HYBRID POWER PLANT FOR AUTONOMOUSLY SUPPLYING ENERGY TO BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid power plant for autonomously supplying energy to buildings, in articular residential buildings, and industrial facilities which are arranged in an area that comprises a source of biomass. The hybrid power plant is preferably arranged in the vicinity of buildings and industrial facilities to be supplied in order to provide energy locally. The hybrid power plant comprises at least one system for generating power from renewable energy sources and a power-to-X device for thermochemically converting electricity from renewable energy sources and biomass into other energy carriers which are stored and converted back into electricity on demand. In order to supply energy to the buildings and industrial facilities to be supplied during dark doldrums, the hybrid power plant comprises one or more energy storage devices and at least one system for converting energy back into electricity. The supply of energy to buildings or industrial facilities by means of the hybrid power plant is climate and CO.sub.2 neutral.

Claims

1. Hybrid power plant for CO.sub.2-neutral and self-sufficient energy supply of an area comprising one or more energy consumers (15) (16) and one or more sources of biomass (24), comprising one or more plants for the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources (1) (2), at least one electrolyzer (10) for the generation of hydrogen, at least one high-pressure pump for compression of the biomass to 25 to 35 MPa, at least one reactor (3) for supercritical hydrothermal gasification of biomass in the absence of oxygen, wherein biomass is converted into synthesis gas essentially comprising hydrogen, carbon dioxide and methane, at least one gas processing plant (4), at least two storages for storing energy carriers (6) (7) (9), wherein at least one storage being a hydrogen storage (6) and at least one storage being a methane storage (7), at least one plant for recovery of electricity from stored energy carriers (13) (14), wherein at least one of the plants for generation of electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2) is connected to the one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area for supplying energy to the one energy consumer, or wherein at least one of the plants for generation of electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2) is connected to the multiple energy consumers (15) (16) of the area for supplying energy to the multiple energy consumers, and at least one of the plants for generating electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2) is connected to the at least one electrolyzer (10) for conversion of electricity generated from renewable energy source into the energy carrier hydrogen, and wherein at least one of the plants for generation of electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2) is connected to the reactor (3) for conversion of the biomass and electricity generated from renewable energy source into synthesis gas, and wherein the reactor (3) is connected to at least one storage for storing energy carriers for storing the synthesis gas produced by conversion of biomass and electricity from renewable energy source, preferably for storing parts of the produced synthesis gas, and wherein the source of biomass (24) is selected or, if present, the multiple sources of biomass (24) are selected from at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area producing biomass, or at least one other source of biomass (24) comprised in the area, or at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area producing biomass and at least one other source of biomass (24) comprised in the area, and wherein the reactor (3) is connected to the at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area producing biomass, or the reactor (3) is connected to the at least one other source of biomass (24) comprised in the area, or the reactor (3) is connected to the at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area producing biomass and to the at least one other source of biomass (24) comprised in the area, and wherein the high-pressure pump is located between the source of biomass (24) and the reactor (3), and wherein the at least one gas processing plant (4) comprises means for separating hydrogen from the produced synthesis gas and means for separating methane from the synthesis gas, wherein said at least one plant for recovery of electricity from stored energy carrier (13) (14) is connected to the one or more energy consumers (15) (16) comprised in the area and to the reactor (3) for energy supply adapted to demand, where the area's energy supply is independent of fossil energy sources and electricity from nuclear fuels.

2. The hybrid power plant of claim 1, wherein the source of biomass (24), is the biomass that the energy consumer (15) produces, and wherein the reactor (3) is connected to the energy consumer (15), and wherein the energy consumer (15) that the area comprises is a residential building (15).

3. Hybrid power plant according to claim 1, wherein the source of biomass (24) is sewage sludge and the area comprises the source of biomass (24) and wherein the reactor (3) is connected to the source of biomass (24) and wherein the energy consumer that the area comprises is an industrial plant, preferably a mine (16).

4. A hybrid power plant according to one of claims 1 to 3 comprising at least one plant for dilution of biomass with water and at least one plant for comminution of solids that may be contained in the biomass, wherein the at least one plant for dilution of biomass is located between the at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area producing biomass and the reactor (3), or the at least one plant for dilution of biomass is located between the at least one other source of biomass (24) comprised in the area and the reactor (3), or at least one plant for dilution of biomass is located between the energy consumer (15) (16) of the area producing biomass and the reactor (3), and wherein at least one plant for dilution of biomass is located between the at least one other source of biomass (24) comprised in the area and the reactor (3).

5. Hybrid power plant according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reactor (3) comprises a pressure-tight sealable inner shell surrounding a first pressure space, and in the inner shell comprises (a) a separating area comprising at least one heat exchanger for heating compressed biomass up to 550 degrees Celsius and at least one separator for separating solid soaps, metal salts, phosphate and ammonium from compressed biomass and (b) a heating area for heating compressed biomass after separation according to (a) to 600 to 700 degrees Celsius comprising a line for synthesis gas, and (c) a dwell area for supercritical hydrothermal gasification of compressed biomass after heating to 600 to 700 degrees Celsius comprising the line for synthesis gas, wherein preferably the separation area, heating area and dwell area are arranged in the reactor (3) as an upright column, and wherein the reactor (3) comprises an outer shell surrounding the inner shell and comprises a second pressure space between the inner shell and the outer shell, wherein the line for synthesis gas forms an annular gap with the inner shell in part of the heating area or in the entire heating area, and the annular gap in the heating area has at least partially a diameter of less than 30 mm, wherein one or more heating elements are arranged in the second pressure space in the region surrounding the annular gap in the heating area for heating compressed biomass in the heating area up to 600 to 700 degrees Celsius, and wherein the at least one plant for generation of electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2) is connected to the heating element in the second pressure space and the heating element in the second pressure space is heated with electricity from renewable energy source for heating compressed biomass in the heating area up to 600 to 700 degrees Celsius, or the at least one plant for generation of electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2) is connected to the plurality of heating elements in the second pressure space, and the heating elements in the second pressure space are heated with the electricity from renewable energy source, for heating compressed biomass in the heating area up to 600 to 700 degrees Celsius.

6. The hybrid power plant according to one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the reactor (3) is connected to the at least one CH.sub.4-storage (7) for storing the produced methane produced, and wherein a gas processing plant (4) is located between the reactor (3) and the at least one CH.sub.4-storage (7) for separating methane from the synthesis gas, and wherein the CH.sub.4-storage (7) is connected to at least one plant for recovery of electricity from stored energy carriers (13) (14), and wherein the plant for recovery of electricity from stored energy carriers (13) (14) is connected to at least one energy consumer (15) (16) that the area comprises for supplying electricity from recovered methane to the at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area.

7. A hybrid power plant according to one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the electrolyzer (10) is connected to the H.sub.2-storage (6) for storing the hydrogen produced with electricity from renewable energy source and wherein the H.sub.2-storage (6) is connected to the gas processing plant (4) for hydrogenating the synthesis gas produced from biomass and electricity from renewable energy source or for hydrogenating parts of the synthesis gas produced, and wherein the H.sub.2-storage (6) is optionally connected to one or more hydrogen consumers (25)(26) for supplying hydrogen to the one or more hydrogen consumers (25)(26).

8. A hybrid power plant according to one of claims 1 to 7 comprising a plant for methanization (5) for converting hydrogen and carbon dioxide to methane wherein the plant for methanization (5) is connected to the H.sub.2-storage (6), the gas processing plant (4) and the CH.sub.4-storage (7).

9. A hybrid power plant according to one of claims 1 to 8 comprising at least one heat storage (9), wherein said at least one heat storage (9) is connected to the electrolyzer (10), to the reactor (3) and, if present, to the plant for methanization (5) for storing excess heat and wherein said heat storage (9) is connected to at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area and wherein said hybrid power plant optionally comprises a heat pump (11), connected to the plant for generation of electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2) for converting the waste heat into electricity, and wherein the heat pump (11) is connected to the heat storage (9) for storing heat and to at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area for supplying heat to the energy consumer.

10. An energy self-sufficient unit comprising a hybrid power plant according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and an area that is self-sufficiently supplied with energy by the hybrid power plant and wherein the area comprises one or more energy consumers (15) (16) and one or more sources of biomass (24), and wherein at least one energy consumer (15) (16) is a building or an industrial plant.

11. A method for self-sufficient energy supply to one or more energy consumers (15) (16), wherein the one or more energy consumers (15) (16) are located on or connected to an area, and wherein the area comprises a hybrid power plant for self-sufficient energy supply according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein with the one or more plants for generation of electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2) electricity is generated from renewable energy source, with the electricity generated from renewable energy source or a part of the electricity generated from renewable energy source, the one energy consumer of the area is supplied with electricity, or the several energy consumers of the area are supplied with electricity, excess generated electricity from renewable energy source or a part of the excess generated electricity from renewable energy source is used to operate the at least one electrolyzer (10) for electrolysis of water and the production of hydrogen, the hydrogen produced is stored or otherwise used as an energy carrier, wherein at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area produces biomass, or the area includes at least one other source of biomass (24), or at least one energy consumer (15) (16) of the area produces biomass and the area includes at least one other source of biomass (24), and excess electricity generated from renewable energy source or a portion of the excess electricity generated from renewable energy source is used to operate the reactor (3), for converting excess electricity generated from renewable energy source and biomass from the at least one source of biomass (24) comprised in the area into synthesis gas that consists essentially of methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, the synthesis gas produced is stored, or part of the synthesis gas produced is separated and stored, or part of the synthesis gas produced is separated, hydrogenated, and stored, stored energy carrier is converted back into electricity and with the electricity generated from stored energy carrier, the one energy consumer of the area or the several energy consumers of the area are supplied with electricity, if no electricity from renewable energy source is generated with the one plant or the more plants for the generation of electricity from renewable energy source (1) (2), or not enough electricity from renewable energy source is generated to supply energy (1) (2) to the energy consumer or consumers (15) (16) of the area.

Description

[0178] FIG. 1 shows an energy self-sufficient mine 16 (=energy self-sufficient unit) comprising a hybrid power plant according to the invention and a mine 16 as energy consumer. The energy self-sufficient mine 16 comprises a container for storing biomass 24, the container being connected via a line for biomass 23 with the PtX device for thermochemical conversion of biomass into other energy sources. The hybrid power plant according to the invention for the self-sufficient energy supply of the mine 16 comprises a plant for the generation of electricity from solar energy 1 (=photovoltaic plant) and a plant for the generation of electricity from wind energy 2 (=several wind turbines), reactor 3, electrolyzer 10, gas treatment plant 4, H.sub.2-storage 6, CH.sub.4-storage 7, battery 8, two gas turbines 13. The plant for generation of electricity from solar energy 1 and the plant for generation of electricity from wind energy 2 are connected to the mine 16, reactor 3, electrolyzer 10, turbines 13 by lines for electricity 17. The reactor 3 is connected to the gas processing plant 4 via a line for synthesis gas 18. H.sub.2-storage 6 is connected to gas treatment plant 4 and electrolyzer 10 via lines for hydrogen 20. CH.sub.4-storage 7 is connected to gas treatment plant 4, gas turbines 13 and natural gas network 12 via lines for methane 19. The plant for generation of electricity from solar energy 1, plant for generation of electricity from wind energy 2, gas turbines 13, battery 8 provide electricity for operation of the hybrid power plant and self-sufficient power supply of the mine 16. Sector coupling is performed by conversion of electricity from renewable energy source solar and wind to other energy carriers in the PtX devices electrolyzer 10, reactor 3, gas turbines 13. Short-term storage of energy carriers is in the form of electricity through the battery 8, medium-term storage is in the form of hydrogen through the H.sub.2-storage 6, long-term storage is in the form of methane through the CH.sub.4-storage 7. For sector coupling in the hybrid power plant the storages are interconnected by suitable lines, namely lines for gas and lines for electricity 17. The hybrid power plant is connected to the mine 16 by lines for electricity 17. The energy self-sufficient mine 16 includes trailer filling station 25, service tank 26 and public tank 27 for hydrogen-powered vehicles, which are connected to the hybrid power plant via lines for hydrogen 20.

[0179] FIG. 2 shows an energy self-sufficient residential building 15 (=energy self-sufficient unit) comprising a hybrid power plant according to the invention and a residential building 15 as energy consumer. The hybrid power plant according to the invention for the self-sufficient energy supply of the residential building 15 comprises a plant for the generation of electricity from solar energy 1 (=PV plant), reactor 3, electrolyzer 10, gas treatment plant 4, plant for methanization 5, H.sub.2-storage 6, an CH.sub.4-storage 7, heat storage 9, battery 8, fuel cell 14, heat pump 11. The plant for generating electricity from solar energy 1 is connected to the residential building 15, reactor 3, electrolyzer 10, heat pump 11 via lines for electricity 17. The reactor 3 is connected to the gas processing plant 4 via a line for synthesis gas 18. H.sub.2-storage 6 is connected to gas processing plant 4, plant for methanization 5, electrolyzer 10 via lines for hydrogen 20. The CH.sub.4-storage 7 is connected to gas processing plant 4, plant for methanization 5, fuel cell 14 and natural gas network 12 via lines for methane 19. The plant for generation of electricity from solar energy 1, fuel cell 14, battery 8 provide electricity for operation of the hybrid power plant and self-sufficient energy supply of the residential building 15. Sector coupling is carried out by conversion of electricity from renewable energy source sun into other energy carriers in electrolyzer 10, reactor 3, fuel cell 14. Short-term storage of energy carriers is in the form of electricity through battery 8, medium-term storage is in the form of hydrogen through H.sub.2-storage 6, long-term storage is in the form of methane through CH.sub.4-storage 7. For sector coupling, in the hybrid power plant the energy storage devices are interconnected by suitable lines, namely lines for gas and lines for electricity 17. The hybrid power plant is connected to the residential building 15 by lines for electricity 17 and lines for heat 22. The hybrid power plant includes a heat storage 9 connected by lines for heat 22 to reactor 3, electrolyzer 10, plant for methanization 5, heat pump 11, to use as much as possible the waste heat generated during conversion to other energy carriers. The heat storage 9 is connected to the residential building 15, so that the heat from the heat storage 9 can be used, for example, for heating the residential building and/or for heating water. The residential building 15 is connected to the reactor 3 via a line for biomass 23.

EXAMPLE 1: ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENT UNIT COMPRISING A MINE 16

[0180] This example concerns an energy self-sufficient unit comprising a mine 16 as a geographical unit and a hybrid power plant for self-sufficient energy supply to the mine 16. The energy-intensive operation of a conventional mine 16 leads to high energy costs. In addition, the ongoing amendments to EU emissions legislation are leading to ever lower limits for NOx- and CO.sub.2-emissions, also for mines 16. The purchase of lower-emission or zero-emission vehicles for mines 16 is expensive.

[0181] The demand for energy supply of the mine 16 is about 14 GWh per year with a base load of about 900 kW and a peak load of about 2,800 kW. With two wind energy plants and one photovoltaic plant, the mine 16 cannot be supplied with energy continuously and according to demand. Due to wind and dark periods (no wind and no sun), it is necessary to add fossil energy sources in every scenario in which only electricity from renewable energy sources wind and sun is generated as an energy source for mine 16, to guarantee the energy supply at all times of the day, night and year.

[0182] A hybrid power plant according to the invention can supply the mine 16 with energy autonomously, with the energy coming only from renewable energy sources. This makes the mine 16 independent of the consumption of fossil energy sources and climate neutral. The hybrid power plant for the self-sufficient energy supply of the mine 16 comprises two plants for the generation of electricity from wind energy 2 (two wind turbines) and one plant for the generation of electricity from solar energy 1 (photovoltaic plant), reactor 3, electrolyzer 10, gas treatment plant 4 comprising means for separating generated synthesis gas into H.sub.2, CO.sub.2 and CH.sub.4 and comprising a plant for methanization 5, several energy storages comprising a CH.sub.4-storage 7 as a long-term storage, a hydrogen storage 6 as a medium-term storage, a battery 8 as a short-term storage, two gas turbines 13 for recovery of electricity from methane.

[0183] An existing mine 16, which already includes wind power and photovoltaic facilities, can be supplemented to build the hybrid power plant. By adding a reactor 3 for supercritical hydrothermal gasification of sewage sludge under oxygen exclusion, electrolyzer 10, energy storage, gas processing plant 4, and gas turbines 13 to the existing plant for generating electricity from renewable energy sources, the self-sufficient energy supply of the mine 16 can be ensured even during wind and dark periods. The mine 16 and the hybrid power plant form an energy self-sufficient unit. The energy self-sufficient unit includes a connection to the natural gas network 12 and refueling stations for hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as trailer filling stations 25 and in-mine and public refueling stations for H.sub.2-powered vehicles.

[0184] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the energy self-sufficient mine 16.

[0185] The energy self-sufficient mine 16 enables the cost-effective conversion to zero-emission, hydrogen-powered vehicles for the mine 16 since self-supply with hydrogen is possible in the energy self-sufficient unit.

[0186] The reactor for supercritical hydrothermal gasification of sewage sludge in the absence of oxygen is also used to recycle sewage sludge. The reactor according to EP20186443.6 and PCT/EP2021/069848 for supercritical hydrothermal gasification of sewage sludge in the absence of oxygen has, for example, a throughput capacity of 37 metric tons of sewage sludge per year. In this process, the energy carrier sewage sludge is converted into the energy carrier synthesis gas and, at the same time, valuable materials or raw materials are recovered from the sewage sludge. The energy self-sufficient mine 16 may include one or more tanks for storing biomass 24 such as sewage sludge.

[0187] By generating its own green electricity and processing sewage sludge into energy carriers, nutrients, and raw materials in the energy self-sufficient mine 16, costs are reduced, and additional sources of income are tapped. The self-sufficient energy supply of the mine 16 also leads to the elimination of the EEG levy. The price for the self-sufficient energy supply of the mine 16 is stable and long-term energy cost planning is possible. Emissions of CO.sub.2 and nitrogen oxides are reduced or avoided. In the energy self-sufficient mine, the vehicle fleet of the mine 16 can be converted to H.sub.2-reliant mine vehicles powered by H.sub.2 from renewable energy sources (=green hydrogen). The hydrogen can be used to fuel H.sub.2-fueled mine vehicles and, if necessary, other H.sub.2-fueled vehicles or H.sub.2-fueled machines. This leads to a long-term solution to the underground emissions problem. Surplus hydrogen can be sold to third parties via H.sub.2-filling stations. For this purpose, the energy self-sufficient mine 16 may include one or more trailer filling stations 25 and/or one or more H.sub.2 filling stations.

[0188] The hybrid power plant may comprise CH.sub.4-storage 7 for produced biomethane (CH.sub.4). In a preferred embodiment, the hybrid power plant comprises one or more CH.sub.4-storages 7, for example, eight tanks as compressed gas storage with 115 m.sup.3 volume per tank for the storage of CH.sub.4 with a pressure of up to 80 bar. The 8 tanks store the amount of energy carrier CH.sub.4 as a long-term supply, which secures the energy supply of the mine 16 for 5 days.

[0189] The hybrid power plant may comprise storages for generated biohydrogen (H.sub.2). In a preferred embodiment, the hybrid power plant comprises one or more H.sub.2-storages 6, for example eleven tanks as compressed gas storage with 115 m.sup.3 volume per tank for storing H.sub.2 with a pressure of up to 40 bar. The 11 tanks act as medium-term storage and store the amount of energy carrier H.sub.2 needed in the next few hours or days to supply energy to the mine and the vehicle fleet. The tank also stores the hydrogen that will be sold.

[0190] For recovery of electricity from stored energy carriers, the hybrid power plant comprises a total of 9 turbines 13, which convert the stored energy carrier CH.sub.4 or a mixture of the stored energy carriers CH.sub.4 and H.sub.2 into the energy carrier electricity as required. The methane produced can also be fed into the natural gas network 12. For this purpose, the energy self-sufficient mine 16 may include one or more pipelines connecting the CH.sub.4-storage 7 to the natural gas network 12.

EXAMPLE 2: ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENT RESIDENTIAL BUILDING 15

[0191] This example concerns an area comprising a residential building 15 as energy consumer and a hybrid power plant for self-sufficient energy supply of the residential building 15. The hybrid power plant comprises a plant for generation of electricity from renewable energy source, preferably photovoltaic plant, reactor 3, preferably a reactor 3 according to EP20186443.6, in particular according to and PCT/EP2021/069848 for supercritical hydrothermal gasification of biomass, electrolyzer 10, gas treatment plant 4, fuel cell 14, heat pump 11, four different energy storages namely methane storage 7, hydrogen storage 6, battery 8, heat storage 9. The residential building 15 has 30 apartments and accommodates about 80 residents. The demand for energy supply is about 95,000 kWh per year.

[0192] The operating concept of the residential building 15 is based on the energy supply with electricity from a photovoltaic system. The photovoltaic system can generate approx. 118,000 kWh of electricity per year i.e., approx. 25,000 kWh of electricity per year more than is required to supply the residential building 15 with energy. In the months of March to September, more energy is generated with the photovoltaic system than is consumed. (over-coverage). In the months of October to February, on the other hand, the photovoltaic system generates less electricity than is needed in the residential building 15 (shortfall). In addition, most of the electricity is generated at noon, while no electricity is generated in the morning and evening. In the mornings, evenings, at night and in the months of October to February, residential building 15 cannot be sufficiently supplied with energy by electricity from solar energy, although the total electricity generated from solar energy in the year would be sufficient for self-sufficient energy supply.

[0193] A hybrid power plant according to the invention can ensure the energy supply of the residential building 15 at all times of the day, night and year and supply the residential building 15 completely and self-sufficiently with energy without using fossil energy sources i.e. energy self-sufficient and climate neutral.

[0194] The hybrid power plant for the self-sufficient energy supply of the residential building 15 comprises a plant for the generation of electricity from solar energy 1, a reactor 3 for the supercritical hydrothermal gasification of biomass, which is produced by the residential building 15 or the residents, under exclusion of oxygen, preferably a reactor 3 according to PCT/EP2021/069848, wherein prior to the supercritical hydrothermal gasification the valuable materials contained in the biomass are separated in at least three fractions, a second PtX device namely an electrolyzer 10, a gas treatment plant 4 comprising means for separating produced synthesis gas into H.sub.2, CO.sub.2 and CH.sub.4 and a methanization plant 5, several energy storages comprising a CH.sub.4-storage 7 as long term storage, a hydrogen storage 6 as medium term storage, a battery 8 as short term storage, two fuel cells 14 for recovering electricity from methane, means for comminuting carbon-containing waste, and means for diluting carbon-containing waste.

[0195] An existing residential building 15, which already includes a photovoltaic system, heat pumps 11, and a heat storage 9, can be added to build the hybrid power plant. By adding a reactor for supercritical hydrothermal gasification of carbon-containing waste in the absence of oxygen, electrolyzer 10, energy storage, gas processing plant 4, and fuel cells 14 to the existing plant for generation of electricity from renewable energy source, the self-sufficient energy supply of the residential building 15 can be ensured even during wind and dark periods. The energy self-sufficient residential building 15 includes a connection to the natural gas network 12 and can comprise refueling stations for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The hydrogen produced can be used to refuel residents' H.sub.2-powered vehicles or sold, for example via H.sub.2 refueling stations.

[0196] In the reactor, preferably carbon-containing waste (=organic waste) of the residents of residential building 15 is used as educt (raw material). The residents' organic waste includes, for example, paper, cardboard, plastics, food scraps, garden waste and other waste from the organic waste garbage can. Each resident produces approximately 300 kg of organic waste per year. The carbon-containing waste is comminuted and diluted with water. For this purpose, the hybrid power plant includes means for comminuting carbon-containing waste and means for diluting the comminuted carbon-containing waste. The comminuted, diluted carbon-containing waste is converted to synthesis gas in reactor 3 under supercritical hydrothermal conditions. In this process, valuable materials and nutrients are separated from the comminuted, diluted carbon-containing waste at a pressure of 25 to 35 MPa and temperatures of up to 550 degrees Celsius and then converted to synthesis gas that is dissolved in supercritical water. The hybrid power plant may include containers for storing the separated valuable materials and nutrients.

[0197] The hybrid power plant includes a gas processing plant 4 for separating synthesis gas, which consists mainly of CH.sub.4, H.sub.2 and CO.sub.2, into its individual components. The hybrid power plant includes a tank as a methane storage 7. The methane produced by the gas processing plant, or the methane stored in the tank can be converted back to electricity by the fuel cell 14 if required. The methane is used in the residential building 15 to supply power to the residential building 15, the heat pumps 11, and the reactor when the power generated by the photovoltaic system is insufficient to supply power.

[0198] Generated heat that is not immediately required can be stored in a heat storage 9 and used as needed to supply energy, in particular heating and/or hot water, to the residential building 15. Generated waste heat from all processes can also be stored in the heat storage 9 and used to supply heat to the residential building 15. For this purpose, the hybrid power plant comprises a heat storage 9 and an electrically operated heat pump 11. The energy supply of the area that includes the residential building 15 is CO.sub.2 neutral. The energy costs are stable. The disposal costs for carbon-containing waste are eliminated.

[0199] Surplus electricity from the photovoltaic system is used to operate reactor 3. In addition, generated electricity from the photovoltaic system is used to operate the electrolyzer 10. For this purpose, the hybrid power plant includes an electrolyzer 10 that is powered by electricity from renewable energy and that converts excess electricity into hydrogen. The control of power generation, conversion from one energy carrier to another energy carrier using PtX devices, storage of energy carriers, gas processing, and reverse power generation can be controlled by an energy management system based on consumption data.

[0200] In a preferred embodiment, residential building 15, photovoltaic system, reactor 3, gas processing plant 4, electrolyzer 10, fuel cell 14, methane storage 7, hydrogen storage 6, heat pump 11, and heat storage 9 are arranged and interconnected in the energy self-sufficient unit as shown in FIG. 2.

[0201] In a preferred embodiment, the hybrid power plant comprises a first container, wherein the first container comprises electrolyzer 10, fuel cell 14, and hydrogen storage 6. For example, the first container has dimensions of 12 m2.5 m3 m. Preferably, the hybrid power plant comprises a second container, the second container comprising reactor and gas processing unit 4. For example, the second container has dimensions 12 m2.5 m3 m. For example, the methane storage 7 in the hybrid power plant is a tank with dimensions 2.8 m (diameter)21 m (length). For example, the heat storage 9 in the hybrid power plant is a tank with dimensions 2.8 m (diameter)21 m (length). In a preferred embodiment, the hybrid power plant comprises a second tank as heat storage 9 with dimensions 2.8 m (diameter)21 m (length). In a preferred embodiment, the energy self-sufficient unit comprises a tank for storing biomass, in particular organic waste.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0202]

TABLE-US-00001 Term Reference Plant for the generation of electricity from solar energy 1 Plant for the generation of electricity from wind 2 Reactor 3 Gas processing plant 4 Plant for methanization 5 H.sub.2 -storage 6 CH.sub.4 -storage 7 Battery 8 Heat storage 9 Electrolyzer 10 Heat pump 11 Natural gas network 12 Gas turbine 13 Fuel cell 14 Residential building 15 Mine 16 Line for electricity 17 Line for synthesis gas 18 Line for CH.sub.4 19 Line for H.sub.2 20 Line for CO.sub.2 21 Line for heat 22 Line for biomass 23 Source of biomass 24 Trailer filling station 25 Service tank 26 Public tank 27