dessous.The invention also relates to a plant for liquefying a feed gas stream comprising a feed line configured to be connected to a source of feed gas to be liquefied, for example hydrogen, a set of heat exchangers in heat exchange with the feed gas stream carried by the feed line, the plant comprising a refrigerator in heat exchange with the set of heat exchangers and configured to cool the feed gas stream, the refrigerator conforms to any one of the characteristics above or below.

L’invention peut concerner également tout dispositif ou procédé alternatif comprenant toute combinaison des caractéristiques ci-dessus ou ci-dessous dans le cadre des revendications.The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the features above or below within the scope of the claims.

D’autres particularités et avantages apparaîtront à la lecture de la description ci-après, faite en référence aux figures dans lesquelles :Other features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the description below, given with reference to the figures in which:

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :The invention will be better understood from reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

est une vue schématique et partielle d’un exemple de structure et de fonctionnement d’une installation de liquéfaction comprenant un exemple réfrigérateur selon l’invention. is a schematic and partial view of an example of structure and operation of a liquefaction installation comprising an example refrigerator according to the invention.

est une vue schématique et partielle illustrant un exemple de fonctionnement d’un organe électronique de contrôle et de commande du réfrigérateur. is a schematic and partial view illustrating an example of operation of an electronic control and command device of the refrigerator.

Description détailléeDetailed description

Sur toutes les figures, les mêmes références se rapportent aux mêmes éléments.In all figures, the same references refer to the same elements.

Dans cette description détaillée, les réalisations suivantes sont des exemples. Bien que la description se réfère à un ou plusieurs modes de réalisation, cela ne signifie pas que les caractéristiques s’appliquent seulement à un seul mode de réalisation. De simples caractéristiques de différents modes de réalisation peuvent également être combinées et/ou interchangées pour fournir d’autres réalisations.In this detailed description, the following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not mean that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined and/or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

Le réfrigérateur 2 à gaz de cycle illustré comprenant un circuit 3 de cycle contenant un gaz de cycle comprenant au moins l’un parmi : de l’azote, de l’hélium, de l’hydrogène.The illustrated cycle gas refrigerator 2 comprising a cycle circuit 3 containing a cycle gas comprising at least one of: nitrogen, helium, hydrogen.

Le circuit 3 de cycle est configuré pour soumettre le fluide de cycle à un cycle thermodynamique pour amener le fluide de cycle à une température cryogénique déterminée à au moins une extrémité du circuit 3 de cycle. Comme illustré à la , cette puissance froide produite peut être utilisée pour refroidir un flux 18 de gaz d’alimentation tel que de l’hydrogène par exemple via un ensemble d’échangeurs 19 de chaleur. Le flux de gaz d’alimentation peut être fourni à une première extrémité d’une une conduite 18 d’alimentation par une source 19. Une seconde extrémité de la conduite d’alimentation peut être reliée à un stockage de récupération du gaz d’alimentation refroidi (liquéfié).The cycle circuit 3 is configured to subject the cycle fluid to a thermodynamic cycle to bring the cycle fluid to a determined cryogenic temperature at at least one end of the cycle circuit 3. As illustrated in , this cold power produced can be used to cool a feed gas stream 18 such as hydrogen for example via a set of heat exchangers 19. The feed gas stream can be supplied to a first end of a feed line 18 by a source 19. A second end of the feed line can be connected to a storage for recovering the cooled (liquefied) feed gas.

Dans une autre variante non représentée, la puissance froide produite peut être utilisée pour liquéfier le gaz de cycle lui-même qui peut être récupéré.In another variant not shown, the cold power produced can be used to liquefy the cycle gas itself which can be recovered.

Le circuit 3 de cycle comprend, de préférence disposés en série dans le circuit 3 de cycle, un mécanisme 4 de compression du fluide de cycle, un système 5, 6, 7, 8 de refroidissement du fluide de cycle, un mécanisme 10 de détente du fluide de cycle et un système de réchauffage du fluide de cycle.The cycle circuit 3 comprises, preferably arranged in series in the cycle circuit 3, a cycle fluid compression mechanism 4, a cycle fluid cooling system 5, 6, 7, 8, a cycle fluid expansion mechanism 10 and a cycle fluid heating system.

Le mécanisme 10 de détente du fluide de cycle comprend au moins deux turbines 10 montées en rotation sur des arbres 11 tournants respectifs, de préférence disposés en série dans le circuit 3 de cycle.The cycle fluid expansion mechanism 10 comprises at least two turbines 10 mounted in rotation on respective rotating shafts 11, preferably arranged in series in the cycle circuit 3.

Le mécanisme de compression comprend au moins trois compresseurs 4 rotatifs disposés en parallèle dans le circuit 3 de cycle et montés respectivement sur trois arbres tournants. Au moins deux des arbres tournants des compresseurs 4 sont accouplés respectivement, aux turbines 10 pour récupérer du travail de détente du fluide de cycle pour la compression du fluide de cycle. Le système de refroidissement et le système de réchauffage du gaz de cycle peur comprendre un ou plusieurs échangeurs de chaleur, notamment un ou plusieurs échangeurs de chaleur à contre-courant assurant un échange thermique entre des flux relativement froid et chaud du cycle.The compression mechanism comprises at least three rotary compressors 4 arranged in parallel in the cycle circuit 3 and mounted respectively on three rotating shafts. At least two of the rotating shafts of the compressors 4 are coupled respectively to the turbines 10 to recover the expansion work of the cycle fluid for the compression of the cycle fluid. The cooling system and the cycle gas reheating system may comprise one or more heat exchangers, in particular one or more counter-current heat exchangers ensuring a heat exchange between relatively cold and hot flows of the cycle.

De plus, le réfrigérateur 2 comprend au moins un moteur 12 d’entraînement de l’un au moins des arbres 11 tournants portant un turbine 10 et un compresseur 4. C’est-à-dire que l’un au moins des couples de compresseur accouplé à une turbine (turbo-compresseur) est un moto-turbo-compresseur.In addition, the refrigerator 2 comprises at least one motor 12 for driving at least one of the rotating shafts 11 carrying a turbine 10 and a compressor 4. That is to say that at least one of the compressor pairs coupled to a turbine (turbo-compressor) is a motor-turbo-compressor.

De plus, au moins les deux compresseurs 4 en parallèle accouplés à une turbine 11 sont associés chacun un organe 9 respectif de mesure du débit passant par le compresseur 4 concerné (par exemple un débitmètre) et à un organe 14 respectif de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur 4.In addition, at least the two compressors 4 in parallel coupled to a turbine 11 are each associated with a respective member 9 for measuring the flow rate passing through the compressor 4 concerned (for example a flow meter) and with a respective member 14 for regulating the flow rate admitted into the compressor 4.

L’organe 14 respectif de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur 4 est par exemple un ou des organes directeurs mobiles disposés en amont et/ou en aval tel qu’un « IGV » (Inlet Guide Vane). En variante ou en combinaison, l’organe 14 respectif de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur 4 peut être un by-pass (dérivation contrôlée du flux alimentant le compresseur ou étage de compression concerné).The respective flow regulation member 14 admitted into the compressor 4 is for example one or more movable guide members arranged upstream and/or downstream such as an “IGV” (Inlet Guide Vane). Alternatively or in combination, the respective flow regulation member 14 admitted into the compressor 4 may be a bypass (controlled diversion of the flow supplying the compressor or compression stage concerned).

De plus, les turbines 10 accouplées aux compresseurs 4 comprennent chacune de préférence un capteur 17 respectif de mesure de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine 10 et un système 15, 16 respectif de contrôle de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine 10.In addition, the turbines 10 coupled to the compressors 4 each preferably comprise a respective sensor 17 for measuring the rotation speed of the turbine 10 and a respective system 15, 16 for controlling the rotation speed of the turbine 10.

Le réfrigérateur 1 comprenant un organe 20 électronique de contrôle et de commande comprenant un microprocesseur et configuré recevoir des mesures des organes 9 de mesure du débit et des capteurs 17 de mesure de la vitesse et commander les organes 14, 16 de régulation de débit et/ou moteur(s) 12. Cf. .The refrigerator 1 comprising an electronic control and command member 20 comprising a microprocessor and configured to receive measurements from the flow rate measuring members 9 and the speed measuring sensors 17 and to control the flow rate regulating members 14, 16 and/or motor(s) 12. Cf. .

Ceci permet de contrôler le débit de gaz de cycle dans les compresseurs 4 en parallèle. Il est ainsi possible d’appliquer une consigne de débit pour un des compresseurs 4 et de recopier la même consigne pour les autres compresseurs 4 en parallèle (tous les étages de compression peuvent être composés de compresseurs montés en parallèle).This allows the cycle gas flow rate to be controlled in the 4 compressors in parallel. It is thus possible to apply a flow rate setpoint for one of the 4 compressors and to copy the same setpoint for the other 4 compressors in parallel (all compression stages can be composed of compressors connected in parallel).

Le contrôle du débit peut être réalisé à l'aide d'un actionneur externe, par exemple un « IGV » disposé en amont compresseur, un « IGV » disposé en aval du compresseur, un diffuseur à aubages contrôlés, une conduite et vanne de bypass du compresseur 4.Flow control may be achieved using an external actuator, for example an "IGV" arranged upstream of the compressor, an "IGV" arranged downstream of the compressor, a controlled vane diffuser, a compressor bypass line and valve 4.

Un organe 14 de régulation de débit admis peut être commun à plusieurs des compresseurs en parallèle.An admitted flow regulation member 14 may be common to several of the compressors in parallel.

Le système 15, 16 de contrôle de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine 10 peut comporter par exemple : un « IGV » qui peut être variable en entrée et/ou une vanne de laminage et/ou une vanne de bypass de la turbine. Ce système de contrôle de la vitesse peut réguler une vitesse de rotation qui est de préférence la même cible pour chaque machine.The system 15, 16 for controlling the rotation speed of the turbine 10 may comprise, for example: an “IGV” which may be variable at the input and/or a throttling valve and/or a turbine bypass valve. This speed control system may regulate a rotation speed which is preferably the same target for each machine.

Ceci permet de définir des paramètres d'ajustement des vitesses pour chaque ensemble turbo-compresseur. Ceci permet par exemple de décaler les vitesses des turbo-compresseurs par rapport à une consigne s’il est constaté un comportement inadapté (par exemple oscillation des pressions, comportement hydraulique instable, pompage d'un compresseur...).This allows you to define speed adjustment parameters for each turbo-compressor assembly. This allows, for example, to offset the speeds of the turbo-compressors relative to a setpoint if inappropriate behavior is observed (e.g. pressure oscillation, unstable hydraulic behavior, compressor pumping, etc.).

L’utilisation d’au moins un moteur pour entraîner un compresseur accouplé à une turbine des ensembles en parallèle permet de contrôler la vitesse de rotation de l'ensemble compresseur(s)/turbine(s), quelles que soient les conditions opératoires autour de la turbine et du compresseur. La puissance du moteur peut être adaptée en fonction de la puissance de la turbine et de celle requise par le compresseur. Ceci permet de stabiliser le fonctionnement des machines tournantes (compresseurs/turbines). Ceci est particulièrement intéressant par rapport à un arrangement de turbo-compresseurs en parallèle (sans moteurs), qui peut vite être déstabilisé. L’agencement proposé permet en outre d’ajuster la vitesse de rotation de manière à optimiser le fonctionnement des machines. De plus le ou les moteurs permettent d’augmenter la puissance du compresseur concerné en regard de celle de la turbine associée. Ceci procure un meilleur fonctionnement (selon la configuration du cycle).The use of at least one motor to drive a compressor coupled to a turbine of the parallel sets makes it possible to control the rotation speed of the compressor(s)/turbine(s) set, whatever the operating conditions around the turbine and the compressor. The power of the motor can be adapted according to the power of the turbine and that required by the compressor. This makes it possible to stabilize the operation of the rotating machines (compressors/turbines). This is particularly interesting compared to an arrangement of turbo-compressors in parallel (without motors), which can quickly be destabilized. The proposed arrangement also makes it possible to adjust the rotation speed so as to optimize the operation of the machines. In addition, the motor(s) make it possible to increase the power of the compressor concerned with respect to that of the associated turbine. This provides better operation (depending on the cycle configuration).

Le débit de gaz passant par chaque turbine peut être déterminé par sa géométrie de distributeur, sauf si un système de régulation (type IGV/Vanne de détente à l’amont de l’équipement par exemple) peut l'ajuster dans une certaine mesure. The gas flow rate through each turbine can be determined by its distributor geometry, unless a control system (such as an IGV/expansion valve upstream of the equipment for example) can adjust it to some extent.

Le débit total de cycle peut être déterminé par le débit des turbines (avec éventuellement également en outre un éventuel débit envoyé à un bout froid du cycle). Ce débit total est comprimé dans le mécanisme de compression. La répartition de ce débit total entre des compresseurs en parallèle peut être réalisée soit de manière passive (typiquement via un circuit hydraulique très similaire) soit de façon "active" (par exemple via un IGV, vanne de laminage...). Au final la totalité du débit de gaz cycle est comprimée.The total cycle flow rate can be determined by the turbine flow rate (with possibly also a possible flow rate sent to a cold end of the cycle). This total flow rate is compressed in the compression mechanism. The distribution of this total flow rate between compressors in parallel can be achieved either passively (typically via a very similar hydraulic circuit) or "actively" (for example via an IGV, throttle valve, etc.). In the end, the entire cycle gas flow rate is compressed.

De préférence, le circuit fluidique qui mène à chaque compresseur est configuré pour avoir les mêmes caractéristiques en terme de perte de charge notamment (reproduction des obstacles pour le gaz : même nombre de coudes/longueurs développées de tuyaux…).Preferably, the fluid circuit leading to each compressor is configured to have the same characteristics in terms of pressure loss in particular (reproduction of obstacles for the gas: same number of bends/developed lengths of pipes, etc.).

Cette configuration est particulièrement avantageuse ou efficace lorsque les vitesses des compresseurs/turbines et puissances mécaniques des compresseurs sont identiques pour chaque compresseur.This configuration is particularly advantageous or efficient when the compressor/turbine speeds and compressor mechanical powers are identical for each compressor.

La puissance mécanique du compresseur qui est par exemple soit : The mechanical power of the compressor which is for example either:

- celle de la turbine accouplée en cas de turbo-compresseur,- that of the coupled turbine in the case of a turbo-compressor,

- celle de la turbine suppléée par / additionnée à celle du moteur en cas de moto-turbo-compresseur.- that of the turbine supplemented by / added to that of the engine in the case of a motor-turbo-compressor.

Du fait que la puissance du moteur est égale à la puissance du compresseur moins la puissance de la turbine, si tous les compresseurs et toutes les turbines ont la même puissance, les moteurs délivreront la même puissance. La configuration peut également être avantageuse lorsque les compresseurs sont pilotés avec des vitesses différentes mais des diamètres de compresseur (diamètre de roue) ajustés pour fournir le taux de compression optimal. Dans l’exemple illustré, le circuit de cycle comprend trois moteurs 12 d’entraînement configurés pour assurer l’entraînement respectivement de trois arbres 11 tournants de trois compresseurs 4 rotatifs disposés en parallèle dans le circuit 3 de cycle. Les trois compresseurs 4 en parallèle sont accouplé respectivement à trois turbines 11.Since the engine power is equal to the compressor power minus the turbine power, if all compressors and turbines have the same power, the engines will deliver the same power. The configuration can also be advantageous when the compressors are driven with different speeds but compressor diameters (impeller diameter) adjusted to provide the optimum compression ratio. In the example illustrated, the cycle circuit comprises three drive motors 12 configured to drive respectively three rotating shafts 11 of three rotating compressors 4 arranged in parallel in the cycle circuit 3. The three compressors 4 in parallel are coupled respectively to three turbines 11.

Bien entendu, cette configuration n’est pas limitative. Ainsi il est possible d’envisager tout autre configuration, par exemple : plus de deux compresseurs, des turbines en série et/ou en parallèle (l’architecture étant adaptée pour équilibrer les puissances des turbines sur chacun des arbres qui les relient aux compresseurs). Par exemple, au moins une roue (compresseur/ turbine) est disposée à chaque extrémité d'arbre entraînement du moteur. Le nombre de moteurs entraînant les compresseurs est de préférence supérieur à deux. Les compresseurs 4 disposés en parallèle présentent des différentiels de pression (entre leur entrée et le sortie) identique. Cependant, les débits aux sein de ces compresseurs 4 en parallèle peuvent fluctuer et être différents. Ceci peut générer des problèmes et instabilités lorsque les compresseurs 4 en parallèle sont identiques.Of course, this configuration is not limiting. Thus it is possible to envisage any other configuration, for example: more than two compressors, turbines in series and/or in parallel (the architecture being adapted to balance the powers of the turbines on each of the shafts which connect them to the compressors). For example, at least one wheel (compressor/turbine) is arranged at each end of the motor drive shaft. The number of motors driving the compressors is preferably greater than two. The 4 compressors arranged in parallel have identical pressure differentials (between their inlet and outlet). However, the flow rates within these 4 compressors in parallel can fluctuate and be different. This can generate problems and instabilities when the 4 compressors in parallel are identical.

Le contrôle décrit ci-dessus permet de corriger ce problème. Le contrôle permet en outre de réguler la vitesse de rotation des turbines 10 accouplées à un point de fonctionnement déterminé, en particulier le point de fonctionnement optimal de la turbine, c’est-à-dire à son rendement maximal.The control described above makes it possible to correct this problem. The control also makes it possible to regulate the rotation speed of the turbines 10 coupled to a determined operating point, in particular the optimum operating point of the turbine, i.e. at its maximum efficiency.

L’organe 20 électronique de contrôle et de commande peut être configuré pour piloter en outre les vitesses du ou des moteurs 12 des moto-turbo-compresseurs en parallèle, par exemple via un variateur de fréquence (moteur électrique). Cette vitesse des moteur permet de caler le point de fonctionnement optimal des turbines et compresseurs.The electronic control and command unit 20 can be configured to additionally control the speeds of the motor(s) 12 of the motor-turbo-compressors in parallel, for example via a frequency variator (electric motor). This motor speed makes it possible to set the optimum operating point of the turbines and compressors.

L’organe 20 électronique de contrôle et de commande peut être configuré pour appliquer une consigne de vitesse de rotation identique pour les turbines 10 accouplées aux compresseurs 4.The electronic control and command unit 20 can be configured to apply an identical rotation speed instruction for the turbines 10 coupled to the compressors 4.

Claims (9)

Réfrigérateur (2) à gaz de cycle, comprenant un circuit (3) de cycle contenant un gaz de cycle comprenant au moins l’un parmi : de l’azote, de l’hélium, de l’hydrogène, le circuit (3) de cycle étant configuré pour soumettre le fluide de cycle à un cycle thermodynamique pour amener le fluide de cycle à une température cryogénique déterminée à au moins une extrémité du circuit (3) de cycle, le circuit (3) de cycle comprenant un mécanisme (4) de compression du fluide de cycle, un mécanisme (5, 6, 7, 8) de refroidissement du fluide de cycle, un mécanisme (10) de détente du fluide de cycle, dans lequel le mécanisme (10) de détente du fluide de cycle comprend au moins deux turbines (10) montées en rotation sur des arbres (11) tournants respectifs, le mécanisme de compression comprenant au moins trois compresseurs (4) rotatifs disposés en parallèle dans le circuit (3) de cycle et montés respectivement sur trois arbres tournants, au moins deux des arbres tournants étant accouplés respectivement, aux turbines (10) pour récupérer du travail de détente du fluide de cycle pour la compression du fluide de cycle, caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend au moins un moteur (12) d’entraînement de l’un au moins des arbres (11) tournants portant un turbine (10) et un compresseur (4) et en ce qu’au moins les deux compresseurs (4) en parallèle accouplés à une turbine (10) sont associés chacun un organe (9) respectif de mesure du débit passant par le compresseur (4) concerné et à un organe (14) respectif de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur (4), par exemple un ou des organes directeurs mobiles en amont ou en aval tel qu’un « IGV », les au moins deux turbines (10) accouplées aux compresseurs (4) comprenant chacune un capteur (17) respectif de mesure de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine (10) et un système (15, 16) respectif de contrôle de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine (10), le réfrigérateur (1) comprenant un organe (20) électronique de contrôle et de commande comprenant un microprocesseur et configuré recevoir des mesures des organes (9) de mesure du débit et des capteurs (17) de mesure de la vitesse et commander les organes (14) de régulation de débit et en ce que les compresseurs en parallèle sont identiques, l’organe (20) électronique de contrôle et de commande étant configuré pour appliquer une consigne de débit admis dans les compresseur (4) qui est identique pour tous les compresseurs (4) en parallèle.A cycle gas refrigerator (2), comprising a cycle circuit (3) containing a cycle gas comprising at least one of: nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, the cycle circuit (3) being configured to subject the cycle fluid to a thermodynamic cycle to bring the cycle fluid to a determined cryogenic temperature at at least one end of the cycle circuit (3), the cycle circuit (3) comprising a cycle fluid compression mechanism (4), a cycle fluid cooling mechanism (5, 6, 7, 8), a cycle fluid expansion mechanism (10), wherein the cycle fluid expansion mechanism (10) comprises at least two turbines (10) rotatably mounted on respective rotating shafts (11), the compression mechanism comprising at least three rotary compressors (4) arranged in parallel in the cycle circuit (3) and respectively mounted on three rotating shafts, at least two of the rotating shafts being coupled respectively to the turbines (10) for recovering the work of expanding the cycle fluid for compressing the cycle fluid, characterized in that it comprises at least one motor (12) for driving at least one of the rotating shafts (11) carrying a turbine (10) and a compressor (4) and in that at least the two compressors (4) in parallel coupled to a turbine (10) are each associated with a respective member (9) for measuring the flow rate passing through the compressor (4) concerned and with a respective member (14) for regulating the flow rate admitted into the compressor (4), for example one or more movable steering members upstream or downstream such as an “IGV”, the at least two turbines (10) coupled to the compressors (4) each comprising a respective sensor (17) for measuring the rotation speed of the turbine (10) and a respective system (15, 16) for controlling the rotation speed of the turbine (10), the refrigerator (1) comprising a member (20) electronic control and command system comprising a microprocessor and configured to receive measurements from the flow rate measuring members (9) and the speed measuring sensors (17) and to control the flow rate regulating members (14) and in that the compressors in parallel are identical, the electronic control and command system (20) being configured to apply a flow rate setpoint admitted into the compressors (4) which is identical for all the compressors (4) in parallel. Réfrigérateur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l’organe (20) électronique de contrôle et de commande est configuré pour appliquer une consigne de vitesse de rotation identique pour les turbines (10) accouplées aux compresseurs (4).Refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control and command member (20) is configured to apply an identical rotation speed setpoint for the turbines (10) coupled to the compressors (4). Réfrigérateur selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, caractérisé en ce que l’organe (14) de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur (4) comprend, au moins l’un parmi : un ou des organes directeurs mobiles, une vanne guide d’entrée « IGV » disposée en amont, un diffuseur à aubages variables en aval de la roue du compresseur, un système de bypass du compresseur.Refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the flow regulation member (14) admitted into the compressor (4) comprises at least one of: one or more mobile steering members, an inlet guide valve “IGV” arranged upstream, a variable-blade diffuser downstream of the compressor wheel, a compressor bypass system. Réfrigérateur selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte un organe (14) de régulation de débit admis dans le compresseur (4) commun à au moins plusieurs des compresseurs en parallèle.Refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a member (14) for regulating the flow admitted into the compressor (4) common to at least several of the compressors in parallel. Réfrigérateur selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le système (15, 16) de contrôle de la vitesse de rotation de la turbine (10) comprend au moins l’un parmi : une vanne guide d’entrée «IGV», une vanne de laminage, un système de bypass de la turbine.Refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the system (15, 16) for controlling the rotation speed of the turbine (10) comprises at least one of: an inlet guide valve “IGV”, a throttling valve, a turbine bypass system. Réfrigérateur selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5 caractérisé en ce qu’il comprend trois moteurs (12) d’entraînement ou plus configurés pour assurer l’entraînement respectivement des trois arbres (11) tournants des trois compresseurs (4) rotatifs disposés en parallèle dans le circuit (3) de cycle.Refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises three or more drive motors (12) configured to respectively drive the three rotating shafts (11) of the three rotating compressors (4) arranged in parallel in the cycle circuit (3). Réfrigérateur selon la revendication 1 caractérisé en ce que l’organe (20) électronique de contrôle et de commande est configuré pour piloter les vitesses du ou des moteurs (12).Refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control and command member (20) is configured to control the speeds of the motor(s) (12). Réfrigérateur selon la revendication 7 caractérisé en ce que le ou les moteurs (12) sont du type électrique et l’organe (20) électronique de contrôle et de commande est configuré pour commander la vitesse de rotation du ou des moteurs (12) pour réaliser le même taux de compression dans chaque compresseur.Refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that the motor(s) (12) are of the electric type and the electronic control and command member (20) is configured to control the rotation speed of the motor(s) (12) to achieve the same compression ratio in each compressor. Installation de liquéfaction d’un flux de gaz d’alimentation comprenant une conduite (18) d’alimentation configurée pour être reliée à une source (19) de gaz d’alimentation à liquéfier, par exemple de l’hydrogène, un ensemble d’échangeurs (19) de chaleur en échange thermique avec le flux de gaz d’alimentation véhiculé par la conduite (18) d’alimentation, l’installation (2) comprenant un réfrigérateur (2) en échange thermique avec l’ensemble d’échangeurs (19) de chaleur et configuré pour refroidir le flux de gaz d’alimentation, caractérisée en ce que le réfrigérateur (2) est conforme à l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8.Installation for liquefying a feed gas flow comprising a feed pipe (18) configured to be connected to a source (19) of feed gas to be liquefied, for example hydrogen, a set of heat exchangers (19) in heat exchange with the feed gas flow conveyed by the feed pipe (18), the installation (2) comprising a refrigerator (2) in heat exchange with the set of heat exchangers (19) and configured to cool the feed gas flow, characterized in that the refrigerator (2) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 8.
PCT/EP2024/063572 2023-06-07 2024-05-16 Cycle gas refrigerator and liquefaction facility Ceased WO2024251490A1 (en)

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EP24727692.6A EP4724753A1 (en) 2023-06-07 2024-05-16 Cycle gas refrigerator and liquefaction facility
AU2024285178A AU2024285178A1 (en) 2023-06-07 2024-05-16 Cycle gas refrigerator and liquefaction facility

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FR2305700A FR3149676B1 (en) 2023-06-07 2023-06-07 Cycle gas refrigerator and liquefaction plant.
FRFR2305700 2023-06-07

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01102289A (en) * 1987-10-16 1989-04-19 Kobe Steel Ltd Helium liquefying refrigerator
US20090232663A1 (en) * 2008-03-13 2009-09-17 Saul Mirsky Compressor-Expander Set Critical Speed Avoidance
WO2009130466A2 (en) 2008-04-23 2009-10-29 Statoilhydro Asa Dual nitrogen expansion process
KR20110084749A (en) * 2010-01-18 2011-07-26 아주대학교산학협력단 Cooling device provided in the reliquefaction device for boil-off gas
US20110318160A1 (en) * 2010-06-24 2011-12-29 Gabriele Mariotti Turboexpander and method for using moveable inlet guide vanes at compressor inlet
US20150168057A1 (en) 2013-12-17 2015-06-18 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Process for producing liquid nitrogen
WO2022171485A1 (en) * 2021-02-10 2022-08-18 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Device and method for liquefying a fluid such as hydrogen and/or helium

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH01102289A (en) * 1987-10-16 1989-04-19 Kobe Steel Ltd Helium liquefying refrigerator
US20090232663A1 (en) * 2008-03-13 2009-09-17 Saul Mirsky Compressor-Expander Set Critical Speed Avoidance
WO2009130466A2 (en) 2008-04-23 2009-10-29 Statoilhydro Asa Dual nitrogen expansion process
KR20110084749A (en) * 2010-01-18 2011-07-26 아주대학교산학협력단 Cooling device provided in the reliquefaction device for boil-off gas
US20110318160A1 (en) * 2010-06-24 2011-12-29 Gabriele Mariotti Turboexpander and method for using moveable inlet guide vanes at compressor inlet
US20150168057A1 (en) 2013-12-17 2015-06-18 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Process for producing liquid nitrogen
WO2022171485A1 (en) * 2021-02-10 2022-08-18 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Device and method for liquefying a fluid such as hydrogen and/or helium

Also Published As

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FR3149676A1 (en) 2024-12-13
FR3149676B1 (en) 2025-04-25
AU2024285178A1 (en) 2026-01-15
EP4724753A1 (en) 2026-04-15

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