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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal distribution systems face challenges in efficiently managing energy distribution, leading to potential overloading and inefficiencies, particularly when buildings closer to production plants consume more than their share, leaving others without sufficient heating or cooling, and requiring additional generators that increase environmental impact and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a central server that monitors the production plant's capacity limit and sends control signals to local control units to adjust the outtake of heat or cold from the distribution grid, ensuring fair distribution and reducing the risk of overloading by adapting consumption based on current and forecasted production, thereby optimizing energy use and reducing the need for additional generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If buildings closer to production plants consume more heat or cold from the distribution grid, then their local heating/cooling needs are met, but buildings further away do not receive sufficient heating or cooling and the production plant may be overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the central server continuously monitors the production plant's capacity limit and the current consumption patterns of buildings. When approaching capacity limits, the server sends control signals to local control units to adjust outtake temperatures, creating a closed-loop system that dynamically balances supply and demand across the distribution grid
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by forecasting production needs and evaluating capacity limits before actual overloading occurs. The central server proactively sends control signals to adjust outtake temperatures in advance, preventing capacity violations and ensuring reliable supply to all buildings before problems arise
2Reliability
If additional generators are started to meet peak demand, then sufficient heating or cooling is provided to all buildings, but environmental impact and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the heat transfer fluid at different locations in the distribution grid. By adjusting outtake temperatures at local control units based on distance from the production plant and forecasted demand, the system optimizes energy distribution to meet peak demand without requiring additional generators, thereby avoiding increased environmental impact
3Reliability
If additional generators are started to meet peak demand, then sufficient heating or cooling is provided to all buildings, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts outtake temperature parameters at local control units based on real-time capacity assessments and forecasted demand. This optimization allows the existing production plant to operate more efficiently and meet peak demand without incurring the additional operational costs associated with starting up extra generators
4Productivity
If the production plant operates at full capacity, then maximum heating or cooling is produced, but the risk of overloading increases and reduces system availability
Solution Approach 1:
The central server evaluates the production plant's capacity limit and forecasted demand in advance, taking preliminary actions to adjust outtake temperatures before capacity violations occur. This proactive approach allows the system to operate near full capacity while maintaining reliability by preventing overloading conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback from capacity monitoring to dynamically adjust operational parameters. When capacity limits are approached, the feedback loop triggers temperature adjustments at local control units, enabling the production plant to operate at high productivity levels while automatically preventing overload conditions that would reduce system availability
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a thermal distribution system. The method comprises producing heat at a production plant, and determining a capacity limit of the production plant. At a central server, the current and/or forecasted production of heat in the production plant in relation to the capacity limit of the production plant is evaluated. The method further comprises to in response to the current or forecasted production at the production plant approaching the capacity limit, output from the central server a respective control signal to one or more of a plurality of local control units, and receiving the control signal at the respective local control unit. The method further comprises to in response to receiving the control signal at the respective local control unit, reduce an associated local distribution system's outtake of heat or cold from a distribution grid connected to the production plant.