Industrial scale power plant, system comprising industrial scale power plant and one or more application equipment, convection oven and method for supplying hot and cold heat transfer fluids

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid hydrogen thermoelectric multifunctional industrial scale power plant, a system comprising such a power plant and connected application equipment, a convection oven and a method for supplying hot and cold heat transfer fluids. The present invention uses a heat transfer fluid for heating, uses a heat transfer fluid for cooling, uses heat to heat and cool the corresponding heat transfer fluid, uses renewable energy or waste energy to generate electricity, and uses hydrogen to store energy for heating, cooling and generating electricity. Finally, the invention allows operation off the grid on an industrial scale, thereby minimizing the impact on the environment.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to an industrial-scale power plant for reducing environmental impact by using renewable energy and / or waste energy. The present invention also relates to a combination of an industrial-scale power plant and one or more application devices (such as a convection oven) powered by the industrial-scale power plant. The present invention also relates to a method for supplying a heat-conducting fluid and a cold-conducting fluid.

[0002] An industrial-scale power plant is a system configured to provide a large amount of energy (greater than 10 GJ / hour, preferably greater than 100 GJ / hour, more preferably greater than 200 GJ / hour, and most preferably greater than 300 GJ / hour, such as 400 GJ / hour or even higher, depending on the size and application) to a production site.

[0003] To reduce the environmental impact of such a power plant, it is known to use renewable energy and / or waste energy to provide a part of the energy required at the production site. The disadvantage of using renewable energy is that the energy output of renewable energy may vary significantly, for example, during the day due to weather conditions or circadian rhythms, and also varies from day to day. Therefore, renewable energy is generally not reliable enough to provide sufficient electricity throughout the day and / or throughout the year.

[0004] CN114234278A is a patent disclosure that discloses an existing technology system for heating and cooling buildings throughout the year, aiming to reduce environmental impact while taking into account the different availabilities of energy provided by renewable energy. However, the disadvantages of this system are that a relatively large cross-seasonal heat storage tank is required to meet the annual heating demand, and the temperatures used are relatively low, making the system only suitable for building heating and domestic use. Another disadvantage is that the cooling efficiency is relatively low, and therefore it is only suitable for building cooling and domestic use. To meet the energy demand on a larger industrial scale, the system would become too large to be used. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide an industrial-scale power plant capable of heating and cooling, which can effectively meet a relatively large energy demand and have a minimum impact on the environment.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an industrial-scale power plant for providing a heat-conducting fluid having a temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius, for example, between 100 and 500 degrees Celsius, for heating purposes, and for providing a cold-conducting fluid having a temperature of at most 10 degrees Celsius, for example, between -60 and 5 degrees Celsius, for cooling purposes. The power plant includes:

[0007] - a heat-conducting fluid storage tank;

[0008] - Cold heat transfer fluid storage tank;

[0009] - Heat transfer fluid heating system for heating the heat transfer fluid using renewable energy or waste energy,

[0010] - Absorption or adsorption cooling system for cooling the heat transfer fluid using renewable energy or waste energy;

[0011] - Power generation system for converting energy from renewable energy or waste energy into electricity, which has a serious excess capacity;

[0012] - Battery system for storing electricity;

[0013] - Hydrogen storage tank;

[0014] - Hydrogen burner for converting hydrogen into heat;

[0015] - Hydrogen battery for converting hydrogen into electricity;

[0016] - Hydrogen production system for converting electricity into hydrogen;

[0017] - Control system;

[0018] - Hot heat transfer fluid circulation system for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the hot heat transfer fluid storage tank and the heat transfer fluid heating system to heat the heat transfer fluid in the hot heat transfer fluid storage tank; and

[0019] - Cold heat transfer fluid circulation system for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the cold heat transfer fluid storage tank and the absorption or adsorption cooling system to cool the heat transfer fluid in the cold heat transfer fluid storage tank;

[0020] Wherein, the power generation system is configured to supply power to the electrical components of the power plant;

[0021] Wherein, the battery system is connected to the power generation system to store the excess electricity in the battery system and supply power to the electrical components of the power plant when the power generated by the power generation system is insufficient;

[0022] Wherein, the hydrogen production system is connected to the power generation system to convert the excess electricity into hydrogen;

[0023] Wherein, the hydrogen storage tank is connected to the hydrogen production system to store the generated hydrogen;

[0024] Wherein, the hydrogen burner is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into heat, which is configured to heat the heat transfer fluid in the hot heat transfer fluid storage tank and / or configured to drive the absorption or adsorption cooling system; wherein, the hydrogen battery is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into electricity, which is configured to supply power to the electrical components of the power plant;

[0025] Wherein, the power plant further includes a heat transfer fluid outlet and a heat transfer fluid inlet, and the heat transfer fluid outlet and the heat transfer fluid inlet are connected to a heat transfer fluid storage tank to supply heat transfer fluid to the application equipment;

[0026] Wherein, the power plant also includes a cold transfer fluid outlet and a cold transfer fluid inlet, and the cold transfer fluid outlet and the cold transfer fluid inlet are connected to a cold transfer fluid storage tank to supply cold transfer fluid to the application equipment;

[0027] And wherein, the control system is configured to control the operation of the power plant. Preferably, the control system is configured to control the operation of the power plant to minimize the impact on the environment while being able to supply heat transfer fluid and cold transfer fluid at any desired time.

[0028] The present invention according to the first aspect of the present invention is based on the insight that the storage of the generated energy is the key to developing an efficient and large-capacity industrial power plant, and this must be combined with a minimum number of energy conversions. The inventors have managed to achieve this by: a) using a heat transfer fluid for heating and using a heat transfer fluid for cooling, thereby utilizing the relatively large heat capacity of the heat transfer fluid, which also allows reaching higher temperatures; b) using heat to heat and cool the corresponding heat transfer fluid; c) using renewable energy or waste energy to generate electricity; and d) using hydrogen as a means of storing excess energy, which can be used for power generation and heat generation. This results in an effective use and storage of energy with minimal energy conversion, which is suitable for relatively high temperatures and energy requirements.

[0029] In an embodiment, the fluid may be oil, in which case the following phrases may be used interchangeably:

[0030] Heat transfer fluid <-> Heat transfer oil

[0031] Hot heat transfer fluid <-> Hot heat transfer oil

[0032] Cold heat transfer fluid <-> Cold heat transfer oil

[0033] Hot heat transfer fluid storage tank <-> Hot heat transfer oil storage tank

[0034] Cold heat transfer fluid storage tank <-> Cold heat transfer oil storage tank

[0035] Heat transfer fluid heating system <-> Heat transfer oil heating system

[0036] Hot heat transfer fluid circulation system <-> Hot heat transfer oil circulation system

[0037] Cold heat transfer fluid circulation system <-> Cold heat transfer oil circulation system etc.

[0038] In an embodiment, the fluid is a liquid which can be a solid at room temperature, such as a molten salt.

[0039] In an embodiment, the heat-conducting fluid heating system is configured to absorb solar heat to heat the heat-conducting fluid.

[0040] In an embodiment, the absorption or adsorption cooling system is configured to absorb solar heat to drive the cooling system.

[0041] In an embodiment, the power generation system includes a solar panel, i.e., a photovoltaic element, for converting solar radiation into electricity.

[0042] In an embodiment, the heat-conducting fluid heating system includes a solar concentrator configured to direct solar radiation received at a first surface of a mirror or lens to a second surface in contact with the heat-conducting fluid, the second surface being smaller than the first surface.

[0043] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising:

[0044] - one or more industrial application devices that require heat to operate;

[0045] - an industrial-scale power plant for providing heat to one or more industrial application devices;

[0046] Wherein, the industrial-scale power plant includes:

[0047] o a heat-conducting fluid storage tank;

[0048] o a heat-conducting fluid heating system for heating the heat-conducting fluid using heat from renewable energy or waste energy;

[0049] o a power generation system for converting energy from renewable energy or waste energy into electricity, the power generation system having a significant excess capacity;

[0050] o a battery system for storing electricity;

[0051] o a hydrogen storage tank;

[0052] o a hydrogen burner for converting hydrogen into heat;

[0053] o a hydrogen battery for converting hydrogen into electricity;

[0054] o a hydrogen production system for converting electricity into hydrogen;

[0055] o a control system; and

[0056] o A heat transfer fluid circulation system for circulating a heat transfer fluid between a heat transfer fluid storage tank and a heat transfer fluid heating system to heat the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid storage tank to a temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius, for example, a temperature between 100 and 500 degrees Celsius;

[0057] Wherein, the power generation system is configured to supply power to the electrical components of a power plant;

[0058] Wherein, the battery system is connected to the power generation system to store excess electricity in the battery system and supply power to the electrical components of the power plant when the power generated by the power generation system is insufficient;

[0059] Wherein, the hydrogen production system is connected to the power generation system to convert excess electricity into hydrogen;

[0060] Wherein, the hydrogen burner is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into heat, which is configured to heat the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid storage tank;

[0061] Wherein, the hydrogen battery is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into electricity, which is configured to supply power to the electrical components of the power plant;

[0062] Wherein, one or more application devices are connected to the heat transfer fluid storage tank to receive and return the heat transfer fluid while extracting heat from the heat transfer fluid;

[0063] And wherein, the control system is configured to control the operation of the power plant, preferably minimizing the impact on the environment, while being able to provide the heat transfer fluid at any desired time and controlling the amount of heat supplied to one or more application devices.

[0064] In an embodiment, one or more application devices include one or more of the following devices:

[0065] - A convection oven, preferably a convection oven according to the third aspect of the present invention described below;

[0066] - A roasting oven;

[0067] - A shelf oven;

[0068] - A fruit dehydrator;

[0069] - A deep fryer;

[0070] - A water heater and a domestic heater;

[0071] - A thermal generator;

[0072] - A water desalination system;

[0073] - A fermentation chamber;

[0074] - Pasteurizer;

[0075] - Dairy and cheese making equipment;

[0076] - Egg incubator;

[0077] - Bacterial incubator.

[0078] In an embodiment, the industrial-scale power plant is an industrial-scale power plant according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein, preferably, at least one of the one or more application devices is connected to a cold heat-conducting fluid storage tank to allow receiving and returning the cold heat-conducting fluid while transferring heat to the cold heat-conducting fluid.

[0079] According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a convection oven including a first space and a second space separated from the first space by a wall. The first space is configured to support and store an item to be baked or heated. The second space is provided with a radiator for receiving a hot heat-conducting fluid to heat the air in the second space, and the wall separating the first space and the second space includes an opening provided with a ventilator to allow air to move from the second space to the first space.

[0080] In an embodiment, the radiator has a U-shaped configuration in a plan view, where one leg extends adjacent to a side wall opposite to the wall separating the first space and the second space, and the other leg extends adjacent to the wall separating the first space and the second space.

[0081] In an embodiment, the wall separating the first space and the second space includes: a plurality of openings, each opening being provided with a ventilator to allow air to move from the second space to the first space. Preferably, the plurality of openings are substantially evenly distributed over the length and / or width of the wall separating the first space and the second space.

[0082] In an embodiment, the ventilator is a centrifugal ventilator that sucks in air in a radial direction and discharges air in an axial direction.

[0083] In an embodiment, the radiator is configured to receive a hot heat-conducting fluid to heat the air in the second space or receive a cold heat-conducting fluid to cool the air in the second space.

[0084] In an embodiment, the radiator includes a plurality of radiator fins. The radiator may, for example, include a plurality of tubes for the hot heat-conducting fluid, and the plurality of radiator fins are fixed to the tubes. This has the advantage of increasing the surface area of the radiator for transferring heat to the air in the second space.

[0085] In an embodiment, the radiator includes one or more thermal masses to act as thermal buffers. This has the advantage of attenuating the effects of temperature fluctuations or variations in the heat-conducting fluid in the radiator, thereby improving the heat distribution in the second space to provide a uniform temperature of the air in the second space and thus also a uniform temperature of the air in the first space.

[0086] In an embodiment, one or more thermal masses are fixed to a plurality of radiator fins.

[0087] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a hot heat-conducting fluid and a cold heat-conducting fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

[0088] a. Heating a heat-conducting fluid using heat from a renewable energy source or a waste energy source and storing the heated heat-conducting fluid in a hot heat-conducting fluid storage tank;

[0089] b. Driving an absorption or adsorption cooling system using heat from a renewable energy source or a waste energy source to cool the heat-conducting fluid and storing the cooled heat-conducting fluid in a cold heat-conducting fluid storage tank;

[0090] c. Generating electricity using a renewable energy source or a waste energy source, converting excess electricity into hydrogen, and storing the hydrogen in a hydrogen storage tank; and

[0091] d. In the case where the heat from a renewable energy source or a waste energy source is insufficient to heat the heat-conducting fluid, converting hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank into heat for heating the heat-conducting fluid and storing the heated heat-conducting fluid in the hot heat-conducting fluid storage tank.

[0092] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: converting hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank into heat for driving an absorption or adsorption cooling system, or using the heated heat-conducting fluid from the hot heat-conducting fluid storage tank to drive an absorption or adsorption cooling system in the case where the heat from a renewable energy source or a waste energy source is insufficient to drive the absorption or adsorption cooling system.

[0093] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: converting hydrogen from the hydrogen storage tank into electricity in the case where the electricity generated using a renewable energy source or a waste energy source is insufficient.

[0094] In an embodiment, the method is performed by an industrial-scale power plant according to a first aspect of the present invention or a system according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0095] It is expressly stated here that, where appropriate, the embodiments and / or features described with respect to one of the aspects of the present invention can be readily applied as similar embodiments or features of other aspects of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0096] The present invention will now be described in a non - limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are denoted by like reference numerals, and in which:

[0097] Figure 1 There is schematically depicted a system according to a second aspect of the present invention, the system including a power plant on an industrial scale according to a first aspect of the present invention;

[0098] Figure 2 There is schematically depicted a first cross - sectional view of a convection oven according to a third aspect of the present invention;

[0099] Figure 3 There is schematically depicted Figure 2 a second cross - sectional view of the convection oven;

[0100] Figure 4 There is schematically depicted Figure 2 a third cross - sectional view of the convection oven;

[0101] Figure 5 There is schematically depicted a connection scheme for connecting the Figure 2 convection oven to the Figure 1 power plant on an industrial scale;

[0102] Figure 6 There is schematically depicted a connection scheme for connecting the Figure 2 convection oven to the Figure 1 power plant on an industrial scale; and

[0103] Figure 7 There is schematically depicted details of a convection oven according to another embodiment of the present invention but similar to the Figure 2 convection oven. Detailed Description

[0104] Figure 1 There is schematically depicted a system 100 including one or more application devices 200 and a power plant 300 on an industrial scale, the power plant on an industrial scale being configured to supply a thermally conductive fluid (in this example, thermally conductive oil) for heating purposes and a cold thermally conductive fluid (in this example, cold thermally conductive oil) for cooling purposes to the one or more application devices 200. In this embodiment, the system 100 is a system according to a second aspect of the present invention, and the power plant on an industrial scale is a power plant according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0105] One or more application devices 200 require heat to operate and can be, for example, one or more of the following devices:

[0106] - a convection oven, such as a convection oven according to a third aspect of the present invention;

[0107] - Oven;

[0108] - Shelf oven;

[0109] - Fruit dehydrator;

[0110] - Deep fryer;

[0111] - Water heater and domestic heater;

[0112] - Heat generator;

[0113] - Water desalination system;

[0114] - Fermentation chamber;

[0115] - Pasteurizer;

[0116] - Dairy and cheese making equipment;

[0117] - Egg incubator;

[0118] - Bacteria incubator.

[0119] From now on, one or more application devices 200 will be described as a single application device 200 to make the description more reasonable. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, multiple application devices can be used in parallel, series, or a combination of series and parallel.

[0120] The power plant 300 includes a hot heat transfer oil outlet 301 and a hot heat transfer oil inlet 302 for connecting the application device 200 to the hot heat transfer oil storage tank 303. The power plant 300 also includes a cold heat transfer oil outlet 304 and a cold heat transfer oil inlet 305 for connecting the application device 200 to the cold heat transfer oil storage tank 306. It is clearly stated here that the hot heat transfer oil outlet 301 and the hot heat transfer oil inlet 302 can be connected to one application device, and the cold heat transfer oil outlet 304 and the cold heat transfer oil inlet 305 can: a) be connected to the same application device; b) be connected to another application device; or c) default not to be connected to any application device and be used occasionally (and thus connected) when needed.

[0121] The heat transfer oil circulates between the heat transfer oil storage tank 303 and the application device 200 to supply heat to the application device. The heat transfer oil preferably has a predetermined operating temperature in the heat transfer oil storage tank 303 that is higher than 100 degrees Celsius (e.g., between 100 and 500 degrees Celsius, such as 300 degrees Celsius), and is supplied to the application device 200 for heat exchange. After exchanging heat with the application device 200, the heat transfer oil generally returns to the heat transfer oil storage tank at a lower temperature in order to be reheated to the predetermined operating temperature. The advantage is that a heat transfer oil with a relatively high heat capacity can be selected, such that a large amount of heat can be supplied to the application device without introducing a large temperature difference between the heat transfer oil entering the application device 200 and the heat transfer oil leaving the application device 200. This, for example, helps to distribute heat to the application device 200 in a uniform manner and minimize the temperature difference.

[0122] To heat the heat transfer oil in the heat transfer oil storage tank 303 to the predetermined operating temperature and / or maintain that temperature, there is provided a heat transfer oil heating system 307 for heating the heat transfer oil using heat from a renewable energy source or waste energy source 309, and a heat transfer oil circulation system 308 for circulating the heat transfer oil between the heat transfer oil storage tank 303 and the heat transfer oil heating system 307.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer oil heating system 307 can utilize solar heat to heat the heat transfer oil, for example using a solar concentrator device that is used to direct solar radiation received at a first surface (such as a mirror or lens) to a second surface (such as a tube or tube array) that is smaller than the first surface. The heat transfer oil can be circulated through the tube that is arranged at or near the focus of the mirror or lens, allowing the heat transfer oil to absorb the concentrated solar radiation.

[0124] However, other renewable energy sources can also be used, such as geothermal energy. Although perhaps not preferred, other renewable energy sources such as wind and water in motion can also be used, including direct or indirect conversion to heat, to allow the renewable energy source to heat the heat transfer oil.

[0125] In the context of the present application, nuclear energy (generated by nuclear fission or fusion) is also considered a renewable energy source.

[0126] In an embodiment, the renewable energy source is a sustainable energy source.

[0127] Preferably, the renewable energy source does not require combustion to generate heat, i.e., it is not preferred to use biogas or biofuels.

[0128] The definition of waste energy can be broader. Non-renewable or non-sustainable energy sources can be intended to produce one type of energy, but usually also produce other types of energy as by-products, typically in the form of heat. Moreover, a plant using one type of energy can produce other types of energy as by-products. In the case of heat, such an energy source or plant usually requires cooling to remove the heat. Thus, in the context of the present invention, the by-products of non-renewable or non-sustainable energy sources can be used, and of course also the by-products of renewable or sustainable energy sources and plants (which would otherwise be wasted), as waste energy.

[0129] The cold heat transfer oil circulates between the cold heat transfer oil storage tank 306 and the application device 200 to provide cooling to the application device 200. The cold heat transfer oil preferably has a predetermined operating temperature below 10 degrees Celsius (e.g., 0 - 7 degrees Celsius) in the cold heat transfer oil storage tank 306 for food and beverage, and is supplied to the application device 200 for heat exchange. After exchanging heat with the application device 200, the cold heat transfer oil typically returns to the cold heat transfer oil storage tank at a higher temperature to be cooled again to the predetermined operating temperature.

[0130] To cool the cold heat transfer oil in the cold heat transfer oil storage tank 306 to the predetermined operating temperature and / or maintain that temperature, an absorption cooling system 310 for cooling using heat from a renewable energy source or waste energy 311 is provided, and a cold heat transfer oil circulation system 312 for circulating the heat transfer oil between the cold heat transfer oil storage tank 306 and the absorption cooling system 310.

[0131] The absorption cooling system 310 uses the heat provided by a renewable energy source or waste energy source 311 (e.g., solar energy or waste heat from a plant) to provide the energy required to drive the cooling process. The cooling system 310 typically uses two coolants, with the first coolant performing evaporative cooling and then being absorbed into the second coolant. Heat is required to reset the two coolants to their initial states. Then the heat exchanger exchanges heat between the heat transfer oil and the first coolant.

[0132] As an alternative, the cooling system 310 can be an adsorption cooling system, where the coolant adsorbs onto the surface of a solid rather than dissolving into the second coolant. Again, heat is used to drive the cooling process.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling system 310 uses solar energy as the heat source, but alternatively, another heat source, such as waste heat from other components in the system 100, can be used. As an example, the hot heat transfer oil returned at the hot heat transfer oil inlet 302 can first flow through the cooling system 310, for example, to provide heat to drive the cooling system 310 before returning to the heat transfer oil storage tank 303. In principle, this means that the same energy source is used to directly heat the heat transfer oil in the heat transfer oil storage tank 303 and indirectly drive the cooling system 310 via the heat transfer oil.

[0134] Although not theoretically necessary per se, the practical implementation of the industrial-scale power plant 300 requires electrical energy (i.e., electricity) to power control units, sensors, actuators, lights, indicators, etc. Therefore, the industrial-scale power plant 300 includes a power generation system 313 that is used to convert energy from renewable or waste energy sources 314 into electricity stored in a battery system 315.

[0135] The power generation system 313 can include solar panels that use sunlight as a renewable energy source to generate direct current, alternatively referred to as photovoltaic modules or photovoltaic elements. The battery system 315 can include a converter for converting direct current into alternating current, which can be supplied to the other components mentioned above in the systems that require power, as shown by the arrow 316.

[0136] The power generation system 313 is carefully designed and configured to have a significant excess capacity. The excess capacity can be used to compensate for the inherent power generation variations of the renewable or waste energy sources 314, and can also generate and store excess energy to compensate for the variations of the renewable or waste energy sources 309 and 311. For example, the excess capacity during the day can be stored and used at night, or the excess capacity in summer can be stored and used in winter.

[0137] To this end, the industrial-scale power plant 300 includes a hydrogen production system 317 for converting the electricity from the battery system 315 into hydrogen that can be stored in a hydrogen storage tank 318.

[0138] The hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage tank 318 allows for long-term energy storage, which can be used to generate heat and / or electricity at another time. Hydrogen is more suitable for long-term storage than conventional battery systems that are more suitable for short-term storage, has a better energy density compared to battery systems, and can be used to store energy for future heating and / or power generation.

[0139] To generate heat, the power plant 300 includes a hydrogen burner 319 for converting hydrogen from a hydrogen storage tank 318 into heat. This heat can then be used to heat the thermal oil in the thermal oil storage tank, for example, using a second thermal oil circulation system 320 that circulates the thermal oil between the thermal oil storage tank 303 and the hydrogen burner 319 to heat the thermal oil in the thermal oil storage tank 303. Alternatively, the hydrogen burner 320 can be arranged in the thermal oil circulation system 308, in series or parallel with the thermal oil heating system 307, or the hydrogen burner 320 can be arranged such that the thermal oil in the thermal oil storage tank 303 is heated directly or indirectly via the thermal oil storage tank 303 using the hydrogen burner 320.

[0140] To generate electricity, the power plant 300 includes a hydrogen cell 321, which can alternatively be referred to as a fuel cell, for converting hydrogen from a hydrogen storage tank 318 into electricity. Although the hydrogen production system 317 and the hydrogen cell 321 have been depicted as separate devices, it is likely that these devices are combined such that a single device or system is arranged to perform both functions, where such a device or system has a hydrogen production mode for converting electricity into hydrogen and a power generation mode for converting hydrogen into electricity.

[0141] In this embodiment, the hydrogen burner 319 used to generate heat to heat the thermal oil in the thermal oil storage tank 303 can additionally or alternatively be used to supply heat to an absorption or adsorption cooling system 310 to drive the cooling system, as shown by the dashed arrow 323.

[0142] To control the power plant 300, a control system 322 is provided. To make Figure 1 it clear, the connections between the control system and the different components or parts of the power plant 300 have been omitted.

[0143] The control system 322 is configured to control the operation of the power plant 300 or parts of the power plant to minimize the impact on the environment while being able to provide thermal oil and cold thermal oil at any time. This means that the control system 322 ensures that the thermal oil in the thermal oil storage tank 303 and the cold thermal oil storage tank 306 is at their respective operating temperatures, and the battery system 315 and the hydrogen storage tank 318 are fully filled. The control system 322 must also ensure that as much as possible of the energy required by the power plant 300 is generated using renewable or waste energy sources 309, 311, and 314, and that as much excess energy as possible is stored, preferably as hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank 318.

[0144] When the size and design are appropriate, a power plant 300 can be provided that is capable of meeting the annual energy requirements of one or more application devices 200 as well as the power plant 300 itself, such that there is no need to connect to the grid or it is not necessary to provide or use fuel-based, non-renewable energy. However, such a connection or setup can exist to provide a backup option in the event of an emergency or for maintenance that is not intended for regular use. Thus, the system 100 is substantially self-sustaining during normal operation.

[0145] Figures 2 to 4 A convection oven 200 is schematically depicted, which can be one of the application devices 200 mentioned with respect to Figure 1 the system 100. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view in a horizontal plane is depicted. Figure 3 Depicts Figure 2 a cross-sectional view in the vertical plane shown as A-A in Figure 4 and Figure 2 depicts a cross-sectional view in the vertical plane shown as B-B in

[0146] The oven 200 has an internal space 201 enclosed by three fixed sidewalls 202, 203, and 204, a bottom wall 205, a door 206, and a top wall 207. The door 206 can be opened to access the space 201, for example, to move products into and out of the space 201 or to inspect the products in the space 201. For inspection, the use of a window in the door 206 is also contemplated.

[0147] The space 201 is divided into a first space 201a and a second space 201b by a vertical wall 208. In this embodiment, the vertical wall 208 is arranged parallel to the sidewall 203. The first space 201a is provided with a support 209 (see Figure 4 ), which allows the support of a removable tray or shelf with products to be baked or processed in the oven 200. Thus, the first space 201a can alternatively be referred to as the baking area 201a.

[0148] The second space 201b serves as a heating space for heating air using a radiator 210. The oven 200 is provided with a heat transfer oil inlet 211 and a heat transfer oil outlet 212. The heat transfer oil inlet 211 is configured to be connected to the hot heat transfer oil outlet of an industrial-scale power plant, and the heat transfer oil outlet 212 is configured to be connected to the hot heat transfer oil inlet of an industrial-scale power plant, such as as Figure 1 shown. Then the hot heat transfer oil can flow from the heat transfer oil inlet 211 through the radiator 210 to the heat transfer oil outlet 212. The radiator 210 consists of small tubes arranged in parallel that are capable of heating the air inside the space 201b.

[0149] Although not necessary per se, the small tubes of the radiator 210 are arranged in a vertical orientation, but a horizontal configuration can also work. Preferably, the thermally conductive oil flows from the lower end of the radiator to the upper end of the radiator 210. Due to the heat exchange between the thermally conductive oil and the air in the second space 210b, the temperature tends to drop when flowing through the radiator 210. Therefore, the temperature gradient in the radiator tubes and the resulting density gradient will force the thermally conductive oil to flow from the inlet 211 to the outlet 212 in the correct direction when the thermally conductive oil flows upward.

[0150] In this specific embodiment, the radiator 210 has a U-shaped shape in a plan view, where one leg extends adjacent to the side wall 203 and the other leg extends adjacent to the wall 208, thereby increasing the available radiator surface and the ability to transfer heat into the second space 201b.

[0151] Then, in this embodiment, the heated air inside the second space 201b is moved to the first space 201a by three corresponding ventilators 213 through three holes / openings in the wall 208. In this embodiment, the ventilators 213 are centrifugal ventilators that suck in air in the radial direction and force the air into the first space 201a in the axial direction. The use of three ventilators 213 allows the warm air to be evenly distributed through the first space 201a to obtain a uniform temperature distribution.

[0152] The oven 200 is supported from the ground G using wheels 214, thereby allowing the oven 200 to be easily moved around.

[0153] In this embodiment, the oven 200 is connected to the supply of thermally conductive oil from an industrial-scale power plant, as Figure 1 shown. It is not necessary for the oven 200 to be also connected to the supply of cold thermally conductive oil of the application device 200 as Figure 1 shown. The oven 200 can alternatively be connected to an industrial-scale power plant similar to Figure 1 the industrial-scale power plant 300, but different in that the industrial-scale power plant 300 lacks a cold thermally conductive oil storage tank 306, an absorption or adsorption cooling system 310, and a cold thermally conductive oil circulation system 312.

[0154] In this embodiment, Figures 2 to 4 the oven 200 lacks active components such as pumps or valves. Although not explicitly shown, the oven 200 can be equipped with one or more temperature sensors for measuring the temperature inside the oven 200. Further, the thermally conductive oil inlet 211 and the thermally conductive oil outlet 212 can be configured to automatically close when disconnecting the inlet 211 and the outlet 212 from a hose or a pipe using corresponding check valves.

[0155] The oven 200 can also use such asFigure 5 The depicted connection scheme is connected to both the hot heat transfer oil supply and the cold heat transfer oil supply. Figure 5 What is depicted is Figure 1 the hot heat transfer oil outlet 301, the cold heat transfer oil outlet 304, the hot heat transfer oil inlet 302, and the cold heat transfer oil inlet 305 of the power plant 300. Also depicted is Figure 2 the heat transfer oil inlet 211 and the heat transfer oil outlet 212 of the convection oven 200.

[0156] The hot heat transfer oil outlet 301 and the cold heat transfer oil outlet 304 are connected via respective pipelines to the first valve device 250, and the first valve device 250 in turn is connected via a single pipeline to the heat transfer oil inlet 211. The heat transfer oil outlet 212 is connected via a single pipeline to the second valve device 251, and the second valve device 251 in turn is connected via respective pipelines to the hot heat transfer oil inlet 302 and the cold heat transfer oil inlet 305.

[0157] The first valve device 250 and the second valve device 251 are operated, for example, by a control unit that is part of a Figure 1 control system 322 or a separate control unit to connect the oven 200 to the hot heat transfer oil supply or the cold heat transfer oil supply. When the oven 200 is connected to the hot heat transfer oil supply, the oven can be heated, and when the oven 200 is connected to the cold heat transfer oil supply, the oven can be cooled. Using the cold heat transfer oil supply to cool the oven 200 results in much faster cooling of the oven 200, otherwise both the oven 200 and the heat transfer oil in the radiator would have to be cooled together. In this embodiment, the hot heat transfer oil is removed and replaced with cold heat transfer oil for cooling the oven 200.

[0158] Controlling the temperature of the oven 200 can be achieved by regulating the flow rate of the heat transfer oil supplied to the oven 200.

[0159] Although Figure 5 the depicted connection scheme shows the connection as separate components, in an alternative embodiment, the valve devices 250, 251 are part of the oven / application device 200 or part of the power plant 300. In the latter case, the power plant 300 still has a hot heat transfer oil inlet and a hot heat transfer oil outlet as well as a cold heat transfer oil inlet and a cold heat transfer oil outlet, but the inlets and outlets are shared by the hot heat transfer oil supply and the cold heat transfer oil supply.

[0160] The oven 200 can also be connected to both the hot heat transfer oil supply and the cold heat transfer oil supply using an alternative connection scheme as Figure 6 depicted. Figure 6 What is depicted is Figure 1 the hot heat transfer oil outlet 301, the cold heat transfer oil outlet 304, the hot heat transfer oil inlet 302, and the cold heat transfer oil inlet 305 of the power plant 300. Also depicted is Figure 2The heat transfer oil inlet 211 and the heat transfer oil outlet 212 of the convection oven 200.

[0161] The hot heat transfer oil outlet 301 and the cold heat transfer oil inlet 305 are connected via corresponding pipelines to the first valve device 250, and the first valve device 250 is connected via a single pipeline to the heat transfer oil inlet 211. The heat transfer oil outlet 212 is connected via a single pipeline to the second valve device 251, and the second valve device 251 is in turn connected via corresponding pipelines to the hot heat transfer oil inlet 302 and the cold heat transfer oil outlet 304.

[0162] Thus, compared with Figure 5 the situation, the cold heat transfer oil inlet 305 and the cold heat transfer oil outlet 304 have been connected to the other of the valve devices 250, 251.

[0163] The first valve device 250 and the second valve device 251 are operated, for example, by a control unit that is part of a Figure 1 control system 322 or a separate control unit, depending on the requirements of the application device 200 or the power plant 300.

[0164] In the heating configuration, the first valve device 250 is operated to connect the hot heat transfer oil outlet 301 to the heat transfer oil inlet 211, and the second valve device 251 is operated to connect the hot heat transfer oil inlet 302 to the heat transfer oil outlet 212. In this way, the hot heat transfer oil from the power plant 300 can flow through the oven 200 to exchange heat and return to the power plant 300 for reheating.

[0165] In the cooling configuration, the first valve device 250 is operated to connect the cold heat transfer oil inlet 305 to the heat transfer oil inlet 211, and the second valve device 251 is operated to connect the cold heat transfer oil outlet 304 to the heat transfer oil outlet 212. In this way, the cold heat transfer oil from the power plant 200 can flow through the oven 200 to exchange heat and return to the power plant 300 for recooling. Note that due to Figure 6 the connection scheme, the direction in which the cold heat transfer oil flows through the application device 200 is opposite to the direction in which the hot heat transfer oil flows through the application device 200. As explained above for Figures 2 to 4 the oven 200, the hot heat transfer oil preferably flows from the bottom of the radiator to the top of the radiator along the temperature gradient, and thus the density gradient will then help to force the hot heat transfer oil through the radiator. Since the temperature gradient and thus the density gradient are opposite when using cold heat transfer oil for cooling purposes, the opposite flow direction then facilitates obtaining the same assistance when forcing the cold heat transfer oil through the radiator.

[0166] Figure 6The connection scheme can also provide the advantage of when the first valve device 250 and the second valve device 251 also have an internal connection configuration that allows the hot heat transfer oil outlet 301 to be connected to the cold heat transfer oil inlet 305 and / or allows the cold heat transfer oil outlet 304 to be connected to the hot heat transfer oil inlet 302. The benefit of the internal connection configuration is that the hot heat transfer oil storage tank 303 and the cold heat transfer oil storage tank 306 can be connected to each other. This enables the hot heat transfer oil in the hot heat transfer oil storage tank to be cooled relatively quickly using the cold heat transfer oil from the cold heat transfer oil storage tank when using the internal connection configuration of the second valve device 251, and the cold heat transfer oil in the cold heat transfer oil storage tank to be heated relatively quickly using the hot heat transfer oil from the hot heat transfer oil storage tank when using the internal connection configuration of the first valve device 250. Using only one of the valve devices will result in a net transfer of heat transfer oil from one heat transfer oil storage tank to the other, which can, for example, be beneficial for temporarily storing all the heat transfer oil in one tank for replacing or maintaining the other tank. Using both valve devices 250, 251 simultaneously has the following advantages: there will be no significant net transfer of heat transfer oil from one tank to the other, and the volume of heat transfer oil in the tanks is not affected, only the temperature is affected.

[0167] When the temperature of the heat transfer oil in one (or both) of the heat transfer oil storage tanks exceeds a predetermined value and measures need to be taken to avoid potential dangerous situations, it may be advantageous to be able to relatively cool or heat the heat transfer oil in the heat transfer oil storage tanks. For example, in a situation where an increase in solar intensity may cause the temperature of the heat transfer oil to suddenly rise and the heat transfer oil heating system itself cannot respond quickly enough, this risk is potentially higher for the heat transfer oil heating system.

[0168] Figure 7 Details of the radiator 210 are depicted, which can be used with Figures 2 to 4 a convection oven similar to the oven shown. The radiator 210 includes a plurality of vertically arranged tubes 210a, one of which is depicted in Figure 7 .

[0169] Figure 7 The radiator 210 of Figures 2 to 4 includes radiator fins 210b that extend substantially perpendicular to the tubes 210a into the second space 201b, as in

[0170] Figure 7The radiator 210 further includes a plurality of thermal masses 210c that are connected to the tubes 210a (here via the radiator fins 210b) to store thermal energy and help provide a uniform temperature distribution in the second space 201b. Alternatively, the thermal masses 210c are directly connected to the tubes 210. Like the radiator fins 210b, the thermal masses 210c can be connected to two or more tubes 210 simultaneously, but can also be connected to only one tube 210.

[0171] The present disclosure can be summarized by the following clauses:

[0172] 1. An industrial-scale power plant for providing thermally conductive oil at a temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius, for example, between 100 and 500 degrees Celsius, for heating purposes, and for providing thermally conductive oil at a temperature of at most 10 degrees Celsius, for example, between -60 and 5 degrees Celsius, for cooling purposes, the power plant comprising:

[0173] - A thermally conductive oil storage tank;

[0174] - A cold thermally conductive oil storage tank;

[0175] - A thermally conductive oil heating system for heating the thermally conductive oil using heat from renewable energy or waste energy;

[0176] - An absorption or adsorption cooling system for cooling the thermally conductive oil using heat from renewable energy or waste energy;

[0177] - A power generation system for converting energy from renewable energy or waste energy into electricity, the power generation system having a significant excess capacity;

[0178] - A battery system for storing electricity;

[0179] - A hydrogen storage tank;

[0180] - A hydrogen burner for converting hydrogen into heat;

[0181] - A hydrogen cell for converting hydrogen into electricity;

[0182] - A hydrogen production system for converting electricity into hydrogen;

[0183] - A control system;

[0184] - A thermally conductive oil circulation system for circulating the thermally conductive oil between the thermally conductive oil storage tank and the thermally conductive oil heating system to heat the thermally conductive oil in the thermally conductive oil storage tank; and

[0185] - A cold thermally conductive oil circulation system for circulating the thermally conductive oil between the cold thermally conductive oil storage tank and the absorption or adsorption cooling system to cool the thermally conductive oil in the cold thermally conductive oil storage tank;

[0186] Among them, the power generation system is configured to supply power to the electrical components of the power plant;

[0187] Among them, the battery system is connected to the power generation system to store excess electricity in the battery system and supply power to the electrical components of the power plant when the power generated by the power generation system is insufficient;

[0188] Among them, the hydrogen production system is connected to the power generation system to convert excess electricity into hydrogen;

[0189] Among them, the hydrogen storage tank is connected to the hydrogen production system to store the generated hydrogen;

[0190] Among them, the hydrogen burner is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into heat, and the heat is configured to heat the heat transfer oil in the heat transfer oil storage tank and / or is configured to drive an absorption or adsorption cooling system;

[0191] Among them, the hydrogen fuel cell is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into electricity, and the electricity is configured to supply power to the electrical components of the power plant;

[0192] Among them, the power plant further includes a heat transfer oil outlet and a heat transfer oil inlet, and the heat transfer oil outlet and the heat transfer oil inlet are connected to the heat transfer oil storage tank to supply heat transfer oil to the application equipment;

[0193] Among them, the power plant also includes a cold heat transfer oil outlet and a cold heat transfer oil inlet, and the cold heat transfer oil outlet and the cold heat transfer oil inlet are connected to the cold heat transfer oil storage tank to supply cold heat transfer oil to the application equipment;

[0194] And among them, the control system is configured to control the operation of the power plant, preferably minimizing the impact on the environment while being able to provide heat transfer oil and cold heat transfer oil at any desired time.

[0195] 2. The industrial-scale power plant according to clause 1, wherein the heat transfer oil heating system is configured to absorb solar heat for heating the heat transfer oil.

[0196] 3. The industrial-scale power plant according to clause 2, wherein the heat transfer oil heating system includes a solar concentrating device, and the solar concentrating device is used to direct the solar radiation received at the first surface of the mirror or lens to the second surface in contact with the heat transfer oil, and the second surface is smaller than the first surface.

[0197] 4. The industrial-scale power plant according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the absorption or adsorption cooling system is configured to absorb solar heat for driving the cooling system.

[0198] 5. An industrial-scale power plant according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the power generation system includes solar panels, i.e., photovoltaic elements, to convert solar radiation into electricity.

[0199] 6. A system comprising:

[0200] - one or more industrial application devices that require heat to operate;

[0201] - an industrial-scale power plant for providing heat to one or more industrial application devices;

[0202] wherein the industrial-scale power plant includes:

[0203] o a thermal heat transfer oil storage tank;

[0204] o a heat transfer oil heating system for heating the heat transfer oil using heat from renewable energy or waste energy;

[0205] o a power generation system for converting energy from renewable energy or waste energy into electricity, the power generation system having a significant excess capacity;

[0206] o a battery system for storing electricity;

[0207] o a hydrogen storage tank;

[0208] o a hydrogen burner for converting hydrogen into heat;

[0209] o a hydrogen cell for converting hydrogen into electricity;

[0210] o a hydrogen production system for converting electricity into hydrogen;

[0211] o a control system; and

[0212] o a thermal heat transfer oil circulation system for circulating the heat transfer oil between the thermal heat transfer oil storage tank and the heat transfer oil heating system for heating the heat transfer oil in the thermal heat transfer oil storage tank to a temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius, for example, a temperature between 100 and 500 degrees Celsius;

[0213] wherein the power generation system is configured to supply power to the electrical components of the power plant;

[0214] wherein the battery system is connected to the power generation system to store excess electricity in the battery system and supply power to the electrical components of the power plant in case of insufficient power generated by the power generation system;

[0215] wherein the hydrogen production system is connected to the power generation system to convert excess electricity into hydrogen;

[0216] wherein the hydrogen burner is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into heat, the heat being configured to heat the heat transfer oil in the thermal heat transfer oil storage tank;

[0217] Wherein, a hydrogen battery is connected to a hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into electricity, and the electricity is configured to supply power to electrical components of a power plant;

[0218] Wherein, one or more application devices are connected to a thermal heat transfer oil storage tank to receive and return the thermal heat transfer oil while extracting heat from the thermal heat transfer oil;

[0219] And wherein, a control system is configured to control the operation of the power plant, preferably minimizing the impact on the environment while being able to provide the thermal heat transfer oil at any desired time and controlling the amount of heat supplied to one or more application devices.

[0220] 7. The system according to clause 6, wherein the one or more application devices include one or more of the following devices:

[0221] - A convection oven;

[0222] - A baking oven;

[0223] - A shelf oven;

[0224] - A fruit dehydrator;

[0225] - A deep fryer;

[0226] - A water heater and a domestic heater;

[0227] - A thermal generator;

[0228] - A water desalination system;

[0229] - A fermentation chamber;

[0230] - A pasteurizer;

[0231] - A dairy and cheese making device;

[0232] - An egg incubator;

[0233] - A bacteria incubator.

[0234] 8. The system according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the industrial-scale power plant is an industrial-scale power plant according to any one of clauses 1 to 5.

[0235] 9. The system according to clause 8, wherein at least one of the one or more application devices is connected to a cold heat transfer oil storage tank to receive and return the cold heat transfer oil while transferring heat to the cold heat transfer oil.

[0236] 10. A convection oven includes a first space and a second space separated from the first space by a wall. The first space is configured to support and hold an item to be baked or heated. The second space is provided with a radiator for receiving hot heat transfer oil to heat the air in the second space, and the wall separating the first space and the second space includes an opening provided with a ventilator to allow air to move from the second space to the first space.

[0237] 11. The convection oven according to clause 10, wherein the radiator has a U-shaped configuration in a plan view, with one leg extending adjacent to a side wall opposite the wall separating the first space and the second space, and the other leg extending adjacent to the wall separating the first space and the second space.

[0238] 12. The convection oven according to clause 10 or 11, wherein the wall separating the first space and the second space includes: a plurality of openings, each opening being provided with a ventilator to allow air to move from the second space to the first space.

[0239] 13. The convection oven according to any one of clauses 10 to 12, wherein the ventilator is a centrifugal ventilator that sucks air in the radial direction and discharges air in the axial direction.

[0240] 14. A method for providing hot heat transfer oil and cold heat transfer oil, the method comprising the following steps:

[0241] a. Heating heat transfer oil using heat from renewable energy or waste energy and storing the heated heat transfer oil in a hot heat transfer oil storage tank;

[0242] b. Driving an absorption or adsorption cooling system using heat from renewable energy or waste energy to cool the heat transfer oil and storing the cooled heat transfer oil in a cold heat transfer oil storage tank;

[0243] c. Generating electricity using renewable energy or waste energy, converting excess electricity into hydrogen, and storing the hydrogen in a hydrogen storage tank; and

[0244] d. In the case where the heat from renewable energy or waste energy is not sufficient to heat the heat transfer oil, converting the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank into heat for heating the heat transfer oil and storing the heated heat transfer oil in the hot heat transfer oil storage tank.

[0245] 15. The method according to clause 14, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: converting the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank into heat for driving the absorption or adsorption cooling system, or using the heated heat transfer oil from the hot heat transfer oil storage tank to drive the absorption or adsorption cooling system in the case where the heat from renewable energy or waste energy is not sufficient to drive the absorption or adsorption cooling system.

[0246] Although the examples and embodiments above relate to oil, other fluids may also be used, such as fluids that are solid at room temperature, such as molten salts.

Claims

1. An industrial-scale power plant for providing a heat-conducting fluid with a temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius, for example, between 100 and 500 degrees Celsius, for heating purposes, and for providing a cold-conducting fluid with a temperature of at most 10 degrees Celsius, for example, between -60 and 5 degrees Celsius, for cooling purposes, the power plant comprising: - A heat-conducting fluid storage tank; - A cold-conducting fluid storage tank; - A heat-conducting fluid heating system for heating the heat-conducting fluid using heat from renewable energy or waste energy; - An absorption or adsorption cooling system for cooling the heat-conducting fluid using heat from renewable energy or waste energy; - A power generation system for converting energy from renewable energy or waste energy into electricity, the power generation system having a significant excess capacity; - A battery system for storing electricity; - A hydrogen storage tank; - A hydrogen burner for converting hydrogen into heat; - A hydrogen battery for converting hydrogen into electricity; - A hydrogen production system for converting electricity into hydrogen; - A control system; - A heat-conducting fluid circulation system for circulating the heat-conducting fluid between the heat-conducting fluid storage tank and the heat-conducting fluid heating system to heat the heat-conducting fluid in the heat-conducting fluid storage tank; And - A cold-conducting fluid circulation system for circulating the cold-conducting fluid between the cold-conducting fluid storage tank and the absorption or adsorption cooling system to cool the cold-conducting fluid in the cold-conducting fluid storage tank; Wherein the power generation system is configured to supply electricity to the electrical components of the power plant; Wherein the battery system is connected to the power generation system to store excess electricity in the battery system and supply electricity to the electrical components of the power plant when the electricity generated by the power generation system is insufficient; Wherein the hydrogen production system is connected to the power generation system to convert excess electricity into hydrogen; Wherein the hydrogen storage tank is connected to the hydrogen production system to store the generated hydrogen; Wherein the hydrogen burner is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into heat, the heat being configured to heat the heat-conducting fluid in the heat-conducting fluid storage tank and / or being configured to drive the absorption or adsorption cooling system; Wherein the hydrogen battery is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into electricity, the electricity being configured to supply electricity to the electrical components of the power plant; Wherein the power plant further includes a heat-conducting fluid outlet and a heat-conducting fluid inlet, the heat-conducting fluid outlet and the heat-conducting fluid inlet being connected to the heat-conducting fluid storage tank to provide heat-conducting fluid to the application equipment; Wherein the power plant also includes a cold-conducting fluid outlet and a cold-conducting fluid inlet, the cold-conducting fluid outlet and the cold-conducting fluid inlet being connected to the cold-conducting fluid storage tank to provide cold-conducting fluid to the application equipment; And wherein the control system is configured to control the operation of the power plant, preferably minimizing the impact on the environment while being able to provide heat-conducting fluid and cold-conducting fluid at any desired time.

2. The industrial-scale power plant according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-conducting fluid heating system is configured to absorb solar heat for heating the heat-conducting fluid.

3. The industrial-scale power plant according to claim 2, wherein, The heat-conducting fluid heating system includes a solar concentrator for directing solar radiation received at a first surface of a mirror or lens to a second surface in contact with the heat-conducting fluid, the second surface being smaller than the first surface.

4. The industrial-scale power plant according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The absorption or adsorption cooling system is configured to absorb solar heat for driving the cooling system.

5. The industrial-scale power plant according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The power generation system includes solar panels, i.e., photovoltaic elements, for converting solar radiation into electricity.

6. A system, comprising: - one or more industrial application devices that require heat to operate; - an industrial-scale power plant for providing heat to the one or more industrial application devices; wherein the industrial-scale power plant includes: o a heat-conducting fluid storage tank; o a heat-conducting fluid heating system for heating the heat-conducting fluid using heat from renewable or waste energy sources; o a power generation system for converting energy from renewable or waste energy sources into electricity, the power generation system having significant excess capacity; o a battery system for storing electricity; o a hydrogen storage tank; o a hydrogen burner for converting hydrogen into heat; o a hydrogen battery for converting hydrogen into electricity; o a hydrogen production system for converting electricity into hydrogen; o a control system; and o a heat-conducting fluid circulation system for circulating the heat-conducting fluid between the heat-conducting fluid storage tank and the heat-conducting fluid heating system to heat the heat-conducting fluid in the heat-conducting fluid storage tank to a temperature higher than 100 degrees Celsius, e.g., a temperature between 100 and 500 degrees Celsius; wherein the power generation system is configured to supply electricity to the electrical components of the power plant; wherein the battery system is connected to the power generation system to store excess electricity in the battery system and supply electricity to the electrical components of the power plant in case of insufficient power generated by the power generation system; wherein the hydrogen production system is connected to the power generation system to convert excess electricity into hydrogen; wherein the hydrogen burner is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into heat, the heat being configured to heat the heat-conducting fluid in the heat-conducting fluid storage tank; wherein the hydrogen battery is connected to the hydrogen storage tank to convert hydrogen into electricity, the electricity being configured to supply electricity to the electrical components of the power plant; wherein the one or more application devices are connected to the heat-conducting fluid storage tank to receive and return the heat-conducting fluid while extracting heat from the heat-conducting fluid; and wherein the control system is configured to control the operation of the power plant, preferably minimizing the impact on the environment while being able to provide the heat-conducting fluid at any desired time and control the amount of heat provided to the one or more application devices.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein The one or more application devices include one or more of the following devices: - a convection oven; - a baking oven; - a shelf oven; - a fruit dehydrator; - a fryer; - a water heater and a domestic heater; - a thermal generator - a water desalination system; - a fermentation chamber; - a pasteurizer; - a dairy and cheese making device; - an egg incubator; - a bacteria incubator.

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The industrial-scale power plant is the industrial-scale power plant according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, At least one of the one or more application devices is connected to the cold heat-conducting fluid storage tank to receive and return the cold heat-conducting fluid while transferring heat to the cold heat-conducting fluid.

10. A convection oven comprising a first space and a second space separated from the first space by a wall, the first space being configured to support and hold an item to be baked or heated, the second space being provided with a radiator for receiving a hot heat-conducting fluid to heat the air in the second space, and the wall separating the first space and the second space including an opening provided with a ventilator to allow air to move from the second space to the first space.

11. The convection oven according to claim 10, wherein, The radiator has a U-shaped configuration in a plan view, with one leg extending adjacent to a side wall opposite the wall separating the first space and the second space, and the other leg extending adjacent to the wall separating the first space and the second space.

12. The convection oven according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The wall separating the first space and the second space includes: a plurality of openings, each opening being provided with a ventilator to allow air to move from the second space to the first space.

13. The convection oven according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The ventilator is a centrifugal ventilator that sucks in air in a radial direction and discharges air in an axial direction.

14. A method of providing a hot heat-conducting fluid and a cold heat-conducting fluid, the method comprising the steps of: a. heating a heat-conducting fluid using heat from a renewable energy source or a waste energy source and storing the heated heat-conducting fluid in a hot heat-conducting fluid storage tank; b. using heat from a renewable energy source or a waste energy source to drive an absorption or adsorption cooling system to cool the heat-conducting fluid and storing the cooled heat-conducting fluid in a cold heat-conducting fluid storage tank; c. generating electricity using a renewable energy source or a waste energy source, converting excess electricity into hydrogen, and storing the hydrogen in a hydrogen storage tank; and d. in the case where the heat from the renewable energy source or the waste energy source is insufficient to heat the heat-conducting fluid, converting the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank into heat for heating the heat-conducting fluid and storing the heated heat-conducting fluid in the hot heat-conducting fluid storage tank.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The method further comprises the steps of: converting the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage tank into heat for driving the absorption or adsorption cooling system, or using the heated heat-conducting fluid from the hot heat-conducting fluid storage tank to drive the absorption or adsorption cooling system in the case where the heat from the renewable energy source or the waste energy source is insufficient to drive the absorption or adsorption cooling system.

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