Method and system for operating and / or decarbonising a more particularly industrial production process

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating and / or decarbonising a more particularly industrial production process, preferably a coating process, such as a galvanising, in which a heated melt is provided and / or kept available, wherein the melt is heated selectively by means of at least one electric heating device and / or at least one non-electric heating device, and wherein if there is excess power in a power grid, at least some of it is taken from the power grid and used to operate the electric heating device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a system for operating and / or decarbonizing an industrial production process, preferably a coating process, namely galvanizing, in which a heated melt is provided and / or maintained. Furthermore, the invention also relates to uses of the system in question in heat-consuming processes, namely coating processes in the form of galvanizing.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of operating industrial processes in which the manufacturing, processing, and / or finishing of real goods or products takes place on a commercial scale. For the purposes of this invention, an "industrial process" is thus understood to mean the mass production and / or mass manufacturing or the commercial processing of real goods or components, in particular for coating workpieces.

[0003] Industrial production processes inevitably generate a high demand for process heat, particularly during heat treatment or process steps intended to modify material properties and / or composition. Due to the commercial scale of these production processes, it is essential that the necessary heat or energy supply be continuously and / or permanently ensured throughout the entire production process.

[0004] In this context, the present invention specifically targets heat-consuming production processes that use a heated melt or in which a heated melt is provided and / or maintained. Heated melts are preferably understood to be liquid metal of any type and alloy, which is used in a variety of ways in industrial production processes, for example in casting or coating workpieces.

[0005] The primary starting point of the invention, however, is coating processes in which a firmly adhering layer of formless material is applied to the surface of a workpiece. For this purpose, a heated melt, functioning as the coating compound, is accordingly stored or provided.

[0006] One coating process that is particularly common in industry is galvanizing, especially hot-dip galvanizing, whereby a metallic, molten zinc coating is applied to protect against rust or corrosion by immersing the workpieces to be coated in the zinc-containing coating compound.

[0007] Especially in galvanizing, it is crucial that the molten zinc used for coating is kept at a defined process temperature continuously, or under constant heat input. Only in this way can targeted process control be guaranteed, given the dependence between the desired coating quality and the temperature of the melt or coating material.

[0008] The process heat required in production processes of the type mentioned above, particularly in coating processes or galvanizing, is in practice covered by the combustion of fossil fuels, mostly gas, such as natural gas. For example, in practice, a galvanizing furnace containing the coating or galvanizing compound is heated by gas burners powered by natural gas.

[0009] The use of natural gas in industrial processes is problematic due to the associated release of climate-damaging emissions such as carbon dioxide. In addition to the issue of its lack of sustainability and climate impact, numerous geopolitical factors also argue against the use of natural gas as an energy source, particularly in industrial processes.

[0010] The above disadvantages are particularly significant in the industrial processes in question when using a melt, since the continuous heating of the melt to a comparatively high process temperature requires a particularly high energy demand and ultimately a high consumption of the fossil fuels or natural gas required for this purpose.

[0011] Despite the disadvantages described above, the implementation of natural gas for generating process heat in industrial production processes essentially meets the complex requirements for the continuous and defined heating of melts, since the combustion of natural gas, which usually takes place via a multitude of gas burners, generally ensures sufficient heat input and thus reliable heating of the melt. Therefore, and considering the high costs of any necessary modifications to the plant technology, the replacement of natural gas as an energy carrier in coating processes, particularly in galvanizing, has so far been avoided in practice.

[0012] The document according to Proskurkin EV et al., "Manufacture and use of hot galvanising baths for tubes", Steel in the USSR, Vol. 17, No. 6, June 1, 1987, pages 275 to 277, concerns investigations regarding the results of hot-dip galvanizing products.

[0013] Furthermore, GB 504 362 A concerns a process for zinc coating of containers with zinc.

[0014] WO 2017 / 005466 A1 relates to a metallurgical furnace for melting metallic material, for example scrap, wherein the melting of the metallic material is carried out in such a way that a heating chamber is heated with a burner, whereby the exhaust gas of the combustion process is directed in such a way that it does not come into contact with the metallic material.

[0015] Furthermore, WO 2020 / 007796 A1 relates to a method and an apparatus for operating a production plant, wherein at least one electrical energy-consuming production process is carried out to manufacture a product.

[0016] The object of the present invention is now to avoid or at least substantially reduce the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0017] To solve the aforementioned problem, the invention provides a method according to claim 1 and a system according to claim 9. Further embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the corresponding dependent claims. The invention also provides the uses according to claims 11 and 12 to solve the aforementioned problem.

[0018] According to the invention, a method and a system for operating and / or decarbonizing an industrial production process are proposed to solve the aforementioned problem, wherein the heating of the melt is optionally carried out by means of at least one electric heating device and at least one non-electric heating device. This means that the heating can be carried out electrically only, non-electrically only, or in combination – hybrid – simultaneously electrically and non-electrically.

[0019] In developing the present invention, it was recognized that several advantages exist in heating the melt not exclusively by a non-electrical or gas-based energy carrier, but optionally by using an electric heating device. Heating the melt by means of the electric heat storage can be used as a supplement to the non-electrical heating device or as a complete replacement for the non-electrical or gas-based heating device.

[0020] Therefore, the term "optionally" ultimately encompasses three different process configurations or modes to provide the total power required for the industrial process or for heating the melt. For example, the melt can be heated exclusively using the non-electric heating device (first process mode). Furthermore, the heat input can be achieved through a combined heat input using both the non-electric and electric heating devices (second process mode). Finally, the process can also provide for heating the melt exclusively using the electric heating device (third process mode).

[0021] Due to the optional use of the electric heating device, the disadvantages associated with non-electric or gas-based heating devices are circumvented or mitigated, particularly with regard to avoiding the emission of climate-damaging emissions such as carbon dioxide. This creates the basis for the decarbonization envisaged by the process, since the replacement of an electric heating device according to the invention allows the heat input required for heating the melt to be achieved with a significant reduction, and in some cases complete avoidance, of climate-damaging emissions such as carbon dioxide emissions.

[0022] Therefore, the term "decarbonization," as used in the context of the present invention, refers to the avoidance or at least reduction of climate-damaging emissions such as those produced by conventional industrial processes, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels like natural gas. The term "climate-damaging emissions" is to be understood broadly and ultimately encompasses all gaseous emissions that have a negative impact on the climate. The present invention is primarily aimed at avoiding or reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂), but is not limited to this. Other gases, such as carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide, or other climate-active greenhouse gases (GHGs), can also be considered climate-damaging emissions within the meaning of the invention.

[0023] In other words, according to the invention a hybrid heating concept is proposed, wherein an electric heating device is optionally or at least partially used for the continuous heating of the melt, accompanied by the desired decarbonization of the industrial process to be operated.

[0024] The term "permanent" provision or storage of the melt is preferably understood to mean a period of at least one hour, preferably at least five hours, and in particular at least ten hours, whereby, depending on the scope of the process, this may also include a day or 24 hours up to several days. Therefore, the term "permanent" is preferably to be understood broadly.

[0025] Particularly with regard to a coating process or galvanizing, the term "permanent" defines the service life during which a melt collected in a kettle can be used stationary and / or functionally for coating workpieces within the framework of a coating process without draining or preparation.

[0026] Furthermore, the term "melt," as preferably used within the scope of the present invention, refers to a metallic coating mass, preferably non-ferrous, in the form of a zinc alloy, provided and / or held in a vessel or other receiving device, which is used in a stationary state or as an immersion bath with a volume or mass that remains at least substantially constant throughout the entire process, i.e., without being drained from the vessel. In this respect, a melt within the meaning of the present invention is not to be understood as a foundry melt for casting or primary forming corresponding foundry products.

[0027] In developing the invention with the described hybrid heating strategy for an industrial process, a number of technical prejudices had to be overcome. Depending on the application or specific configuration, industrial processes have thus far used either burners that are heated with natural gas or other fossil gaseous energy carriers, or heat-consuming processes that exclusively use electricity, heated inductively or by resistance. Due to the complex process control involved in heat-consuming processes, a hybrid approach using a combination of electrical and non-electrical energy carriers has not previously been considered. In particular, hybrid systems have also been considered disadvantageous and disproportionate in other technical fields, as the changing energy carriers and / or...The energy input involved in this process is linked to cumbersome conversion and switching measures, as well as a corresponding interruption of the heat supply. This interruption can last from several minutes to several hours, accompanied by corresponding production interruptions and the need for plant-related precautions to prevent a drop in process temperature. As a result, the use of hybrid systems or parallel operation of electric and non-electric heating in heat-consuming processes has not yet been considered in practice.

[0028] Contrary to this prevailing opinion, it has now been recognized within the framework of the solution according to the invention that a hybrid heating system, consisting of an electric heating device and a non-electric heating device, is indeed very suitable for industrial production processes, specifically for heating a melt held or provided for a coating process.

[0029] Within the framework of the solution according to the invention, it was found that melts requiring continuous heating, preferably metal melts and / or non-ferrous melts, particularly zinc-containing metal melts, are suitable for hybrid heating because they exhibit a comparatively high thermal inertia, or their temperature changes relatively slowly during heat input and / or output due to their relatively high mass and heat capacity. This results in a comparatively large time window or reduced sensitivity for implementing the process modes described above, the selection of a heating device, switching between heating devices, and the hybrid heating system.

[0030] As a result, the present invention proposes for the first time, in the form of a self-contained concept, to decarbonize a heat-consuming process by heating a melt used in it not exclusively by gas-based or non-electric heating, but at least partially or optionally also by means of an electric heating device, whereby parallel or simultaneous heating by means of the non-electric and electric heating devices is also possible.

[0031] The selective heating provided by the procedure using the electric heating device and / or the non-electric heating device ensures, due to the inertia of the melt, that even in the event of a brief interruption of the heat input into the melt to be heated, no process-related losses are to be expected compared to the non-electric or gas-based heating known from the prior art.

[0032] In In addition to the hybrid heating described above, the invention also provides that, for the operation of the electric heating device, excess electricity generated in a power grid, in particular in the public power grid, is at least partially extracted and used to operate the electric heating device.

[0033] In this context, surplus electricity refers to electrical current that is only available with fluctuating power output and can therefore lead to an oversupply of electricity or overcapacity in the power grid. Consequently, situations are increasingly arising in which electrical energy or electricity cannot be fully consumed due to the oversupply present in the power grid.

[0034] Surplus electricity, i.e., electrical energy with fluctuating power output, is primarily due to the share of renewable energies, whose electricity is increasingly and prioritized for feeding into the grid. Since the underlying energy sources—namely solar, wind, and hydropower—are not constantly available and their availability is also difficult to predict, fluctuating power output and periods of excess electricity are ultimately unavoidable. For example, a brief period of high wind can lead to an oversupply of electricity or power spikes in the grid, creating the problem that the resulting surplus electricity must be diverted or consumed to prevent grid overload and associated damage.

[0035] The term "power grid," as used within the scope of the present invention, is preferably to be understood broadly and, in electrical power engineering, refers to a network for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. It consists of electrical lines such as overhead lines and underground cables, as well as the associated facilities such as switching stations and transformer substations. Large, spatially adjacent, and electrically interconnected power grids are referred to as interconnected grids, while small, spatially separated power grids are called island grids. The method according to the invention is particularly preferred for use in power grids that obtain at least some of their electrical energy from renewable energy sources.

[0036] InIn the near future, the increasing feed-in of renewable energies from sun, wind and water into the electricity grid will therefore lead to more frequent electricity peaks and / or surplus electricity, which can only be partially absorbed by electricity consumers and will therefore be offered on the electricity market as so-called surplus electricity significantly below its production costs or at prices that are lower relative to its energy content than for a fossil fuel with the same calorific value, or for free, i.e. without compensation, or even at negative prices.

[0037] To date, excess power has not been used to reduce power peaks in connection with metal smelting. Instead, current practice involves storing surplus or peak power in storage systems such as batteries and pumped-storage hydroelectric plants and feeding it back into the grid later. However, the use of battery systems is problematic in terms of cost and the associated resource requirements. From an ecological perspective, the use of batteries, which have a limited lifespan and a decreasing capacity over time, is counterproductive and therefore not sustainable. Recycling or disposing of batteries on the required scale is also known to be problematic.

[0038] With regard to the buffer or storage systems in question, it should also be noted that the very high effort required to construct such systems does not represent a viable solution, depending on the geographical conditions and the high losses associated with energy conversion.

[0039] Therefore, no satisfactory concept for effectively utilizing surplus electricity has yet been developed in practice. At the same time, however, managing surplus electricity is an important aspect of the energy transition, as the surplus electricity in question is largely generated from renewable energy sources.

[0040] The invention now makes it possible to use the electrical energy derived from surplus electricity specifically for operating an electric heating device or for heating a melt.

[0041] This guideline is based on the above-described finding that heating the melt using an electric heating device on an industrial scale in combination with a non-electric heating device is indeed feasible.

[0042] Against this background, the solution according to the invention also contributes to avoiding overloading the electricity grid and to the efficient use of surplus electricity, which mainly comes from renewable energy sources or solar, wind and hydropower.

[0043] As a result, the solution according to the invention provides a specifically tailored concept, combining two insights that are advantageous in themselves with regard to decarbonization and / or the avoidance of climate-damaging emissions, such as carbon dioxides.

[0044] Decarbonization is achieved in principle through the use of electric heating. This basic idea is then completed and complemented by the further requirement that surplus electricity is specifically used to operate the electric heating system. This surplus electricity comes primarily from renewable energy sources, meaning that the surplus electricity itself originates from an emission-free source. In this way, an emission-free process chain can be realized, completely avoiding the formation of climate-damaging emissions such as carbon oxides.

[0045] In this respect, the solution according to the invention proposes a contribution to the decarbonization of an industrial production process using a melt, while simultaneously providing for the integration of surplus electricity or electricity generated from renewable energies and thereby also addressing aspects of grid serviceability or relief of the electricity grid.

[0046] Having prefaced the above fundamental considerations of the solution according to the invention, advantageous procedural aspects of the present invention will be discussed below.

[0047] According to the invention, the occurrence of excess current in the power grid is detected by a detection device. This can preferably be done automatically, in particular frequency-controlled and / or internet-controlled. A detection device also includes a receiving device for a signal or the like, which the grid operator issues manually or automatically and which is received by the receiving device. After the excess current is detected, the electric heating device and the non-electric heating device are controlled by means of a control and / or regulating device.Accordingly, the method for operating the production process distinguishes between a period before the occurrence of the excess current and a period after the occurrence of the excess current. After the occurrence of the excess current, the electrical and non-electrical heating devices are preferably regulated / controlled, with the excess current being used to operate the electrical heating device. The excess current is used in such a way that the heated melt is provided and / or maintained within a defined process temperature range, in particular continuously or throughout the entire production cycle.

[0048] The use of surplus electricity to operate the electric heating system and the shutdown of the non-electric heating system as needed are preferably carried out in such a way that the production process continues continuously during electric heating. Accordingly, the use of surplus electricity to operate the electric heating system is not associated with any impairment compared to conventional non-electric or gas-based heating, so that the use of hybrid heating with the electric heating system does not lead to any restrictions in the production process, which continues continuously during the switch from one process mode to another.

[0049] With regard to a specific process, it may preferably be provided that, upon occurrence and / or detection of the excess current, the heating power of the non-electric heating device is reduced and the operation of the electric heating device is initiated, preferably wherein the operation of the non-electric heating device is terminated and the heating of the melt is carried out exclusively by the electric heating device using excess current.

[0050] Such a process is particularly advantageous when surplus electricity is foreseeably available over a longer period. The process can explicitly stipulate that the production process is carried out continuously using only electric heating or the surplus electricity for this purpose. The non-electric heating system can then be permanently deactivated, leading to maximum decarbonization and / or the avoidance of climate-damaging emissions such as carbon oxides, since the use of fossil fuels is completely eliminated. Of course, it is not precluded that, starting from purely electric heating, the non-electric heating system can be reactivated. A complete shutdown of the electric heating system is also possible.Heating exclusively with non-electric heating equipment is possible. This occurs whenever it is foreseeable that and when the surplus electricity will no longer be available.

[0051] The reduction or shutdown of the non-electric heating device and / or the activation or ramp-up of the electric heating device can be continuous or discontinuous. Preferably, the shutdown or ramp-up is automatically coordinated such that the reduction of the non-electric heating device is compensated by a corresponding increase in the electric heating device, and the total heat energy and / or process temperature introduced into the melt is maintained at least substantially constant throughout the entire production process. This prevents undesirable fluctuations in the processing temperature of the melt. This is ultimately made possible by a control / regulation system that continuously measures the temperature of the melt.

[0052] InIn this context, a transition period can be defined, the beginning of which is defined by the detection of the excess current and / or by the start of the shutdown of the non-electric heating device and / or by the start of the start-up of the electric heating device. The end of the transition period is defined by the complete shutdown of the non-electric heating device and / or by the complete start-up of the electric heating device.

[0053] The transition time in question is preferably freely selectable, whereby, due to the comparatively high heat capacity of the melt, flexibly adjustable transition times are possible in principle. However, these also depend on the total volume of the melt bath.

[0054] A transition time ranging from a few seconds, for example a maximum of 45 or 30 seconds, to several minutes, for example 5 to 10 minutes, preferably 5 to 30 minutes, can be provided, during which the non-electric heating device is completely shut down and the electric heating device is completely started up. However, shorter or longer transition times are also possible, particularly depending on the available excess current and the volume of the melt bath.

[0055] The heating of the melt before the occurrence and / or detection of excess current can preferably be carried out exclusively by the non-electric heating device, and the electric heating device can be switched on to the non-electric heating device when excess current occurs and / or is detected. It is therefore preferably provided that the switching on or activation of the electric heating device is specifically linked to the occurrence of excess current, whereby heating is carried out exclusively by the non-electric heating device during periods when there is no excess current in the power grid.However, it is understood that it is also possible to operate the electric heating device without excess electricity, for example by direct connection to any electrical power source which is preferably, at least partially, and in particular completely, supplied by renewable energy sources.

[0056] With regard to the operation of the non-electric heating device, a preferred method provides that the non-electric heating device is operated with a CO2-free or at least natural gas and / or CO2-reduced fuel gas, in particular pure hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing fuel gas, for example a fuel gas in the form of a natural gas-hydrogen mixture.

[0057] According to this particularly preferred process, decarbonization is achieved not only through the use of an electric heating device, but also through a modification of the non-electric heating device, whereby hydrogen is used or added instead of pure fossil fuel gas or natural gas. The primary combustion product of hydrogen is water vapor, which is beneficial in terms of avoiding the formation of climate-damaging emissions such as carbon oxides, which are produced during the combustion of natural gas.

[0058] Preferably, as long as pure hydrogen is not yet available on a large industrial, economical scale, it is particularly advantageous to blend the hydrogen with a carrier gas, preferably natural gas, to obtain the hydrogen-containing fuel gas. The carrier gas or natural gas in question is preferably at least partially a process gas produced in an industrial process, such as mine gas and / or coke oven gas.

[0059] The hydrogen content in the mixed gas, in particular consisting of or containing natural gas and hydrogen, is preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, particularly preferably at least 60%, and most preferably at least 80% or 90%.

[0060] In particular, a fuel gas containing hydrogen is used to operate the non-electric heating devices, wherein the fuel gas contains at least 1 to 100 vol.%, preferably 25 to 100 vol.%, particularly preferably 50 to 100 vol.%, hydrogen.

[0061] Particularly preferably, the non-electric heating device is operated exclusively and / or 100% with hydrogen, preferably pure and / or green hydrogen.

[0062] In particular, so-called green hydrogen is used exclusively to operate non-electric heating equipment and / or as a pure fuel gas or as a component in a mixed gas, for example with natural gas. Green hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis of water, with the electricity required for this process being sourced from renewable energy sources.

[0063] According to the invention, this also makes it possible to operate the non-electric heating device at least partially using renewable energies, namely hydrogen obtained from renewable energy sources.

[0064] The preferred method described above, with regard to the use of hydrogen, preferably green hydrogen, improves the decarbonization of the process according to the invention and further optimizes the sustainability of the process according to the invention, particularly in addition to hybrid heating using electrical heating energy.

[0065] The heat input into the melt, or the heating of the melt, can preferably be at least partially indirect via a vessel containing the melt, preferably wherein a furnace chamber surrounding the vessel is heated by means of the electric and / or non-electric heating device. In particular, the furnace chamber is heated by means of the non-electric heating device and the melt is additionally heated directly by means of an electric heating device preferably arranged in the melt.

[0066] Accordingly, a spatial separation of the non-electric heating device and the electric heating device is preferably implemented. The non-electric heating device can preferably be used in the furnace chamber to heat the boiler wall, whereas the electric heating device can be located in the boiler for direct contact with the molten metal. This prevents, in particular, the electric heating device from coming into contact with potentially harmful exhaust gases during the non-electric heating device or the combustion of the fuel gas. However, it is also possible to arrange the non-electric and electric heating devices together in the furnace chamber. For this purpose, the preferably rod-shaped electric heating device can be provided with a protective layer to protect it against the emissions from the non-electric or electric heating devices.to cause exhaust gases emitted by gas-based heating equipment.

[0067] The heating of the melt is preferably carried out in such a way that the melt is maintained at a process temperature that is at least 10 °C, preferably at least 20 °C, in particular at least 30 °C, above a melting temperature of the melt.

[0068] According to the invention, the melt is maintained at a process temperature in the range of 200 °C to 1200 °C, preferably in the range of 350 °C to 470 °C or preferably in the range of 510 °C to 610 °C.

[0069] The melt can particularly preferably be maintained at a process temperature in the range of 400 °C to 600 °C, preferably in the range of 415 °C to 470 °C, or preferably in the range of 510 °C to 610 °C, particularly 520 °C to 600 °C. The temperature ranges mentioned are preferred for galvanizing processes, with the increased temperature range of 510 °C to 610 °C or 520 °C to 600 °C being used for high-temperature galvanizing.

[0070] In particular, the molten metal is provided and / or held as an immersion bath, especially a galvanizing bath, in a metallic coating process, wherein at least one component to be coated with the molten metal is immersed in the molten metal and removed from the molten metal.

[0071] Preferably, the melt or immersion bath is provided as a molten metallic alloy. According to the invention, a molten zinc alloy is provided or used as the melt.

[0072] The method according to the invention has proven to be particularly suitable for hot-dip galvanizing, especially batch galvanizing, wherein a material or component to be coated, preferably steel or a steel component, is continuously (for example, strip and wire) or piecewise (for example, components) immersed in a heated kettle with liquid zinc alloy at temperatures of about 400 °C to 600 °C, so that it forms a resistant alloy layer of iron and zinc on the steel surface or material surface and above that a very firmly adhering zinc or zinc alloy layer.

[0073] The process according to the invention enables a continuous production process, in particular a hot-dip galvanizing process, whereby, compared to the prior art of heating the melt solely on the basis of non-electrical or gas-based heating, no losses with regard to the temperature and / or quality of the melt to be held are observed. Nevertheless, as described in detail above, the process according to the invention allows for significantly improved sustainability and grid compatibility due to the associated decarbonization.

[0074] Building on this, the process according to the invention makes it possible to provide and / or maintain the melt at the process temperature permanently and / or for a period of at least 1 hour, preferably at least 5 hours, particularly preferably at least 10 hours.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, the melt is also provided in a mass or dimension customary for hot-dip galvanizing or industrial galvanizing, preferably with a mass of 200 to 800 t (tons), preferably of 250 to 750 t, in particular of 300 to 700 t, in particular in a kettle intended for the industrial coating process or for industrial galvanizing.

[0076] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the system according to claim 9 for operating and / or decarbonizing an industrial production process, wherein the industrial production process is galvanizing, is described below.

[0077] Specifically, the present invention relates to a system for operating and / or decarbonizing an industrial production process, wherein the industrial production process is galvanizing, using a melt, preferably a coating process such as galvanizing, and wherein a boiler is provided for receiving and heating a melt. The system according to the invention comprises at least one electric heating device and at least one non-electric heating device.

[0078] According to the invention, the system comprises at least one control and / or regulating device for selectively heating the melt by means of the electric heating device and the non-electric heating device, wherein the control and / or regulating device is additionally configured to at least partially extract excess current generated in a power grid and to operate the electric heating device with the extracted excess current. In this way, the advantages and special features of the present invention discussed above can be implemented accordingly.

[0079] Accordingly, the system according to the invention is specifically designed and conceived for the device-like implementation of the previously discussed method. The advantages mentioned above regarding the method also apply equally to the system.

[0080] According to the invention, the control and / or regulating device comprises a detection device for detecting the occurrence of excess current and a control and / or regulating device for operating the electric heating device and the non-electric heating device after the excess current has been detected. The detection device can also be configured as a receiving device for receiving signals or the like that sent by the network operator or third parties when excess current occurs. The control and / or regulating device can comprise the detection device and the control and / or regulating device as a higher-level assembly. It is understood that it is also fundamentally possible to design the detection device and the control and / or regulating device as separate modules or components that are interconnected via signal transmission.The control and / or regulating device is then to be understood abstractly or as a non-device-specific, overarching designation of the building units in question.

[0081] In a further, preferred embodiment of the invention, a furnace chamber is provided that at least partially surrounds the boiler, preferably wherein the electric heating device and / or the non-electric heating device is / are designed to heat the furnace chamber and / or is / are arranged on or in the furnace chamber, in particular wherein the non-electric heating device is on or in the furnace chamber and the electric heating device is arranged in the interior of the boiler for contact with the melt and / or for direct heating of the melt and / or the electric heating device is arranged on or in the area of ​​the outside or outer wall of the boiler.The spatial separation of the electric heating element from the non-electric heating element prevents contact between the electric heating element and the combustion gases emitted by the non-electric heating element. In this way, the electric heating element remains protected from harmful exhaust gases from the non-electric heating element, ensuring reliable long-term operation of the hybrid heating system.

[0082] In view of the above features and advantages, the present invention also relates, according to claim 11, to the use of the system according to the invention for reducing and / or avoiding the formation of climate-damaging emissions, such as carbon oxides, in the generation of process heat during the operation of a heat-consuming process, wherein the heat-consuming process is galvanizing, in particular hot-dip galvanizing.

[0083] Accordingly, the present invention according to claim 12 also relates to the use of the system according to the invention for extracting excess current when current peaks occur and / or for increasing grid serviceability in a heat-consuming process, wherein the heat-consuming process is galvanizing, in particular hot-dip galvanizing.

[0084] It is understood that the system according to the invention can also be used both to reduce and / or prevent the formation of climate-damaging emissions, such as carbon dioxide, and to extract surplus electricity during peak loads and / or to increase grid stability, i.e., a combination of the above-mentioned uses. As previously described, the uses in question relate to coordinated or mutually reinforcing aspects of decarbonization, since operating the electric heating device with surplus electricity initially reduces the share of non-electric heating, while the use of the surplus electricity, which originates primarily or exclusively from renewable energy sources, further increases decarbonization and sustainability.

[0085] Accordingly, the uses or aspects in question should preferably be understood in their purposeful combination.

[0086] Further features, advantages, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing and the drawing itself. All features described and / or illustrated, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the present invention, irrespective of their compilation in the claims or their cross-reference.

[0087] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a system according to the invention and the process of the method according to the invention and Fig. 2 a perspective view of a melt received in a boiler for a schematic representation of the hybrid heating process in the sense of the method or system according to the invention.

[0088] In Fig. 1 A system 1 according to the invention for operating and / or decarbonizing an industrial production process using a melt 2 is schematically illustrated.

[0089] The components or devices of the system 1 according to the invention will first be described below, in order to then discuss the process of the method according to the invention using the system 1 according to the invention on this basis.

[0090] In this context, it should be noted that the following descriptions of the system 1 according to the invention do not represent the only way to realize the process according to the invention. Rather, a basic concept or a possible implementation is described here for the practical implementation of the process according to the invention for operating and / or decarbonizing an industrial production process using a heated melt 2. Based on this, a multitude of technical modifications and / or specifications compared to the described system 1 according to the invention are possible in principle.

[0091] Since the system 1 according to the invention is designed for operating an industrial production process using the melt 2, the system 1 according to the invention has a boiler 3 in which the melt 2 to be heated can be received or received.

[0092] The melt 2 is preferably designed as a galvanizing bath or is used in a metallic coating process in the form of galvanizing, in particular hot-dip galvanizing. Accordingly, the heated melt 2 is provided and / or held as a coating compound.

[0093] To heat the melt 2, the system 1 has at least one non-electric heating device 4; preferably, a plurality of non-electric heating devices 4 are provided. The non-electric heating device 4 is preferably designed to burn a fuel gas or as a gas burner to enable the heat input into the melt 2 to be heated.

[0094] Accordingly, the non-electric heating device 4 is connected to an energy source 5, preferably a gas source. Fuel gas, for example natural gas, in particular natural gas mixed with hydrogen or pure hydrogen, can be supplied by means of the energy source 5 to operate the non-electric heating device 4.

[0095] In the case of using a mixed gas, an additional, upstream hydrogen source can be provided to mix the gas from energy source 5, preferably natural gas, with hydrogen as a further gaseous component, or vice versa. The hydrogen is preferably generated from renewable energy carriers, produced by the electrolysis of water, whereby the water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. In this respect, it is preferably so-called "green hydrogen".

[0096] For the additional or optional heating of the melt 2, the system 1 has at least one electrical heating device 6, preferably a plurality of electrical heating devices 6.

[0097] The electric heating device 6 can therefore be connected to an electrical grid 7. The electrical grid 7 is preferably a public electrical grid. Preferably, the electrical grid 7 or the electrical energy source contains at least partially electricity generated from renewable energy sources, which is fed into the electrical grid 7 as needed.

[0098] The system 1 according to the invention has a control and / or regulating device 8 for selectively heating the melt 2 by means of the non-electric heating device 4 and / or the electric heating device 6.

[0099] The control and / or regulating device 8 is designed to at least partially extract excess current generated in the power grid 7 and to operate the electric heating device 6 with the extracted excess current.

[0100] For the preferably automatic and / or frequency- or internet-controlled detection of excess current, the control and / or regulating device 8 comprises a detection unit 9 for detecting the occurrence of excess current and a control and / or regulating unit 10 for operating the electric heating device 6 and the non-electric heating device 4 after the detection of excess current. A detection unit 9 also includes a device for receiving signals transmitted by the network operator or a third party, wherein the transmission of a signal occurs automatically when current peaks or excess current are present in the network or when such are imminent. Signals of this type are automatically generated and transmitted by the network operator or third parties.

[0101] The detection device 9 and the control and / or regulation device 10 are preferably interconnected via signal technology.

[0102] This signal connection preferably follows such a procedure that, upon occurrence and / or detection of the excess current by the detection device 9, the control and / or regulating device 10 is activated to draw excess current from the power grid 7.

[0103] The control and / or regulating device 10 is designed to control or regulate the non-electric heating device 4 and the electric heating device 6. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device 10 is connected to the non-electric heating device 4 and the electric heating device 6 via a signal connection.

[0104] The control and / or regulating device 10 is designed to regulate the thermal energy introduced into the melt 2 by the non-electric heating device 4 and the electric heating device 6, depending on the excess current in the power grid 7 and / or the temperature of the melt 2. Preferably, the regulation or control is carried out such that a constant heat input into the melt 2 occurs throughout the entire occurrence of the excess current and / or a constant defined process temperature of the melt 2 is ensured.

[0105] For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device 10 is configured to increase the power of the electric heating device 6 upon occurrence and / or detection of the excess current and, preferably simultaneously, to reduce the power of the non-electric heating device 4, preferably in such a way that the total heat input coupled into the melt 2 by the combination of the non-electric heating device 4 and the electric heating device 6, and the associated process temperature, remains constant. In the case of fluctuating excess current, the control and / or regulating device 10 is also configured to adjust the heat input into the melt 2 by the heating devices 4 and 6 accordingly, in order to ensure a constant heat input and a constant process temperature even with fluctuating excess current.

[0106] To control the heating devices 4, 6, a process temperature in the melt 2 is preferably continuously measured as a control variable and compared with a reference variable or the desired process temperature of the melt 2. Based on any control deviations that may occur, the power input of the heating devices 4, 6 is then adjusted by means of the control and / or regulating device 10. It is also possible, in principle, to overheat the melt 2 by the electric heating device 6 to a temperature range of up to 20 °C above the usual process temperature and then to switch off the electric heating for a period of time until the temperature of the melt 2 drops back to the usual process temperature. The control and / or regulating device 10 is also designed to completely shut down the non-electric heating device 4.The heating of the melt 2 is to be effected exclusively by the electric heating device 6. The heating of the melt 2 then preferably takes place exclusively by means of the electric heating device 6 or by exclusively using excess current.

[0107] However, the heating of the melt 2 can also be carried out by means of the control and / or regulating device 10 using only the non-electric heating device 4, wherein the control and / or regulating device 10 is accordingly designed to completely shut down the electric heating device 6.

[0108] It should be noted that system 1 may also include a further or second (not shown) control and / or regulating device, which may be provided in addition to the control and / or regulating device 8 described or shown. This further or second control and / or regulating device may, in particular, be intended for the operation of the process when no excess current is present and / or is designed to operate the process or the non-electric heating device 4 and / or the electric heating device 6 independently of the power grid 7. Accordingly, the described or first control and / or regulating device 8 is only used when excess current is present or detected in the power grid 7.

[0109] Likewise, at least one switching device may be provided to effect the switching between the non-electric heating device 4 and the electric heating device 6. This switching device is preferably also connected to the control and / or regulating device 8 or the control and / or regulating device 10 via a signal connection.

[0110] The heating of the melt 2 is therefore optionally carried out by means of the electric heating device 6 and / or the non-electric heating device 4.

[0111] The term optionally defines three different procedures, according to which heating is carried out exclusively by the non-electric heating device 4 (first procedure mode), by both the non-electric heating device 4 and the electric heating device 6 (second procedure mode), or exclusively by the electric heating device 4 (third procedure mode).

[0112] For the control and / or regulation of the heating devices 4, 6 and / or for changing the operating modes in question, the heating devices 4, 6 are connected to the control and / or regulation device 8 of the system 1 via signal technology.

[0113] The heating devices 4, 6 are controlled by the control and / or regulating device 8 in such a way that a defined process temperature or a predetermined temperature range of the melt 2 is specified as the target or controlled variable. For this purpose, the control and / or regulating device 8 is preferably supplied continuously or at time intervals with the actual temperatures of the melt 2, on the basis of which the heating devices 4, 6 are then selectively controlled in order to maintain the melt 2 at the defined process temperature.

[0114] It is understood that the system 1 according to the invention may include temperature sensors or thermocouples (not shown) in the area of ​​the boiler 3 and / or the melt 2 in order to determine the actual temperature of the melt 2.

[0115] Due to the combined heating using the non-electric heating device 4 and the electric heating device 6, decarbonization can take place compared to processes operated with only a non-electric heating device 4.

[0116] Having said this, the inventive method using the inventive system 1 will be described below.

[0117] The procedure stipulates that if a surplus current occurs in the power grid 7, this will be at least partially withdrawn from the power grid 7 and used to operate the electric heating device 6.

[0118] The presence of the excess current is detected by the detection device 9, preferably automatically, with the result that the regulation or control of the heating devices 4, 6 takes into account the extracted excess current.

[0119] Specifically, it is provided that the control and / or regulating device 10 of the control and / or regulating device 8 is initially designed to operate the electric heating device 6 using the surplus current taken from the power grid 7.

[0120] At the same time or alternatively, the control and / or regulating device 10 is also designed to reduce or shut down the heating output of the non-electric heating device 4 as a result of the excess current occurring and the heating operation taken over by the electric heating device 6.

[0121] The control of the heating devices 4, 6, in particular the starting up of the electric heating device 6 and the shutting down of the non-electric heating device 4, continues to be carried out under the condition of maintaining a defined process temperature of the melt 2, which continues to be processed as a reference variable or target variable in the control and / or regulation device 8 or the control and / or regulation device 10.

[0122] It has proven advantageous that, prior to the detection of the excess current, the heating of the melt 2 is initially carried out exclusively by the non-electric heating device 4, which is operated or supplied by the energy source 6. Upon detection of the excess current from the power grid 7, the electric heating device 6 is then switched on, with the result that the heat input previously provided exclusively by the non-electric heating device 4 is now partially or completely taken over by the electric heating device 6.

[0123] As a result, the exhaust emissions from the non-electric heating device 4 are reduced, along with the decarbonization of the industrial production process achieved by the procedure.

[0124] At the same time, the use of surplus electricity is associated with an improvement in grid services in electricity grid 7, since the overload of electricity grid 7, which would otherwise be a concern if the surplus electricity were not taken away, is avoided or compensated for.

[0125] Especially in the case of prolonged or excessive excess current, it has proven advantageous to completely shut down the heating via the non-electric heating device 4 and to implement the heating of the melt 2 exclusively via the electric heating device 6.

[0126] The following will be based on Fig. 2 A possible embodiment of arrangements and / or designs of the heating devices 4, 6 for heating the melt 2 received in the boiler 3 is described.

[0127] In this context, it should be noted that the arrangement shown is one possible technical variant for carrying out the method according to the invention, but it is not necessarily the only possible technical variant. Therefore, the teaching of the invention is not limited to the arrangement illustrated below, and a multitude of other embodiments are possible or conceivable.

[0128] The connection and / or design of the heating devices 4, 6 for heating the melt 2 is preferably carried out in such a way that the process can be carried out independently of each other over the entire process time or with the exclusive use of the non-electric heating devices 4 or the electric heating devices 6, whereby a combined use of the heating devices 4, 6 with any proportion of the heat input introduced by the heating devices 4, 6 is also possible.

[0129] In particular, the electrical heating devices 6 are designed and / or arranged such that the heating of the melt 2 in the range of a defined process temperature is possible exclusively by electrical heating, preferably using only excess current from the power grid 7.

[0130] At the in Fig. 2In the embodiment shown, a furnace chamber 11 is provided which at least partially surrounds the boiler 3 and which is preferably designed as an annular space and / or surrounds the boiler 3 on all sides.

[0131] The furnace chamber 11 is bounded on the inside by the wall of the boiler 3 and on the outside by a furnace housing 12, with the boiler 3 being housed in the furnace housing 12.

[0132] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, a plurality of rod-shaped electrical heating devices 6 are provided, which are inserted or immersed in the melt 2 for direct contact and / or heating. The electrical heating devices 6 can be arranged within the melt 2, preferably in pairs on opposite end faces of the vessel 3, and in particular in a perpendicular or vertical orientation during operation.

[0133] Furthermore, a plurality of non-electric heating devices 4 are provided, which are designed as gas burners. The non-electric heating devices 4 are designed to heat the furnace chamber 11 and / or are arranged on or in the furnace chamber 11, preferably in the area of ​​at least one side wall, in particular a longitudinal side wall, of the boiler 3. However, non-electric heating devices 4 and / or electric heating devices 6 can also be arranged on opposite side walls, in particular longitudinal side walls, of the boiler 3.

[0134] It may be provided that the non-electric heating devices 4 are arranged and / or accommodated on or in the furnace housing 12, preferably in the area of ​​at least one side wall, in particular longitudinal side wall, of the furnace housing 12.

[0135] In addition to or as an alternative to the electrical heating devices 6 arranged in the melt 2, at least one electrical heating device 6 can also be arranged in the furnace chamber 11. The electrical heating device 6 can preferably be designed as an electrical and / or flexible heating conductor, wherein the length of the electrical conductor exceeds the length of the boiler 3 by a multiple.

[0136] The electric heating device 6 is preferably assigned to the same side wall, in particular the longitudinal side wall, of the boiler 3 as the non-electric heating devices 4.

[0137] In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the electric heating device 6 is arranged in a loop or meander shape around the non-electric heating devices 4, preferably such that the non-electric heating devices 4 are surrounded by the electric heating device 6.

[0138] It is understood that other arrangements of the non-electric heating devices 4 or the electric heating device 6 may also be provided.

[0139] According to an embodiment not shown, it can also be provided that all or at least some of the non-electric heating devices 4 or heating burners are decoupled from the boiler 3 or furnace chamber 11 and / or arranged in a heating chamber upstream of the boiler 3. This heating chamber then functions as an upstream heating chamber in which preheated heating air or heated heating gas is provided. In contrast, the electric heating devices 6 are decoupled from the non-electric heating devices 4 and are immersed directly in the melt 2 and / or arranged in the furnace chamber 11.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that all or at least some of the electric heating devices 6 are decoupled from the boiler 3 or furnace chamber 11 and / or are arranged in a further heating chamber or in the heating chamber upstream of the boiler 3. This one or more heating chambers then function as an upstream heating chamber in which preheated heating air or preheated heating gas is provided. In contrast, the non-electric heating devices 4 are designed and / or arranged to heat the furnace chamber 11 in a way that is decoupled from the electric heating devices 6.

[0141] By maintaining heated air in the upstream heating chamber, this heated air can be rapidly introduced into the furnace chamber 11, provided that, preferably starting from the electrical heating of the melt 2, the heating of the melt 2 is switched back to the heating of the melt 2 by means of the non-electric heating device 4. For this purpose, the furnace chamber 11 can be flooded with already heated air to ensure the maintenance of production operations or the defined process temperature of the melt 2. The furnace housing 12 can have a corresponding inlet and / or outlet duct 13 to introduce a heated heat flow or heated air into the furnace chamber 11 as needed and / or to discharge used process air from the furnace chamber 11.

[0142] The indirect heat input by means of the at least one electric heating device 6 and / or the at least one non-electric heating device 4 arranged in the furnace chamber 11 is effected in particular by heating the air in the furnace chamber 11 via a side wall, in particular a longitudinal side wall, and thereby heating the wall of the boiler 3. This initially heats the melt 2 on the wall side. Due to the associated heat convection, a flow or circulation of the wall-heated melt 2 occurs into the interior of the boiler 3, so that heated melt 2, starting from the wall sections, also enters the interior of the boiler 3, and thus a mixing of the heated melt 2 within the boiler 3 takes place.

[0143] The electric heating device 6 is preferably specially insulated or protected from the aggressive exhaust air of the non-electric heating device 4, especially if the heating device 4, 6 are jointly arranged or accommodated in the furnace chamber 11.

[0144] The inlet and / or outlet 13 is preferably lockable as required and / or equipped with a corresponding exhaust flap.

[0145] In addition, several thermocouples or sensors are provided on the boiler 3 to monitor and / or record the temperature of the melt 2 and / or the heating temperature in the furnace chamber 11, preferably continuously.

[0146] The temperature in the boiler 3 and / or the furnace chamber 11 thus preferably functions as a control variable, which is supplied to the control and / or regulating device 8 or the control and / or regulating unit 10 for the purpose of controlling the non-electric heating device 4 and the electric heating device 6. This allows the heat input of the electric heating device 6 and / or the non-electric heating device 4 to be regulated or adjusted as needed in order to avoid critical system temperatures and / or to maintain the melt 2 at a defined process temperature.

[0147] The control and / or regulating device 8 may include a switching device to enable on-demand switching of the heating operation between the electric heating device 4 and the non-electric heating device 6. The switching device may include corresponding switching and / or wiring components for this purpose.

[0148] The non-electric heating devices 4 are preferably arranged as a matrix and / or in a defined group pattern in the furnace chamber 11. Preferably, the non-electric heating devices 4 are assigned to a side wall, in particular a longitudinal side wall, of the boiler 3.

[0149] Alternatively or additionally, the non-electric heating devices 4 and / or the electric heating devices 6 can be assigned to opposite side walls, in particular longitudinal side walls, of the boiler 3.

[0150] For defined heat input, the non-electric heating devices 4 and / or the electric heating devices 6 can be controlled or regulated individually or in defined zones or groups, in particular by means of the control and / or regulating device 8 and / or the control and / or regulating device 10.

[0151] If the control and / or regulating device 8, in particular the detection device 9, receives a signal from the power grid 7, in particular via frequency or internet control, indicating that there is excess current in the power grid 7, the heat output or combustion output of the non-electric heating devices 4 is reduced by switching off one or more non-electric heating devices 4 and / or by reducing the heating output or combustion output of one or more non-electric heating devices 4. Simultaneously, the electric heating drive is activated via the electric heating devices 6, using the excess current drawn from the power grid 7.

[0152] For this purpose, after a possibly defined transition period, the non-electric heating operation can be completely shut down so that no heat input occurs via the non-electric heating devices 4. The melt 2 is then preferably heated exclusively by the electric heating devices 6, which are incorporated into the melt 2. Through convection and mixing in the vessel 3, the entire melt 2 is then heated uniformly by means of the electric heating devices 6.

[0153] The heating of the melt 2 via the electric heating devices 6 can be carried out such that the melt 2 is heated above the process temperature or a defined process temperature interval, preferably by at least 20 °C, preferably at least 40 °C above the process temperature. After this superheating, the heating by means of the non-electric heating devices 4 and / or the electric heating devices 6 can then be reduced or completely stopped, such that the melt 2 cools down again from the superheated state above the process temperature.If the melt 2 reaches or falls below the process temperature again, the melt 2 can be heated again by means of the non-electric heating devices 4 and / or the electric heating devices 6, preferably exclusively by means of the electric heating devices 6, preferably wherein the melt 2 is heated again above the process temperature in the above sense.

[0154] Therefore, heating intervals can be defined between which the melt 2 is not heated. Within the heating intervals, the melt 2 is heated again, preferably exclusively by means of the electric heating device 6.

[0155] The duration of the heating intervals is flexibly adjustable and is preferably set in such a way that continuous operation of the coating process is possible both within and between the heating intervals. Reference symbol list:

[0156] 1 System 2 Melting 3 Boiler 4 Non-electric heating device 5 Energy source 6 Electric heating device 7 Power grid 8 Control and / or regulating device 9 Detection device 10 Control and / or regulating device 11 Furnace chamber 12 Furnace housing 13 Inlet and / or outlet

Claims

1. Method for operating and / or decarbonizing an industrial production process, wherein the industrial production process is a galvanization, wherein a heated melt (2) is provided and / or maintained as a zinc alloy, wherein the melt (2) is maintained at a process temperature in the range of from 200 °C to 1200 °C, wherein the heating of the melt (2) is effected selectively, upon option, by means of at least one electrical heating device (6) and at least one non-electrical heating device (4), wherein, upon the occurrence of an excess current in the power grid (7), this excess current is at least partially drawn from the power grid (7) and used to operate the electrical heating device (6), and wherein the occurrence of the excess current is detected by a detection device (9) and the electrical heating device (6) and the non-electrical heating device (4) are operated after detection of the excess current by means of a control and / or regulating device (10) such that the melt (2) is provided and / or maintained within a defined process temperature range using excess current.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the production process is carried out continuously during the electrical heating (6) and, in particular, within a defined temperature range.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that upon the occurrence and / or detection of the excess current, the heating power of the non-electrical heating device (4) is reduced and the operation of the electrical heating device (6) is started, preferably wherein the operation or heating by means of the non-electrical heating device (4) is terminated and the heating of the melt (2) is effected exclusively by means of the electrical heating device (6) using excess current.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating of the melt (2) before the occurrence and / or detection of the excess current is preferably effected exclusively by the non-electrical heating device (4), and the electrical heating device (6) is switched on in addition to the non-electrical heating device (4) upon the occurrence and / or detection of the excess current.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-electrical heating device (4) is operated, preferably exclusively, with hydrogen as fuel gas or a fuel gas and / or mixed gas containing hydrogen, in particular a hydrogen-natural gas mixed gas, preferably wherein the fuel gas and / or mixed gas contains at least 1 to 80 vol.%, preferably 25 to 90 vol.%, particularly preferably 50 to 100 vol.%, of hydrogen.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the melt (2) is heated at least partially indirectly via a vessel (3) receiving the melt (2), preferably wherein a furnace chamber (11) surrounding the vessel (3) is heated by means of the electrical and / or non-electrical heating device (4, 6), in particular wherein the furnace chamber (11) is heated by means of the non-electrical heating device (4) and the melt (2) is additionally heated directly and / or via contact by means of an electrical heating device (6) preferably arranged in the melt (2).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the melt (2) is maintained at a process temperature that is at least 10 °C, preferably at least 20 °C, in particular at least 30 °C, above a melting temperature of the melt (2); and / or the melt (2) is maintained at a process temperature in the range of from 350 °C to 470 °C or in the range of from 510 °C to 610 °C.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production process is carried out as a hot-dip galvanization, in particular a piece galvanization.

9. System (1) for operating and / or decarbonizing an industrial production process using a melt (2), wherein the industrial production process is a galvanization, in particular for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with a vessel (3) for the melt (2) to be heated, with at least one electrical heating device (6) and at least one non-electrical heating device (4), and with at least one control and / or regulating device (8) for selectively, upon option, heating the melt (2) by means of the electrical heating device (6) and the non-electrical heating device (4), wherein the control and / or regulating device (8) is additionally configured to at least partially draw any excess current occurring in a power grid (7) and to operate the electrical heating device (6) with the drawn excess current, wherein the control and / or regulating device (8) comprises a detection device (9) for detecting the occurrence of the excess current and a control and / or regulating device (10) for operating the electrical heating device (6) and the non-electrical heating device (4) after detection of the excess current such that the melt (2) is provided and / or maintained within a defined process temperature range after detection.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that a furnace chamber (11) at least partially surrounding the vessel (3) is provided, preferably wherein the electrical heating device (6) and / or the non-electrical heating device (4) is arranged in the furnace chamber (11), in particular wherein the non-electrical heating device (4) is arranged in the furnace chamber (11) and the electrical heating device (6) is arranged for contacting the melt (2) and / or for directly heating the melt (2) in the interior of the vessel (3).

11. Use of a system according to one of the preceding claims for decarbonization, in particular for reducing and / or avoiding the formation of climate-damaging emissions, such as carbon oxides, when operating a heat-consuming process, wherein the heat-consuming process is a galvanization.

12. Use of a system according to one of the preceding claims for drawing excess current when current peaks occur and / or for increasing grid serviceability in a heat-consuming process, wherein the heat-consuming process is a galvanization.

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