Building Cogeneration Control Using Real-Time Heat and Energy Costs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heating and electrical systems in buildings are separate and inefficient, failing to effectively utilize heat generated by generators, leading to a need for a system that can simultaneously produce both heat and electricity in a cost-effective and simplified manner.
Innovation Solution
A cogeneration system that integrates a generator with a heating system, using a processor to control the generator's operation based on heat demand, fuel costs, and electrical rates, and can be retrofitted into existing systems, utilizing a controller to optimize energy usage and integrate with external inputs like brownout protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional separate heating and electrical systems are used, then system simplicity and ease of installation are maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to wasted heat from generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the generator and heating system into a single integrated cogeneration unit. The generator's exhaust heat is captured through a heat exchanger that transfers thermal energy to a fluid loop, which then distributes heat to building heating systems. This merging eliminates the waste heat problem while maintaining operational simplicity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: producing electrical energy and providing thermal energy for heating. The single unit serves dual purposes, making the system universally applicable for both power generation and space/heating water requirements, thereby improving energy efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If real-time control based on fuel costs and electrical rates is implemented, then energy cost optimization improves, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors external factors such as fuel costs and electrical rates, and internal system parameters like heat demand and generator output. Based on this feedback, the processor automatically adjusts generator operation to optimize energy costs. This feedback mechanism enables cost optimization while keeping the control logic manageable through rule-based decision algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. The generator's startup, shutdown, and load modulation are continuously optimized according to changing fuel prices, electrical rates, and heating demands. This dynamic control allows the system to capture cost-saving opportunities without requiring overly complex predictive models, maintaining practical implementability.
3Loss of energy
If generator heat is utilized for building heating, then energy efficiency improves, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A heat exchanger serves as the intermediary component between the generator's exhaust stream and the building's heating system. This mediator transfers thermal energy efficiently without requiring direct integration of the generator with the heating distribution infrastructure. The heat exchanger simplifies installation by providing a standardized interface that can be integrated with existing heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cogeneration system is divided into distinct functional modules: the generator unit, the heat exchanger component, and the heating distribution interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation and maintenance. The modular approach reduces integration complexity while maintaining high heat utilization efficiency.
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 system efficiently generates both heat and electricity, optimizing energy use by controlling the generator's operation based on real-time energy costs and demands, enhancing the infrastructure of existing buildings and providing effective energy management.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine configured to drive the electric motor to create power
Implementation Method 2
a generator configured to generate electrical energy... when the generator is operational, the engine creates both heat and electricity
Implementation Method 3
a fluid output and a fluid input that passes through the generator and is configured to absorb heat from the generator
Data Source
AI summary
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a cogeneration system configured to be coupled to an electrical input of a building and configured to be coupled to a heating system of a building. The cogeneration system can comprise a generator configured to generate electrical energy. There can be also a fluid output and a fluid input that passes through the generator and configured to absorb heat from the generator. There can also be an electrical output coupled to the electrical input of the building wherein when the generator is operational, the engine creates both heat and electricity. There can also be a processor in communication with the generator, wherein the processor controls when the generator turns on and off based upon the amount of heat needed, the cost of fuel and the existing electrical rates. These costs are obtained using communication with real time rates over the internet.