System for machining workpieces and energy distribution method

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for machining workpieces (2), having: - at least one energy generating device (3a, 3b) for generating electrical energy (E) and feeding same into a local energy supply network (4) of a production plant (5); - at least one first electrical energy store (15); - the production plant (5) having: • a joining device (6a-c); • a second electrical energy store (16); - a calculation device (37) for • determining an amount of electrical energy (E) generated by the energy generating device (3a, 3b) in a specified time period (T); • determining an amount of electrical energy (ES) available in the first electrical energy store (15) and / or the second electrical energy store (16) in the specified time period (T); • determining an energy requirement (EB) of the production plant (5); • creating and / or adapting a time sequence (40) for charging and discharging the energy stores (15, 16) and / or adapting a time sequence (41) for machining the workpieces, such that a fraction of the energy (E) generated by the energy generating device (3a-b) to the energy requirement (EB) required for machining the workpieces (2) is set, preferably maximised.

Description

[0001] System for machining workpieces and energy distribution processes

[0002] The invention relates to a system for machining workpieces and to an energy distribution method for the temporal distribution of electrical energy in a production plant.

[0003] In many modern production plants for manufacturing products or machining workpieces, the individual production processes are very closely coordinated in order to meet the demand for units to be produced or processed "just in time". By precisely coordinating the individual production processes, storage capacities can be kept to a minimum and redundancies in the production plants can be avoided. However, the close coordination of production processes and the avoidance of redundancies and storage capacities is offset by the increasingly important goal of covering as high a proportion as possible of the electrical energy required for manufacturing products and machining workpieces with renewable electrical energy.Unlike baseload electrical energy, which can contain a relatively high proportion of fossil fuels, most types of renewable electrical energy are subject to considerable temporal fluctuations and cannot be accessed at any time or in unlimited quantities. If renewable electrical energy is to account for a large proportion of the operation of production facilities, this must be taken into account when planning and coordinating production processes.

[0004] In order to unite and coordinate the described, sometimes diametrically opposed requirements as far as possible, modified scheduling of production processes and compensatory measures are required. Modified scheduling is necessary to take into account the temporal and quantitative fluctuations of renewable energy sources, in particular solar and wind power plants. Compensatory measures are required in order to complete the workpieces still being processed in the event of a sudden excess demand or decline in available renewable electrical energy, or at least to process them to the extent that no unacceptable loss of quality occurs. This is particularly relevant for joining processes, since their interruption and subsequent continuation can significantly influence the quality of the joint.For example, an interrupted weld seam can not only have a negative visual impact but also represent a weak point in the finished product. In essence, it is therefore necessary to consider and compensate for the disadvantages, particularly the temporal and quantitative fluctuations, of renewable energy sources and their impact on the production processes of a production facility.

[0005] US 2017 / 0297133 A1 discloses a welding system that uses renewable energy sources to power a welding power source. These renewable energy sources can be provided, for example, by a photovoltaic system or a hydroelectric power plant.

[0006] WO 2019 / 152341 A1 discloses a welding system with a DC power bus, an energy storage device and a bi-directional converter.

[0007] WOHLGENANNT PHILIPP ET AL: "Demand Side Management of a Battery- Supported Manufacturing Process with On-Site Generation", May 9, 2022 (2022-05-09) , 2022 IEEE 7TH INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONFERENCE (ENERGYCON) , IEEE, PAGE(S) 1 - 6 discloses an industrial plant with industrial robots and concerns the optimization of an industrial manufacturing process with respect to energy consumption .

[0008] LUKASIK ZBIGNIEW ET AL: "The problem of power supply for station with industrial robot in an automated welding process", July 3, 2017 (2017-07-03) , ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, SPRINGER, BERLIN, DE, PAGE(S) 1365 - 1377 deals with the power supply of industrial robots in connection with welding processes.

[0009] CN 115973017 A1 discloses an intelligent transport robot. In light of these embodiments, the object of the present invention is to at least partially mitigate or even completely avoid the disadvantages of the prior art. Preferably, the object of the present invention is to provide a system and an energy distribution method of the type mentioned above, in which workpieces can be processed with the highest possible proportion of a specific type of electrical energy, in particular renewable electrical energy, without compromising the quality of the workpieces.

[0010] This object is achieved by a system for machining workpieces according to claim 1 and by an energy distribution method according to claim 6.

[0011] A system according to claim 1 comprises the following: at least one energy generation device, for example a photovoltaic, wind power or hydroelectric power plant, for generating electrical energy, preferably renewable electrical energy, and direct or indirect feeding into a local energy supply network, preferably a DC energy supply network, of a production plant, wherein the local energy supply network is coupled to a public energy supply network; at least one first electrical energy storage device for at least partially temporarily storing the electrical energy generated by the at least one energy generation device, wherein the first energy storage device is connected to the local energy supply network; the production plant with:

[0012] • at least one joining device, for example a welding device, for carrying out a variety of joining processes, which is connected to the local energy supply network;

[0013] • at least one second electrical energy storage device which is connected to the joining device and the local energy supply network, wherein the second electrical energy storage device is designed to stabilize a joining process by providing electrical energy and to store recuperated electrical energy, for example from an industrial robot; a calculation device for

[0014] • Determining an amount of electrical energy generated by the at least one energy generating device in a predetermined period of time based on stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data;

[0015] • Determining an amount of electrical energy that is available in the at least one first and / or second electrical energy storage device in the predetermined period of time;

[0016] • Determination of an electrical energy requirement of the production plant for the processing of workpieces by the at least one joining device on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data;

[0017] • Creation and / or adaptation of a time sequence for loading and unloading the first and / or second electrical energy storage device and / or adaptation of a time sequence for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device, so that a proportion of the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device is set, preferably maximized, in relation to the energy requirement required for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device.

[0018] Advantageously, the system according to the invention makes it possible to increase or maximize the proportion of a certain type of electrical energy, in particular renewable electrical energy, when machining workpieces in a production plant. For this purpose, the amount of electrical energy generated by the at least one energy generation device in the predetermined period of time, the amount of electrical energy available in the at least one first and / or second electrical energy store in the predetermined period of time, and the electrical energy requirement of the production plant in the predetermined period of time are determined and the time sequences and schedules are coordinated so that the proportion of electrical energy generated by the energy generation device in relation to the energy requirement required for machining the workpieces by the at least one joining device is maximized.Preferably, the at least one energy generating device is a renewable energy source, such as a photovoltaic system or a wind turbine. If the energy generating device is arranged near the production plant, it can preferably feed the generated electrical energy directly into the local energy supply grid. However, it is also possible for the energy generating device to be arranged away from the production plant and for the generated electrical energy to be fed indirectly, for example via one or more intermediate networks, into the local energy supply grid. Preferably, the energy generating device is designed as a photovoltaic, wind power or hydroelectric power plant.The energy supply device can, for example, have a converter, an inverter, a voltage transformer and / or a frequency converter in order to feed the specified voltage into the local or an intermediate energy supply network. The local energy supply network supplies components and parts, in particular machines, tools and industrial robots, of the production plant. The local energy supply network is preferably designed as a DC energy supply network (DC = direct current). The local energy supply network can be coupled to a public energy supply network. The joining device is supplied with electrical energy by the local energy supply network. In one example, the local energy supply network can have an extension of at least 10 m. The voltage in the local energy supply network can, for example, be between 110 volts AC (AC =Alternating Current) and 600 Volts AC or between 12 Volts DC and 1500 Volts DC. The at least one first electrical energy storage device is connected to the local energy supply network directly or indirectly. If the first energy storage device is located away from the local energy supply network, it can be connected to the local energy supply network indirectly via one or more intermediate networks, for example. Alternatively, the first energy storage device can also be connected to the local energy supply network directly, i.e. without an intermediate energy supply network. The first energy storage device can, for example, have an inverter and / or a voltage converter in order to feed the specified voltage into the local or an intermediate energy supply network.The first energy storage device can supply one or, in particular via the local energy supply network, several joining devices with electrical energy. The first energy storage device can also supply other machines, tools and industrial robots with electrical energy. The first energy storage device can, for example, be an electrochemical or electromechanical energy storage device. For example, the first energy storage device can be an accumulator or a fuel cell. The first energy storage device is designed to store the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device. The storage capacity of the first energy storage device is preferably dependent on the total energy requirement of the production plant and / or on the size of the energy generation device or the power of the energy generation device. The first storage device is preferably designed with a storage capacity of at least 50 kWh.In light of this disclosure, the first energy storage device can also be referred to as a static energy storage device because it can store large amounts of energy over a longer period of time, for example more than 24 hours. The first energy storage device is connected to the energy generation device via the local energy supply network. The production plant can be a processing production plant that further processes workpieces, or a manufacturing production plant that processes workpieces into finished products. In the sense of the invention, a production plant is referred to as a totality of machines, tools and equipment that are used to carry out an intended task, in particular the manufacture of products or the processing of unfinished products or semi-finished products, which are also referred to as workpieces. The production plant can be at least partially or completely automated.The production plant has at least one electrical joining device, in particular a soldering or welding device, which is supplied with electrical energy via the local energy supply network. In the case of a welding device, this can be designed, for example, for arc welding, resistance spot welding, laser welding and / or plasma welding. The local energy supply network can also be connected to a public energy supply network. In one embodiment of the invention, the production plant has a plurality of joining devices, which are all supplied via the local energy supply network. With the aid of the at least one joining device, the workpiece can be processed according to a specification, for example the specification of welding parameters. Preferably, a joining seam, in particular a weld seam, can be produced on a workpiece using the joining device.The production plant further comprises at least one second energy storage device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one second energy storage device can be integrated into the at least one joining device. The second energy storage device is preferably designed to stabilize the joining process by making electrical energy available when needed. In light of this disclosure, the second energy storage device can also be referred to as a dynamic energy storage device because it can store smaller amounts of energy than the first energy storage device. Preferably, the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device are separate energy storage devices. In one embodiment of the invention, however, the first and the second energy storage device can be formed by a common energy storage device, wherein the first and the second energy storage device form subunits of the common energy storage device.The system according to the invention for machining workpieces further comprises a calculation device. The calculation device is designed to determine an amount of electrical energy that is generated by the at least one energy generation device in a predetermined period of time on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data. For this purpose, a first mathematical model can be stored in the calculation device. For example, measurement data, in particular measurement data about electrical currents flowing into and / or out of the energy generation device, output electrical voltages and / or the electrical power or energy quantities resulting therefrom, can be made available to the first mathematical model.Additionally or alternatively, statistical values, in particular statistical values ​​about quantities of electrical energy generated in the past at certain points in time or in certain time periods, can be incorporated into the first mathematical model. Additionally or alternatively, calculated data, such as electrical quantities calculated from other physical quantities, such as electrical currents flowing into and / or out of the energy generation device and output electrical voltages or electrical power and energy quantities, can be incorporated into the first mathematical model. Furthermore, forecast data, such as weather data or changes in geographical conditions which lead, for example, to increased incidence of light or more wind throughput, can be incorporated into the first mathematical model in order to be able to determine future quantities of electrical energy more precisely.The predetermined period of time can, for example, be a period of one or more milliseconds, one or more minutes, one or more hours, or one or more days. The predetermined period of time can lie at least partially or entirely in the future. In this case, determination is also understood to mean an estimate or forecast of the amount of electrical energy generated by the energy generation device. The calculation device is further configured to determine a quantity of electrical energy available in the at least one first and / or second electrical energy store in the predetermined period of time. For this purpose, a second mathematical model can be provided in the calculation device.The second mathematical model can, for example, take into account the electrical energy flowing into or out of the first and / or second energy storage device or other electrical quantities associated therewith. The said electrical quantities can be measured, calculated or determined empirically, in particular statistically using values ​​from the past. In one embodiment of the invention, the specific quantity of electrical energy generated by the first mathematical model and the specific electrical energy requirement of the production plant can also be incorporated into the second mathematical model. As already mentioned above, the predetermined period of time can lie at least partly in the future. The determination of the quantity of electrical energy in the first and / or second electrical energy storage device is in this case an estimate or forecast.The calculation device is also designed to determine an electrical energy requirement of the production plant for the processing of workpieces by the at least one joining device on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data. For this purpose, the calculation device can contain a third mathematical model with the aid of which the energy requirement can be determined. In particular, workpiece and / or joining process data can flow into the third mathematical model in order to determine the energy requirement of the production plant with regard to the at least one joining device. The data flowing into the third mathematical model can, for example, be data measured in a test run, empirical data that was determined on the basis of identical or similar joining processes, and / or calculated data that was calculated on the basis of the joining process to be used and / or the workpiece to be processed.When determining the energy requirement, the number of workpieces to be processed can be taken into account in particular. The determination of the energy requirement can be an estimate or a forecast if the specified period lies at least partially or entirely in the future. The first, second and third mathematical models can be linked to one another or each represent sub-models of an overall mathematical model. Likewise, the terms “first”, “second” and “third” model do not necessarily indicate the order in which these models are processed or used. The models can be processed or used in the order in which they are named, in any order, or even in parallel. The mathematical models or the overall model can, for example, contain algorithms based on AI.The calculation device can be formed by a single unit, such as a computer, server or microprocessor, or can be present as a distributed system with a plurality of sub-units. The sub-units can communicate with one another. The calculation device is further configured to create and / or adapt a time sequence for charging and discharging the first and / or second electrical energy storage device and / or to adapt and / or create a time sequence for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device, such that a proportion of the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device in relation to the energy required for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device is maximized.For example, the time sequence for machining the workpieces can be adjusted such that the workpieces are machined when the energy generation device generates sufficient electrical energy - in particular the amount of energy generated exceeds the energy requirement - or additionally or alternatively sufficient electrical energy that was generated by the energy generation device is stored in the first and / or second energy storage device. The schedule for machining the workpieces can, for example, also be adjusted such that fewer workpieces are machined per unit of time in order to reduce the required electrical power if this is higher than the electrical power provided by the energy generation device and / or the first energy storage device and / or the second energy storage device.In one embodiment of the invention, the time sequence for machining the workpieces is changed such that the workpieces are machined when the energy generation device provides an amount of energy per unit of time that is above a predetermined limit. For example, if the energy generation device is a photovoltaic system, the machining of the workpieces, for example workpieces with energy-intensive joining processes, can take place when sufficient sunlight hits the photovoltaic system and sufficient electrical power is therefore available. If the energy generation device is a wind turbine, the machining of the workpieces can take place, for example, when sufficient wind energy is converted into electrical energy or sufficient electrical power is available.However, it can also be provided that the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device is stored in the first and / or second energy storage device and the workpieces are processed when the amount of stored electrical energy exceeds a limit value. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first and / or second electrical energy storage device is dimensioned such that, in the event of an electrical undersupply from the local power grid, a minimum amount of energy is made available in order to complete a joining process already started by the at least one joining device without interruption.In particular, it can be provided that the second energy storage device compensates for short-term fluctuations in current and / or voltage and, in the event of an undersupply, makes electrical energy available to the at least one joining device in order to complete a joining process that has already begun. The second energy storage device can preferably provide the energy required in the range of a few milliseconds. A current provided by the second energy storage device can, for example, have a current rise time of between 500 A / ms and 1500 A / ms, for example 1000 A / ms. In particular, the joining process can be a welding process. In a preferred embodiment, the second energy storage device is dimensioned such that a weld seam that has already been started can be completed.The second energy storage device can be, for example, an electrochemical storage device or a capacitive storage device. The second energy storage device has, for example, a storage capacity of at least 400 Wh.

[0019] A particularly preferred embodiment results when the second energy storage device is integrated into the at least one joining device. Advantageously, this allows the required energy to be made available to the at least one joining device particularly quickly. In one embodiment of the invention, the first energy storage device can also be integrated into the joining device.

[0020] It is advantageous if the second energy storage device is set up to

[0021] • to provide the energy required for a joining process to comply with specified process conditions and / or

[0022] • to store energy that can be recovered from the joining processes and / or

[0023] • to store recuperable energy from the production plant, for example from industrial robots.

[0024] The process conditions of a joining process are defined by process parameters such as the current rise and fall rates. Recoverable energy from joining processes can be obtained, for example, from capacitively or electromagnetically coupled energy paths of, for example, spot welding systems. Recoverable energy from the production plant is, for example, generatively generated electrical energy obtained from the braking energy of an industrial robot. The recoverable energy can be charged into the second energy storage unit via the local power grid.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a connection module, preferably a DC / DC voltage converter, is connected to the first and the second energy storage device. The DC / DC voltage converter can compensate for voltage level differences between the first and the second energy storage device. In one embodiment, the connection module can analyze and / or calibrate connected first and / or second energy storage devices. An intermediate galvanic isolation between the first and the second energy storage device is not required. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when both the first and the second energy storage device are integrated into the at least one joining device.

[0026] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by an energy distribution method according to claim 6. The energy distribution method for the temporal distribution of electrical energy in a production plant, wherein the production plant has at least one joining device for carrying out a plurality of joining processes on workpieces to be machined and a first electrical energy store and a second electrical energy store are provided, comprises the following steps: i) generating electrical energy, preferably renewable electrical energy, by an energy generation device, for example a photovoltaic, wind power or hydroelectric power plant;ii) feeding the electrical energy into a local energy supply network, preferably a DC energy supply network, of the production plant and / or into at least one first and / or second electrical energy storage device for temporarily storing the electrical energy, wherein the local energy supply network is coupled to a public energy supply network and the second energy storage device is designed to store recuperated electrical energy; iii) determining an amount of electrical energy that is generated by the at least one energy generation device in a predetermined period of time on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data; iv) determining an electrical energy requirement of the production plant for the processing of workpieces by the at least one joining device on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data;v) determining an amount of electrical energy that is available in the at least one first and / or second electrical energy storage device in the predetermined period of time, and vi) creating and / or adapting a time sequence for charging and discharging the first and / or second electrical energy storage device and / or adapting the time sequence for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device, so that a proportion of the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device in the energy required for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device is maximized;vii) machining the workpieces by carrying out a joining process by the at least one joining device and / or loading and unloading the first and / or second electrical energy storage device according to the time sequence, wherein the at least one joining device is connected to the second electrical energy storage device, wherein the second electrical energy storage device stabilizes the joining process by providing electrical energy;

[0027] The advantages, effects, and other features of the system for machining workpieces are transferable to the energy distribution process. The steps can, but do not have to, be performed in the specified order. The steps can be performed sequentially or at least partially overlapping.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second energy storage device is dimensioned at least such that, in the event of an electrical undersupply from the local power grid, a minimum amount of energy is provided to complete an already initiated joining process without interruption. This prevents workpieces from having defective joining seams or quality defects. This can reduce scrap.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the time sequence is created or adjusted in such a way that the workpieces are machined in a time segment of the predetermined time period in which the amount of electrical energy that is generated by the energy generation device and / or has been generated by the energy generation device, and in which at least one first and / or at least one second electrical energy storage device is available, covers the energy requirement of the production plant for machining the workpieces by the at least one joining device. If the energy generation device is formed by a renewable energy source, it can be ensured in this way that the workpieces are machined with a set, preferably maximum possible proportion of renewable energy, in particular exclusively with renewable energy.

[0030] In order to be able to cover a high proportion of electrical energy with renewable electrical energy at a later point in time, it is advantageous if any surplus electrical energy which is made available by the energy generation device and which is not currently required to cover the energy requirements of the production plant is stored and / or remains stored in at least one first and / or at least one second electrical energy storage device. Surplus electrical energy is the difference between the amount of energy made available by the energy generation device and the energy requirements of the production plant, in particular the energy requirements of the at least one joining device, during a period of time.

[0031] Energy efficiency can be increased if recuperated electrical energy, for example from an industrial robot, is stored in at least one first and / or at least one second electrical energy storage device. Recovered energy can be charged into the first and / or second energy storage device via the local power grid.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the energy generation device is a photovoltaic system that is arranged at least partially on the roof of a production hall for the production plant. Additional energy generation devices can also be provided that feed directly or indirectly into the local energy supply grid. These additional energy generation devices can also be photovoltaic systems. However, it can also be provided that the additional energy generation devices are, for example, hydroelectric power plants or wind turbines.

[0033] It is preferred if forecast data, for example weather data, are used in the determination according to step iii). The weather data can, in particular, be weather forecast data. In this way, the accuracy of the determination of the amount of electrical energy generated by the at least one energy generation device in an at least partially future predetermined period can be increased.

[0034] It is preferred that forecast data, for example planned production quantities, are used in the determination according to step iv).

[0035] To improve the determination of the electrical energy requirements of the production plant for processing workpieces and to better compensate for any excess demand, it is advantageous if at least one joining device sends data on the currently consumed energy to the calculation device. The data on the currently consumed energy can be sent to the calculation device at regular intervals or queried by the calculation device. The data is sent to the calculation device as energy or power data, for example, as kWh or kW.

[0036] The invention can also be described generally using the following embodiments:

[0037] From embodiment 1: System for machining workpieces, comprising: at least one energy generation device, for example a photovoltaic, wind power or hydropower plant, for generating electrical energy, preferably renewable electrical energy, and direct or indirect feeding into a local energy supply network, preferably a DC energy supply network, of a production plant; at least one first electrical energy storage device for at least partially temporarily storing the electrical energy generated by the at least one energy generation device, wherein the first energy storage device is connected to the local energy supply network; the production plant with:

[0038] • at least one joining device, for example a welding device, for carrying out a variety of joining processes, which is connected to the local energy supply network;

[0039] • at least one second electrical energy storage device connected to the joining device and / or the local energy supply network; a calculation device for

[0040] • Determining an amount of electrical energy generated by the at least one energy generating device in a predetermined period of time based on stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data;

[0041] • Determining an amount of electrical energy that is available in the at least one first and / or second electrical energy storage device in the predetermined period of time;

[0042] • Determination of an electrical energy requirement of the production plant for the processing of workpieces by the at least one joining device on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data;

[0043] • Creation and / or adaptation of a time sequence for loading and unloading the first and / or second electrical energy storage device and / or adaptation of a time sequence for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device, so that a proportion of the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device is set, preferably maximized, in relation to the energy requirement required for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device.

[0044] From embodiment 2: System according to embodiment 1, wherein the first and second electrical energy storage devices are dimensioned such that in the event of an electrical undersupply by the local energy supply network, a minimum amount of electrical energy is made available in order to complete a joining process already started by the at least one joining device without interruption.

[0045] From embodiment 3: System according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the second energy storage device is integrated in the at least one joining device.

[0046] From embodiment 4: System according to one of the embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the second energy storage device is designed to

[0047] • to provide the energy required for a joining process to comply with specified process conditions and / or

[0048] • to store energy that can be recovered from the joining processes and / or

[0049] • to store recuperable energy from the production plant, for example from industrial robots. From embodiment 5: System according to one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein a connection module, preferably a DC / DC voltage converter, is connected to the first and second energy storage devices.

[0050] From embodiment 6: Energy distribution method for the temporal distribution of electrical energy in a production plant, wherein the production plant has at least one joining device for carrying out a large number of joining processes on workpieces to be machined and the energy distribution method comprises the following steps: i) generating electrical energy, preferably renewable electrical energy, by an energy generation device, for example a photovoltaic, wind power or hydroelectric power plant; ii) feeding the electrical energy into a local energy supply network, preferably a DC energy supply network, of the production plant and / or into at least one first and / or second electrical energy store for intermediate storage of the electrical energy;iii) determining an amount of electrical energy that is generated by the at least one energy generating device in a predetermined period of time on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data; iv) determining an electrical energy requirement of the production plant for the processing of workpieces by the at least one joining device on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data; v) determining an amount of electrical energy that is available in the at least one first and / or second electrical energy storage device in the predetermined period of time;vi) creating and / or adapting a time sequence for loading and unloading the first and / or second electrical energy storage device and / or adapting the time sequence for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device, so that a proportion of the electrical energy generated by the energy generation device in relation to the energy requirement required for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device is set, preferably maximized; vii) processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device and / or loading and unloading the first and / or second electrical energy storage device according to the time sequence, wherein the at least one joining device is connected to the second electrical energy storage device.;

[0051] From embodiment 7: Energy distribution method according to embodiment 6, wherein the first and second energy storage devices are dimensioned at least such that in the event of an electrical undersupply by the local energy supply network, a minimum amount of electrical energy is made available in order to complete an already started joining process without interruption.

[0052] From embodiment 8: Energy distribution method according to embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the time sequence for machining the workpieces is created or adapted such that the workpieces are machined in a time segment of the predetermined time period in which the amount of electrical energy that is generated by the energy generation device and / or has been generated by the energy generation device and in which at least one first and / or at least one second electrical energy storage device is available covers the energy requirement of the production plant for machining the workpieces by the at least one joining device.

[0053] From embodiment 9: Energy distribution method according to one of embodiments 6 to 8, wherein electrical surplus energy which is made available by the energy generation device and which is not currently required to cover the energy requirements of the production plant is stored and / or remains stored in at least one first and / or at least one second electrical energy store.

[0054] From embodiment 10: Energy distribution method according to one of the embodiments 6 to 9, wherein recuperated electrical energy, for example from an industrial robot, is stored in at least one first and / or at least one second electrical energy store.

[0055] From embodiment 11: Energy distribution method according to one of the embodiments 6 to 10, wherein the energy generation device is a photovoltaic system which is arranged at least partially on a roof of a production hall for the production plant.

[0056] From embodiment 12: Energy distribution method according to one of embodiments 6 to 11, wherein forecast data, for example weather data, are used in the determination according to step iii).

[0057] From embodiment 13: Energy distribution method according to one of embodiments 6 to 12, wherein forecast data, for example planned production quantities, are used in the determination according to step iv).

[0058] From embodiment 14: Energy distribution method according to one of the embodiments 6 to 13, wherein the at least one joining device sends data about the currently consumed energy to the calculation device.

[0059] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to figures, to which it is not intended to be limited. They show:

[0060] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system for machining workpieces; and

[0061] Fig . 2 the adaptation or creation of schedules .

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a system 1 for machining workpieces 2. The system 1 has two energy generation devices 3a, 3b which generate electrical energy E, in particular renewable electrical energy E E, directly or indirectly via an intermediate energy supply network (not shown) into a local energy supply network 4. The local energy supply network 4 supplies a production plant 5 for processing the workpieces 2 with electrical energy E. In the illustration shown, the production plant 5 has a plurality of joining devices 6a-c in the form of welding devices 7, which are designed to carry out welding processes on the workpieces 2 and thus process them.

[0063] A first energy generation device 3a is formed by a wind turbine 8a. In one embodiment of the invention, the wind turbine 8a can feed directly into the local energy supply network 4. Typically, however, wind turbines 8a are arranged at a location remote from the production plant 5 and feed the generated electrical energy E indirectly into the local energy supply network 4 via intermediate energy supply networks of the medium or high voltage level. A second energy generation device 3b is formed by a photovoltaic system 8b. This can also be arranged at a remote location or, for example, be located on a roof of a production hall of the production plant 5. Further and / or different energy supply devices, for example hydroelectric power plants (not shown), are also possible.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, the local energy supply network 4 is a direct current energy supply network or DC energy supply network 9, which is operated, for example, with a voltage of 400 V. Furthermore, storage units 10a, 10b are directly or indirectly connected to the local energy supply network 4, which can absorb electrical energy E from the local energy supply network 4, temporarily store it, and then feed it back into the local energy supply network 4. A first storage unit 10a is formed by an accumulator 11 or storage capacitor 12. A second storage unit 10b is formed by a fuel cell 13. Third storage units 10c are formed by vehicles 14 with electric drive.

[0065] In addition to the joining devices 6a-c, one or more industrial robots 100 are also supplied from the local power grid. The industrial robots 100 can absorb electrical energy E from the local power grid and regeneratively recover braking energy (recuperated energy E R ) into the local energy supply network 4 .

[0066] The system 1 has at least one first energy store 15 and at least one second energy store 16. The first energy store 15 can be referred to as a static energy store and is designed to store large amounts of electrical energy E, in particular electrical energy E that was generated by an energy generation device 3a, 3b, and to make it available at a later time. The at least one first energy store 15 has a storage capacity of at least 50 kWh. Preferably, the first electrical energy store 15 is designed to supply at least part of the production plant 5 with stored electrical energy E over a period of 24 hours. The at least one first energy store 15 can be arranged in the production plant 5. Alternatively, the at least one first energy store 15 can also be arranged outside the production plant 5.The storage units 10a, 10b, 10c can in this sense also be regarded as first energy storage devices 15. The at least one second energy storage device 16 is, in contrast to the at least one first energy storage device 15, designed to store small electrical quantities of electrical energy E, but to make these available very quickly, preferably within a few ms, in order to provide the joining process with sufficient dynamic energy. The second energy storage device 16 can therefore also be referred to as a dynamic energy storage device. The at least one second energy storage device 16 can, for example, be formed by an electrochemical or capacitive storage device and have a storage capacity of between 100 Wh and 1000 Wh. The first 15 and the second energy storage device 16 preferably represent physically separate units.In one embodiment, however, the first 15 and the second energy storage device 16 can be formed by a common energy storage device 17, wherein the first 15 and the second energy storage device 16 each represent subunits of the common energy storage device 17. In the embodiment shown, the system 1 has three joining devices 6a, 6b, 6c. In the first joining device 6a, a common energy storage device 17 is provided, which comprises both the first 15 and the second energy storage device 16 as subunits. The common energy storage device 17 is coupled to the local energy supply network 4 via a bidirectional DC / DC converter 18. The common energy storage device 17 is coupled to a public energy supply network 20 via an AC / DC converter 19. The common energy storage device 17 is coupled to one or more welding torches 23 via the DC / DC converter 21 and / or the DC / AC converter 22.

[0067] A first energy storage device 15 and a second energy storage device 16 are provided in the second joining device 6b, which are separate from one another and are connected to one another via a connection module, in particular a DC / DC converter 24. The DC / DC converter 24 can also be designed to analyze and calibrate the connected energy storage devices 15, 16. The first energy storage device 15 is an accumulator 25. The second energy storage device 16 is an accumulator 26a. The first energy storage device 15 is coupled to the local energy supply network 4 via a bidirectional DC / DC converter 27. The second energy storage device 16 is therefore indirectly connected to the local energy supply network 4 via the DC / DC converter 24, the first energy storage device 15 and the DC / DC converter 27. The second energy storage device 16 is therefore charged via the first energy storage device 15.With the aid of an AC / DC converter 28, the first energy storage device 15 can be coupled to a public power grid 20. The second energy storage device 16 is coupled to one or more welding torches 23 via the DC / DC converter 29 and / or the DC / AC converter 30.

[0068] In the third joining device 6c, a first 15 and a second energy storage device 16 are provided, which are separate from one another and connected to one another via a DC / DC converter 30. The first energy storage device 15 is a fuel cell 31. The second energy storage device 16 is an accumulator 26b. The first energy storage device 15 is coupled to the local energy supply network 4 via a bidirectional DC / DC converter 32. The second energy storage device 16 is therefore indirectly connected to the local energy supply network 4 via the DC / DC converter 30, the first energy storage device 15 and the DC / DC converter 32. The second energy storage device 16 is therefore charged via the first energy storage device 15. The first energy storage device 15 can be coupled to a public energy supply network 20 via an AC / DC converter 33. The second energy storage device 16 is coupled to a welding torch 23 via the DC / DC converter 34 and the DC / AC converter 35.

[0069] An independent energy storage device 36 in the form of a further first energy storage device 15 is also connected to the local energy supply network 4.

[0070] The system 1 further comprises a computing device 37, which is in the form of a distributed system with a plurality of subunits 38 that communicate with one another. The subunits 38 of the distributed system communicate with one another, for example, via a wired or wireless connection, for example using 5G technology. The computing device 37 has a data memory 39 for storing, among other things, measured and calculated data.

[0071] The calculation device 37 is configured to determine an amount of electrical energy E generated by the at least one energy generation device 3a, 3b in a predetermined period of time T (see Fig. 2). The amount of generated energy E can be determined, in particular, on the basis of measured, calculated, and / or empirical data.

[0072] Furthermore, the calculation device 37 is designed to calculate an amount of electrical energy E s , which is available in the first 15 and / or second electrical energy storage devices 16 during the specified period T. Measured, calculated and / or empirical data can also be used for this purpose.

[0073] The calculation device 37 is also designed to calculate an electrical energy requirement E B(see Fig. 2) of the production plant 5 for the processing of workpieces 2 by the at least one joining device 6a-c on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data.

[0074] In the illustration shown, the subunits 38 are integrated and networked in the joining devices 6a-c. One subunit 38 can coordinate the remaining subunits 38 as master subunit 38a as slave subunits 38b. In the event that the master subunit 38a is not available, for example is defective, a slave subunit 38b can be re-designated as master subunit 38a, for example using KI algorithms. The subunits 38 stabilize the respective joining device 6a-c and the respective joining process carried out therewith by making energy available as needed from the first and / or second energy storage device 16 of the corresponding joining device 6a-c. The subunits 38 also stabilize the system 1, in particular the part within the production plant 5, by providing energy from the first energy storage devices 15. Coordination is carried out by the master subunit 38a.

[0075] In order to determine a proportion of the electrical energy E generated by the energy generation device 3 in the energy requirement E required for the processing of the workpieces by the at least one joining device 6a-c B To maximize the energy storage capacity, a time sequence 40 for charging and discharging the first 15 and / or second electrical energy storage devices 16 is created or adjusted. Furthermore, a time sequence 41 for processing the workpieces 2 by the at least one joining device 6a-c is created or adjusted. This is shown in simplified form and schematically in Fig. 2.

[0076] In Fig . 2 a period T of 12 hours between 6 : 00 a.m. and 6 : 00 p.m. is shown . The abscissa describes the time in hours . The ordinate describes the energies E , E s and E Bin kWh . Shown in Fig . 2 is a quantity of electrical energy E , determined by means of the calculation device 37, which is generated by the at least one energy generation device 3a, 3b in a predetermined period of time T (hourly), as a time profile . It can be seen that from approximately 8:00 a.m. the generated energy E increases, which can be attributed, for example, to increased solar radiation or stronger wind . Also shown is an electrical energy requirement E , determined by means of the calculation device 37 B of the production plant 5 for processing a given number of workpieces 2 . The energy requirement E B increases at the beginning because in the present example it is a serial production that has to be started up first. In order to determine the share of energy E that is generated by the at least one energy generation device 3a, 3b in a given period of time T, in the energy demand EB In order to maximize the energy consumption so that no or very little base load energy has to be taken from the public grid 20, the workpieces 2 are switched on according to the time sequence 41 in a time period T son is processed within the time period T in which preferably sufficient energy E of the energy generation device 3a, 3b is available. In order to be able to provide sufficient energy and to compensate for fluctuations, a time sequence 40 for charging and discharging the first 15 and / or second electrical energy storage devices 16 is also adjusted so that they are at least partially charged before the start of processing the workpieces 2. With the charged energy storage devices 15, 16, on the one hand, fluctuations can be compensated and, on the other hand, in the event of an unexpected drop in energy E or an excess demand, the joining process that has already begun can be completed without interruption in order to avoid defects or quality defects in the workpieces. In addition, unused or excess energy E of the energy generation device 3a, 3b can be stored in the energy storage devices 15 (see the energy E s from 16 : 00 ) .

Claims

Patent claims:

1. System (1) for machining workpieces (2), comprising: at least one energy generating device (3a, 3b), for example a photovoltaic (8b), wind power (8a) or hydroelectric power plant, for generating electrical energy (E), preferably renewable electrical energy (E E ), and direct or indirect feeding into a local energy supply network (4), preferably a DC energy supply network (9), of a production plant (5), wherein the local energy supply network (4) is coupled to a public energy supply network; at least one first electrical energy store (15) for at least partially temporarily storing the electrical energy (E) generated by the at least one energy generation device (3a, 3b), wherein the first energy store (15) is connected to the local energy supply network (4); the production plant (5) with: • at least one joining device (6a-c), for example a welding device, for carrying out a plurality of joining processes, which is connected to the local energy supply network (4); • at least one second electrical energy storage device (16) which is connected to the joining device (6a-c) and the local energy supply network (4), wherein the second electrical energy storage device (16) is designed to stabilize a joining process by providing electrical energy (E) and to store recuperated electrical energy, for example from an industrial robot; a calculation device (37) for • Determining an amount of electrical energy (E) generated by the at least one energy generating device (3a, 3b) in a predetermined period of time (T) on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data; • Determination of an amount of electrical energy (E s) which is available in the at least one first (15) and / or second electrical energy store (16) during the predetermined period (T); • Determination of electrical energy demand (E B ) the production plant (5) for the processing of workpieces (2) by the at least one joining device (6a-c) on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data; • Creation and / or adaptation of a time sequence (40) for loading and unloading the first (15) and / or second electrical energy storage device (16) and / or adaptation of a time sequence (41) for processing the workpieces by the at least one joining device (6a-c), so that a proportion of the electrical energy (E) generated by the energy generation device (3a-b) in the energy requirement (E B ) is set, preferably maximized.

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first (15) and second electrical energy storage (16) are dimensioned such that in the event of an electrical undersupply by the local energy supply network (4), a minimum amount of electrical energy is made available in order to complete without interruption a joining process already started by the at least one joining device (6a-c).

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second energy storage device (16) is integrated in the at least one joining device (6a-c).

4. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second energy storage device (16) is designed to • to provide the energy required for a joining process to comply with specified process conditions and / or • to store energy that can be recovered from the joining processes and / or • to store recuperable energy from the production plant, for example from industrial robots.

5. System (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a connection module, preferably a DC / DC voltage converter (24, 30), is connected to the first (15) and the second energy storage device (16).

6. Energy distribution method for the temporal distribution of electrical energy (E) in a production plant (5), wherein the production plant (5) has at least one joining device (6a-c) for carrying out a plurality of joining processes on workpieces (2) to be machined and a first electrical energy store (15) and a second electrical energy store (16) are provided, wherein the energy distribution method comprises the following steps: i) generating electrical energy (E), preferably renewable electrical energy (E E), by an energy generating device, for example a photovoltaic (8b) , wind power (8a) or hydroelectric power plant; ii) feeding the electrical energy (E) into a local energy supply network (4), preferably a DC energy supply network (9), of the production plant (5) and / or into at least one first (15) and / or second electrical energy storage device (16) for temporarily storing the electrical energy (E), wherein the local energy supply network (4) is coupled to a public energy supply network and the second energy storage device (16) is configured to store recovered electrical energy; iii) determining an amount of electrical energy (E) generated by the at least one energy generation device (3a, 3b) in a predetermined period of time (T) on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data; iv) determining an electrical energy demand (E B) of the production plant (5) for the processing of workpieces (2) by the at least one joining device (6a-c) on the basis of stored measured, calculated and / or empirical data; v) determining an amount of electrical energy (E s ) which is available in the at least one first (15) and / or second electrical energy storage device (16) in the predetermined period of time (T); vi) creating and / or adapting a time sequence (40) for Loading and unloading of the first (15) and / or second electrical energy storage device (16) and / or adjusting the time sequence (41) for processing the workpieces (2) by the at least one joining device (6a-c), so that a proportion of the electrical energy (E) generated by the energy generation device (3a, 3b) in the energy requirement (E B), preferably maximized; vii) machining the workpieces (2) by carrying out a joining process by the at least one joining device (6a-c) and / or loading and unloading the first (15) and / or second electrical energy store (16) according to the time sequence (41), wherein the at least one joining device (6a-c) is connected to the second electrical energy store (16), wherein the second electrical energy store (16) stabilizes the joining process by making electrical energy (E) available.

7. Energy distribution method according to claim 6, characterized in that the first (15) and second energy storage (16) are dimensioned at least such that in the event of an electrical undersupply by the local energy supply network (4) a minimum amount of electrical energy is made available in order to complete an already started joining process without interruption.

8. Energy distribution method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the time sequence (41) for machining the workpieces is created or adjusted in such a way that the workpieces (2) are machined in a time period (T so n) of the predetermined period (T) in which the amount of electrical energy (E) which is generated by the energy generation device (3a, 3b) and / or has been generated by the energy generation device (3a, 3b) and in which at least one first (15) and / or at least one second electrical energy storage device (16) is available, the energy requirement (E B ) of the production plant for the processing of the workpieces by the at least one joining device (6a-c).

9. Energy distribution method according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that excess electrical energy which is made available by the energy generating device (3a, 3b) and which is not currently used to cover the energy demand (E B ) of the production plant (5), in which at least one first (15) and / or at least one second electrical energy store (16) is stored and / or remains stored.

10. Energy distribution method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that recuperated electrical energy (ER), for example from an industrial robot (100), is stored in at least one first (15) and / or at least one second electrical energy store (16).

11. Energy distribution method according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the energy generating device (3a, 3b) is a photovoltaic system (8b) which is arranged at least partially on a roof of a production hall for the production plant (5).

12. Energy distribution method according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that forecast data, for example weather data, are used in the determination according to step iii).

13. Energy distribution method according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that forecast data, for example planned production quantities, are used in the determination according to step iv).

14. Energy distribution method according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the at least one joining device (6a-c) sends data about the currently consumed energy to the calculation device (37).

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