System for optimizing thermal energy generation from multiple energy sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thermal energy generation systems require manual operator judgment to determine the most cost-effective energy source, which becomes increasingly complex and inefficient as systems grow, necessitating a computer-aided solution to optimize energy source selection.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors and controllers that monitor and calculate the cost of thermal energy from multiple sources, including combustion and electric-powered thermal energy sources, using data from sensors like flow, pressure, and temperature sensors, and a controller that dispatches energy sources based on forecasts of energy prices, carbon costs, and demand models to optimize thermal energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operator judgment is used to determine the most cost-effective energy source, then operational flexibility is maintained, but system complexity and inefficiency increase as systems grow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically selecting energy sources based on real-time sensor data and cost calculations. The controller autonomously determines the most cost-effective energy source without requiring manual operator intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in making operational decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to determine energy source selection. This substitution of mechanical/human decision-making with electronic automation resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational flexibility while reducing system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple different energy sources are used to meet thermal demand, then cost-effectiveness improves, but the complexity of determining the optimal combination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors thermal demand, energy source availability, and cost parameters through sensors, then uses this feedback to automatically adjust energy source selection. The controller receives real-time data from flow sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors, processes this information, and dynamically optimizes the combination of energy sources to maintain cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting which energy sources are active based on varying conditions. The controller modifies the operational state of different energy sources (combustion-powered, electric-powered, solar-powered, wind-powered, geothermal-powered, or hydro-powered) according to real-time cost calculations and thermal demand parameters.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of multiple parameters is implemented, then optimization accuracy improves, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it monitors thermal demand, tracks energy source availability, calculates costs, selects optimal energy sources, and controls their operation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, achieving high optimization accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Automatically selects the most cost-effective energy source, reducing operational complexity and improving efficiency by continuously monitoring and adjusting energy production to meet demand while minimizing costs and carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a combustion-powered thermal energy source having at least one combustion heater, each combustion heater having a combustion-based thermal output capacity
Implementation Method 2
an electric-powered thermal energy source having at least one electric heater, each electric heater having an electric-based thermal output capacity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system for generating thermal energy from different energy sources, having a combustion-powered thermal energy source, an electric-powered thermal energy source, a steam distribution system, and a controller. The combustion-powered thermal energy source and the electric-powered each having a plurality of sensors. The controller is configured to actuate either or both of the energy sources based at least in part on information received from one or more of the plurality of sensors.