Device and Method For Configuring a Multivalent Energy Supply Installation

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for configuring a multivalent energy supply system. The apparatus comprises a memory device in which a base configuration is stored. The base configuration includes a plurality of energy generators which use at least two different energy carriers to provide energy in the form of heat and/or cold and/or electrical energy, a flow through which a carrier medium flows which receives energy from the energy generators and transports it to a consumer circuit, and a return flow which receives the carrier medium coming from the consumer circuit. The base configuration further comprises a buffer storage which is arranged between the flow and the return flow. The energy generators within the base configuration may be arranged at positions in parallel to the buffer storage between the flow and the return flow and/or in series in the flow. The apparatus further comprises a detection device configured to detect, for each of the energy generators, a type from a predetermined set of energy generator types and a position of the energy generator within the base configuration stored in the memory device. The apparatus is configured to transmit the base configuration to a control device which controls the energy generators based on their detected type and position within the base configuration.

Claims

1. An apparatus for configuring a multivalent energy supply system, the apparatus comprising: a memory device in which a base configuration (BK) is stored, the base configuration comprising: a plurality of energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) which use at least two different energy carriers to provide energy in the form of heat and/or cold and/or electrical energy; a flow (V) through which a carrier medium flows which receives energy from the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) and transports it to a consumer circuit; a return flow (R) which receives the carrier medium coming from the consumer circuit; a buffer storage (P) arranged between the flow (V) and the return flow (R) for temporarily storing energy which is supplied to the buffer storage (P) via the flow (V); wherein the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) within the base configuration (BK) can be arranged at positions in parallel to the buffer storage (P) between the flow (V) and return flow (R) and/or in series in the flow (V); and a detection device configured to detect, for each of the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2), a type from a predetermined set of energy generator types and a position of the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) within the base configuration (BK) stored in the memory device; wherein the apparatus is configured to transmit the base configuration (BK) to a control device which controls the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) based on their detected type and position within the base configuration (BK).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the base configuration (BK), at least two energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) are arranged in parallel to each other between the flow (V) and the return flow (R).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, in the base configuration (BK), one of the at least two energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) is arranged upstream at the flow (V) with respect to the buffer storage (P).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, in the base configuration (BK), the other of the at least two energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) is arranged downstream at the flow (V) with respect to the buffer storage (P).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the base configuration (BK), a first energy transfer () at which the carrier medium flows into the consumer circuit via the flow (V) is arranged in parallel to the buffer storage (P).

6. The apparatus according to at bast claim 5, wherein, in the base configuration (BK) in parallel to the first energy transfer (), at least one primary-side energy transfer (UP) is arranged upstream at the flow (V) and/or at least one secondary-side energy transfer (S) is arranged downstream at the flow (V).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in the base configuration (BK) in parallel to the first buffer storage (P), at least one primary-side buffer storage (PP) is arranged upstream at the flow (V) and/or at least one secondary-side buffer storage (PS) is arranged downstream at the flow (V).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one energy generator (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) is arranged in series between the buffer storage (P) and the energy transfer () in the flow (V).

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection device is further configured to detect, for each of the buffer storages (P, PP, PS), a type from a predetermined set of buffer storage types.

10. A method of configuring a multivalent energy supply system, the method comprising the steps of: reading out a base configuration (BK) from a memory device, wherein the base configuration (BK) comprises at least: a plurality of energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) which use at least two different energy carriers to provide energy in the form of heat and/or cold and/or electrical energy; a flow (V) through which a carrier medium flows which receives energy from the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) and transports it to a consumer circuit; a return flow (R) which receives the carrier medium coming from the consumer circuit; a buffer storage (P) arranged between the flow (V) and the return flow (R) for temporarily storing energy which is supplied to the buffer storage (P) via the flow (V); a first energy transfer () arranged in parallel to the buffer storage (P) and at which the carrier medium flows into the consumer circuit via the flow (V); wherein the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) within the base configuration (BK) can be arranged at positions in parallel to the buffer storage (P) between the flow (V) and return flow (R) and/or in series in the flow (V); and detecting, by a detection device, for each of the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) a type from a predetermined set of energy generator types and a position of the energy generator (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) within the base configuration (BK) stored in the memory device; generating a system configuration (AK) from the base configuration and the detected types and positions of energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2); and transmitting the generated system configuration (AK) to a control device which controls the energy generators (E1-E6, B1, B2, G1, G2, H1, H2, O1, O2) based on the transmitted system configuration (AK).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited, however.

[0049] In the figures:

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a base configuration according to a first embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a hydraulic scheme of a multivalent energy supply system according to a second embodiment with two CHPs and two gas boilers.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a hydraulic scheme of a multivalent energy supply system according to a third embodiment with two wood boilers and a gas boiler.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a hydraulic scheme of a multivalent energy supply system according to a fourth embodiment with a heat pump and a gas boiler.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a hydraulic scheme of a multivalent energy supply system according to a fifth embodiment with two oil boilers and two gas boilers.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a hydraulic scheme of a multivalent energy supply system according to a sixth embodiment with two gas boilers, two CHPs and two wood boilers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0056] In the following description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

First Embodiment

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a base configuration BK according to a first embodiment. The base configuration BK comprises six energy generators E1 . . . E6, three buffer storages P, PP, PS and three energy transfers U, P, S which are respectively arranged at a flow V and a return flow R. The energy generators E5, E6 which are connected in series, have no direct connection to the return flow. The number of energy generators may be expanded arbitrarily which is indicated by the dots in the representation of the flow and return flow lines.

[0058] In order to configure a specific infrastructure of a multivalent energy supply system, an apparatus according to the invention comprises a detection device. The apparatus may be, for example, a computer, tablet, smartphone or any other device with a graphical user interface. A base configuration BK is stored in a memory of the apparatus. The base configuration BK may be loaded from the memory. In a menu, a graphical representation of the base configuration BK may be displayed. By clicking or touching, an installer or other user may select specific implementations for each of the components from a list or a graphical representation of components in a menu.

[0059] By selecting the components, the user transfers the actual realized configuration of the energy supply system to a graphical representation of the system configuration AK. The generated system configuration AK may be a hydraulic scheme or block diagram of the energy supply system. Relationships of the components as well as information on their functions and effects are represented by the system configuration and can be detected therefrom by a control device. Furthermore, measuring points, sensors and other components included in the energy supply system may be added to the hydraulic scheme or block diagram (system configuration AK). For unoccupied positions in the base configuration BK, for example, direct connections may be placed in the respective location.

[0060] Step by step, the hydraulic scheme or block diagram AK of the energy supply system is thus generated. After all components have been selected, the completed configuration may be stored and transmitted to a control device.

[0061] The generated hydraulic scheme or block diagram may then be used by the control device to control the energy supply system.

Second Embodiment

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a multivalent energy supply system for providing heat and electrical energy. FIG. 2 shows a hydraulic scheme of the energy supply system which was generated from a base configuration BK according to FIG. 1 by selecting the individual components.

[0063] The energy supply system comprises two combined heat and power plants (CHPs) B1, B2 and two gas boilers G1, G2, wherein the CHPs B1, B2 are each arranged in parallel to each other between a flow V and a return flow R. Via the return flow R, the carrier medium coming from the consumer side flows to the energy generators which supply heat to the carrier medium. Via the flow V, the carrier medium flows to the consumer circuit (not shown).

[0064] A first gas boiler G1 is also arranged in parallel to the CHPs B1, B2 downstream at the flow V. In addition, further downstream at the flow V, a buffer storage P is arranged in parallel to the first gas boiler G1 and the CHPs B1, B2. Downstream of the buffer storage P, a second gas boiler G2 is arranged in series in the flow V, so that the second gas boiler G2 can raise the flow temperature directly. Due to the arrangement of the second gas boiler G2 behind the buffer storage in the flow, it cannot influence the temperature of the water stored in the buffer storage.

[0065] Starting from the base configuration BK of FIG. 1, the hydraulic scheme of the second embodiment is configured by selecting three energy generators B1, B2, G1 in parallel to the buffer storage P in place of the first energy generator E1, E2. The primary-side PP and secondary-side PS buffer storages are each configured as a direct connection. The gas boiler G2 is selected as a serial energy generator at location E5 in FIGS. 1 and E6 is configured as a direct connection. The energy transfers are also configured as a direct connection.

Third Embodiment

[0066] FIG. 3 shows a hydraulic scheme of an energy supply system according to a third embodiment. Similarly to the second embodiment, the energy supply system comprises a buffer storage P between flow V and return flow R and a gas boiler G1 in the flow V downstream of the buffer storage P. A first wood boiler H1 and a second wood boiler H2 are each arranged in parallel to each another and in parallel to the buffer storage P upstream at the flow V1.

[0067] Starting from the base configuration BK of FIG. 1, the hydraulic scheme of the third embodiment is configured by selecting the two wood boilers H1, H2 in parallel to the buffer storage P in place of the first energy generator E1, E2.

[0068] The primary-side PP and secondary-side PS buffer storages are each configured as a direct connection. The gas boiler G1 is selected as the first serial energy generator at location E5 in FIGS. 1 and E6 is configured as a direct connection. The energy transfers are also configured as a direct connection.

Fourth Embodiment

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a hydraulic scheme of an energy supply system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. A heat pump W1 and a gas boiler G1 are arranged in parallel to each other and in parallel to a buffer storage P between flow V and return flow R.

[0070] Starting from the base configuration BK of FIG. 1, the hydraulic scheme of the fourth embodiment is configured by selecting the heat pump E1 and the gas boiler G1 in parallel to the buffer storage P instead of the first energy generators E1, E2. The primary-side PP and secondary-side PS buffer storages are each configured as a direct connection. The serial energy generators E5 and E6 are configured as a direct connection. The energy transfers are also configured as a direct connection.

Fifth Embodiment

[0071] In a fifth embodiment, the energy supply system comprises two gas boilers G1, G2 and two oil boilers O1, O2 which are all arranged in parallel to each other between flow V and return flow R. For the transfer of heat to a consumer circuit, a heat transfer is provided. A hydraulic scheme of the energy supply system according to the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. 5.

[0072] Starting from the base configuration BK of FIG. 1, the hydraulic scheme of the fifth embodiment is configured by selecting the two gas boilers G1, G2 in place of the first energy generators E1, E2. The two oil boilers O1, O2 are selected in place of the second energy generators E3, E4. The buffer storage P and the primary-side PP and secondary-side PS buffer storage are each configured as a direct connection. The serial energy generators E5 and E6 are configured as a direct connection. The energy transfer is configured as heat transfer W.

Sixth Embodiment

[0073] FIG. 6 shows a hydraulic scheme of a multivalent energy supply system according to a sixth embodiment. The energy supply system comprises two gas boilers G1, G2, two CHPs B1, B2 and two wood boilers H1, H2, as well as a buffer storage P. In addition, a temperature sensor T1 measuring the energy supply system flow temperature is arranged in the flow V. In the buffer storage P, three temperature sensors T2, T3, T4 are arranged which measure the temperature in the buffer storage P in an upper portion, in a center portion and in a lower portion of the buffer storage, respectively.

[0074] Starting from the base configuration BK of FIG. 1, the hydraulic scheme of the sixth exemplary embodiment is configured by selecting the two gas boilers G1, G2, two CHPs B1, B2 and two wood boilers H1, H2 in place of the first energy generators E1, E2. The buffer storage P is configured as a buffer storage with four temperature sensors T1 to T4. The primary-side PP and secondary-side PS buffer storages are each configured as a direct connection. The serial energy generators E5 and E6 are also configured as direct connections.

[0075] The control of the energy supply system is performed depending on the detected configuration. All six energy generators can heat directly at the flow or the buffer. Since all energy generators are connected in parallel, they could work independently of each other.

[0076] A specification to a control device may be that a large amount of energy should be stored in the buffer storage P. From the hydraulic scheme, the control device recognizes that all energy generators can be used to store heat. Further, the control device recognizes that a buffer temperature sensor T4 at a lower portion of the buffer storage P can be selected for the buffer temperature control. For example, the buffer target temperature is set to 70 C. The control device S then ensures that the buffer storage P is completely charged to a temperature of 70 C.

[0077] If the buffer storage P is only to be charged approximately halfway, a buffer temperature sensor T3 in a center portion of the buffer storage P is selected for the buffer temperature control.

[0078] When no buffer storage is desired, a buffer temperature sensor T2 at an upper portion of the buffer storage P is selected for the buffer temperature control. It is not necessary to specify a buffer target temperature, since an energy generator flow target temperature can be calculated from a system flow target temperature. Only as much energy as is consumed by the consumers is generated, and the buffer P is not charged in this case. The system flow temperature can be measured, for example, by a temperature sensor T1 at the flow V.

[0079] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance for the realization of the invention in its various forms both individually and in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0080] BK base configuration [0081] AK system configuration (hydraulic scheme) [0082] V flow [0083] R return flow [0084] P buffer storage [0085] PP primary-side buffer storage [0086] PS secondary-side buffer storage [0087] energy transfer [0088] P primary-side energy transfer [0089] S secondary-side energy transfer [0090] R1 first closed-loop controller [0091] R2 second closed-loop controller [0092] R3 third closed-loop controller [0093] R4 fourth closed-loop controller [0094] R5 fifth closed-loop controller [0095] E1 first energy generator [0096] E2 second energy generator [0097] E3 third energy generator [0098] E4 fourth energy generator [0099] E5 fifth energy generator [0100] E6 sixth energy generator [0101] G1 first gas boiler [0102] G2 second gas boiler [0103] O1 first oil boiler [0104] O2 second oil boiler [0105] B1 first CHP [0106] B2 second CHP [0107] H1 first wood boiler [0108] H2 second wood boiler [0109] T1 first temperature sensor (flow) [0110] T2 second temperature sensor (buffer storage top) [0111] T3 third temperature sensor (buffer storage center) [0112] T4 fourth temperature sensor (buffer storage bottom)