Control Systems for a Heat Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat networks operate at suboptimal thermal efficiency throughout the year, as they maintain a constant feed temperature regardless of seasonal variations, leading to inefficiencies in heat transfer and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control platform that receives information on local feed temperatures and heating powers from heat consumers and generators within a time interval, allowing for dynamic adjustment of global feed and return temperatures in the heat network to optimize thermal efficiency, incorporating mathematical optimization and simulation based on technical characteristics of the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the feed temperature is kept constant throughout the year, then the operation is simplified and reliable, but the thermal efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic feed temperature adjustment by transitioning from a static constant temperature system to a dynamic system that continuously adapts the feed temperature based on real-time heat demand signals from consumers and generators. The control platform receives demand information and adjusts the feed temperature dynamically, allowing the system to optimize thermal efficiency while maintaining operational reliability through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter of feed temperature from a fixed constant value to a variable parameter that changes according to heat demand conditions. By receiving demand signals from heat consumers and generators, the system adjusts the feed temperature parameter to match actual thermal needs, thereby improving thermal efficiency without compromising operational reliability.
2Reliability
If the feed temperature is raised to meet peak demand, then the heat supply reliability is improved, but the heat loss in the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control platform receives real-time information about heat demand from consumers and heat availability from generators. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust the feed temperature precisely to meet actual demand without excessive temperature elevation, thereby maintaining heat supply reliability while minimizing unnecessary heat loss in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the feed temperature based on real-time demand conditions rather than maintaining a constantly high temperature. By raising the feed temperature only when and where needed based on received demand signals, the system ensures heat supply reliability while reducing overall heat loss compared to a always-high-temperature approach.
3Loss of energy
If the mass flow rate is regulated to maintain set return temperature, then the heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the system flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities that allow the system to adapt mass flow rate regulation to varying demand conditions. Rather than rigidly maintaining a fixed return temperature through constant mass flow rate regulation, the system can dynamically adjust parameters based on real-time demand signals, thereby maintaining heat exchange efficiency while improving system flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions.
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 enhances thermal efficiency by reducing heat loss, optimizing heat generation and consumption, and promoting the use of thermal energy stores, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the heat network while minimizing unnecessary high feed temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The heat network that provides or distributes the generated heat to the energy systems typically has a feed at a feed temperature and a return at a return temperature for a heat transfer medium. Said heat transfer medium, typically water, circulates within the heat network and facilitates the transfer of the heat between the energy systems and the central heat generating facility.
Implementation Method 2
Said heat transfer medium, typically water, circulates within the heat network and facilitates the transfer of the heat between the energy systems and the central heat generating facility.
Implementation Method 3
the control platform (42) is designed to adjust a, in terms of the heat network (10), global feed temperature and/or global return temperature of the heat network (10) depending on the information received about the local feed temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a control platform for controlling a heat network. A plurality of heat consumers and/or heat generators are coupled to the heat network for heat exchange. The control platform is programmed to: receive from each heat consumer information about a respective local feed temperature required as a minimum by the heat consumer within a time interval; and/or receive from each heat generator information about a respective local feed temperature that can be provided as a maximum by the heat generator within the time interval; and control the heat network depending on the received information relating to the local feed temperatures.