JP7840669B2 - Floating watercraft - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a floating watercraft for producing ethanol.

Generally, floating facilities for handling fossil fuels are known. For example, a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) designed to minimize impact on the natural environment has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-192895

However, from the perspective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which are a concern for their impact on the global environment, alternative fuels to fossil fuels are needed.
An object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a floating watercraft for producing ethanol.

A floating watercraft according to the aspects of the present invention comprises: an intake means for taking in plants living in water; a crushing means for crushing the plants taken in by the intake means; a plurality of fermentation tanks whose posture is controlled by transferring contents between two selected fermentation tanks and which store the plants for fermentation; plant piping for sending the plants crushed by the crushing means to the fermentation tanks; fermentation liquid piping for taking out the fermentation liquid produced by the fermentation of the plants from the fermentation tanks; a residue separation means for separating and removing residue from the fermentation liquid; a distillation means for distilling the fermentation liquid from which the residue has been removed by the residue separation means in order to produce ethanol; and an ethanol tank for storing the ethanol produced by the distillation means.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the objective is to provide a floating watercraft for producing ethanol.

A side view showing the configuration of a floating watercraft according to an embodiment of the present invention. A top view showing the configuration below the deck of the floating watercraft according to this embodiment. This flowchart shows the flow of the bioethanol production method using a floating water-based facility according to this embodiment. This flowchart shows the flow of the attitude control method for controlling the attitude of a floating watercraft according to this embodiment. This diagram shows the configuration of a carbon dioxide sequestration system for fixing carbon dioxide in the sea in a floating facility according to this embodiment.

(Embodiment)
Figure 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a floating watercraft 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top view showing the internal configuration of the floating watercraft 1 according to this embodiment. The same parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate.

The floating watercraft 1 is a facility for producing bioethanol. For example, the floating watercraft 1 is an FPSO (floating production storage and offloading unit) that produces bioethanol. Hereafter, bioethanol may be simply referred to as ethanol. The floating watercraft 1 may be configured as a vessel with propulsion capabilities. The floating watercraft 1 may be newly manufactured or modified from an existing vessel. For example, the floating watercraft 1 is envisioned as a modification of a VLCC (very large crude oil carrier). Here, the configuration of the floating watercraft 1 in terms of vessel shape will be described. The fuel for the floating watercraft 1 can be self-supplied by using ethanol. However, the fuel for the floating watercraft 1 is not limited to ethanol; any fuel may be used.

Furthermore, while the floating watercraft 1 is described as a facility located on the sea and producing ethanol using seaweed as a raw material, it is not limited to this. The floating watercraft 1 may also be located on a river or lake. Moreover, the raw material for ethanol is not limited to seaweed or seagrass; any plant that inhabits natural waters such as the sea, rivers, or lakes may be used. For example, suitable seaweeds include kelp, wakame, Sargassum, Sargassum fuciformis, or giant kelp. Sargassum, giant kelp, and Sargassum fuciformis are suitable as raw materials for ethanol production because they grow quickly, and are easy to secure as raw materials because they are not suitable for consumption.

The floating vessel 1 comprises a harvesting device 2, a washing unit 3, a pre-crushing storage unit 4, a crusher 5, a first centrifugal separator 6, a second centrifugal separator 7, a distillation column 8, and a hull 10. The harvesting device 2, washing unit 3, pre-crushing storage unit 4, crusher 5, first centrifugal separator 6, second centrifugal separator 7, and distillation column 8 are mounted on a deck positioned on the upper surface of the hull 10. The hull 10 is equipped with multiple fermentation tanks 11, a residue tank 12, an ethanol tank 13, a pump 31, and an ethanol pump 34.

The floating watercraft 1 is primarily controlled using computers. The computer system may consist of multiple components, and some or all of the computers may be connected via a network. Each component may have a built-in control computer, while some components may not be controlled by a computer. For example, the computer system may include an integrated automation system (IAS) for monitoring and controlling the attitude of the floating watercraft 1, and a loading computer.

Harvesting device 2 harvests seaweed, which is the raw material for ethanol, and loads it into the floating watercraft 1. For example, harvesting device 2 is installed near the bow FP (Floating Point). Harvesting device 2 can be positioned in any way and of any type as long as it can load the seaweed into the floating watercraft 1. For example, harvesting device 2 is a crane-type device.

The washing section 3 is a location where equipment for washing seaweed retrieved from the sea with seawater or fresh water is installed. Washing the seaweed in the washing section 3 removes any attached organisms. Note that the washing section 3 is not strictly necessary. For example, the seaweed may be washed manually or using equipment brought in from outside the floating watercraft 1.

The pre-crushing storage section 4 is a storage area for seaweed that has been washed by the washing section 3. For example, the pre-crushing storage section 4 is a tank for storing seaweed before crushing. Note that the pre-crushing storage section 4 is optional.

The crusher 5 sequentially takes in the seaweed stored in the pre-crushing storage unit 4 and crushes it into fine particles. The crusher 5 then feeds the crushed seaweed to the first centrifugal separator 6.

The first centrifuge 6 removes water from the seaweed crushed by the crusher 5. In this way, the volume of the seaweed is reduced to effectively utilize the limited space of the fermentation tank 11 located within the ship's hull 10. The dehydrated seaweed, along with the fermentation substances, is stored in the fermentation tank 11. These fermentation substances are saccharifying yeast and enzymes. The seaweed is then fermented in the fermentation tank 11 for several days (for example, 14 days) to produce a fermentation liquid.

Furthermore, any device capable of removing water from the seaweed may be used, not limited to a centrifuge, and any treatment of the seaweed may be applied. Also, the substances used for fermentation may be changed or added depending on the raw materials.

The second centrifuge 7 removes the residue from the fermented liquid that has been sufficiently fermented in the fermentation tank 11. Note that any device or process that can remove the residue from the fermented liquid is acceptable, not limited to a centrifuge.

The distillation column 8 distills the fermentation liquid to ultimately produce ethanol. Any distillation method and any equipment may be used for the distillation of the fermentation liquid.

Referring to Figure 2, the specific configuration of the area below the deck of the hull 10 will be described.
The hull 10 is equipped with multiple fermentation tanks 11, a residue tank 12, an ethanol tank 13, seaweed piping 21, fermentation liquid piping 22, emergency piping 23, intermediate valves 24, 25, emergency valve 26, pump 31, valves 32, 33, and an ethanol pump 34.

The fermentation tank 11 is a tank for storing seaweed for a predetermined period to allow it to ferment. The number of fermentation tanks 11 is determined according to the fermentation period and the unit period for managing the fermentation. For example, if the minimum fermentation period for seaweed (the minimum number of days required for fermentation) is 14 days, and one fermentation tank 11 is provided for every fermentation period (the number of days elapsed since the seaweed was introduced), then at least 14 fermentation tanks 11 will be required. Since seaweed will be placed inside the fermentation tanks, it is desirable to paint them to prevent rust.

Furthermore, the fermentation tank 11 also functions as a ballast tank for controlling the attitude of the floating structure 1. When the fermentation tank 11 functions as a ballast tank, the capacity of all the fermentation tanks 11 may be made the same. This makes it easier to perform the calculations required for attitude control.

Furthermore, one fermentation tank 11 may be assigned to a fermentation period of two days or more, or two or more fermentation tanks 11 may be assigned to the same fermentation period. Also, the fermentation tanks 11 may be managed based on the elapsed fermentation time from the time the seaweed was injected (for example, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, or 36 hours).

Furthermore, extra fermentation tanks 11 may be provided as backups. For example, the backup fermentation tanks 11 may be used continuously to ferment seaweed for a period exceeding the minimum fermentation period, or they may be kept empty during normal operation and used only in emergencies (e.g., during attitude control).

This section primarily describes a configuration where the minimum fermentation period is 14 days, with one fermentation tank 11 provided for each day of fermentation, and an additional fermentation tank 11 provided as a backup. Therefore, the floating watercraft 1 has a total of 15 fermentation tanks 11. Furthermore, the seaweed is fermented for 15 days, in contrast to the minimum fermentation period of 14 days.

The residue tank 12 is a tank for storing the residue removed from the fermentation liquid. The ethanol tank 13 is a tank for storing bioethanol produced by the floating equipment 1. The residue tank 12 and the ethanol tank 13 may be located anywhere on the hull 10, or they may be located on the deck. For example, the residue tank 12 and the ethanol tank 13 may be located on the stern AP side of the hull 10.

Pumps 31 are installed in each fermentation tank 11. Each pump 31 is connected to the fermentation liquid piping 22 via a valve 32. Pumps 31 are devices for sending the fermentation liquid, obtained by fermenting seaweed, from the fermentation tank 11 through the fermentation liquid piping 22 to the second centrifuge 7. Pumps 31 may also be used to agitate the contents of the fermentation tank 11, such as the seaweed and fermentation liquid. This promotes the fermentation of the seaweed. In other words, pumps 31 have the function of sweeping out and circulating the contents of the fermentation tank 11.

Furthermore, instead of providing a pump 31 in each fermentation tank 11, they may be centrally located. For example, a pump chamber may be provided at the rear of the fermentation tank 11, and the pumps 31 may be integrated into this chamber. Also, the fermentation liquid piping 22 may be located at the bottom of the fermentation tank 11.

The ethanol pump 34 is installed in the ethanol tank 13. The ethanol pump 34 is a device for transferring ethanol stored in the ethanol tank 13 overboard. The ethanol pump 34 is used when the ethanol is shipped as a product.

The seaweed piping 21 is connected to each fermentation tank 11 via valves 33. The seaweed piping 21 is for sending seaweed to the fermentation tanks 11 before fermentation. By opening the valve 33 on the piping to the target fermentation tank 11 and closing the other valves 33, the seaweed introduced into the seaweed piping 21 is fed into the target fermentation tank 11. An intermediate valve 24 is provided in the central longitudinal portion of the seaweed piping 21, but it is optional.

The fermentation liquid pipe 22 is used to extract the fermentation liquid, obtained by fermenting seaweed, from the fermentation tank 11. A valve 33 is opened in the pipe connecting the pump 31 (located in the fermentation tank 11) to the fermentation liquid pipe 22, thereby activating the pump 31. This allows the fermentation liquid stored in a specific fermentation tank 11 to be extracted via the fermentation liquid pipe 22. An intermediate valve 25 is provided in the central longitudinal portion of the fermentation liquid pipe 22, but it is optional.

The emergency piping 23 is provided to connect the bow FP-side end of the seaweed piping 21 to the bow FP-side end of the fermentation liquid piping 22. An emergency valve 26 is provided on the emergency piping 23. The emergency valve 26 is normally closed. By opening the emergency valve 26, the seaweed piping 21 and the fermentation liquid piping 22 are connected by the emergency piping 23, allowing the contents of any two fermentation tanks 11 to be transferred between them. This allows the fermentation tanks 11 to function as ballast tanks. Alternatively, instead of the emergency piping 23, a separate piping system for transferring the contents of any two fermentation tanks 11 may be provided, separate from the seaweed piping 21 and the fermentation liquid piping 22.

If an abnormality in the posture of the floating structure 1 is detected, the system controls the floating structure 1 to return to a normal posture by transferring part or all of the contents of one fermentation tank 11 to the other fermentation tank 11. The emergency piping 23 is used when transferring contents between the two fermentation tanks 11 in this manner.

Furthermore, by closing at least one of the intermediate valves 24 and 25 of the seaweed pipe 21 and the fermentation liquid pipe 22, the contents can be transferred between the two fermentation tanks 11, while the seaweed pipe 21 or the fermentation liquid pipe 22 can perform their original functions of taking in seaweed or taking out the fermentation liquid. Specifically, the seaweed pipe 21 and the fermentation liquid pipe 22 on the emergency pipe 23 side are used to transfer the contents between the two fermentation tanks 11, and the seaweed pipe 21 or the fermentation liquid pipe 22 on the opposite side of the emergency pipe 23 are used to inject seaweed into the fermentation tank 11 or to take out the fermentation liquid from the fermentation tank 11.

Referring to Figure 3, the method for producing bioethanol using the floating watercraft 1 will be explained.

The seaweed, which will be used as a raw material for ethanol, is harvested by the harvesting device 2 (step S101). For example, there may be many seaweed shelves (cultivation shelves) for seaweed cultivation near the floating water structure 1. The harvesting device 2 harvests the seaweed by winding up a string to which multiple seaweed shelves are connected. Furthermore, by detaching the seaweed from the shelves while leaving the roots intact and returning the shelves with the remaining roots to the sea, new seaweed will grow from the roots of the shelves. This allows for repeated harvesting of seaweed from the shelves.

The harvested seaweed is washed in the washing section 3 to remove any attached organisms (step S102). For example, the seaweed is washed with seawater and then with fresh water. Furthermore, in addition to washing with water, the seaweed may be subjected to treatment to remove attached organisms. These attached organisms may include sand, mud, debris, salt, or fish eggs.

The seaweed from which attached material has been removed is temporarily stored in the pre-crushing storage section 4. The seaweed stored in the pre-crushing storage section 4 is sequentially removed and finely crushed by the crusher 5 (step S103). The seaweed is crushed to a degree that it does not hinder its flow through the seaweed piping 21. Ideally, the seaweed should be crushed to a fluid state.

The crushed seaweed is dehydrated by the first centrifuge 6 (step S104). This reduces the volume of the seaweed by the amount of water removed. The dehydrated seaweed is then injected into the fermentation tank 11 along with fermentation substances such as saccharifying yeast and enzymes (step S105). The fermentation substances may be injected into the fermentation tank 11 together with the seaweed, or they may be injected separately. As a result, the seaweed ferments in the fermentation tank 11 (step S106).

After a predetermined period (for example, 14 days) has elapsed since the start of fermentation in the fermentation tank 11, the fermented liquid produced from the seaweed is removed from the fermentation tank 11 (step S107). The residue is removed from the removed fermented liquid using the second centrifuge 7 (step S108). This separation may be by gravity or pressure. The residue separated from the fermented liquid is stored in the residue tank 12. The residue stored in the residue tank 12 may be processed and used as fuel for the floating equipment 1, or it may be incinerated directly on board without processing, or it may be transported offboard as a raw material for fertilizer, etc.

The fermented liquid, from which the residue has been removed, is sent to the distillation column 8 (step S109). The fermented liquid is distilled in the distillation column 8 to produce ethanol (step S110). The concentration of the ethanol is at least sufficient for use as fuel for ships, etc. (e.g., 95%). Furthermore, to increase the purity of the ethanol, treatments such as dehydration may be performed to produce ethanol with a concentration of approximately 99.5% or higher (anhydrous ethanol).

The ethanol produced in the distillation column 8 is stored in the ethanol tank 13 (step S111). In this way, bioethanol is produced from the raw material seaweed.

The ethanol stored in the ethanol tank 13 is shipped as a product (step S112). For example, the ethanol is transferred to an ethanol tanker or onshore facility. The method of transferring the ethanol overboard may vary. For example, a pipeline may be connected to the ethanol tank 13, allowing the ethanol to flow through the pipeline. Alternatively, the ethanol tank 13 may be detachable from the hull 10, and the ethanol may be transported overboard along with the ethanol tank 13.

Referring to Figure 4, the attitude control method for controlling the attitude of the floating watercraft 1 will be described. For example, attitude control is performed by a loading computer. Alternatively, attitude control may be automatically controlled by the IAS based on the calculation results of the loading computer, or it may be manually remotely controlled using the IAS.

First, we will explain the method for selecting the fermentation tank 11 into which the seaweed is injected before fermentation. This selection of the fermentation tank 11 may be performed using a computer or manually.

If there is one empty fermentation tank 11, seaweed is injected into that empty tank 11. If there are multiple empty fermentation tanks 11, one of them is selected. If there are no empty fermentation tanks 11, the injection of seaweed is stopped, or if there is remaining capacity in the most recently injected fermentation tank 11, it is injected into that tank 11.

For example, when selecting one of several fermentation tanks 11, the fermentation tank 11 is determined according to a predetermined order to maintain the ideal orientation of the floating watercraft 1. Alternatively, a computer calculates and determines which fermentation tank 11 is best for injecting seaweed to maintain the normal orientation of the floating watercraft 1. Note that the selection of the fermentation tank 11 to which seaweed is injected can be made in any manner and may be determined independently of the orientation of the floating watercraft 1.

Here, the seaweed harvest yield is not constant because it is affected by the natural environment. Therefore, the amount of contents stored in each fermentation tank 11 usually differs. Because of this, the weight of the contents in each fermentation tank 11 may cause the floating structure 1 to tilt. Therefore, the attitude control of the floating structure 1 is performed as follows.

The computer constantly calculates and monitors the trim (indicating the ship's longitudinal inclination), the heel (indicating the ship's lateral inclination), and the longitudinal strength (step S201).

If at least one of the calculated values for trim, heel, and longitudinal strength exceeds a threshold, the computer issues an alarm indicating that an abnormality in the attitude of the floating watercraft 1 has been detected (step S202). The alarm may be accompanied by at least one of a display or sound.

If an alarm is triggered, the computer selects two fermentation tanks 11 to correct the posture anomaly (step S203). Depending on the type of anomaly, such as trim, heel, or longitudinal strength, the computer selects two fermentation tanks 11 to transfer the contents.

If an empty fermentation tank 11 is available, it will be selected as the destination fermentation tank 11 with the highest priority. If no empty fermentation tank 11 is available, the two fermentation tanks 11 selected will be prioritized based on their similar fermentation time (i.e., the closest dates for seaweed injection).

If the fermentation time in the two fermentation tanks 11 differs, the fermentation time in the destination fermentation tank 11 needs to be updated. For example, if the fermentation time in the destination fermentation tank 11 is longer than that of the source fermentation tank 11, the fermentation time in the destination fermentation tank 11 should be updated to match that of the source fermentation tank 11. Otherwise, the fermentation time in the destination fermentation tank 11 does not need to be changed.

Once the computer determines the two fermentation tanks 11 to which the contents will be transferred, it calculates the amount of contents to be transferred between the two fermentation tanks 11 in order to resolve any abnormalities that may cause an alarm (step S204).

Here, the capacity of the destination fermentation tank 11, one of the two fermentation tanks 11, must have sufficient empty space to receive the contents. For example, if the two fermentation tanks 11 have the same capacity, and the source fermentation tank 11 is filled to 100% of its capacity, and the destination fermentation tank 11 is filled to 75% of its capacity, then a maximum of 25% of the contents can be transferred. Therefore, if the abnormality is not resolved by transferring less than 25% of the contents, it will be necessary to find the other two fermentation tanks 11. Considering that the fermentation tanks 11 are also used for attitude control, it is desirable that the capacity of the fermentation tanks 11 have a capacity margin of about 10% compared to the normal amount of seaweed to be fermented in one day.

The computer calculates the amount of contents to be transferred and then transfers the calculated amount of contents from the source fermentation tank 11 to the destination fermentation tank 11 (step S205). By opening the emergency valve 26 located in the emergency piping 23, the contents can be transferred between the two fermentation tanks 11.

If there is no hindrance to the transfer of contents between the two fermentation tanks 11, at least one of the intermediate valves 24 and 25 in the seaweed piping 21 or the fermentation liquid piping 22 may be closed. This allows the seaweed piping 21 or the fermentation liquid piping 22 on the stern AP side of the closed intermediate valves 24 and 25 to simultaneously perform its intended function of supplying seaweed or withdrawing fermentation liquid while simultaneously transferring contents between the two fermentation tanks 11.

The computer checks whether the alarm has stopped (i.e., whether the abnormality has been resolved) after the contents have been transferred between the two fermentation tanks 11 (step S206). If the alarm has stopped, the computer terminates the attitude control to resolve the attitude abnormality (Yes in step S206). If the alarm has not stopped, the computer selects the two fermentation tanks 11 again to resolve the attitude abnormality (No in step S206, step S203).

Furthermore, it is desirable to minimize the number of times the contents are transferred between the two fermentation tanks 11. Therefore, the computer may predict the orientation of the floating structure 1 after the contents have been transferred and select the two fermentation tanks 11 in such a way that the abnormality is resolved with the minimum number of contents transfers.

For example, if two fermentation tanks 11 are selected to eliminate heel anomalies, even if the heel anomaly is resolved after the contents are transferred, anomalies in trim or longitudinal strength may still occur. In this case, it is desirable to select two fermentation tanks 11 so that no anomalies of any kind occur after the contents are transferred. Furthermore, it is possible that all types of anomalies cannot be prevented without transferring the contents between three or more fermentation tanks 11. In this case, the number of contents transfers can be minimized by simulating the contents transfer between multiple fermentation tanks 11 in advance using a computer.

In this explanation, we have described a configuration in which the fermentation tank 11 functions as a ballast tank for attitude control without providing a dedicated ballast tank for attitude control. However, a separate ballast tank may also be provided in addition to the fermentation tank 11. In this case as well, the fermentation tank 11 may still function as a ballast tank.

Furthermore, when dedicated ballast tanks are provided, it is desirable to minimize their number. For example, attitude control is possible with two to four ballast tanks each on the port and starboard sides. Therefore, when modifying VLCCs, etc., the volumetric efficiency of the floating equipment 1 can be increased by leaving only the minimum necessary ballast tanks and using the remaining ballast tanks as fermentation tanks 11, etc.

Figure 5 is a configuration diagram showing the setup of the carbon dioxide fixation system 40 in the floating watercraft 1 according to this embodiment, which fixes carbon dioxide in the sea.

The carbon dioxide fixation system 40 includes multiple air vents 41, a pressure control valve 42, a compressor 43, and carbon dioxide piping 44.

Each air vent 41 is provided in the fermentation tank 11. When the internal pressure of the fermentation tank 11 exceeds a predetermined value set for the air vent 41, the air vent 41 is opened. Opening the air vent 41 releases carbon dioxide from the fermentation tank 11 into the carbon dioxide piping 44. Once carbon dioxide has been released from the fermentation tank 11 and the internal pressure falls below the predetermined value set for the air vent 41, the air vent 41 is closed. The carbon dioxide released from each air vent 41 is then sent to the compressor 43 via the carbon dioxide piping 44.

Inside the fermentation tank 11, carbon dioxide is generated as the raw materials ferment. The air vent 41 prevents the internal pressure of the fermentation tank 11 from becoming excessive by releasing the carbon dioxide generated inside the tank to the outside. Therefore, by providing the air vent 41, the internal pressure of the fermentation tank 11 is controlled.

The pressure control valve 42 is installed in the carbon dioxide piping 44 connecting each air vent 41 to the compressor 43. When the internal pressure of the carbon dioxide piping 44 exceeds a set predetermined value, the pressure control valve 42 sends the carbon dioxide released from each fermentation tank 11 to the compressor 43. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide released from each fermentation tank 11 may be stored in a tank or similar container before being sent to the compressor 43. Furthermore, the pressure control valve 42 may be configured to control the internal pressure of the tank or similar container where the carbon dioxide is stored.

The compressor 43 compresses the carbon dioxide released from each fermentation tank 11 and releases it into the sea (water). The compressed carbon dioxide is released through a pipeline with an outlet in the sea. As a result, the carbon dioxide generated in each fermentation tank 11 is fixed in the sea, suppressing carbon dioxide emissions.

According to this embodiment, bioethanol can be efficiently produced using aquatic plants as raw materials.

Furthermore, by using the fermentation tank 11 for fermenting plants as a ballast tank, there is no need to provide a separate ballast tank for attitude control on the floating structure 1. Therefore, compared to the case where a separate ballast tank is provided for attitude control, the space on the floating structure 1 can be utilized more effectively.

Furthermore, by installing the carbon dioxide fixation system 40, the carbon dioxide generated in the fermentation tank 11 can be fixed in the natural water environment. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the floating watercraft 1. Additionally, if seaweed, the raw material, is being cultivated near the floating watercraft 1, the growth of the cultivated seaweed can be promoted. Note that the carbon dioxide fixation system 40 is not necessary for bioethanol production in the floating watercraft 1.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and components may be deleted, added, or modified. Also, new embodiments may be created by combining or replacing components in multiple embodiments. Even if such embodiments differ directly from the embodiments described above, those that share a similar purpose to the present invention are described as embodiments of the present invention, and their descriptions are omitted.

1…Floating watercraft, 2…Harvesting equipment, 3…Washing section, 4…Pre-crushing storage section, 5…Crusher, 6…First centrifugal separator, 7…Second centrifugal separator, 8…Distillation column, 10…Hull, 11…Fermentation tank, 12…Residue tank, 13…Ethanol tank.

Claims (9)

A means of taking in aquatic plants,
A crushing means for crushing the plants taken in by the aforementioned intake means,
The contents are transferred between two selected fermentation tanks, and the posture is controlled, and there are multiple fermentation tanks for storing the plants for fermentation,
A plant pipe for sending the plant, which has been crushed by the crushing means, to the fermentation tank,
A piping system for the fermented liquid produced by the fermentation of the aforementioned plants, which is used to remove the fermented liquid from the fermentation tank,
A residue separation means for separating and removing the residue from the fermentation liquid,
A distillation means for distilling the fermentation liquid from which the residue has been removed by the residue separation means in order to produce ethanol,
A floating watercraft characterized by comprising an ethanol tank for storing the ethanol produced by the distillation means. The floating water-based equipment according to claim 1, further comprising a means for removing moisture from the aforementioned plants. To perform the aforementioned attitude control, the contents are transferred between the two fermentation tanks using piping that includes the connected plant piping and the fermentation liquid piping.
A floating watercraft according to claim 1 , characterized by the following: The floating water-based equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that it is equipped with a plant piping valve provided in the plant piping for transferring contents between the two fermentation tanks and simultaneously supplying the plants to the fermentation tanks. The floating watercraft according to claim 3, characterized in that it is equipped with a fermentation liquid piping valve provided in the fermentation liquid piping for transferring contents between the two fermentation tanks and for removing the fermentation liquid from the fermentation tanks. The floating watercraft according to claim 1, characterized in that ethanol is used as fuel. The floating watercraft according to claim 1, characterized in that the residue separated from the fermentation liquid is used as fuel. The floating watercraft according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured in the shape of a ship. The floating water-based equipment according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a carbon dioxide fixation means for fixing carbon dioxide generated in the fermentation tank into water.