Hybrid Electric Heating for Flexible High-Temperature Chemical Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid faces challenges due to the lack of effective storage capacities to manage fluctuations caused by weather influences, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for thermal power plants.
Innovation Solution
A method for continuously operating heat-consuming chemical processes that are electrically heated, with a maximum temperature above 500°C, where at least 70% of the products are processed further or fed into a local energy carrier grid, and electrical energy is drawn from both external and local power sources, with the local power source fed from the local energy carrier grid to at least 50% of its annual energy requirement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources are integrated into the power grid, then the share of renewable energy increases, but fluctuations occur due to weather influences that cannot be effectively managed without storage capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of chemical processes by electrically heating them to operate as flexible load that can rapidly adjust its energy consumption. This allows the system to absorb fluctuations in renewable energy supply by varying the heating power input to chemical reactors, thereby stabilizing the grid while maintaining high renewable energy integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic operation of chemical processes that can quickly respond to grid conditions. The electrical heating systems in chemical plants can be rapidly adjusted up or down based on real-time renewable energy availability, providing a dynamic buffer that absorbs weather-induced fluctuations without compromising grid reliability
2Reliability
If thermal power plants operate to ensure supply security, then reliability is maintained, but efficiency and costs increase due to lack of storage capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables chemical processes to serve dual purposes: they continue their primary chemical production function while simultaneously providing grid stabilization services by adjusting their electrical heating consumption. This self-service approach allows the system to maintain supply security without requiring dedicated backup thermal power plants, thereby reducing energy losses
3Use of energy by moving object
If chemical processes are electrically heated with maximum temperature above 500°C, then the processes can utilize surplus renewable energy, but the complexity of energy management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes chemical processes multi-functional by enabling them to simultaneously perform their primary chemical production role and serve as flexible energy storage/absorption units for the grid. The electrical heating systems serve dual purposes: process heating and grid demand response, simplifying the overall energy management architecture by eliminating the need for separate dedicated storage facilities
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 the efficient utilization of surplus renewable energy, stabilizes the power grid by providing a minute reserve, and optimizes energy costs by allowing chemical processes to act as both energy users and providers, thereby improving the flexibility and reliability of energy management.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one heat-consuming process is electrically heated
Data Source
AI summary
A method of continuously performing one or more heat-consuming processes, where at least one heat-consuming process is electrically heated. The maximum temperature in the reaction zone of the heat-consuming process is higher than 500° C., at least 70% of products of the heat-consuming process are continuously processed further downstream and/or fed to a local energy carrier network, and the electrical energy required for the heat-consuming process is drawn from an external power grid and from at least one local power source. The local power source is fed by at least one local energy carrier network and by products from the heat-consuming process. The local energy carrier network stores natural gas, naphtha, hydrogen, synthesis gas, and/or steam as energy carrier, and has a total capacity of at least 5 GWh. The local energy carrier network is fed with at least one further product and/or by-product from at least one further chemical process.