AU2022407768B2

AU2022407768B2 - Method of cooling down liquid container and storage facility

Info

Publication number: AU2022407768B2
Application number: AU2022407768A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Yuki HACHIMURA; Daisuke Kasai; Kazuki KITADA; Naoya OGIYAMA; Yuya Yamane; Seiji Yamashita
Original assignee: Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd; Kawasaki Jukogyo KK
Current assignee: Kawasaki Motors Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-07
Filing date: 2022-12-06
Publication date: 2025-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2042-12-06
Also published as: TW202328615A; WO2023106290A1; KR20240091063A; AU2022407768A1; TWI911498B; KR102950799B1; CN118369537A; JP2023084555A

Abstract

A method according to one aspect disclosed herein is a method for cooling down a liquid container storing a cryogenic liquid. The method combines spray supply for supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container while spraying the cryogenic liquid and non-spray supply for supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container, and initiates the non-spray supply or increases the supply of the cryogenic liquid in the non-spray supply when the temperature of the liquid container falls below a predetermined threshold.

Description

DESCRIPTION 03 Jul 2025

Title of Invention: METHOD OF COOLING DOWN LIQUID CONTAINER AND STORAGE FACILITY Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of cooling down a liquid container and a storage facility. 2022407768

Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2013-09453 discloses a cool-down method of cooling down a low-temperature liquid container by spraying a low-temperature liquid from a spraying tube located in the low-temperature liquid container.

[0003] When cooling down a liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid, the cryogenic liquid to be stored is sprayed in the liquid container. For a while since the start of the spraying of the cryogenic liquid, the cryogenic liquid vaporizes, and the volume thereof increases. Therefore, the pressure in the liquid container increases. However, when the spraying of the cryogenic liquid is further continued, the volume of the gas in the liquid container starts decreasing at a certain point of time, and the pressure in the liquid container decreases. Finally, the pressure in the liquid container may become negative pressure.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to address at least one shortcoming of the prior art and/or provide a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of cooling down a liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid, the method comprising combining spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container by spraying and non- spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and when a temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than a predetermined threshold before the cool-down of the liquid container is completed, starting the non-spraying supply or increasing the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied in the non-spraying supply.

[0005a] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a storage facility comprising a liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid; a spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container by spraying; a non-spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and circuitry configured to execute a cool-down program that cools down the liquid container by combining supply of the 03 Jul 2025 cryogenic liquid from the spraying supply pipe and supply of the cryogenic liquid from the non-spraying supply pipe and in the cool-down program, when a temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than a predetermined threshold before the cool-down of the liquid container is completed, start the supply of the cryogenic liquid from the non-spraying supply pipe or increase the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied from the non-spraying supply pipe.

[0005b] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of cooling down a 2022407768

liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid, the method including combining spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container by spraying and non- spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and when a temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than a predetermined threshold, starting the non-spraying supply or increasing the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied in the non- spraying supply such that pressure in the liquid container does not become negative pressure.

[0005c] In one or more embodiments, the invention provides a cool-down method and a storage facility each of which cools down a liquid container while suppressing a decrease in pressure in the liquid container.

[0006] A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method of cooling down a liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid. The method includes: combining spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container by spraying and non-spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and when a temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than a predetermined threshold, starting the non-spraying supply or increasing the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied in the non-spraying supply.

[0007] Moreover, a storage facility according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid; a spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container by spraying; a non-spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and circuitry configured to execute a cool-down program that cools down the liquid container by combining supply of the cryogenic liquid from the spraying supply pipe and supply of the cryogenic liquid from the non-spraying supply pipe and in the cool-down program, when a temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than a predetermined threshold, start the supply of the cryogenic liquid from the non-spraying supply pipe or increase the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied from the non-spraying supply pipe.

2a 03 Jul 2025

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a storage facility.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a cool-down program.

Description of Embodiments

[0010] Entire Structure 2022407768

Hereinafter, a storage facility 100 according to an embodiment will be described. First, the entire structure of the storage facility 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the storage facility 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage facility 100 includes a liquid container 10, a spraying supply pipe 20, a non-spraying supply pipe 30, a ventilation pipe 40, and circuitry 50. Hereinafter, these components will be described in order.

[0011] The liquid container 10 is a container that stores a cryogenic liquid. The cryogenic liquid is liquid hydrogen, liquid helium, or the like. The liquid container 10 of the present embodiment is of a spherical type. However, the liquid container 10 may be of a flat-bottom cylindrical type including: a lower portion that is a cylinder extending in an upper-lower direction; and an upper portion that is a bowl-shaped plate. Or, the liquid container 10 may be

3

of a pillow type including: a cylinder extending in a horizontal direction; and bowl-shaped plates of a pillow type including: a cylinder extending in a horizontal direction; and bowl-shaped plates

located at located at both both sides sidesof ofthe thecylinder. cylinder. Moreover, the liquid Moreover, the liquid container container 10 maybebelocated 10 may locatedononland land or may or bemounted may be mountedonon a movable a movable body, body, suchsuch as aaswatercraft. a watercraft.

[0012]

[0012] Theliquid The liquid container container 10 includes: an 10 includes: an inner inner tank tank 11 11 made of metal; made of metal; and and an an outer outer tank tank 12 made 12 made ofmetal made of of metaland metal andcovering and coveringthe covering theinner the innertank inner tank11. tank 11.As 11. As As oneone one example, example, example, the the inner the inner inner tanktank tank 11 11 and 11 and and the the the

outer tank outer tank 12 12 are are formed by SUS304L. formed by SUS304L. However, However, the material the material of theofinner the inner tank tank 11the 11 and and the outer tank outer tank 12 12 is is not notlimited limitedtotothis. this.Moreover, as one Moreover, as example,aa space one example, spacebetween betweenthe theinner innertank tank 11 andthe 11 and theouter outertank tank 12 12 is vacuum is vacuum and isand is filled filled with awith a thermal thermal insulator, insulator, such as perlite. such as perlite.

[0013]

[0013] Temperature sensors 13, 14, and 15 are located at respective height positions of the Temperature sensors 13, 14, and 15 are located at respective height positions of the

liquid container liquid container 10, 10, the theheight heightpositions positionsbeing beingdifferent differentin in height from height each from other. each other. The The

temperaturesensors temperature sensors13, 13, 14, 14, and and 15 15 measure measuretemperatures temperaturesofof thecorresponding the corresponding height height positions positions

of the of the liquid liquidcontainer container10 10(inner (innertank tank11). 11). In In the the present present embodiment, thethree embodiment, the three temperature temperature sensors 13, sensors 13, 14, 14, and and 15 15 are are located located at atthe theliquid container liquid 10.10. However, container thenumber However, the numberofof temperaturesensors temperature sensorslocated located at at the the liquid liquidcontainer container10 10 isisnot notlimited. limited. Moreover, Moreover, aa pressure pressure sensor 16 that measures the pressure in the liquid container 10 is located at the liquid container sensor 16 that measures the pressure in the liquid container 10 is located at the liquid container

10. 10.

[0014]

[0014] Thespraying The sprayingsupply supplypipe pipe2020isis aa pipe pipe that that performs “spraying supply" performs "spraying supply”ofofsupplying supplyinga a cryogenic liquid into the liquid container 10 by spraying. To be specific, the spraying supply is cryogenic liquid into the liquid container 10 by spraying. To be specific, the spraying supply is

a method a ofsupplying method of supplyingthe thecryogenic cryogenicliquid liquidas as particles particles into intothe theliquid container liquid 10.10. The container The

spraying supply spraying supplypipe pipe 20 20is is connected to aa common connected to pipe common pipe 60 60 located located outside outside theliquid the liquidcontainer container

10 and is supplied and is supplied with with the the cryogenic cryogenic liquid liquid from from the the common pipe60.60.The The common pipe spraying spraying supply supply

pipe 20 pipe 20 extends extends from fromthe thecommon common pipe pipe 60,60, penetrates penetrates thethe liquidcontainer liquid container1010inina aradial radial direction, and reaches an upper region inside the liquid container 10. direction, and reaches an upper region inside the liquid container 10.

[0015]

[0015] Thespraying The sprayingsupply supplypipe pipe2020includes includesspraying sprayingsupply supplynozzles nozzles21.21.The The spraying spraying spraying

supply nozzles supply nozzles 21 21are are located located in in the the upper upper region region inside inside the theliquid liquidcontainer container10. 10. The cryogenic The cryogenic

liquid which liquid has been which has beensupplied suppliedfrom fromthe thecommon commonpipepipe 60 the 60 to to the spraying spraying supply supply pipe pipe 20 20 is is sprayed into the liquid container 10 through the spraying supply nozzles 21 (i.e., the spraying sprayed into the liquid container 10 through the spraying supply nozzles 21 (i.e., the spraying

supply is supply is performed). Moreover, performed). Moreover, a spraying a spraying supply supply valve valve 22located 22 is is located at at thethe spraying spraying supply supply

pipe 20. pipe 20. The The spraying spraying supply supply is is startedbybyopening started opening thespraying the spraying supply supply valve valve 22.22. The The amount amount

of cryogenic of liquid supplied cryogenic liquid supplied in in the the spraying spraying supply supply is isreduced reduced by by reducing the opening reducing the degreeof opening degree of the spraying the supply valve spraying supply valve 22. 22. TheThe spraying spraying supply supply is stopped is stopped by by completely completely closing closing the the

spraying supply spraying supplyvalve valve22. 22.

[0016]

[0016] Thenon-spraying The non-sprayingsupply supplypipe pipe3030isisa apipe pipethat that performs performs"non-spraying “non-sprayingsupply" supply” of of

supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container 10 by welling-up or releasing (not by supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container 10 by welling-up or releasing (not by

4

spraying). ToTobebespecific, spraying). specific,the the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplyisisaa method methodofofsupplying supplyingthethecryogenic cryogenic liquid as a continuous liquid into the liquid container 10. As with the spraying supply pipe 20, liquid as a continuous liquid into the liquid container 10. As with the spraying supply pipe 20,

the non-spraying the supplypipe non-spraying supply pipe3030isis connected connectedtoto the the common common pipe pipe 60 60 andand is is supplied supplied with with the the

cryogenic liquid cryogenic liquid from the common from the common pipe pipe 60.60. Tospecific, To be be specific, the the common common pipe pipe 60 60 supplies supplies the the cryogenic liquid cryogenic liquid to to both both of of the thespraying spraying supply supply pipe pipe 20 20 and and the the non-spraying supply pipe non-spraying supply pipe 30. 30. Thenon-spraying The non-sprayingsupply supplypipe pipe3030extends extends from from thethe common common pipe pipe 60, penetrates 60, penetrates the the liquid liquid

container 10 in the radial direction, and reaches a lower region inside the liquid container 10. container 10 in the radial direction, and reaches a lower region inside the liquid container 10.

[0017]

[0017] Thenon-spraying The non-sprayingsupply supplypipe pipe3030includes includesa anon-spraying non-spraying supply supply nozzle nozzle 31.31. The The non-sprayingsupply non-spraying supplynozzle nozzle3131isislocated located in in the the lower lower region region inside inside the the liquid liquidcontainer container10. The 10. The

cryogenic liquid cryogenic liquid which hasbeen which has beensupplied suppliedfrom fromthe thecommon commonpipepipe 60 the 60 to to the non-spraying non-spraying supply supply

pipe 30 pipe 30 is is supplied supplied into intothe theliquid container liquid 1010through container throughthe thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supply nozzle nozzle 31 31 by by

welling-up or welling-up or releasing releasing (i.e., (i.e., thethe non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplyisis performed). Moreover,a anon-spraying performed). Moreover, non-spraying supply valve supply valve 32 32 is is located located at atthe thenon-spraying non-spraying supply supply pipe pipe 30. Thenon-spraying 30. The non-spraying supply supply is is started by started by opening the non-spraying opening the supplyvalve non-spraying supply valve32. 32.TheThe amount amount of cryogenic of cryogenic liquid liquid supplied supplied

in the in the non-spraying supply is non-spraying supply is reduced by reducing reduced by reducingthe the opening openingdegree degreeofofthe thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supply valve 32. valve 32. The The non-spraying non-spraying supply supply is stopped is stopped by by completely completely closing closing the the non-spraying non-spraying supply supply

valve 32. valve 32.

[0018]

[0018] Moreover,the Moreover, thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supply nozzle nozzle 31 31 of of thepresent the presentembodiment embodiment supplies supplies

the cryogenic liquid from an inner surface of the liquid container 10 toward a middle region of the cryogenic liquid from an inner surface of the liquid container 10 toward a middle region of

the liquid container 10. To be specific, the cryogenic liquid is supplied so as to gush out from the liquid container 10. To be specific, the cryogenic liquid is supplied SO so as to gush out from

the non-spraying the supplynozzle non-spraying supply nozzle31. 31.However, However, the the non-spraying non-spraying supply supply pipe pipe 30be 30 may may be located located

so as to extend inside the liquid container 10 and may supply the cryogenic liquid toward the SO so as to extend inside the liquid container 10 and may supply the cryogenic liquid toward the

inner surface of the liquid container 10 through the non-spraying supply nozzle 31 located in the inner surface of the liquid container 10 through the non-spraying supply nozzle 31 located in the

vicinity of vicinity ofthe theinner innersurface surfaceofof thethe liquid container liquid 10.10.Moreover, container Moreover, the the non-spraying supply non-spraying supply

nozzle 31 does not have to be located in the lower region inside the liquid container 10. nozzle nozzle 3131does doesnotnot have to be have to located in theinlower be located the region lower inside regionthe liquidthe inside container liquid 10. During container 10. During During

the operation of the storage facility 100, the non-spraying supply pipe 30 serves as a pipe that the operation of the storage facility 100, the non-spraying supply pipe 30 serves as a pipe that

fills the liquid container 10 with the cryogenic liquid or carries the cryogenic liquid from the fills the liquid container 10 with the cryogenic liquid or carries the cryogenic liquid from the

liquid container 10 to an outside of the liquid container 10. liquid container 10 to an outside of the liquid container 10.

[0019]

[0019] The ventilation pipe 40 is a pipe that carries a boil off gas, generated by vaporization The ventilation pipe 40 is a pipe that carries a boil off gas, generated by vaporization

of the cryogenic liquid in the liquid container 10, to the outside of the liquid container 10. The of of the the cryogenic cryogenic liquid liquid in in the the liquid liquid container container 10, 10, to to the the outside outside of of the the liquid liquid container container 10. 10. The The

ventilation pipe 40 includes a take-out nozzle 41 that is open in the upper region inside the liquid ventilation pipe 40 includes a take-out nozzle 41 that is open in the upper region inside the liquid

container 10. The boil off gas in the liquid container 10 flows into the ventilation pipe 40 container 10. The boil off gas in the liquid container 10 flows into the ventilation pipe 40

through the take-out nozzle 41 and is carried to the outside of the liquid container 10. through the take-out nozzle 41 and is carried to the outside of the liquid container 10.

Moreover, a ventilation pipe valve 42 is located at the ventilation pipe 40. Moreover, a ventilation pipe valve 42 is located at the ventilation pipe 40.

5

[0020]

[0020] Thecircuitry The circuitry 50 50 is is aadevice devicethat thatperforms performsvarious variouscontrol controloperations. Thecircuitry operations. The circuitry 50 includesa aprocessor, 50 includes processor, a volatile a volatile memory, memory, a non-volatile a non-volatile memory, memory, an I/O and an I/O interface, interface, and the like. the like.

Thenon-volatile The non-volatile memory memory of of thecircuitry the circuitry50 50stores stores various various programs programsincluding includinga abelow- below- described cool-down described cool-downprogram program andand various various data. data. The processor The processor performs performs calculation calculation processing processing

based on based on the the programs programsbybyusing usingthe thevolatile volatile memory. memory.

[0021]

[0021] The circuitry 50 is electrically connected to the temperature sensors 13, 14, and 15 The circuitry 50 is electrically connected to the temperature sensors 13, 14, and 15

located at the liquid container 10. The circuitry 50 can acquire the temperature of the liquid located at the liquid container 10. The circuitry 50 can acquire the temperature of the liquid

container 10 container by receiving 10 by receiving aa measurement signalfrom measurement signal fromthe thetemperature temperature sensor sensor 13, 13, 14,oror15. 14, 15. Moreover, the circuitry 50 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 16 located at the liquid Moreover, the circuitry 50 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 16 located at the liquid

container 10. The circuitry 50 can acquire the pressure in the liquid container 10 by receiving a container 10. The circuitry 50 can acquire the pressure in the liquid container 10 by receiving a

measurement measurement signalfrom signal from thepressure the pressuresensor sensor16.16.Furthermore, Furthermore, the circuitry the circuitry 50 50 is electrically is electrically

connectedtoto the connected the spraying spraying supply supplyvalve valve22, 22, the the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplyvalve valve32, 32,and andthe theventilation ventilation pipe valve pipe valve 43. 43. The The circuitry5050can circuitry cancontrol controlthe theopening openingdegrees degrees ofof thevalves the valves22, 22,32, 32,and and4343byby transmitting control transmitting control signals signals to tothe thevalves valves22, 22,32,32,and 43.43. The and circuitry 50 The circuitry 50 may openororclose may open close each of each of the the valves valves 22, 22, 32, 32, and and 43 43 by by using using aa motor or by motor or by using using pneumatic pressureororhydraulic pneumatic pressure hydraulic pressure. pressure.

[0022]

[0022] Thefunctionality The functionality of of the the elements elements disclosed disclosed herein herein may beimplemented may be implemented using using

circuitry or processing circuitry which includes general purpose processors, special purpose circuitry or processing circuitry which includes general purpose processors, special purpose

processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (“Application Specific Integrated Circuits”), conventional processors, integrated circuits, ASICs ("Application Specific Integrated Circuits"), conventional

circuitry and/or circuitry and/or combinations thereof which combinations thereof are configured which are configuredororprogrammed programmed to perform to perform the the

disclosed functionality. Processors are considered processing circuitry or circuitry as they disclosed functionality. Processors are considered processing circuitry or circuitry as they

include transistors and other circuitry therein. In the disclosure, the circuitry, units, or means include transistors and other circuitry therein. In the disclosure, the circuitry, units, or means

are hardware are that carry hardware that carry out out or or are areprogrammed programmed totoperform performthe therecited recitedfunctionality. functionality. The The hardwaremay hardware maybebe any any hardware hardware disclosed disclosed herein herein or or otherwise otherwise known known whichwhich is programmed is programmed or or configured to configured to carry carry out out the the recited recitedfunctionality. functionality. When thehardware When the hardwareisisa aprocessor processorwhich whichmaymay be considered a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or units are a combination of hardware and be considered a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or units are a combination of hardware and

software, the software, the software software being being used to configure used to configure the the hardware and/orprocessor. hardware and/or processor.

[0023]

[0023] Cool-Down Program Cool-Down Program Next, the Next, the cool-down program cool-down program executed executed by by thethe circuitry5050will circuitry willbebedescribed. described.TheThe cool-downprogram cool-down programis is a a program program forfor cooling cooling down down the the liquid liquid container container 10.10. For example, For example, when when the liquid container 10 having a normal temperature is filled with the cryogenic liquid through the liquid container 10 having a normal temperature is filled with the cryogenic liquid through

the non-spraying the supplynozzle non-spraying supply nozzle31, 31,aaportion portion of of the the liquid liquid container container 10 10 which is located which is located around around

the non-spraying the supplynozzle non-spraying supply nozzle3131isis locally locally cooled down.Therefore, cooled down. Therefore, thethe temperature temperature

difference between difference the portion between the portion around aroundthe the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplynozzle nozzle3131 and and theother the otherportion portionofof

6

the liquid the liquid liquid container container 10 container 10 increases. 10 increases. Asaaaresult, increases. As As result, the result, the liquid the liquidcontainer liquid container10 container 10may 10 may be may be damaged. be damaged. damaged.

Therefore, when Therefore, whenfilling filling the the liquid liquid container container10 10 having having the the normal normal temperature with the temperature with the cryogenic cryogenic liquid, performed liquid, first isisa cool-down performed first a cool-down in inwhich which the the liquid liquidcontainer container10 10isis cooled cooleddown down by by slowly slowly

supplying the cryogenic liquid to the entire inside of the liquid container 10. supplying the cryogenic liquid to the entire inside of the liquid container 10.

[0024]

[0024] FIG. 22 is FIG. is aa flowchart flowchart of of the thecool-down program.As As cool-down program. shown shown in FIG. in FIG. 2, when 2, when the the cool-down program cool-down program is is started,the started, the circuitry circuitry 50 50 opens opens the the spraying spraying supply valve 22 supply valve 22 to to perform the perform the

spraying supply spraying supply and andcloses closes the the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplyvalve valve3232(Step (StepS1). S1).To To be specific, be specific, when when

the cryogenic the liquid is cryogenic liquid issprayed sprayed from from the the spraying spraying supply nozzles 21 supply nozzles 21 of of the the spraying supply pipe spraying supply pipe 20, the cryogenic liquid is sprayed from the upper region inside the liquid container 10 toward an 20, the cryogenic liquid is sprayed from the upper region inside the liquid container 10 toward an

internal space of the liquid container 10. Thus, the gas in the liquid container 10 is cooled internal space of the liquid container 10. Thus, the gas in the liquid container 10 is cooled

down,and down, andthe thecooled cooledgas gasuniformly uniformlycools coolsdown down thethe entireliquid entire liquidcontainer container10. 10.To To be be specific, specific,

the liquid container 10 is indirectly cooled by the cryogenic liquid via the gas inside the liquid the liquid container 10 is indirectly cooled by the cryogenic liquid via the gas inside the liquid

container 10. container 10.

[0025]

[0025] Byperforming By performingthe thespraying sprayingsupply, supply,the thecryogenic cryogenicliquid liquidwhich whichhas hasbeen beensprayed sprayed into into

the liquid container 10 vaporizes, and this generates the boil off gas in the liquid container 10. the liquid container 10 vaporizes, and this generates the boil off gas in the liquid container 10.

By the generation of the boil off gas, the pressure in the liquid container 10 increases. At this By the generation of the boil off gas, the pressure in the liquid container 10 increases. At this

time, part of the boil off gas generated in the liquid container 10 is emitted to the outside of the time, part of the boil off gas generated in the liquid container 10 is emitted to the outside of the

liquid container liquid container 10 10 through through the the ventilation ventilationpipe pipe40. Theamount 40. The amountof of boiloff boil offgas gasemitted emittedcan canbebe adjusted by adjusted by controlling controlling the the opening degree of opening degree of the the ventilation ventilation pipe pipevalve valve 42. In the 42. In the present present embodiment,opening embodiment, opening or or closing closing theventilation the ventilationpipe pipevalve valve4242isis controlled controlled based based on onthe the pressure pressure in the in the liquid liquidcontainer container10 10which which has has been been acquired fromthe acquired from the pressure pressure sensor sensor 16. 16. However, However, by by closing the ventilation pipe valve 42 at the time of the cool-down, the boil off gas may be closing the ventilation pipe valve 42 at the time of the cool-down, the boil off gas may be

prevented from being emitted to the outside of the liquid container 10. prevented from being emitted to the outside of the liquid container 10.

[0026]

[0026] Next, the circuitry 50 acquires the temperature of the liquid container 10 (Step S2). Next, the circuitry 50 acquires the temperature of the liquid container 10 (Step S2).

In the present embodiment, the circuitry 50 acquires the temperature of the liquid container 10 In the present embodiment, the circuitry 50 acquires the temperature of the liquid container 10

from each from eachof of the the temperature temperaturesensors sensors13, 13, 14, 14, and and 15. 15. TheThe temperature temperature of the of the liquid liquid container1010 container

in the in the present present embodiment denotesthe embodiment denotes thetemperature temperatureofofthe theinner innersurface surfaceof of the the inner inner tank tank 11 11 of of

the liquid container 10. the liquid container 10.

[0027]

[0027] Next, the circuitry 50 determines whether or not the temperature of the liquid Next, the circuitry 50 determines whether or not the temperature of the liquid

container 10 container whichhas 10 which hasbeen beenacquired acquiredininStep StepS2S2isislower lowerthan thanaapredetermined predeterminedthreshold threshold(Step (Step S3). AsAs S3). described described above, above, when when the the cryogenic cryogenic liquid liquid is sprayed is sprayed in in thethe liquidcontainer liquid container10, 10,the the pressure in the liquid container 10 increases as long as the pressure is not emitted to the outside pressure in the liquid container 10 increases as long as the pressure is not emitted to the outside

through the through the ventilation ventilation pipe pipe 40. Therefore,bybyopening 40. Therefore, openingoror closingthe closing theventilation ventilation pipe pipe valve valve 42, 42, the pressure the pressure in in the theliquid liquidcontainer container10 10isis adjusted soSO adjusted as as so notnot to exceed maximum to exceed workingpressure maximum working pressure

7

of the of the liquid liquidcontainer container10. However,when 10. However, when thethe spraying spraying of of thethe cryogenic cryogenic liquid liquid is iscontinued, continued,atat a certain point of time, the volume of the liquefied gas which decreases since the temperature of a certain point of time, the volume of the liquefied gas which decreases since the temperature of

the liquefied gas in the liquid container 10 decreases becomes larger than the volume of the the liquefied gas in the liquid container 10 decreases becomes larger than the volume of the

liquefied gas which increases since the liquefied gas is sprayed into the liquid container 10 and liquefied gas which increases since the liquefied gas is sprayed into the liquid container 10 and

vaporizes, in vaporizes, in accordance with the accordance with the decrease decrease in in the the temperature of the temperature of the liquid liquidcontainer container10. Asaaa 10. As

result, the pressure in the liquid container 10 decreases. When this is continued, the pressure in result, the pressure in the liquid container 10 decreases. When this is continued, the pressure in

the liquid the liquid container container 10 10 becomes lowerthan becomes lower thanzero zeroand andreaches reachesnegative negativepressure. pressure.TheThe threshold threshold

in Step in Step S3 S3 described aboveis described above is the the temperature of the temperature of the liquid liquid container container10 10 immediately before the immediately before the pressure in pressure in the the liquid liquidcontainer container10 10becomes the negative becomes the negative pressure. The pressure. The thresholdmaymay threshold be be determinedbased determined basedonona atest test result result of of the thecool-down performedininadvance cool-down performed advancebybyusing usingthetheliquid liquid container 10 container or may 10 or beaa value may be value obtained obtainedby bydesk deskstudy studyororaa value valueobtained obtainedbased basedononexperience. experience.

[0028]

[0028] In Step S3, when the temperature of the liquid container 10 is not lower than the In Step S3, when the temperature of the liquid container 10 is not lower than the

threshold (No in Step S3), i.e., when there is no possibility that the pressure in the liquid threshold (No in Step S3), i.e., when there is no possibility that the pressure in the liquid

container 10 container becomesthe 10 becomes thenegative negativepressure, pressure,the the circuitry circuitry 50 50 returns returns to toStep StepS2. Onthe S2. On theother other hand, in Step S3, when the temperature of the liquid container 10 is lower than the threshold hand, in Step S3, when the temperature of the liquid container 10 is lower than the threshold

(Yes inStep (Yes in StepS3), S3),i.e., i.e.,when when there there ispossibility is a a possibility thatthat the the pressure pressure inliquid in the the liquid container container 10 10 becomes the negative pressure, the circuitry 50 closes the spraying supply valve 22 to stop the becomes the negative pressure, the circuitry 50 closes the spraying supply valve 22 to stop the

spraying supply and spraying supply andopens opensthe thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supply valve valve 3232 to to startthe start the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supply (Step S4). (Step S4).

[0029]

[0029] In Step S4, the spraying of the cryogenic liquid from the upper region inside the In Step S4, the spraying of the cryogenic liquid from the upper region inside the

liquid container liquid container 10 10 is isstopped stopped by by closing closing the thespraying spraying supply supply valve valve 22. Thus,the 22. Thus, thecooling coolingofofthe the gas in the liquid container 10 is suppressed, and therefore, the decrease in the volume of the gas gas in the liquid container 10 is suppressed, and therefore, the decrease in the volume of the gas

in the liquid container 10 is suppressed. in the As a result, the decrease in the pressure in the liquid the liquid container 10 is suppressed. As a result, the decrease in the pressure in the liquid

container 10 container can be 10 can be suppressed. suppressed. Moreover, Moreover, in Step in Step S4,S4, by by opening opening the the non-spraying non-spraying supply supply

valve 32, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from the non-spraying supply pipe 30 to the liquid valve 32, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from the non-spraying supply pipe 30 to the liquid

container 10, container 10, and and the the liquid liquid container container10 10 isisdirectly directlycooled down. cooled Atthis down. At this time, time, the the cryogenic cryogenic

liquid supplied from the non-spraying supply pipe 30 vaporizes, and this generates the boil off liquid supplied from the non-spraying supply pipe 30 vaporizes, and this generates the boil off

gas. As a result, the amount of gas in the liquid container 10 increases, and therefore, the gas. As a result, the amount of gas in the liquid container 10 increases, and therefore, the

decrease in the pressure in the liquid container 10 can be suppressed. decrease in the pressure in the liquid container 10 can be suppressed.

[0030]

[0030] Next, the Next, the circuitry circuitry50 50 determines determines whether or not whether or not the the cool-down ofthe cool-down of the liquid liquid container 10 container has been 10 has been completed completed(Step (StepS5). S5).ForFor example, example, whenwhen the temperature the temperature ofliquid of the the liquid container 10 container has become 10 has becomea apredetermined predetermined cool-down cool-down completion completion temperature temperature or lower, or lower, the the circuitry 50 circuitry 50 may determinethat may determine that the the cool-down hasbeen cool-down has beencompleted. completed.WhenWhen the temperature the temperature of of the liquid container 10 is higher than the cool-down completion temperature, the circuitry 50 the liquid container 10 is higher than the cool-down completion temperature, the circuitry 50

maydetermine may determinethat thatthe thecool-down cool-down has has notbeen not been completed completed yet. yet. Moreover, Moreover, for example, for example, when when

8

the cryogenic liquid supplied to the liquid container 10 does not vaporize and starts being the cryogenic liquid supplied to the liquid container 10 does not vaporize and starts being

accumulated in the liquid container 10, and the liquid level of the cryogenic liquid becomes a accumulated in the liquid container 10, and the liquid level of the cryogenic liquid becomes a

predetermined reference liquid level or higher, the circuitry 50 may determine that the cool- predetermined reference liquid level or higher, the circuitry 50 may determine that the cool-

downhas down hasbeen beencompleted. completed. When When the liquid the liquid levellevel of the of the cryogenic cryogenic liquid liquid is lower is lower thanthan the the

reference liquid reference liquid level, level,the thecircuitry 50 50 circuitry maymaydetermine determinethat thatthe cool-down the cool-down has has not not been been completed completed

yet. yet.

[0031]

[0031] Whenthe When thecircuitry circuitry 50 50determines determinesininStep StepS5S5that that the the cool-down cool-downhas hasnot notbeen been completedyet completed yet(No (NoininStep StepS5), S5),the the circuitry circuitry 50 50 returns returns to toStep StepS5. Onthe S5. On theother otherhand, hand,when whenthethe circuitry 50 circuitry 50 determines determines in in Step Step S5 S5 that that the thecool-down has been cool-down has been completed completed(Yes (YesininStep StepS5), S5),the the circuitry 50 circuitry 50 terminates terminates the thecool-down program.TheThe cool-down program. foregoing foregoing has has described described the the cool-down cool-down

programininthe program the present present embodiment. embodiment.

[0032]

[0032] Whenthe When thecool-down cool-down program program is terminated is terminated (i.e.,when (i.e., when thethe cool-down cool-down of the of the liquid liquid

container 10 has been completed), the circuitry 50 starts filling the liquid container 10 with the container 10 has been completed), the circuitry 50 starts filling the liquid container 10 with the

cryogenic liquid. cryogenic liquid. The The liquidcontainer liquid container1010isisfilled filled with with the the cryogenic cryogenic liquid liquid by by the the non-spraying non-spraying

supply pipe supply pipe 30 30 or or by by both both of of the the spraying spraying supply pipe 20 supply pipe 20 and and the the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplypipe pipe30. 30. Theamount The amountofofcryogenic cryogenic liquidsupplied liquid suppliedfrom from thenon-spraying the non-spraying supply supply pipe pipe 30 30 at at thistime this timemay may be larger be larger than than that thatininStep StepS4. To be S4. To be specific, specific, the the amount of cryogenic amount of liquid supplied cryogenic liquid from the supplied from the non-sprayingsupply non-spraying supplypipe pipe3030totothe the liquid liquid container container 10 10 can be increased can be increased after after the thecool-down. cool-down.

[0033]

[0033] Moreover,ininthe Moreover, the above abovecool-down cool-down program, program, when when the temperature the temperature of the of the liquid liquid

container 10 container becomeslower 10 becomes lowerthan thanthe thethreshold, threshold,the thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplyvalve valve3232 isisopened, opened,and and the supply the (non-sprayingsupply) supply (non-spraying supply)ofofthe the cryogenic cryogenicliquid liquid from fromthe the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplypipe pipe3030isis started (see started (seeStep Step S4). However, S4). However, thenon-spraying the non-spraying supply supply maymay be performed be performed in advance in advance at at the the start ofofthe start thecool-down cool-down program byopening program by openingthe thenon-spraying non-spraying supply supply valve valve 32 32 (Step (Step S1), S1), andand

whenthe when thetemperature temperatureofofthe theliquid liquid container container 10 10 becomes becomeslower lower thanthethethreshold than threshold(Yes (YesininStep Step S3), the S3), the amount of cryogenic amount of cryogenicliquid liquid supplied supplied in in the the non-spraying supplymay non-spraying supply maybebeincreased increasedbyby increasing the increasing the opening degree of opening degree of the the non-spraying supplyvalve non-spraying supply valve32. 32.

[0034]

[0034] Similarly, in Similarly, inthe theabove above cool-down program,when cool-down program, whenthethe temperature temperature of of thethe liquid liquid

container 10 container becomeslower 10 becomes lowerthan thanthe thethreshold, threshold,the thespraying sprayingsupply supplyvalve valve2222isisclosed, closed, and and the the supply (spraying supply (spraying supply) supply) of of the the cryogenic liquid from cryogenic liquid the spraying from the spraying supply supply pipe pipe 20 20is is stopped stopped

(Step S4). (Step However, S4). However, when when the the temperature temperature of the of the liquid liquid container container 10 10 becomes becomes lowerlower than than the the threshold (Yes threshold (Yes in in Step Step S3), S3), the the amount of cryogenic amount of liquid supplied cryogenic liquid in the supplied in the spraying spraying supply supply may may

be reduced be reducedby byreducing reducingthe theopening openingdegree degreeofofthe thespraying sprayingsupply supplyvalve valve22. 22.

[0035]

[0035] Moreover,ininthe Moreover, the above abovecool-down cool-down program, program, closing closing thethe spraying spraying supply supply valve valve 22 22 and opening and openingthe thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplyvalve valve3232 areperformed are performed at at thethesame same time time in in Step Step S4,S4, butbut dodo

not have not to be have to be performed at the performed at the same time. To To same time. be be specific,ininStep specific, StepS4, S4,the thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supply

9

valve 32 valve 32 may maybebeopened opened (thenon-spraying (the non-spraying supply supply maymay be started) be started) after after theelapse the elapseofofa a predetermined predetermined predetermined period period period oftime of of time time since since since the spraying the spraying the spraying supply supply supply valve valve 22valve 22is(the 22 is closed is closed closed (the (the spraying spraying spraying supply is supplyis supply is stopped). Or,Or,the stopped). thespraying sprayingsupply supply valve valve 2222 may may be closed be closed (the (the spraying spraying supply supply may may be be stopped) after stopped) after the the elapse elapse of ofa apredetermined predetermined period period of of time time since since the thenon-spraying non-spraying supply supply valve valve

32 is opened 32 is opened (the (the non-spraying non-spraying supplysupply is started). is started).

[0036]

[0036] Moreover,ininthe Moreover, the above aboveembodiment, embodiment,thethe cool-down cool-down of the of the liquid liquid container container 10 10 is is performedininsuch performed suchaamanner mannerthat thatthe thecircuitry circuitry 50 executes the 50 executes the cool-down cool-downprogram. program. However, However,

the cool-down the ofthe cool-down of the liquid liquid container container 10 maybebemanually 10 may manually performed performed by by an operator. an operator.

[0037]

[0037] Conclusion Conclusion

A method A methodaccording accordingtoto theabove the aboveembodiment embodiment is aismethod a method of cooling of cooling downdown a liquid a liquid

container that container that stores storesa acryogenic cryogenic liquid. The method liquid. The methodincludes: includes:combining combining spraying spraying supply supply of of supplying the supplying the cryogenic cryogenicliquid liquid into into the the liquid liquidcontainer containerby byspraying spraying and and non-spraying supplyof non-spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and when a temperature of the liquid supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and when a temperature of the liquid

container becomes container lowerthan becomes lower thana apredetermined predetermined threshold, threshold, startingthe starting thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supply oror

increasing the increasing the amount of cryogenic amount of cryogenicliquid liquid supplied suppliedin in the the non-spraying supply. non-spraying supply.

[0038]

[0038] As above, As above,when whenthe thetemperature temperatureofof theliquid the liquidcontainer containerbecomes becomes lower lower than than thethe

predeterminedthreshold, predetermined threshold,the the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplyisisstarted, started, or or the the amount of cryogenic amount of cryogenicliquid liquid supplied in the non-spraying supply is increased. Thus, the liquid container starts being directly supplied in the non-spraying supply is increased. Thus, the liquid container starts being directly

cooled by the cryogenic liquid, or the liquid container is directly cooled by a larger amount of cooled by the cryogenic liquid, or the liquid container is directly cooled by a larger amount of

cryogenic liquid. At this time, since the liquid container is locally cooled, the cooling of the cryogenic liquid. At this time, since the liquid container is locally cooled, the cooling of the

gas in the liquid container is suppressed as a whole, and therefore, the decrease in the volume of gas in the liquid container is suppressed as a whole, and therefore, the decrease in the volume of

the gas the gas is issuppressed. Moreover, suppressed. Moreover, thethe cryogenic cryogenic liquid liquid supplied supplied by by thethe non-spraying non-spraying supply supply

vaporizes, and this generates the boil off gas. Therefore, the amount of gas in the liquid vaporizes, and this generates the boil off gas. Therefore, the amount of gas in the liquid

container increases. As a result, the decrease in the pressure in the liquid container can be container increases. As a result, the decrease in the pressure in the liquid container can be

suppressed. suppressed.

[0039]

[0039] Moreover,ininthe Moreover, the method methodaccording according to to theabove the above embodiment, embodiment, whenwhen the temperature the temperature

of the liquid container becomes lower than the threshold, the spraying supply is stopped, or the of the liquid container becomes lower than the threshold, the spraying supply is stopped, or the

amountofofcryogenic amount cryogenicliquid liquidsupplied suppliedininthe the spraying spraying supply supplyisis reduced. reduced.

[0040]

[0040] As above, As above,since since the the spraying spraying supply supplyis is stopped, stopped, or or the the amount of cryogenic amount of cryogenicliquid liquid supplied in the spraying supply is reduced, the cooling of the gas in the liquid container is supplied in the spraying supply is reduced, the cooling of the gas in the liquid container is

suppressed. Thus, suppressed. Thus, thethe decrease decrease in in thevolume the volume of of thethe gas gas in in theliquid the liquidcontainer containerisis suppressed, suppressed, and therefore, the decrease in the pressure in the liquid container can be suppressed. and therefore, the decrease in the pressure in the liquid container can be suppressed.

[0041]

[0041] Moreover,ininthe Moreover, the method methodaccording according to to theabove the above embodiment, embodiment, in the in the spraying spraying

supply, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from an upper region inside the liquid container, and in supply, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from an upper region inside the liquid container, and in

the non- the non-

10

spraying supply, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from a lower region inside the liquid container. spraying supply, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from a lower region inside the liquid container.

[0042]

[0042] As above, in the spraying supply, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from the upper As above, in the spraying supply, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from the upper

region inside the liquid container. Thus, when there is no possibility that the pressure in the region inside the liquid container. Thus, when there is no possibility that the pressure in the

liquid container becomes the negative pressure, the entire liquid container can be uniformly liquid container becomes the negative pressure, the entire liquid container can be uniformly

cooled down cooled downbybythe thecooled cooledgas. gas.Moreover, Moreover, in the in the non-spraying non-spraying supply, supply, the cryogenic the cryogenic liquid liquid is is supplied from supplied fromthe the lower lowerregion regioninside inside the the liquid liquid container. Thus,when container. Thus, when there there isisa apossibility possibility that the pressure in the liquid container becomes the negative pressure, the cryogenic liquid is that the pressure in the liquid container becomes the negative pressure, the cryogenic liquid is

easily accumulated in a bottom portion of the liquid container, and therefore, the liquid container easily accumulated in a bottom portion of the liquid container, and therefore, the liquid container

is locally cooled. Thus, the gas in the liquid container is hardly cooled as a whole, and is locally is locally cooled. cooled. Thus, Thus, the the gas gas in in the the liquid liquid container container is is hardly hardly cooled cooled as as aa whole, whole, and and

therefore, the decrease in the pressure in the liquid container can be suppressed. therefore, the decrease in the pressure in the liquid container can be suppressed.

[0043]

[0043] Moreover,a astorage Moreover, storagefacility facility according to the according to the above above embodiment includes:a aliquid embodiment includes: liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid; a spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid; a spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic liquid

into the liquid container by spraying; a non-spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic into into the the liquid liquid container container by by spraying; spraying; aa non-spraying non-spraying supply supply pipe pipe that that supplies supplies the the cryogenic cryogenic

liquid into the liquid container; and circuitry configured to execute a cool-down program that liquid into the liquid container; and circuitry configured to execute a cool-down program that

cools down cools theliquid down the liquid container container by by combining combiningsupply supply ofof thecryogenic the cryogenic liquidfrom liquid from thespraying the spraying supply pipe supply pipe and andsupply supplyofofthe the cryogenic cryogenicliquid liquid from fromthe the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplypipe pipeand andininthe the cool-downprogram, cool-down program, when when a temperature a temperature of the of the liquid liquid container container becomes becomes lower lower thanthan a a predeterminedthreshold, predetermined threshold,start start the the supply supply of of the the cryogenic cryogenic liquid liquid from from the the non-spraying supply non-spraying supply

pipe or pipe or increase increase the the amount of cryogenic amount of cryogenicliquid liquid supplied supplied from fromthe the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplypipe. pipe.

[0044]

[0044] As above, As above,when whenthe thetemperature temperatureofof theliquid the liquidcontainer containerbecomes becomes lower lower than than thethe

predeterminedthreshold, predetermined threshold,the the cryogenic cryogenicliquid liquid starts starts being being supplied supplied by by the the non-spraying supply, non-spraying supply,

or the or the amount of cryogenic amount of cryogenicliquid liquid supplied supplied from fromthe thenon-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplypipe pipeisisincreased. increased. Thus, the liquid container starts being directly cooled by the cryogenic liquid, or the liquid Thus, the liquid container starts being directly cooled by the cryogenic liquid, or the liquid

container is directly cooled by a larger amount of cryogenic liquid. At this time, since the container is directly cooled by a larger amount of cryogenic liquid. At this time, since the

liquid container is locally cooled, the cooling of the gas in the liquid container is suppressed as a liquid container is locally cooled, the cooling of the gas in the liquid container is suppressed as a

whole, and whole, andtherefore, therefore, the the decrease decrease in in the the volume of the volume of the gas gas is issuppressed. Moreover, suppressed. Moreover, thethe

cryogenicliquid cryogenic liquid supplied supplied from fromthe the non-spraying non-sprayingsupply supplypipe pipevaporizes, vaporizes,and andthis thisgenerates generatesthe the boil off boil off gas. Therefore,the gas. Therefore, the amount amountofofgas gasininthe theliquid liquid container container increases. increases. AsAsa aresult, result, the the decrease in the pressure in the liquid container can be suppressed. decrease in the pressure in the liquid container can be suppressed.

ReferenceSigns Reference SignsList List

[0045]

[0045] 10 10 liquid container liquid container

20 20 spraying supply spraying supplypipe pipe 30 30 non-sprayingsupply non-spraying supplypipe pipe

11 11

circuitry circuitry

100 100 storage facility storage facility

Claims

CLAIMS 03 Jul 2025

[Claim 1] A method of cooling down a liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid, the method comprising: combining spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container by spraying and 2022407768

non-spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and when a temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than a predetermined threshold before the cool-down of the liquid container is completed, starting the non-spraying supply or increasing the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied in the non-spraying supply.
[Claim 2] The method according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than the threshold, the spraying supply is stopped, or the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied in the spraying supply is reduced.
[Claim 3] The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: in the spraying supply, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from an upper region inside the liquid container; and in the non-spraying supply, the cryogenic liquid is supplied from a lower region inside the liquid container.
[Claim 4] A storage facility comprising: a liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid; a spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container by spraying; a non-spraying supply pipe that supplies the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and circuitry configured to execute a cool-down program that cools down the liquid container by combining supply of the cryogenic liquid from the spraying supply pipe and supply of the cryogenic liquid from the non-spraying supply pipe and in the cool-down program, when a temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than a predetermined threshold before the cool-down of the liquid container is 03 Jul 2025 completed, start the supply of the cryogenic liquid from the non-spraying supply pipe or increase the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied from the non-spraying supply pipe.
[Claim 5] A method of cooling down a liquid container that stores a cryogenic liquid, the method including: combining 2022407768

spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container by spraying and non-spraying supply of supplying the cryogenic liquid into the liquid container; and when a temperature of the liquid container becomes lower than a predetermined threshold, starting the non-spraying supply or increasing the amount of cryogenic liquid supplied in the non-spraying supply such that pressure in the liquid container does not become negative pressure.