ARRANGEMENT FOR THE CULTIVATION AND UTILIZATION OF BIOMASS AND SYSTEM OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CULTIVATION AND UTILIZATION OF BIOMASS

Abstract

An arrangement (1) for the cultivation of plants and for the utilization of biomass waste and a system (1000) of at least one arrangement (1) for the cultivation and utilization of biomass are disclosed. The arrangement (1) comprises a modular greenhouse (100) and a modular, two-stage biogas plant (200). The system (1000) has at least one arrangement (1) wherein a control and monitoring unit (101) of the modular greenhouse (100) and a further a control and monitoring unit (201) of the two-stage biogas plant (200) are communicatively connected to a central control and monitoring unit (55).

Claims

1. An arrangement for the cultivation of plants and for the utilization of biomass waste comprising: a modular greenhouse composed of a plurality of modules; a control and monitoring unit associated with the modular greenhouse; a modular two-stage biogas plant consisting of several modules, wherein the modules of the modular two-stage biogas plant are partly formed as tanks, comprising at least two hydrolysis tanks and at least one fermentation tank; a further control and monitoring unit is associated with the two-stage biogas plant; and a communication link between the control and monitoring unit of the modular greenhouse and the further control and monitoring unit of the modular, two-stage biogas plant, so that energy from the biogas in the form of light and/or heat is used on request for the cultivation of at least plants in the modular greenhouse.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the modules of the two-stage biogas plant all have the same size and are stackable.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each module of the greenhouse, has a roof with at least one transparent roof surface supporting at least one photovoltaic module which is at least partially transparent or adjustable with respect to transparency, and is provided with an energy storage device.

4. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the energy storage device is a battery.

5. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the energy storage device is a power-to-gas system, with which hydrogen or methane can be generated and stored from the electricity of the photovoltaic modules, or a power-to-liquid system, with which methanol can be generated and stored from the electricity of the photovoltaic modules.

6. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein in the hydrolysis tanks of the two-stage biogas plant the biomass is exposed to a temperature range of 40 to 65° C. and to a ph value of 2 to 9.

7. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein in the at least one fermenter tank the biogas is produced in a second temperature range of 35 to 60° C. and at a pH value of 6.5 to 8.5.

8. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein enclosures form another portion of the modules of the two-stage biogas plant and the enclosures house elements for controlling the modular, two-stage biogas plant and for generating energy from the biogas produced by the two-stage modular biogas plant.

9. A system of at least one arrangement for the cultivation and utilization of biomass comprising: at least one arrangement, which is composed by a modular greenhouse and a modular two-stage biogas plant; a plurality of modules defines the modular greenhouse and a control and monitoring unit is associated with the greenhouse; a further control and monitoring unit is associated with the modular two-stage biogas plant, wherein the modular two-stage biogas plant consists of several modules and the modules of the modular two-stage biogas plant are partly formed as tanks, having at least two hydrolysis tanks and at least one fermentation tank; a communication link between the control and monitoring unit of the arrangement of the modular greenhouse and the further control and monitoring unit of the modular, two-stage biogas plant; and a central control and monitoring unit is communicatively connected to a control and data acquisition unit of the modular greenhouse and to a further control and monitoring unit of the modular, two-stage biogas plant.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein a firewall is provided for each arrangement, wherein the control and data acquisition unit of each modular greenhouse and the further local and the control and monitoring unit of each modular two-stage biogas plant is connected via the firewall and a cloud to the central control and monitoring unit.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein, wherein the modules of the two-stage biogas plant all have the same size and are stackable.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein each module of the greenhouse, has a roof with at least one transparent roof surface supporting at least one photovoltaic module which is at least partially transparent or adjustable with respect to transparency, and is provided with an energy storage device.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein in the hydrolysis tanks of the two-stage biogas plant the biomass is exposed to a temperature range of 40 to 65° C. and to a ph value of 2 to 9.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein in the at least one fermenter tank the biogas is produced in a second temperature range of 35 to 60° C. and at a pH value of 6.5 to 8.5.

15. An arrangement for the cultivation of plants and for the utilization of biomass waste comprising: a modular greenhouse composed of a plurality of modules, wherein each of the modules is defined by a first frame element, a second frame element, a third frame element, a fourth frame element and a roof, having at least two roof structures and holding at least one transparent roof surface; at least one photovoltaic module is mounted on the roof surface, wherein the photovoltaic module is designed to be partially transparent or adjustable in terms of transparency; a control and monitoring unit associated with the modular greenhouse; a modular two-stage biogas plant consisting of several modules, wherein the modules of the modular two-stage biogas plant are partly formed as tanks, configured by at least two hydrolysis tanks and at least one fermentation tank; a further control and monitoring unit is associated with the two-stage biogas plant; a communication link between the control and monitoring unit of the modular greenhouse and the further control and monitoring unit of the modular, two-stage biogas plant, so that energy from the biogas in the form of light and/or heat is used on request for the cultivation of at least plants in the modular greenhouse; and a firewall is assigned to each arrangement, wherein the control and data acquisition unit of the modular greenhouse and the further local and the control and monitoring unit of the two-stage biogas plant communicate via the firewall with the outside world.

16. The arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the hydrolysis tanks of the two-stage biogas plant the biomass is exposed to a temperature range of 40 to 65° C. and to a ph value of 2 to 9.

17. The arrangement according to claim 15, wherein in the at least one fermenter tank the biogas is produced in a second temperature range of 35 to 60° C. and at a pH value of 6.5 to 8.5.

18. The arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the photovoltaic module is defined by a frame with at least one thin-film solar cell, an energy storage device is connected to the at least one photovoltaic module of each module of the modular greenhouse, and the control and monitoring unit of the modular greenhouse is communicatively connected to internal sensors, external sensors and a plurality of actuators of the modular greenhouse, wherein a central control and monitoring unit determines setting variables for the actuators of the modular greenhouse on the basis of the data from the internal sensors and external sensors and in conjunction with predefined setpoint values of the modular greenhouse and controls the actuators accordingly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a possible embodiment of the biomass cultivation and utilization arrangement;

[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the biomass cultivation and utilization arrangement;

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of an energy-efficient greenhouse connected to an energy storage system;

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of the floor plan of a single module that can be used to construct an energy-efficient modular greenhouse;

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a module that can be used for the construction of a modular greenhouse;

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a possible embodiment of the structure of a roof for the individual modules;

[0043] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a possible embodiment of the photovoltaic module, which is provided with a thin-film solar cell that is partially transparent;

[0044] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the photovoltaic module along the sectional line A-A shown in FIG. 7;

[0045] FIG. 9 is a top view of a further possible embodiment of the photovoltaic module with partially transparent thin-film solar cells;

[0046] FIG. 10 is a top view of a still further possible embodiment of the photovoltaic module, which is provided with movable lamellae;

[0047] FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 along the line of intersection B-B;

[0048] FIG. 12 shows a possible embodiment of the lamellae used;

[0049] FIG. 13 shows another possible embodiment of the lamellae used;

[0050] FIG. 14 shows yet another possible embodiment of the lamellae used;

[0051] FIG. 15 shows a schematic side view of a modular greenhouse constructed from several modules;

[0052] FIG. 16 shows a schematic top view of a modular greenhouse constructed from several modules arranged in matrix form;

[0053] FIG. 17 shows a perspective schematic view of a container for transporting module or modules disassembled into individual parts;

[0054] FIGS. 18A to 18D show a preferred embodiment of the dimensioning of the individual components of a module so that a container can be optimally filled;

[0055] FIG. 19 is a top view of a possible design of a modular biogas plant;

[0056] FIG. 20 is a side view of an embodiment of a module designed as a tank and used in the modular biogas plant according to the invention;

[0057] FIG. 21 is a front view of the module according to FIG. 20;

[0058] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the arrangement of the various modules of an embodiment of the modular biogas plant according to the invention;

[0059] FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the modular and energy efficient greenhouse; and

[0060] FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the system according to the invention, how the individual modular biogas plants and the modular greenhouses communicate with a central control and monitoring system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] In the figures, identical reference signs are used for identical or similarly acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference signs that are necessary for the description of the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The embodiments shown merely represent examples of how the modular greenhouse and the modular biogas plant may be configured. The illustrated embodiments are not to be understood as a limitation of the invention. The size ratios of the individual elements to each other in the figures do not always correspond to the real size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

[0062] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a possible embodiment of arrangement 1 for biomass production and utilization. The arrangement 1 comprises a modular greenhouse 100 and a modular, two-stage biogas plant 200. The modular greenhouse 100 is used for biomass production and has a control and monitoring unit 101. The biomass are plants which are gown mainly for food purposes. The control and monitoring unit 10.sub.1, is used for determining measured variables in or on the greenhouse 100 and for adjusting elements of the greenhouse to set a predefined value.

[0064] The modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 has further a control and monitoring unit 201. The control and monitoring unit 101 of the greenhouse 100 is connected to the further control and monitoring unit 201 of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 via a communication link 150. The communication link 150 may be implemented in a wired or wireless manner. The modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 has a gas storage unit 202 for the biogas produced by the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200. In the event that the greenhouse 100 requires energy 300 in the form of light or heat, the energy can be generated with the biogas. The request for energy is based on the measurements of the control and monitoring unit 101 of the greenhouse 100.

[0065] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of the arrangement 1 for cultivation (growing of plants) and utilization of biomass. The only difference to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 is that an energy storage unit 7 is associated with the greenhouse 100.

[0066] FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of an energy-efficient greenhouse 100 associated with an energy storage unit 7 (see also FIG. 2). Here it can be clearly seen that the energy-efficient greenhouse 100 is constructed from a plurality of individual modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N arranged in the form of a matrix. The transparent roof surfaces 5 of the individual modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N support the photovoltaic modules 29. Those modules which are arranged on the outer sides 11 of the energy-efficient greenhouse 100 have transparent side surfaces 6 (see FIG. 5). The transparent side surfaces 6 may also have photovoltaic modules 29 (not shown here). Depending on the climatic region in which the greenhouse 100 is located, the transparent side surfaces 6 may be omitted. The photovoltaic modules 25 of the energy efficient greenhouse 100 are electrically connected to the energy storage device 7. The energy storage 7 can be used to supply the energy efficient greenhouse 100 with energy, such as light energy and/or heating energy.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a floor plan 9 of an embodiment of a single module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N that can be used for the construction of an energy efficient modular greenhouse 1. The single module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N defines two longitudinal sides 12 at which, a first frame element 2.sub.1 and a second frame element 2.sub.2 are arranged parallel to each other. The single module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N also defines two transverse sides 14 at which, a third frame element 3.sub.1 and a fourth frame element 3.sub.2 are arranged parallel to each other. When the first frame element 2.sub.1 and the second frame element 2.sub.2 are arranged at a right angle to the third frame element 3.sub.1 and the fourth frame element 3.sub.2, respectively, the floor plan 9 has the shape of a rectangle.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N which can be used for the construction of an energy efficient modular greenhouse 100. At least two roof structures 20 are provided for forming a roof 4 of each module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N. The at least two roof structures 20 of each module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N carry transparent covers 30 (see e.g. FIG. 8), which form the transparent roof surfaces 5. The transparent roof surfaces 5 are associated with the plurality of photovoltaic modules 25 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7-11).

[0069] FIG. 6 shows a front view of a possible embodiment for a roof structure 20 that can be used to form the roof 4. In the embodiment shown here, the roof structure 20 has the shape of an obtuse-angled isosceles triangle. It should be noted here that the shape of the triangle of the roof structure 20 should not be taken as a limitation of the invention. It is self-evident to one skilled in the art that the triangle of the roof structure 20 may take any shape up to and including a right-angled triangle. The roof structure 20 includes a first leg 20.sub.1 and a second leg 20.sub.2. The first leg 20.sub.1 and the second leg 20.sub.2 are connected to each other by a base 23 of the roof structure 20 shown herein.

[0070] A support 24, if required for structural reasons, connects a top 26 of the support structure 20 to the base 23. At least two roof structures 20 connecting the first frame member 21 and the second frame member 22 are required for mounting the cover 25.

[0071] Although the embodiment of the roof structure 20 shown in FIG. 6 is an isosceles triangle, this should not be taken as a limitation of the invention. It is obvious to one skilled in the art that other roof structures 20 are possible for the modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N of the energy efficient modular greenhouse 1.

[0072] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a possible embodiment of an at least partially transparent photovoltaic module 25, which is supported or carried by the roof structure 20 (see FIG. 6). The photovoltaic module 25 is surrounded by a frame 29. As can be seen from the illustration of FIG. 8, which is a view along section line A-A, at least one thin-film solar cell 32 is applied to a transparent cover 30, such as a glass pane or a plastic pane. The at least one thin-film solar cell 32 is provided with a plurality of recesses 34 (see FIG. 7). By means of the recesses 34, the partially transparent property of the photovoltaic module 25 can be achieved. FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the arrangement of the recesses 34 in the thin-film solar cell 32. As desired, the number of recesses 34 can be designed in such a way that a transparency of 20%, 30% or 40% is set for a photovoltaic module 25. The aforementioned figures regarding transparency are not to be understood as a limitation of the invention.

[0073] FIG. 10 shows a top view of yet another possible embodiment of the photovoltaic module 25, which is provided with movable lamellas 40. The lamellas 40 are movably arranged in the frame 29 of the photovoltaic module 25. The lamellas 40 are pivotable about axes 42. The pivoting of the lamellas 40 around the axes 42 can be done by means of a control (not shown), in such a way that the lamellas 40 always take the optimal position to the sun, so that the energy yield is optimized. Likewise, the lamellas 40 can be controlled in such a way that a defined shading for the interior of the greenhouse 100 can be set.

[0074] FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 along section line B-B. The pivotable lamellas 40 are arranged above the transparent cover 25. The pivoting lamellas 40 are arranged in the frame 29 and, depending on the pivoting position, can provide greater light transmission or shading.

[0075] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a possible embodiment of the lamellae 40 used. A surface 44 of the lamella 40 has a convex curvature with a substantially rectangular base 45. The thin-film solar cell 32 is applied to the surface 44.

[0076] FIG. 13 shows another possible embodiment of the lamella 40 used. The lamella 40 has a concave shape. The thin-film solar cell 32 is applied to the concave curvature (surface 44).

[0077] FIG. 14 shows yet another possible embodiment of the lamellae 40 used. Each lamella 40 is concavely shaped analogous to the lamella 40 of FIG. 13. The thin-film solar cell 32 is applied in the concave curvature (surface 44). Opposite the thin film solar cell 32, an optical element 46 is provided to concentrate the incident light onto the thin film solar cell 32.

[0078] The embodiments of the lamellae 40 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 should not be construed as limiting the invention. The illustrated lamella 40 merely represent possible embodiments. Similarly, lamellae 40 of different types may be combined in a frame 29 of the cover 25. Likewise, in particular applications, of the cover 25 with the lamellae 40, the transparent cover 30 may be omitted.

[0079] FIG. 15 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of the greenhouse 1 in which three modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2 and 10.sub.3 are connected to each other in the direction X shown here. The module 101, which is placed at one end of the modular greenhouse 1, carries the at least two roof structures 20 for the roof 4. At the first frame element 2.sub.1, this module 10.sub.1 also carries the at least two roof structures 20. The module 10.sub.3 at the opposite end of the greenhouse 1 carries at least two roof structures 20 and at the second frame element 2.sub.2 of the module 103 at least two roof structures 20 are also provided. The modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N of the greenhouse 1 are interconnected with adjacent modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N. Each of the modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N may further be provided with a floor element 8.

[0080] FIG. 16 shows a top view of a modular greenhouse 1, in which the individual modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N are arranged in a matrix M. The rows R1, R2, . . . , RN extend in the X-direction and the columns S1, S2, . . . SN, extend in the Y-direction. Each of the modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N of the greenhouse 1 provided with a roof 4 (see FIG. 5). Prior to assembly to form the modular greenhouse 1, each of the modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N may be provided with a floor element 8 (see FIG. 15). The roof 4 comprises the at least two roof structures 20. The modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.8, 10.sub.15 and 10.sub.22 of the first column S1 and the modules 10.sub.7, 10.sub.14, 10.sub.21 and 10.sub.28 of the last column SN are each provided with at least two roof structures 20 (not shown) on the first frame element 21 and the second frame element 22, respectively. To form the modular greenhouse 1, the modules in columns S1, S2, . . . , SN are connected to a third frame element 3.sub.1 of a subsequent module via a fourth frame element 3.sub.2 of a module. The modules in rows R1, R2, . . . , RN are connected to form the modular greenhouse 1 via a second frame element 2.sub.2 and a first frame element 2.sub.1 of a subsequent module.

[0081] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a container 110 for transporting the individual components from which the individual modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N of the greenhouse are constructed. The container 110 has a container length CL, a container width CB and a container height CH.

[0082] FIGS. 18A to 18D show a preferred embodiment example of the dimensioning of the individual components of each module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N, so that in the container 110 the available volume can be optimally used or filled with the components of each module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N, in order to thus save transport volume or transport costs to the installation site. Components of each module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N are: a first frame element 2.sub.1, second frame element 2.sub.2, a third frame element 3.sub.1, a fourth frame element 3.sub.2, at least two roof structures 20 (only one shown), at least one transparent cover 25 comprising at least one photovoltaic element 32. If necessary, another component of the modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N may be a floor element 8.

[0083] The first frame element 2.sub.1 and the second frame element 2.sub.2 have a length L and a height H. The third frame element 3.sub.1 and the fourth frame element 3.sub.2 have a width B and a height H. The floor element 8 has a length L and a width B. The roof structure 20 has a base 23 with a width B and at least one leg 27 with a leg length SL. The at least two roof structures 20 of each module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N respectively support and hold the transparent cover 25, which has a length L and a width SL substantially equal to the leg length SL of the roof structure 20.

[0084] The individual modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N can be pre-assembled in the factory and then displayed and connected to each other at the construction site for the greenhouse 1. The components of the modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N can be pre-assembled for a volume-saving transport. It is advantageous if the components of the modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N are transported in a container 110 so that the components of the modules 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N are protected against damage.

[0085] With regard to saving or optimally utilizing the transport volume available in the container 110, it is advantageous if the length L of the first frame element 2.sub.1 and the second frame element 2.sub.2 is somewhat smaller than the container length CL. The width B of the third frame element 3.sub.1 and the fourth frame element 3.sub.2 is equal to half the length of the first frame element 2.sub.1 and the second frame element 2.sub.2. The height H of the first frame element 2.sub.1, and second frame element 2.sub.2 is equal to the height H of the third frame element 3.sub.1 and the fourth frame element 3.sub.2, the height H being smaller than the container height CH. The floor element 8 has a length L equal to the length L of the first frame element 2.sub.1 and the second frame element 2.sub.2. The roof structures 20 for each module 10.sub.1, 10.sub.2, . . . , 10.sub.N have a width B of the base 23 corresponding to the width B of the third frame element 3.sub.1 and the fourth frame element 3.sub.2. The transparent cover 25 has a length L corresponding to the length L of the first frame element 2.sub.1 and the second frame element 2.sub.2, respectively. The width SL of the transparent cover 30 corresponds essentially to the leg length SL of the roof structure 20.

[0086] FIG. 19 shows a possible embodiment of the structure of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200. A modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 is characterized by the fact that the modules 21 also have tanks 22 formed from two different types of tanks. Thus, the modular two-stage biogas plant 200 has as hydrolysis tanks and fermentation tanks. In the smallest configuration, the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 has two hydrolysis tanks and one fermentation tank.

[0087] The modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 is configured by a plurality of modules 21. The modules 21 all have the same size. The same size is of particular advantage, as this greatly facilitates the transportation and production of the individual modules 21, thereby reducing costs. In addition, the equality of size of the modules 21, enables stackability or combinability. A portion of the modules 21 of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 is formed as tanks 22. Another module 21 of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 may be formed as a first enclosure 35. Similarly, another module 21 may be formed as a second enclosure 36 and still another module 21 may be formed as a third enclosure 37. The enclosures 35, 36, 37 may house elements for controlling the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 and for extracting energy from the biogas produced by the modular biogas plant 200. Another module 21 of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 is a transport enclosure 38. The transport enclosure 38 may house a gas storage tank 39 for transport purposes. For operation of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200, the flexible gas storage 39 can be rolled out of the transport enclosure 38 (housing) and thus comes to rest on an installation surface for the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0088] It is self-evident for a person skilled in the art that the embodiment of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 shown in FIG. 19 is to be regarded merely as an example and thus does not limit the invention. It is self-evident to a person skilled in the art that the number and arrangement of the individual modules 21 can be changed depending on the scope of performance of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200.

[0089] FIG. 20 shows a side view of an embodiment of a module 21 of the biogas plant 200, which is configured as a tank 22 for the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200. In the embodiment shown here, positioning elements 120 for the tank 22 are attached to a rigid frame 13. The tank 22 is surrounded by the rigid frame 13 for easy, safe and stable transportation. The frame 13 defines six side surfaces 124 that form an envelope for the tank 22. The tank 22 is disposed within the rigid frame 13 such that no connections or attachments to the tank 22 extend beyond the side surfaces 124. This has the advantage that no prefabricated connections or attachment parts of the tank 22 can be damaged during transport. The rigid frame 13 for the tanks 22 is cuboidal and has the same size as all other modules 21 of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200.

[0090] The tank 22 has a manhole 17 attached to its side at the top of the tank 10. The position of the manhole 17 shown here is not mandatory. Depending on the requirements, the manhole 17 can be positioned as desired. It is understood that the manhole 17 is closed with a lid (not shown) during operation of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200. At a front end 22V of the tank 22, a flanged connection 18 is provided for a gas line, a flanged connection 19 is provided for a pressure line, a flanged connection 18.sub.1 is provided for a suction line, and a flanged connection 19.sub.1 is provided for a gas injection. The flange connections 18, 18.sub.1, 19 and 19.sub.1 described herein can be provided with the appropriate lines (not shown) depending on the needs and function of the tank 22. The flange connections 18, 18.sub.1, 19 and 19.sub.1 are prepared so that installation can be quick and easy when setting up the modular biogas plant 200. The embodiment shown here illustrates one possible arrangement of the connections. However, the invention is not limited to the number and arrangement of the connections shown here. Furthermore, a pipe section 15 for an agitator may be provided at the front end 22V of the tank 22. If necessary, an agitator (not shown) can thus be inserted into the tank 22 at this point.

[0091] A window 16 and a level probe 14 are provided at the rear end 22H of the tank 22. The maximum filling of the tank 10 can be censored via the filling level probe 23. Furthermore, a pressure sensor 28 is still provided. The position and number of the invention of the sensor technology is only one example from many possibilities and is not to be understood as a limitation of the invention.

[0092] FIG. 21 shows a top view of the front end 22V of the tank 22. Here, too, it can be clearly seen that the side surfaces 124 of the rigid frame 13 form an envelope for the tank 22. In addition to the flanged connection 18 for the gas line, the flanged connection 19 for the pressure line, the pipe section 15 for the agitator and the flanged connection 127 for the gas injection, a heating line 128 (with flow and return) is also provided. As already mentioned in the description relating to the other drawings, the arrangement of the connections described here is merely exemplary and is not to be regarded as a limitation of the invention. The heating line 128 can thus be used to bring the interior of the tank 22, or the biomass therein, to the temperature interval required for the particular process.

[0093] FIG. 22 shows another possible embodiment of the structure of a modular, two-stage biogas plant 200. In the embodiment shown here, the modular biogas plant 200 is composed of seven modules 21. Four of the modules 21 are formed as tanks 22. Three of the modules 21 are closed enclosures 35, 36, 37, which are in the form of standard containers (ISO sea containers with standard dimensions). It is understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to standard containers. As can also be seen from the representation of FIG. 19, the modules 21 are all of the same size. As mentioned in the description above, each of the tanks 22 is housed in a cuboidal frame 13, the frame 13 having the same size as the enclosures 35, 36 or 37. The embodiment of the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 shown here is designed for a capacity of less than 100 kWh, but this should not be taken as a limitation of the invention.

[0094] FIG. 23 shows a schematic view of a single modular greenhouse 100. The modular greenhouse 100 provides data and parameters detected by internal sensors 52 and/or external sensors 53 of the greenhouse 100 to a local control and data acquisition unit 101 associated with the greenhouse 100. In this embodiment, the local control and data acquisition unit 101 communicates with the greenhouse 100 and the energy storage unit 7. Likewise, actuators 57 may be provided by means of which, for example in cooperation with the local control and data acquisition unit 101, the predefined and optimized conditions (temperature, humidity, light, etc.) in the modular greenhouse may be set.

[0095] FIG. 24 shows a schematic representation system 1000 for the communication of several individual modular arrangements 1 via the cloud 54, with the central control and monitoring unit 55. Each of the arrangements 1 is defined by the modular greenhouse 100 and a modular, two-stage biogas plant 200. Data and parameters of the respective arrangement 1 are supplied via the local control and data acquisition unit 101 of the modular greenhouse 100 and the control and monitoring unit 201 of each modular, two-stage biogas plant 200. The respective arrangement 1 communicates with the cloud 54 via a firewall 51 and the Internet. The cloud 54 itself then communicates with the central control and monitoring unit 55. From the central control and monitoring unit 55, instructions, commands, messages, etc. reach the respective arrangements 1 or the local control and data acquisition units 101 of the modular greenhouses 100 and the control and monitoring units 201 of each modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 via the cloud 54, the Internet and the firewall 51. Likewise, each of the arrangements 1, may be associated with at least one user interface 58. The user interfaces 58 may receive, for example via a WLAN, the messages and/or alerts generated by the central control and monitoring unit 55. Via the user interfaces 58, these can be displayed to the operator of the local arrangement 1. The operator is thus notified centrally whether a fault occurs in the respective modular greenhouse 100 and/or the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 of the arrangement 1, which, for example, requires a current intervention by the operator himself. Likewise, it is possible that the operator is already informed in advance about possibly upcoming repairs or replacement of components of the modular greenhouse 100 and/or the modular, two-stage biogas plant 200 of the arrangement 1. Although only identical arrangements 1 are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 24, this should not be taken as a limitation of the invention. It is self-evident to one skilled in the art that different configurations of arrangement 1 can also be centrally monitored and controlled.

[0096] The application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it is conceivable to a person skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the invention can be made without leaving the scope of protection of the claims below.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0097] 1 Arrangement [0098] 2.sub.1 First frame element [0099] 2.sub.2 Second frame element [0100] 3.sub.1 Third frame element [0101] 3.sub.2 Fourth frame element [0102] 4 Roof [0103] 5 Roof surface [0104] 6 Transparent side surface [0105] 7 Energy storage unit [0106] 8 Floor element [0107] 9 Floor plan [0108] 101, 10.sub.2, . . . 10.sub.N Modul [0109] 11 Outer side [0110] 12 Longitudinal side [0111] 13 Rigid frame [0112] 14 Level probe [0113] 15 Pipe section [0114] 16 Window [0115] 17 Manhole [0116] 18 Connection [0117] 18.sub.1 Connection [0118] 19 Connection [0119] 19.sub.1 Connection [0120] 20 Roof structure [0121] 20.sub.1 First leg [0122] 20.sub.2 Second leg [0123] 21 Modul [0124] 22 Tank [0125] 2211 [0126] 22V front end [0127] 23 Base [0128] 24 Support [0129] 25 Photovoltaic module [0130] 26 Top [0131] 27 Leg [0132] 28 Pressure sensor [0133] 29 Frame [0134] 30 Transparent cover [0135] 32 Thin-film solar cell [0136] 34 Recess [0137] 35 First enclosure [0138] 36 Second enclosure [0139] 37 Third enclosure [0140] 38 Transport enclosure [0141] 39 Gas storage tank [0142] 40 Lamella [0143] 42 Axe [0144] 44 Surface [0145] 45 Rectangular base [0146] 51 Firewall [0147] 52 Internal sensor [0148] 53 external sensor [0149] 54 Cloud [0150] 55 Central control and monitoring unit [0151] 57 Actuator [0152] 100 Modular greenhouse [0153] 101 Control and monitoring unit [0154] 110 Container [0155] 120 Positioning element [0156] 124 Side surface [0157] 127 Flanged connection [0158] 128 Heating line [0159] 150 Communication link [0160] 200 Biogas plant [0161] 201 Further control and monitoring unit [0162] 202 Gas storage [0163] 300 Energy [0164] 1000 System [0165] A-A Section line [0166] B Width [0167] B-B Section line [0168] CB Width [0169] CH Height [0170] CL Length [0171] H Height [0172] L Length [0173] R1, R2, . . . , RN Row [0174] SL Leg length [0175] S1, S2, . . . , SN Column [0176] X Direction