Asphalt production plant and method

Abstract

An asphalt production plant (1) comprising at least one energy supply device (7, 8, 9) for supplying energy, an energy storage system (5, 12) for storing the supplied energy, which is connected to the at least one energy supply device (7, 8, 9), and an asphalt mixing plant (2) having at least one drying system (3), which is connected to the energy storage system (5, 12).

Description

[0001] The contents of German patent application DE 10 2024 202 765.0 are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an asphalt production equipment and method. Background Technology

[0003] In the asphalt production process, various components are processed, especially dried, and mixed together. Asphalt production is not continuous and is carried out in what is known as intermittent operation. Depending on the order, asphalt may need to be produced in short periods. Sufficient energy must be supplied for asphalt production. The demand for short-term production and large amounts of energy is met by fossil fuels, which are burned in industrial burners. To reduce emissions, especially CO2 emissions, strict requirements are imposed on the combustion process. In particular, extensive preparation measures, such as fine particle size distribution, are required for solid fuels. The investment cost of industrial burners is high. From an environmental perspective, burning fossil fuels is problematic. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to improve the energy supply for asphalt production, and in particular to enable a flexible, especially time-independent, energy supply for asphalt production.

[0005] This objective is achieved by means of a device having the features of claim 1 and by means of a method having the features of claim 9.

[0006] The key to this invention is that energy is supplied via a power supply device and stored in an energy storage system. The energy storage system is (especially directly) connected to at least one power supply device. Multiple energy storage systems, especially different types of energy storage systems, can also exist.

[0007] An energy storage system (particularly directly and especially by heat transfer) is connected to at least one drying system of the asphalt mixing plant. The components required for asphalt production are dried in the drying system, which is particularly designed as a drying drum. The components are, in particular, virgin aggregates and / or recycled asphalt pavement materials, also known as recycled asphalt.

[0008] Surprisingly, the use of energy storage systems has enabled the decoupling of energy supply and utilization in asphalt mixing plants in terms of time and / or space. Thus, energy can be stored in the energy storage system for future use. If energy demand exists at the asphalt mixing plant, it can be met by the energy storage system.

[0009] At least one other power supply device can also be directly connected to the asphalt mixing equipment via energy transfer, particularly to at least one drying system. This other power supply device is designed separately from the energy storage system, i.e., it is not connected to the energy storage system. During the operation of the asphalt mixing equipment, peak energy demands can be met by at least one other power supply device. Advantageously, at least one other power supply device can be started up and operated quickly, and is particularly unaffected by external influences (such as sunlight and / or wind).

[0010] According to the present invention, it has been recognized that the use of energy storage systems makes it possible to utilize energy sources previously unsuitable for asphalt production, particularly due to the volatility of energy supply. In particular, renewable primary energy sources can be used for power generation and / or thermal utilization. In principle, electricity—which can also be generated from non-renewable sources—can be stored as supplied energy, especially in the form of heat. This, in particular, frees asphalt production from dependence on fossil fuels. This brings greater flexibility to the energy supply for asphalt production.

[0011] In particular, it was found that sectoral coupling can be achieved by using energy from other industrial sectors as waste heat in asphalt production.

[0012] The device according to claim 2 enables efficient energy storage, particularly in the form of energy required by at least one drying system. It avoids energy loss due to energy conversion and improves the overall operating efficiency of the device.

[0013] Thermal storage systems particularly include thermal storage materials, which enable the storage of heat in a simple manner and, especially, over longer periods, with reduced loss rates and, particularly, with virtually no loss. Thermal storage materials include, in particular, hot water, molten salt, and / or rock (especially with porous surfaces), and / or phase change materials. Rocks particularly include ceramic materials. Due to the increased surface area provided by the pores in the rock, energy can be advantageously absorbed in the form of heat via hot gases, especially hot exhaust gases and / or hot air. In particular, hot gases flow through porous rock, thereby heating the porous rock and using it as a storage medium. Porous rock is particularly in bulk form, especially as a bulk storage medium.

[0014] The energy storage system is exothermic, meaning heat is transferred from the energy storage system to the drying system, particularly by means of a blower, to generate a cold gas flow that is guided through the thermal storage system. In this process, the cold gas absorbs heat stored in the thermal storage system, particularly heat from the porous rock, and can be supplied as a hot gas, particularly as hot air, to at least one drying system at a temperature of at least 400 °C, especially at least 500 °C and especially at least 550 °C.

[0015] The device according to claim 3 enables the energy storage system to be advantageously heated. Because at least one power supply device provides heat at a sufficient temperature level, a heat supply to the drying system is ensured. In particular, the energy to be stored in the energy storage system is formed from a combination of waste heat from the power supply device and generated heat.

[0016] The device according to claim 4 enables simple combustion. In particular, the combustion device is designed as a grate combustion device, wherein fuel is placed on a grate and burned. The grate can be designed as a flat grate, moving grate, stepped grate, tilting grate, or roller grate. The combustion device particularly enables the use of solid biofuels. Specifically, it eliminates the need to provide solid fuel in powder form. This reduces the amount of preparation work required to provide solid fuel. In particular, it eliminates the need for preparation work such as grinding and / or sieving of solid fuel. For example, wood chips, pellets, and / or firewood can be burned. The overall efficiency of the equipment operation is improved.

[0017] In principle, any combustion device capable of providing combustion energy in the form of heat can be considered as the combustion device according to claim 4. In particular, the combustion device is a stationary hot gas generation system.

[0018] The device according to claim 5 is particularly advantageous in terms of environment. Although renewable energy sources are volatile, they can be advantageously used in bitumen production by means of the decoupling of the energy storage system. In particular, electricity and / or heat generated by renewable energy sources can be advantageously stored directly or indirectly in the energy storage system.

[0019] The device according to claim 6 simplifies energy conversion, particularly the conversion of electricity into heat. The energy conversion device is directly connected to at least one power supply device, particularly to an energy storage system. The power supply device is specifically designed as an electric heating device to use electricity to generate hot gas, particularly hot air, to charge the heat storage system.

[0020] The device according to claim 7 enables electrical energy to be stored, particularly in the form of a thermal battery storage system. This allows for spatial decoupling of the power supply device and the energy storage system. Specifically, it is conceivable that the energy storage system be connected to a power supply network, particularly a public power grid. The energy storage system is particularly connected to energy conversion devices, especially electric heating devices.

[0021] The device according to claim 8 achieves greater flexibility in terms of the temperature level at which heat is transferred to the drying system. The temperature conversion device can be used to convert a temperature level supplied by at least one energy supply device, particularly in the form of waste heat or as heat from a combustion device, into the temperature level required by the heat storage system. In particular, the temperature conversion device is designed to raise or lower the temperature in the energy storage system. The temperature conversion device is particularly designed as a high-temperature heat pump. High-temperature heat pumps are suitable for generating heat in a temperature range up to 150 °C. High-temperature heat pumps are suitable for a variety of applications, especially where the heat source provides waste heat at the desired temperature level.

[0022] The method according to claim 9 has essentially the advantages of the device according to the invention, which are herein referred to.

[0023] The features specified in the claims and those specified in the following exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention are each suitable, individually or in combination with each other, for further improving the subject matter of the invention. The corresponding combinations of features do not constitute any limitation on the embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, but are essentially exemplary only. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other advantageous embodiments, additional features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments based on the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an asphalt production equipment according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 The equipment shown in Figure 1 is used for the production of asphalt.

[0026] The equipment 1 includes an asphalt mixing unit 2, in which components required for asphalt production, such as virgin mineral aggregate and / or recycled asphalt, are dried in at least one drying system 3 and mixed in a mixing unit 4 connected thereto. At least one drying system 3 is designed, in particular, as a drying drum. It should be understood that multiple drying systems 3 may exist. Storage containers and / or metering units may also be connected to the mixing unit 4 to supply additional components.

[0027] It should be understood that the asphalt mixing plant 2 may have other components required for its operation, such as a filtration and dust removal system. For illustrative purposes, these additional components are not listed. Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0028] An energy storage system 5, designed as a heat storage system, is connected to at least one drying system 3. The energy storage system 5 particularly incorporates a heat storage material, which allows energy in the form of heat to be absorbed, stored, and released again when needed. The heat storage material is, in particular, porous rock. The heat storage system 5 is used to transfer heat to the drying system 3 of the asphalt mixing equipment 2.

[0029] The fluid flow unit 6 is connected to the energy storage system 5, and the fluid flow unit 6 is capable of generating a fluid flow and supplying it to the energy storage system 5. The fluid flow unit 6 is, in particular, a blower.

[0030] At least one power supply device 7, 8, or 9 is also connected to the energy storage system 5.

[0031] The first energy supply device 7 enables the use of renewable energy sources. In particular, the first energy supply device 7 is a device that generates electricity from renewable energy sources, especially solar power, particularly photovoltaic power, wind power, particularly wind turbines, and / or hydropower. The first energy supply device 7 is electrically connected to the energy conversion device 10. The energy conversion device 10 is, in particular, an electric heating device, especially an electric air heater, to heat gas, especially air, by means of the electrical energy supplied by the first energy supply device 7. The energy conversion device 10 is connected to the energy storage system 5. This means that the first energy supply device 7, used for generating electricity from renewable primary energy sources, is indirectly (i.e., via the energy conversion device 10) connected to the energy storage system 5.

[0032] It should be understood that the first power supply unit 7 may also have a power generation system that relies only partially or entirely on renewable primary energy sources. The key point is that the generated electrical energy is converted into heat and / or temporarily stored.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, the first energy supply device 7 can also be used to utilize heat from renewable primary energy sources, and is particularly designed as a geothermal and / or solar thermal device. In this case, the first energy supply device 7 is directly connected to the energy storage system 5 via a direct pipeline. Heat generated from renewable primary energy sources can be directly supplied to the energy storage system 5 via a direct pipeline.

[0034] The second energy supply unit 8 is a separate unit, particularly from a different industrial sector. The second energy supply unit 8 operates independently of the asphalt mixing plant 2. The second energy supply unit 8 is connected to the energy storage system 5. The second energy supply unit 8 is particularly suitable for waste incineration equipment. The second energy supply unit simplifies and, in particular, enables sectoral coupling, especially the coupling of heat and electricity.

[0035] The third energy supply device 9 is a combustion device, particularly for burning renewable and / or alternative fuels, which can be burned undisturbed and are especially in the form of wood chips, pellets, and / or firewood. The combustion device is particularly designed as a grate combustion device. The third energy supply device 9 is connected to the energy storage system 5.

[0036] The device 1 includes a temperature conversion device 11, which can be connected to an energy conversion device 10, and / or to a second energy supply device 8 and a third energy supply device 9. The temperature conversion device 11 is particularly positioned upstream of the energy storage system 5, and enables the temperature level of the heat supplied by the energy supply devices 7, 8, and 9 to be converted, particularly to the temperature level required by the energy storage system 5. The temperature conversion device 11 is optional. The temperature conversion device 11 is particularly a heat pump, especially a high-temperature heat pump.

[0037] Device 1 has another energy storage system 12, which is designed as an electrical storage system, particularly in the form of a battery storage system. The electrical energy storage system 12 is (in particular, directly) connected to the first power supply device 7, and is electrically connected to the first power supply device 7. Electricity generated using renewable primary energy sources by means of the first power supply device 7 can be stored in the electrical energy storage system 12. The electrical energy storage system 12 is, in particular, electrically connected to the energy conversion device 10.

[0038] When the energy conversion device 10 is powered by the power energy storage system 12, the heat from the energy conversion device 10 can also be directly transferred to the drying system 3. In this case, the drying system 3 is not directly connected to the power energy storage system 12, but is indirectly connected to the power energy storage system 12 via the energy conversion device 10.

[0039] The power energy storage system 12 can also be connected to power supply lines, especially to the public power grid, or connected to the first power supply unit 7 via the public power line network.

[0040] The methods for operating equipment 1, particularly the method for producing asphalt, are described in more detail below.

[0041] Energy is supplied via at least one power supply device 7, 8, or 9. Electrical energy is converted into heat in the energy conversion device 10 and supplied to the thermal energy storage system 5. Energy in the form of heat supplied by the second power supply device 8 and / or the third power supply device 9 can be directly supplied to the thermal energy storage system 5. Alternatively, heat from the power supply devices 7, 8, 9 and / or from the energy conversion device 10 can be converted (especially lowered or raised) to the desired temperature level by means of the temperature conversion device 11.

[0042] The thermal energy storage system 5 is heated by supplying heated gas, particularly heated air, to the energy storage system, wherein the heated gas flows around the thermal energy storage material, heating it. The heat can be stored by the thermal energy storage material. Gas cooled by heat transfer can be discharged from the thermal energy storage system 5 via an exhaust duct (not shown in more detail). If necessary, the cooled gas is purified, particularly in the thermal energy storage system 5 by means of the thermal energy storage material and / or in a filtration system, particularly in the filtration and dust removal system of the asphalt mixing equipment 2.

[0043] The charging operation of the thermal energy storage system 5 is decoupled from the operation of the asphalt mixing plant 2 in time and especially in space, and especially from the actual energy demand in the asphalt mixing plant 2. In particular, the thermal energy storage system 5 can be charged even if there is no energy demand in the asphalt mixing plant 2, especially provided that the thermal energy storage system 5 still has thermal storage capacity.

[0044] If there is an energy requirement in the asphalt mixing plant 2, especially since components required for asphalt production, such as virgin aggregate and / or recycled asphalt, need to be dried in at least one drying system 3, then energy, especially thermal energy, can be transferred from the thermal energy storage system 5 to the at least one drying system 3. A fluid flow unit 6 is specifically used for this purpose and generates a fluid flow in the form of a cold air stream, which is supplied to the energy storage system 5. The cold air stream is heated as it flows through the energy storage system 5, and is discharged from the thermal energy storage system 5 as a heated air stream, then supplied to the at least one drying system 3 at a temperature of at least 500 °C.

[0045] It is advantageous if the energy supply, especially the heat supply, from the thermal energy storage system 5 to the drying system 3 is controlled, and especially regulated. This is advantageously achieved by means of the control / regulation unit 13, which... Figure 1 The diagram is schematically shown. The control / regulation unit 13 communicates with the fluid flow unit 6 and / or the asphalt mixing equipment 2, particularly with at least one drying system 3, and especially with sensors of the drying system 3. The signal communication can be wired and / or wireless. Specifically, the control / regulation unit 13 can generate control signals and transmit them to the fluid flow unit 6 to trigger fluid flow. The control signals are generated, in particular, based on status signals, which are transmitted to the control / regulation unit 13, particularly via at least one drying system 3 itself and / or corresponding sensors in and / or on the drying system 3.

[0046] The device 1 can advantageously achieve time-decoupling of energy supply from energy utilization in at least one drying system 3 of the asphalt mixing device 2 by means of power supply devices 7, 8, and 9.

Claims

1. An asphalt production equipment, comprising: a. At least one energy supply device (7, 8, 9) for supplying energy. b. An energy storage system (5, 12) connected to the at least one power supply device (7, 8, 9) for storing the supplied energy. c. An asphalt mixing device (2) having at least one drying system (3) connected to the energy storage system (5, 12).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage system (5) is a thermal storage system.

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one power supply device (7, 8, 9) provides heat at a temperature level of at least 400 °C during normal operation.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one power supply device (9) is a combustion device.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one power supply device (7) uses renewable energy, in particular for generating electricity from renewable energy as a solar power device, wind power device and / or hydropower device, and / or for utilizing heat from renewable energy, in particular as a geothermal device and / or solar thermal device.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one power supply device (7) is connected to the energy conversion device (10), especially the electric heating device, especially the electric air heater.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The energy storage system (12) is an electricity storage system.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It includes a temperature conversion device (11) connected to the at least one power supply device (7, 8, 9) and the energy storage system (5), and is arranged between the two.

9. A method for producing asphalt, comprising the following steps: a. Energy is supplied by means of at least one power supply device (7, 8, 9). b. The supplied energy is stored in an energy storage system (5, 12), which is connected to the at least one energy supply device (7, 8, 9). c. Drying one component required for asphalt production in at least one drying system (3) of the asphalt mixing equipment (2), d. The dried components are mixed with other components to form asphalt.

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