CHP Temperature Control Using Thermal Storage and Grid Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems face challenges in efficiently managing daily and seasonal variations in heating and electrical power demand, leading to strain on the electrical supply grid and degradation of power quality, as existing technologies do not adequately correlate demand fluctuations to rely on CHP contributions for addressing consumer power needs.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control apparatus with a controller that determines the operation timing of the electricity generator based on the thermal capacity of a hot water tank and space heating demand, using a heat exchanger to supplement heat energy and a user interface for temperature selection, coupled with a power distribution control system that communicates with multiple CHP systems to balance grid voltage and frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If CHP systems are installed to meet building heating and power demands, then energy efficiency is improved, but the electrical supply grid becomes strained and power quality degrades due to demand fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the thermal capacity of the hot water tank and the demand for space heating, using this feedback to determine the optimal timing for generator operation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying demand conditions while maintaining grid stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preheats the hot water tank before peak heating periods by operating the generator in advance. This preliminary action stores thermal energy that can be used later, reducing the need for generator operation during periods when it would strain the electrical grid.
2Reliability
If the generator operates continuously to meet heating demand, then heating reliability is improved, but electrical power is wasted during periods when heating is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts generator operation based on real-time conditions. The controller evaluates the thermal capacity of the hot water tank and current heating demand to determine whether the generator should operate, allowing the system to be both reliable and energy-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on thermal capacity and demand conditions. When the hot water tank has sufficient thermal capacity and heating demand is low, the generator is shut down, preventing energy waste while maintaining heating reliability when needed.
3Power
If multiple CHP systems are coupled to a common electrical power supply grid, then power supply capacity is improved, but demand fluctuations cause voltage reduction and frequency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors grid conditions and thermal storage capacity, using this feedback to coordinate generator operation across multiple CHP systems. This helps stabilize voltage and frequency by preventing simultaneous operation of all generators during peak demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action through thermal energy storage. The hot water tank acts as a buffer, allowing generators to operate continuously for heat production while the stored thermal energy smooths out electrical power fluctuations, maintaining grid stability.
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
The solution effectively manages thermal and electrical demands, reducing strain on the grid by optimizing CHP system operation, ensuring efficient use of energy resources and maintaining power quality by coordinating the operation of multiple CHP systems across a network.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer circuit adapted to circulate heat transfer fluid to cool the electricity generator
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger adapted to supplement the heat energy from the heat source with heat energy obtained from the heat transfer circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A temperature control apparatus for a building, the apparatus comprising: an electricity generator, operable to contribute to an electrical power supply for consumer appliances at the building; a heat transfer circuit adapted to circulate heat transfer fluid to cool the electricity generator; a heating system comprising a heat source for providing heat energy to a space heater for heating at least one zone of the building and to a hot water tank arranged to store a supply of hot water for the building, and a heat exchanger adapted to supplement the heat energy from the heat source with heat energy obtained from the heat transfer circuit; a user interface adapted to enable a user to select at least one of (a) a desired temperature for the at least one zone of the building, and a first time period during which the desired temperature is to be maintained; and (b) a second time period for the supply of hot water from the hot water tank; and the apparatus further comprising: a controller configured to determine when to operate the electricity generator based on at least one of: (i) the thermal capacity of the hot water tank; and (ii) the first time period, the desired temperature and the current temperature of the at least one zone of the building.