District Heating Ring Main Temperature Modulation for Fluctuating Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat networks face challenges in efficiently managing fluctuating heat energy inputs and outputs, requiring synchronization of energy production and consumption, and optimal use of diverse energy sources, especially with the integration of renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a heat transfer medium circulating in a ring line between energy producer and consumer sides, utilizing thermal storage and a heat pump to modulate temperature levels and efficiently manage heat energy, allowing for flexible operation and independent control of heat transfer circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy is fed into the district heating network from renewable sources, then the use of renewable energy is increased, but the synchronization of energy production and consumption becomes more difficult due to fluctuating input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing thermal energy in advance when renewable energy production exceeds consumption. The thermal storage unit accumulates excess heat energy during periods of high renewable generation, preparing it for later use when production and consumption need to be balanced, thus resolving the synchronization difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the heat transfer medium to manage energy balance. By modulating the temperature level in the ring main and utilizing thermal storage at different temperature levels, the system adapts to fluctuating renewable energy input while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Loss of energy
If existing resources are utilized efficiently in district heating networks, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to combine with different energy sources becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a heat network system that can handle multiple energy sources through a common ring main infrastructure. The thermal storage unit and heat pump can serve different energy sources (renewable, conventional, waste heat) universally, allowing efficient combination of diverse energy sources without requiring separate infrastructure for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring main with heat transfer medium acts as an intermediary between different energy sources and consumers. This intermediate thermal transport system enables efficient coupling of various energy sources by standardizing the heat transfer interface, thus combining diversity of sources with operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heat transfer medium circulates in a ring main connecting energy generator and consumer sides, then system flexibility is improved, but the complexity of controlling temperature levels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature levels in the ring main and adjusting heat pump operation and thermal storage discharge accordingly. The control unit receives temperature signals and modulates the heat pump and storage unit to maintain desired temperature levels, managing the complexity through automated feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage unit provides self-service by automatically discharging stored heat when the ring main temperature drops below a threshold. This self-regulating behavior reduces control complexity by allowing the storage system to autonomously respond to temperature variations without constant external control intervention.
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 approach enables effective use of renewable energy, ensures efficient heat management by adjusting temperature levels based on demand, and allows for flexible operation modes, including storage and release of thermal energy, thereby optimizing energy utilization in heat networks.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal energy is absorbed by a heat transfer medium on the generation side and released again on the consumption side by the heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 2
by means of a heat pump connected to the heat storage unit and the ring main for heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
the heat transfer medium flowing in the ring main from the energy consumer side towards the energy generator side is supplied to an evaporator of the heat pump with heat release
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for energy management of a district heating network into which fluctuating thermal energy is fed and from which thermal energy is withdrawn, regardless of the amount of energy fed in. The invention further relates to a corresponding district heating network. On the generation side, the thermal energy is absorbed by a heat transfer medium and released on the consumer side by the same heat transfer medium at the same or a higher temperature level.The process is characterized by the fact that the heat transfer medium circulates in a ring main between the energy generator side and the energy consumer side, connecting them, and that the temperature level to be achieved at the energy consumer side is modulated depending on the amount of energy currently generated and the respective energy demand at the energy consumer side, taking into account stored heat energy from a heat storage unit and/or by means of a heat pump connected to the heat storage unit and the ring main for heat transfer.