Methods and apparatuses for control of building cooling, heating and power co-generation systems
First Claim
1. A controller for controlling the source of electric power for a cogeneration system, the cogeneration system including a local generator for generating local electric power, a fuel source, connections to an external electric power source for receiving externally generated power, and a number of operational components including heating and/or cooling devices, the controller configured to perform the steps of:
- estimating future load conditions for thermal and electric power loads;
performing a first analysis using a first operational strategy to generate a first future cost figure for the cost of operating the cogeneration system, wherein the first operational strategy includes generating at least some local electric power for powering the cogeneration system;
performing a second analysis using a second operational strategy to generate a second future cost figure for the cost of operating the cogeneration system, wherein the second operational strategy includes receiving at least some externally generated electric power for powering the cogeneration system;
comparing the first future cost figure to the second future cost figure; and
when the first future cost figure is different than the second future cost figure, selecting the operational strategy corresponding to a lesser of the first future cost figure and the second future cost figure.
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Abstract
A control system and method for achieving economic operation of CHP systems. A plurality of factors, including power source prices and operational needs, are assessed using multiple strategies. The solutions achieved by each strategy are compared, and the best performing strategy is selected. The solution can then be implemented. The assessment of factors and strategies can be updated periodically. A further embodiment includes a method of designing a CHP system using similar methods applied to simulated or estimated future loads and costs.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A controller for controlling the source of electric power for a cogeneration system, the cogeneration system including a local generator for generating local electric power, a fuel source, connections to an external electric power source for receiving externally generated power, and a number of operational components including heating and/or cooling devices, the controller configured to perform the steps of:
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estimating future load conditions for thermal and electric power loads; performing a first analysis using a first operational strategy to generate a first future cost figure for the cost of operating the cogeneration system, wherein the first operational strategy includes generating at least some local electric power for powering the cogeneration system; performing a second analysis using a second operational strategy to generate a second future cost figure for the cost of operating the cogeneration system, wherein the second operational strategy includes receiving at least some externally generated electric power for powering the cogeneration system; comparing the first future cost figure to the second future cost figure; and when the first future cost figure is different than the second future cost figure, selecting the operational strategy corresponding to a lesser of the first future cost figure and the second future cost figure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of operating a cogeneration system for providing electric power and thermal control to a facility, the cogeneration system including a number of operational components configured to provide power and one or more of cooling and heating, the method comprising:
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estimating future load conditions for thermal and electric power loads for the cogeneration system; performing a first analysis using a first operational strategy to generate a first future cost figure for the cost of operating the cogeneration system, wherein the first operational strategy includes using at least some locally generated electric power for powering the cogeneration system; performing a second analysis using a second operational strategy to generate a second future cost figure for the cost of operating the cogeneration system, wherein the second operational strategy includes receiving at least some externally generated electric power for powering the cogeneration system; comparing the first future cost figure to the second future cost figure; and when the first future cost figure is different than the second future cost figure, selecting the operational strategy corresponding to a lesser of the first future cost figure and the second future cost figure. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of operating a cogeneration system for providing electric power and thermal control to a facility, the method comprising:
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observing prices for a plurality of power and/or fuel sources; observing likely electric power and thermal load conditions for the facility; performing a first cost analysis using a first strategy for operation of the cogeneration system, wherein the first strategy includes using at least some locally generated electric power for powering the cogeneration system; performing a second cost analysis using a second strategy for operation of the cogeneration system, wherein the second strategy includes receiving at least some externally generated electric power for powering the cogeneration system;
selecting an operational strategy in light of the first and second cost analyses. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification