Integrated CHP and Fermentation Energy Network
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power-generation systems with combined heat and power plants and fermentation plants face inefficiencies in utilizing waste heat and power, as they often rely on public grids and lack direct connections for optimized energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrolysis plant connected to both the combined heat and power plant and the fermentation plant via multiple lines for heat, power, and gas exchange, allowing for direct use of generated power and heat within the system, and the inclusion of a methane-gas production plant for enhanced gas refinement and carbon capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If waste heat from combined heat and power plant is used for fermentation plant, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional connection lines and integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy transfer functions (heat, power, gas) into an integrated system where the combined heat and power plant, fermentation plant, and electrolysis plant operate as a unified energy network. This merging allows waste heat from the combined heat and power plant to be directly utilized by the fermentation plant, improving overall energy efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection lines between plants are designed to handle multiple types of energy transfer (heat, power, gas) simultaneously. For example, the connection between the combined heat and power plant and fermentation plant enables both heat transfer for fermentation processes and power transfer for operational needs, reducing the number of separate connection systems required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct power line connection between combined heat and power plant and fermentation plant is implemented, then reliance on public grid is reduced, but infrastructure investment and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates direct power line connections as part of the overall multi-functional connection system between the combined heat and power plant and fermentation plant. This merging of power, heat, and gas transfer capabilities into a single integrated infrastructure reduces the need for separate dedicated power lines, thereby lowering overall infrastructure complexity while achieving energy independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the combined heat and power plant and fermentation plant to serve each other's energy needs directly through internal connections. The combined heat and power plant provides power and heat to the fermentation plant, while the fermentation plant can provide gas back to the combined heat and power plant, creating a self-sufficient energy network that reduces reliance on external public grids.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrolysis plant is integrated into the system, then energy utilization is optimized, but device complexity and operational control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolysis plant is integrated into the existing multi-functional connection framework, where it can receive power from the combined heat and power plant, utilize heat for its processes, and provide hydrogen and oxygen to other system components. This universal integration allows the electrolysis plant to participate in multiple energy exchange functions simultaneously, optimizing overall energy utilization while leveraging the already-established connection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the output of one plant becomes the input for another, creating a closed-loop energy system. For example, hydrogen produced by the electrolysis plant is used in the fermentation plant, while oxygen is supplied to the combined heat and power plant. This feedback loop optimizes energy utilization by ensuring that energy carriers produced within the system are immediately consumed by other system components.
4Productivity
If multiple connection lines for heat, power, and gas are implemented, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but installation cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple energy transfer functions into unified connection systems between plants. Rather than implementing completely separate infrastructure for heat, power, and gas transfer, the system integrates these functions into multi-purpose connection lines that handle multiple energy types simultaneously, thereby improving energy transfer efficiency while reducing the total number of installation components and simplifying maintenance procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves energy efficiency by enabling the direct use of waste heat and power within the system, increases methane production, and decouples the power-generation system from public grids by utilizing internal energy sources, thereby enhancing overall system performance and reducing reliance on external energy supplies.
Implementation Method 1
the power-generation system has an electrolysis plant, which is connected by means of lines to both the combined heat and power plant and to the fermentation plant
Implementation Method 2
use heat from the combined heat and power plant for the fermentation plant
Implementation Method 3
a fermentation plant, which are connected to one another by means of a line, in order to use heat from the combined heat and power plant for the fermentation plant
Data Source
AI summary
A power-generation system having a combined heat and power plant and a fermentation plant has an electrolysis plant, which is connected by lines to both the combined heat and power plant and to the fermentation plant. This arrangement enables a method in which heat from a combined heat and power plant can be used for a fermentation plant and additionally heat from an electrolysis plant can be used for the fermentation plant, whilst the oxygen from the electrolysis plant is used for the combined heat and power plant.