Cogeneration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro combined heat and power systems face inefficiencies due to operation modes that do not account for network load and cost-optimal operation, leading to potential overloading of public electricity grids and suboptimal fuel usage, resulting in cost inefficiencies and uneven network load.
Innovation Solution
A micro combined heat and power system with a control device that creates load and tariff forecasts to determine a target power value, taking into account both thermal and electrical consumption, as well as network utilization, to optimize power generation and reduce network load, using a communication link to adjust the combined heat and power device's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the combined heat and power system is operated in a current-oriented manner depending on electrical energy requirements, then the energy efficiency of the system is improved, but the system may be activated during periods of low electricity demand causing grid overload or deactivated during high demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The control device determines target power values in advance for future time periods by creating load forecasts and tariff forecasts. This allows the system to be pre-positioned to operate during high-demand periods and avoid operation during low-demand periods, preventing both grid overload and underutilization during peak times
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses communication links to receive tariff data and load information from the public electricity grid, then adjusts its operation based on this feedback. The control device continuously monitors grid conditions and modifies power generation targets to maintain grid stability while optimizing energy efficiency
2Productivity
If the combined heat and power system is activated based on building electricity requirements, then electrical energy supply is optimized, but the system may produce electricity that cannot be used and must be fed into the grid, potentially overloading the low-voltage grid
Solution Approach 1:
The control device creates load forecasts and determines target power values in advance for future time periods. This preliminary planning ensures that electricity is generated when it can be consumed by the building, avoiding the need to feed excess electricity into the grid and preventing grid overload
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its power generation targets based on varying building requirements and grid conditions. The control device modifies operation in real-time to match actual consumption needs, preventing both overproduction and underproduction of electricity
3Ease of operation
If the combined heat and power system operates without considering network load, then operation is simplified, but the system may be activated when fuel demand in the fuel network is high, leading to cost inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives tariff data from the fuel network through communication links and uses this feedback to adjust operation. By monitoring fuel prices and network load conditions, the system automatically optimizes operation to avoid high-cost periods while maintaining simple automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically determining target power values based on received tariff and load data. The control device independently adjusts operation to minimize costs without requiring complex manual intervention, achieving both simplicity and cost-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
This approach ensures cost-optimal operation and reduces the load on supply networks by aligning power generation with demand and network utilization, preventing overloading and optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermal storage device connected to the combined heat and power device for storing at least the thermal energy generated by the combined heat and power device
Data Source
AI summary
The system (2) has a heat and power unit (6) which is connected to a thermal storage unit (14) for storing thermal energy produced by a cogeneration unit. A communication link connects combined heat and power unit and the thermal storage unit to a control device (24). The control unit determines power set-point for an initial period for the combined heat and power unit. The control device creates load forecast for the first period of the building (4) and determines the power reference value for the first period as a function of a load. An independent claim is included for method for operating combined heat and power system.