Multi-Generator Energy Supply Coordination to Reduce Switching Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy supply systems that provide heat, cold, and electrical energy face challenges in optimizing the service life and operation of energy generators due to frequent switching on and off, and in managing diverse energy requirements and availability from multiple sources.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling an energy supply system with multiple energy generators, where a control device coordinates the switching on and off of generators based on energy demand, allowing one generator to provide multiple forms of energy and reducing unnecessary switching by prioritizing energy sources and using a combination of renewable and fossil fuels to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If energy generators are frequently switched on and off to meet varying energy demand, then the energy supply system can adapt to different energy requirements, but the service life of the energy generators is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single energy generator to provide multiple forms of energy (heat, cold, electrical energy) simultaneously. This allows the system to meet diverse energy requirements without needing to switch between different generators, thereby reducing switching cycles and extending generator service life while maintaining high adaptability to varying energy demands.
2Reliability
If multiple energy generators are used to provide different forms of energy, then the energy supply reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple energy generation functions into a single integrated energy generator that can simultaneously produce heat, cold, and electrical energy. This combination approach maintains energy supply reliability by having multiple energy forms available from one reliable source, while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate generators and their associated control systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If energy generators are operated at optimal efficiency points, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to respond quickly to changing energy demand is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation by enabling the energy generator to continuously adjust its output mix of heat, cold, and electrical energy in real-time based on varying demand conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to respond quickly to changing energy requirements while maintaining optimal efficiency through coordinated control of all energy forms, avoiding the need to operate at fixed suboptimal points.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling an energy supply system comprising at least two energy generators, each designed to provide at least one form of energy: heat and/or cold and/or electrical energy. The energy supply system further comprises a control unit for each energy generator for regulating the energy generator and a control unit for the coordinated control of the control units. The control unit detects an energy supply request for the provision of energy in the form of heat and/or cold and/or electrical energy and determines, for each energy form, which energy generators are required to fulfill the energy supply request. For each energy form, the control unit generates activation requests for the energy generators required to fulfill the energy supply request and deactivation requests for the energy generators that are not required.For each energy generator, the control unit determines whether there is one, several, or no start-up request and whether there is one, several, or no shut-down request. For each energy generator with at least one start-up request, a start-up request is issued to the corresponding control unit. For each energy generator with no start-up request and at least one shut-down request, a shut-down request is issued to the corresponding control unit.