DE102012107347A1 - Process for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas, comprising the generation of heat by operating an apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas, characterized in that optionally a required heat supply from the oxidation of the hydrocarbon-containing gas by the heat supply from electrical energy is substituted with an apparatus for providing heat by using electric power and the non-oxidized hydrocarbon-containing gas is provided. A system for carrying out the present method is also described.

Description

The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas, comprising the generation of heat by operating an apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas.

The use of renewable energies, such as wind power, solar energy and hydropower, is becoming increasingly important for power generation. Electrical energy is typically supplied to a variety of consumers via long-range, supra-regional and transnationally coupled power grids, or power grids for short. Since electrical energy as such can not be stored to a significant extent, the electrical power fed into the power grid must be matched to the power consumption on the consumer side, the so-called load. The load varies, as is known, time-dependent, in particular depending on the time of day, day of the week or season. Classically, the load profile is subdivided into the three areas of base load, medium load and peak load, and electrical power generators are suitably used in these three load ranges, depending on the type. A stable and reliable power supply requires a continuously balanced balance of power generation and power consumption. Any deviations occurring are compensated by so-called positive or negative control energy. Positive balancing power is needed when the normal power supply is too much behind the current power requirement to prevent an undesirable drop in the mains frequency and a breakdown in the power supply caused thereby. Negative control energy is required when there is an unexpected surplus of power generation resulting in an undesirable increase in frequency. In regenerative power generation facilities, the difficulty arises that in certain types, such as wind power and solar energy, the power generation performance is not available at any time and in a certain way controllable, but z. B. daytime and weather-related fluctuations is subject to only limited predictability.

Against this background, more and more options are being sought to compensate for the discrepancies between the provision of energy and energy consumption through the use of renewable energies, in particular wind energy and solar energy.

The previously proposed ways to temporarily store the existing in high excess electrical energy, consist in a transformation thereof into chemical energy, for example, the electrolysis of water to oxygen and hydrogen and / or the production of methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, hereinafter referred to as methanation ,

The publication DE 10 2009 007 567 A1 discloses a process for the production of methanol by utilizing carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas of fossil-fired power plants, cogeneration plants or other CO ₂ emitters, wherein the CO _{2 is} subjected to methanol synthesis with hydrogen, which is preferably generated from electrolysis with regenerative electrical energy, especially in low load phases of an associated power grid. The synthesized methanol may be temporarily stored in a methanol storage or supplied as fuel to a heating or power plant. A process-implementing power generation plant includes a combined heat and power plant, a wind, water and / or solar power plant, an electrolysis plant, each store for CO ₂ , O ₂ and H ₂ , a methanol synthesis plant, a methanol storage and a controller to these plant components for power generation in dependence from the power requirement to optimize utilization.

The publication DE 43 32 789 A1 discloses a method for storing hydrogen energy by reacting e.g. B. using solar or nuclear energy recovered hydrogen with carbon dioxide in methane or methanol, which then z. B. can be used as fuel for transport or incinerators.

The publication DE 10 2004 030 717 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for conversion and storage of regenerative energy by conversion to chemical energy using electrical energy and carbon dioxide, the chemical energy being re-supplied as chemical and electrical energy as needed. For this purpose, a cycle process is provided in which energy is converted from a geothermal or regenerative source into electrical energy, which is supplied to a consumer and an electrolysis device. The hydrogen obtained by the electrolysis is partly supplied to a consumer and partly subjected to a synthesis with CO ₂ from a CO ₂ storage to a hydrocarbon and an alcohol. The hydrocarbon, for. As methane is stored in an associated memory and partly supplied to a consumer, partly a Verbrennungsheizprozess, on the other hand oxygen is supplied from the electrolysis. Through a thermodynamic process, the combustion heating process generates electrical energy, which is supplied partly to the electrical load and partly to the electrolysis process. CO ₂ generated in the combustion process also becomes as stored CO ₂ , which comes from a CO ₂ recovery process, which is fed with CO ₂ from the hydrocarbon consumer.

Similar to the documents set out above also describes the document WO 2010/115983 A1 a power supply system comprising power generating means for regeneratively generating electric power to be fed into a power grid, hydrogen generating means for producing hydrogen using electric power of the regenerative power generating means, methanizing means for converting hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generating means and a supplied carbon oxide gas into a methane-containing gas, and Gas supply device for providing an additional gas or exchange gas in a variably predetermined, suitable for feeding into a gas supply network additive / exchange gas quality using the methane-containing gas from the methanization and / or hydrogen from the hydrogen production device.

The proposals set out above require very high investments, based on the storage capacity provided. These high investments result solely from the large number of components required to carry out the respective processes. Another major disadvantage is the high maintenance and service costs that result from the complexity of the above-mentioned plants.

Furthermore, the overall efficiency of these plants and processes is very low, since at least two reactions are necessary to obtain methane from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, namely the production of hydrogen from water and the reaction of the resulting hydrogen with carbon dioxide. Another impairment results from the nature of the intended use. The possibilities of storage of electricity described above compensate for fluctuations in power generation by renewable energies, which can be very considerable. Economically, however, chemical reactions can only be carried out at a high and permanent capacity utilization. Outside of this high utilization, the efficiency and the efficiency decrease. For these reasons, although the problem of efficient storage of electricity derived from renewable energies has been discussed since at least 1993, the techniques set out in the pamphlets have not been able to establish themselves, in this connection referring to the priority date of the document DE 43 32 789 A1 is referenced.

In view of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of using or chemically storing electrical energy that does not suffer from the disadvantages of conventional methods.

In particular, it was an object of the present invention to find ways that make it possible to reduce the apparatus and operating costs in terms of storage, transport and use of electrical energy over the prior art.

Furthermore, the method should be scalable, so that relatively small plants, which may also be modular, can be used to carry out the use or the chemical storage of small excesses of electrical energy. In addition, decentralized operation of the facilities required to carry out the process should be possible.

The method should continue to have the highest possible efficiency. Furthermore, should be able to be performed by the inventive method using the conventional and widely available infrastructure.

In addition, the process should be able to be carried out with as few process steps as possible, whereby they should be simple and reproducible.

Furthermore, the implementation of the process should not be associated with any risk to the environment or to human health, so that the use of substances or compounds that could be harmful to the environment should be substantially avoided.

Other tasks not explicitly mentioned arise from the overall context of the following description and the claims.

These and other objects which are not explicitly mentioned, but which are readily derivable or deducible from the contexts discussed hereinabove, are solved by a method having all the features of claim 1. Advantageous modifications of the method according to the invention for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas are disclosed in the subclaims 2 to 27 under protection.

The subject of the present invention is accordingly a process for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas, comprising the generation of heat by operating an apparatus for the oxidation of one hydrocarbonaceous gas characterized by optionally substituting a required heat supply from the oxidation of the hydrocarbonaceous gas by the heat supply of electric energy with an apparatus for providing heat by utilizing electric power and providing the unoxidized hydrocarbonaceous gas.

This makes it possible to provide a method of the type set out above, which has a particularly good property profile in an unpredictable manner, wherein the disadvantages of conventional methods can be substantially avoided.

In particular, it has surprisingly been found that this makes it possible to convert electrical energy, which was generated, for example, from renewable energies, including wind power or photovoltaics, by means of the present method into a storable form.

By the method, a hydrocarbon-containing gas, preferably natural gas can be provided without expensive large-scale systems would have to be set up and maintained for this purpose. Due to the small number of steps and the high efficiency with which electrical energy can be converted into thermal energy and used efficiently, the overall efficiency of the present process for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas is much higher than the overall efficiency described in the introductory part of this application Prior art method for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas, preferably methane. This requires significantly lower investment costs than methanation.

Furthermore, a methanation is carried out at very high temperatures, so that to increase the efficiency of the resulting waste heat must be recovered. However, this is associated with a very high cost.

The present process can be operated very dynamically compared to the methanation, so that a hydrocarbon-containing gas can be obtained in a very short time without loss of efficiency. Furthermore, the method of the present invention can be performed decentrally. As a result, the method can also be carried out during maintenance work on a part of the equipment used to provide a hydrocarbon-containing gas.

In addition, it is possible to convert existing plants in a relatively simple manner, so that with a small investment cost large savings in natural gas by appropriate use of "excess" electricity are possible.

Furthermore, the present method can increase the level of realism, since this makes gas and electricity interchangeable, so that both control energy for the gas network and control energy for the power grid can be provided.

In addition, the process can be carried out with relatively few process steps, the same being simple and reproducible.

Furthermore, the implementation of the method is not associated with a risk to the environment or the health of people, so that the use of substances or compounds harmful to health, which could be associated with disadvantages for the environment, can be essentially dispensed with.

The process of the present invention is particularly useful for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas. A hydrocarbon-containing gas is understood according to the present invention, a gas comprising high levels of hydrocarbons. These gaseous hydrocarbons include, in particular, methane, ethane, propane, ethene, propene and butene. In addition to gaseous hydrocarbons, the gas may also comprise other gaseous compounds. The hydrocarbon-containing gases include in particular natural and / or synthetically produced natural gas. In general, the hydrocarbon-containing gas used may have a proportion of methane, ethane, propane, ethene, propene and butene, preferably of methane, of at least 50% by volume, preferably at least 60% by volume and particularly preferably at least 80% by volume ,

The present method is for obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas. The term "obtaining" in the context of the present invention means in particular that domination, possession and / or ownership of this gas is obtained. The mere non-extraction of gas from a gas pipeline does not give ownership of a gas. Rather, a hydrocarbon-containing gas is obtained if the gas saved by non-consumption physical and / or legal rule, such as ownership or property is achieved. This can be the case, for example, if a hydrocarbon-containing gas is supplied via long-term supply contracts from a supplier, which must be accepted. Furthermore, the term Erlangen but also includes a gas saved over which the operator of the inventive method rule or which was previously owned and / or owned by the same.

The present process involves the generation of heat by operating an apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. The apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas is not specifically limited, so that gas burners, gas engines and gas turbines fall under this. In this case, gas burners can be used with low or high power, such as monobloc burners, which generally have a capacity of up to 10 MW, or larger burners, which often include a separate blower. Furthermore, the gas burner may have a separate pilot burner. Accordingly, the gas burner can be used in simple gas heaters or in devices for generating steam by burning gas.

Preferably, the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas may comprise a combined heat and power plant. Furthermore, the method of the present invention can be used in a combined heat and power plant. In this case, the combined heat and power plant or the combined heat and power plant may comprise a gas engine and / or a gas turbine.

By using a combined heat and power plant for carrying out the present method, surprising advantages, in particular with regard to the energy required to provide heat, can be achieved. Based on the gas used to generate heat and electricity efficiencies of over 100% can be achieved by the use of electricity instead of gas, these high efficiencies are achieved in particular by the fact that even in a combined heat and power plant waste heat is generated can not be used appropriately. Furthermore, based on the recovered or deliverable gas in a combined heat and power plant relatively low power for heat generation necessary. Since a combined heat and power plant also generates electricity in addition to heat, much gas can be provided even with a relatively small installed power of the apparatus for providing heat by using electric power. It should be remembered that the generation of electricity by a combined heat and power plant with a high supply of electricity from renewable energies is not appropriate because excess electricity can not be easily stored. In a combined heat and power plant, which generates approximately 40% electricity, 40% useful heat and 20% waste heat in relation to the energy content of the gas used, the installation of a heating power of the apparatus is sufficient to provide heat by using electricity of 40% to replace the useful heat output provided by the combined heat and power plant. On the other hand, however, the power of 100% of the gas required for this purpose is saved and can be provided.

Preferably, therefore, the ratio of installed heating power of the apparatus for providing heat by utilizing electric power to total power of the combined heat and power plant in the range of 1: 1 to 1:10, preferably 1: 1.5 to 1: 5 and especially preferably 1: 1.8 to 1: 4. The total output of the combined heat and power plant is calculated from the consumption of gas and thus represents the supply potential of gas through the use of electricity from renewable energy.

Surprisingly, the present method, in combination with the use of combined heat and power plants, furthermore offers the advantage of being able to reliably provide electricity even in a network with a high proportion of renewable energies. Renewable energies can not be provided in a predictable way. However, the necessary storage is relatively expensive, so that with a small supply of renewable energy, in particular solar or wind power, conventional systems are used. When using combined heat and power plants, a lot of gas is now saved in times of high supply of renewable energies, because the system can be switched off, whereby the heat demand can be ensured by the use of electricity. However, this gas can be used to generate electricity in times of low supply of renewable energies, so that the planning uncertainty associated with the use of renewable energies can be counteracted in an economical manner.

In addition to the above provision of heat from the oxidation of the hydrocarbon-containing gas, the present method further comprises an apparatus for providing heat by using electric power.

The apparatus for providing heat by using electric power is not subject to any specific limitations. Accordingly, the apparatus for providing heat by using electric power may, for example, convert electrical energy into heat through resistance heating and / or induction heating. Furthermore, electrical energy can be converted into thermal energy by microwaves, so that the apparatus for generating heat by using electric current can generate microwaves.

Preferably, a thermoelectric heating system in large quantities, ie between 0.5 MW to 1 GW, preferably 1 to 500 MW remove power from the network. In this case, a single component can achieve this heat output. According to a preferred embodiment, however, these services can provide this service through a pool of several partially separated units, these separate units preferably being controlled via a central control unit.

Furthermore, the power extraction from the power transmission network or the provision of electrical energy by an energy system, such as a wind turbine or solar power plant can be varied in time and in power, so that a very short-term response to changes in the supply of electricity or network load are possible. It should be noted here that the heat to be provided in a given period of time may be provided by the oxidation of gas. This can ensure the security of supply for end users or bulk buyers.

To carry out the present invention, apparatus and devices are preferably used which have low wear and low maintenance. Further, the apparatuses for generating heat are preferably designed so that they are not subject to overuse.

The type of apparatus for generating heat by the oxidation of hydrocarbonaceous gas or by the use of electrical energy is not critical. It is essential that the heat obtained by the stream can replace or substitute the heat obtained by the oxidation of gas.

The degree of substitution, ie the proportion of thermal energy which can be substituted by the use of electrical energy, is not critical here. Thus, the ratio of the heating power achievable by gas to the heating power provided by electrical energy can be in the range of 100: 1 to 1: 100, preferably in the range of 10: 1 to 1:10, particularly preferably in the range of 5: 1 to 1: 5, and more preferably in the range of 2: 1 to 1: 2.

With a very similar heat output of both apparatuses for generating heat, a very high degree of substitution can be achieved, so that surprising economic advantages can be achieved.

By the possibility of generating a necessary thermal energy either by electrical energy or by the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas, there is a joint control of the apparatus for providing heat by using electric current and the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas, so that a required amount of heat can be obtained either by electrical energy or by oxidation of gas.

The term control is to be understood here comprehensively, so that simple manual switching and / or connection of the at least two units for generating thermal energy is to be understood hereunder. According to a preferred embodiment, one or more control devices can be used to exercise the control, which can be operated particularly preferably via a common control panel. The control by these devices can be implemented semi-automatically or fully automatically. Preferably, the control can be supported by the use of a computer system. In this case, return signals can be taken into account in the control, so that the control can also be understood as a regulation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least two apparatuses for generating heat, namely the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and the apparatus for providing heat by the use of electric current, are preferably designed such that they have a good switchability. Furthermore, these devices are characterized by a good reproducibility of the controller.

The control of all units can here preferably be carried out jointly, in particular centrally, so that the internals for controlling the aggregates, in particular the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and the apparatus for providing heat by using electric current, devices which have a Enable communication. For this purpose, known interfaces and data transmission devices can be used, such as LAN (Local Area Network), Internet or other digital or analog networks.

The control of the at least two apparatuses for generating heat, namely at least one apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and at least one apparatus for providing heat by the use of electrical energy, also referred to herein as electrical current, can be effected in dependence on many different factors , For this These include the supply of electrical energy, the supply of gas and the load on the electricity transmission network.

Gas is usually offered and traded in long-term contracts, so that the supply of gas can often be regarded as constant. However, in exceptional cases, for example in the case of a technical defect or in exceptional circumstances, for example of a political nature or an enormous amount of self-consumption by the producer countries, the supply of gas may be unscheduled. Accordingly, the method of the present invention improves the security of supply in exceptional situations.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the use of electricity is preferably selected as a function of the supply of electrical energy. It should be noted that with a high proportion of renewable energy to generate electricity strong fluctuations in electricity supply can be expected because, as explained in more detail in the introduction, solar and wind energy can not be provided over a longer time horizon planned.

• a) Bestimmung des Angebots an elektrischer Energie,
• b) Verwendung der elektrischen Energie zur Erzeugung von Wärme, falls das Angebot einen vorgegebenen Wert überschreitet,
• c) Verwendung von Gas zur Erzeugung von Wärme, falls das Angebot den zuvor dargelegten vorgegebenen Wert unterschreitet.

A preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention comprises the following steps:

• a) determination of the supply of electrical energy,
• b) using the electrical energy to generate heat if the supply exceeds a predetermined value,
• c) use of gas to generate heat if the supply falls below the predetermined value set out above.

The supply of electrical energy can be ascertained, for example, via the frequency of the alternating current network, with an oversupply being present at too high a frequency, so that heat is generated with electricity. At too low a frequency gas is preferably used for heat generation. In Europe, the AC grid operates at about 50.00 Hz, in America at 60.00 Hz. To maintain these frequencies, depending on a frequency deviation control power or control energies provided, the responsibility for this is the network operator, who in turn acquires control power or control energy at companies , A detailed description can be found in Forum Netztechnik / Netzbetrieb in the VDE (FNN) "Transmission Code 2007" from November 2009.

Furthermore, the supply of electricity via trading platforms and / or through OTC procedures and an associated electricity price can be determined. With a low electricity price due to a high supply, electrical energy can accordingly be used to generate heat. Here, the threshold for the price of gas can be used, which is necessary to produce a comparable heat. Among the usable trading platforms are in particular power exchanges, such as the European Energy Exchange (EEX). Over-the-counter (OTC) techniques are trading practices that are conducted outside exchanges.

If the price for obtaining a certain thermal energy from gas is lower than the price for electrical energy, gas is generally used for heat generation. If the price for obtaining a certain thermal energy from electrical energy is lower than from gas, electricity is used to generate heat. At the same price, heat can be gained by using gas, electricity or a mixture of both. In determining the price, of course, additional costs have to be considered, such as gas storage costs, maintenance costs for the equipment, etc.

Preferably, a thermal energy to be provided within a certain period of time or at a particular time may optionally be provided by combustion of gas and / or by the use of electrical energy. Accordingly, it is preferable that the electric power is not converted into heat only in an excess but in a concrete demand existing for a given period of time and / or at a certain time. As a result, the storage capacity of the heat accumulator can be minimized, wherein in particularly preferred cases, no additional memory due to the execution of the present method must be used.

For example, it can be provided that the specific period of time within which a thermal energy is to be provided is at most 24 hours, preferably at most 12 hours, particularly preferably at most 6 hours and especially preferably at most 1 hour. In this case, these periods can also be given multiple times, possibly permanently in succession. However, it is essential that heat is provided only for a specific need, taking into account the temporal component of the demand.

The supply of electrical energy may preferably be timely determined prior to the provision of thermal energy. Preferably, it can be provided that the decision regarding the manner of providing the thermal energy at most 12 hours, preferably at most 6 hours, more preferably at most 2 hours, and especially preferably at most 1 hour before the time period and / or time over which or to which the thermal energy is to be provided.

Standard market inquiries can be used to determine the supply of electrical energy so that the decision as to whether a given thermal energy is provided via electrical energy or the combustion of hydrocarbon-containing gas depends on a specific offer price. However, surprising advantages can be achieved by making forecasts of the supply of electricity. In connection with the above-mentioned renewable energies, data from weather forecasts can be used in particular. Furthermore, historical data on the demand or consumption of electrical energy can be used to predict a possible excess of electrical energy that can be used to provide thermal energy.

The historical consumption data may include, for example, the course of the day, the course of the week, the course of the year, and other flows of electricity. The consumption forecast data can also take into account specific changes, for example, in the access or omission of a large consumer.

The weather forecast data can be generated over any period of time, but the reliability of the forecasted data decreases over longer periods of time. Therefore, the above predictions are usually made for a period of 30 minutes to 2 months, preferably 1 hour to 1 month, more preferably 2 hours to 14 days, and especially preferably 24 hours to 7 days.

The forecast can be created as required before the period to be forecasted, but with a very early preparation of the same, the reliability decreases. However, if the prediction is made very late, the options will decrease to influence a change. According to a preferred embodiment, therefore, many forecasts are performed in relatively short intervals, with the respective results to be understood as instructions for the future, so that a quasi-continuous adaptation can be achieved. Thus, in the event of a deviation of the actual consumption values or the power provided by the renewable energy from an earlier prognosis, an adaptation of the for the generation of a necessary thermal

Energy used energy source done. In this way, a very short-term adaptation of the source used for generating a required thermal energy can be achieved, without the advantages of an early release of an offer for the purchase of electrical energy, through the use of forecast data, in particular weather forecasts and / or consumption forecasts would have to be waived.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the use of electrical energy in dependence on the load of the power transmission network can be selected. This refinement of the method according to the invention makes possible efficient relief of the power transmission networks, which preferably operate at high voltages. This problem arises in particular due to the geographical constraints of power plants based on wind or solar energy. In this context, particular attention should be drawn to the high costs and licensing procedures associated with setting up new transmission grids for electricity.

• a) Bestimmung der Belastung des Stromübertragungsnetzes,
• b) Verwendung der elektrischen Energie zur Erzeugung von Wärme, falls die Belastung des Stromübertragungsnetzes einen vorgegebenen Wert überschreitet,
• c) Verwendung von Gas zur Erzeugung von Wärme, falls die Belastung des Stromübertragungsnetzes den zuvor dargelegten vorgegebenen Wert unterschreitet.

Preferably, it can be provided that the method comprises the following steps:

• a) determination of the load on the electricity transmission network,
• b) use of the electrical energy to generate heat if the load of the power transmission network exceeds a predetermined value,
• c) use of gas to generate heat, if the load of the power transmission network falls below the predetermined value set out above.

The load of the power transmission network in this case refers in particular to the load on the lines from which the power transmission network is constructed. Here, consideration should be given to the load on the lines connecting high power generation locations to the high demand locations. In general, multiple lines may be present between these locations, possibly using multiple nodes. It is essential that the load of all possible transmission paths is so high that an electrical energy or an electric power can only take place at the expense of a temporary overload of the transmission lines. For this purpose, it should be noted that the transmission lines are permitted for a certain current and voltage, the permissible current and voltage values being determined by the type of line, in particular the diameter and / or the insulation of the transmission line. If the load is too heavy, ie if the current is too high the temperature of the pipe rises, so that damage to the pipe is to be feared. Accordingly, these lines are manufactured for specific specifications known to the network operator, for example the distribution system operator and / or the transmission system operator.

Accordingly, a load can be determined in a conventional manner, wherein, for example, the temperature of the transmission line and / or the existing current can be used. The current intensity can be measured by induction, for example. The transmission system operator can allow short-term overloads.

The previously stated predetermined value, which serves to determine the type of heat generation, can be dependent on the requirements of the network operator and the accessibility of the power grid. Accordingly, the predetermined value can be in a wide range. This value may preferably be at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90% and especially preferably at least 95%, of the maximum continuous capacity of the power grid. The maximum continuous load capacity of the power network in this case represents the given by the current and voltage of the respective transmission line load capacity, which is given over a period of at least 20 h, without causing a measurable and permanent damage to the transmission line. This maximum continuous capacity is generally known to the network operator and may be dependent on the weather conditions. At a high ambient temperature, the transmission line may generally transmit a lower current.

By the present method, it is surprisingly possible to provide a hydrocarbon-containing gas, this gas being obtained by a avoided oxidation. The term "provision" in the context of the invention means that the unoxidized gas can be used for other purposes. These other purposes include, but are not limited to, storage of the unoxidized gas, delivery of the unoxidized gas to other customers, and use of the unoxidized gas as a raw material, for example, in the chemical industry for the production of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), carbon disulfide (CS ₂ ), and methyl halides.

Surprisingly, the present invention achieves an increase in realoptionality. In the context of the present invention, the term "realoptionality" is understood to mean the possibility of using a specific power or energy in various ways technically. Through these diverse applications, an improvement in the efficiency of the equipment and systems used can be achieved.

Thus, inter alia, provision may be made to use the method for compensating or mitigating fluctuations that occur through renewable energies, in particular through the use of wind turbines. For example, a customer can be offered the supply of a certain constant power into the power grid, with higher power, which occur in high winds, are used by the use of the present method for generating thermal energy through the use of electricity. This can improve the predictability of the network load.

Furthermore, the method can be used to provide control power or control energy to the operators of power transmission networks. As already stated above, the frequency of an alternating current network depends on the balance between injected and withdrawn power. If there is an excess of power fed in, the frequency increases; if it is too high, the frequency drops. To stabilize the grid frequency to a predetermined target frequency compensation payments are therefore required if unforeseen events occur. These include, for example, power plant failures, interruptions in the power transmission network or failure of large consumers due to unexpected defects. This target frequency is currently 50.00 Hz in Europe and 60.00 Hz in the USA, but this information does not limit the present invention.

To compensate for a low supply of energy into the network, d. H. a decreasing frequency, positive balancing energy is needed, which can be provided by increasing the feed-in, for example by increasing the power of a power plant, or by reducing the extraction of certain consumers, generally larger customers.

Negative control energy needed at excessively high frequencies can be provided by reducing the feed-in, for example by reducing the power of a power plant, or by increasing the extraction of certain consumers, generally larger customers.

At present, three different types of regulatory power are defined in Europe by the current regulations, in particular by the Union for the Co-ordination of Transmission of Electricity (UCTE) or its successor organization ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity).

The currently valid regulations (UCTE Handbook) also specify the respective requirements and the control power types. For example, the control power types have different requirements with regard to the time response to a frequency deviation. Furthermore, the previously defined control power types differ in the duration of the service provision. In addition, various boundary conditions apply with regard to the use of the control power.

In Europe, the associations described above define primary balancing power, secondary balancing power and minute reserve power. Primary control power (PRL) is provided by all integrated sources throughout Europe, regardless of the source of the fault. The absolute maximum power is to be provided at frequency deviations of minus 200 mHz and (absolute) below, the absolute minimum power is to be provided at frequency deviations of plus 200 mHz and above. In the range between 10 mHz and 200 mHz, the primary control power is provided substantially in proportion to the actual frequency deviation. From hibernation, the (maximum) performance must be provided within 30 seconds. The primary control power is usually procured by the network operator through a market where, for example, power plant operators or larger pantographs offer the corresponding primary control power.

In contrast to the primary control reserve, the secondary control reserve is not provided jointly in the European network, but separately in each control area by the respective transmission system operator. Secondary control power (SRL) and minute reserve power (MRL) to compensate for disturbances as quickly as possible and thus ensure that the frequency is again as fast as possible, preferably at the latest after 15 minutes in the desired range. In terms of dynamics, the SRLs and the MRLs have lower requirements (5 or 15 minutes to full service delivery after activation), and at the same time these services must be provided for longer periods than primary control capacity. Further explanations can be found in Forum VVT (FNN) "Transmission Code 2007" from November 2009.

In general, the providers of regulatory benefit must pass a prequalification procedure in which the requirements are specifically set out.

One of the purposes of the present method is to offer primary control power. This currently has to be offered symmetrically so that a provider has to provide both positive and negative balancing power. For example, in the context of the present method, a controllable power consumer can be used in combination with the previously described units for generating thermal energy. The controllable power consumers include, in particular, industrial installations whose power consumption can be reduced by providing positive control power. Examples include aluminum works or other electrolysis plants mentioned. In providing negative control power, it is preferable to use thermal energy through power instead of through oxidation of gas. Furthermore, it can also be provided to continuously use a certain electrical power to generate heat, which is optionally substituted by the use of gas, if positive control power is to be provided. Providing negative control power increases the heating power provided by electrical energy. Accordingly, this method is preferably characterized in that both apparatuses generate heat simultaneously, so that over a certain period of time heat is generated simultaneously by the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and the use of electrical energy. Depending on the control power to be provided, the oxidation of gas is reduced (negative control power) or increased (positive control power).

The current regulations in Europe, for example, require an offer from a band that is at least +/- 1 MW wide, and this service must be offered for a period of at least one week. The stated values can be increased by integer multiples, so that, for example, a band of +/- 2 MW can also be offered. The electrical power can in turn be generated by the operator of the process itself or purchased on the energy market.

Furthermore, the present method can be used to offer secondary control power. Secondary control power is offered or provided with less dynamics. Here, the transmission system operator (TSO) takes over the control of the system, is provided with the control power. Currently, for example, in Europe, the transmission system operator sets a target performance value every 3 seconds, which must be provided by the provider. With regard to the currently valid procedures, a capacity of 5 MW must be positive over a period of at least one week or 5 megawatts negative offer, which of course also integer multiples of these values, such as 10 MW, 15 MW or 30 MW positive or negative control power can be offered. It should be understood that these figures are presented to illustrate the present invention without any limitation thereto.

With regard to the provision of negative control energy, it should be noted that the unit for generating heat by electrical energy must provide these power values individually or through an aggregation of several aggregates in order to offer this power. In the provision of negative secondary control energy, ie the removal of energy from the network, is thus switched from a generation of heat by the oxidation of gas to a corresponding generation of heat through the use of electrical energy. On the other hand, it is also possible to provide positive secondary control energy, in which case switching from generation of heat by electricity to gas heating. It should again be noted that a negative secondary control power can be provided and offered without the simultaneous offering of positive secondary control power would be necessary. Furthermore, the provision of positive and negative secondary control power can be offered together.

Furthermore, the present method is also suitable in connection with the provision of minute reserve power. Similar to that presented above with regard to the provision of secondary control power, minute reserve power can be offered and provided as a negative control power independently of positive minute reserve power. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth above with respect to the secondary control power also apply with respect to providing minute reserve power.

Differences arise in particular with regard to the offer procedure and the duration of the service to be provided. Minute reserve service is offered in periods of approximately 4 hours, with the auctions being made the previous day's procedures. Under the current regulations, services of at least 5 MW and integer multiples of these are offered.

The statements made above with regard to the current regulations are presented to illustrate the surprising improvements, without any restriction being made thereby.

The above-presented realizations, which are made possible by the present invention, will again be presented in abstracted form.

Surprisingly, the present invention makes a contribution to the network stabilization even with unexpected fluctuations, which leads to a relief of the environment, in particular a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. This advantage is made possible by the provision or storage of electrical energy in the form of hydrocarbonaceous gas, which would have led to the release of carbon dioxide without the present process. In this case, the provision of negative control power is preferred because it does not require a permanent use of electrical energy. Thus, negative balancing power can be offered and provided without the combination of a large consumer of electrical energy. Positive control power can also be provided. However, this requires a permanent use of electrical energy to generate heat or a controllable, in particular throttleable consumer of electrical energy. In this context, the restrictable consumers include, in particular, industrial plants whose power can be reduced, such as, for example, electrolysis plants or aluminum plants.

Also in the gas network, the provision of energy is necessary to balance differences between forecast demand and actual gas demand. In general, control energy in the gas network is understood as the energy necessary for physical compensation in a gas network, the compensation being incumbent on the gas network operator. Balance-sheet imbalances are generally referred to as balancing energy.

The present method can thus be used to provide control energy to a gas network operator. For a surplus, d. H. At a very high pressure in the network, according to the present invention, gas can be used to provide thermal energy, while with a deficiency of gas in the gas network, electrical energy is used to recover heat.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention is characterized in that the hydrocarbonaceous gas provided is stored. By employing a gas reservoir, the real options set forth above can be combined, such that the method of providing control power to the power transmission network while providing control power to the gas network can be used. In this case, simultaneously occurring energy discharges, ie a supply of gas into the gas network and electrical power can be ensured in the power grid, in which case gas from the gas storage is used to fulfill the obligation. Furthermore, at a reception of electrical energy in providing negative control power for the power grid, obtained gas can be ensured even in an oversupply of gas, ie a low gas price or a rule need for negative control energy in the gas network.

By using a gas reservoir, a temporal decoupling can thus be achieved between the time of gas acquisition and the gas utilization, which leads to an unexpected increase in the possibilities that have been discussed previously.

The hydrocarbonaceous gas provided may be stored in an overground and / or underground storage. With regard to underground storage, among other things cavern storage and pore storage are to be mentioned. Porous reservoirs are very cost-effective to maintain, but have disadvantages in the injection and outfeed of gas. Furthermore, in underground storage, not all of the gas fed in can be recovered under economic conditions, with pore storage generally having disadvantages over cavern storage at this point, which is often considered as a cushion gas to account for the cost of gas storage. Pore reservoirs are often applied in depleted natural gas and / or oil fields. Furthermore, rock layers are suitable for the provision of pore stores, which are hydrous and whose water can be displaced by gas (aquifers). Cavern storage is created in rock formations (rock caverns) and rock salt formations (salt caverns).

Above-ground storage is often provided with techniques that reduce the volume requirement. For example, the gas can be stored as LPG at low temperatures or under high pressure.

Among the best known above-ground storage include spherical gas tank, which operate at a high pressure. With a diameter of the steel ball of 40 m, a design for 10 bar is expedient, whereby pressures up to 20 bar can be realized with a correspondingly thick wall.

Tube reservoirs are laid underground at shallow depths, with a hydrocarbon-containing gas, in particular natural gas at a pressure of up to 100 bar, being stored in tubes, which are preferably arranged in parallel.

Above-ground storage facilities, which also include tube stores due to their shallow depth, are characterized by a very high input and output rate. Accordingly, these memories are particularly suitable for providing control energy for the gas network.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a combination of the above-described memory, in particular a combination comprising at least one above ground and at least one underground storage, can be used, so that the advantages of above and below ground storage can be linked.

The spatial removal of all equipment and components of a system for carrying out the method according to the invention is not subject to any particular limitations. However, as already stated, the heat provided by the unit for generating thermal energy from electrical energy must be able to substitute for the thermal energy obtained by oxidation of gas. Accordingly, this results in a spatial proximity, but the units can be quite a few kilometers away in industrial plants.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the hydrocarbon-containing gas provided is stored in spatial proximity to the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. By means of this embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is surprisingly possible to ensure a minimal load on the gas network, so that, on the one hand, no entry-exit fees or other fees for using the gas network due to the under-consumption are to be paid. On the other hand, a physical control over the obtained gas can be ensured. As a result, the provision of control gas, d. H. Control energy for the gas network, be ensured independently of other control devices.

It may preferably be provided that the gas inlet to the reservoir is at most 20000 m, preferably at most 10000 m, and particularly preferably at most 5000 m away from the gas inlet of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. In a combination of several apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas (pool of apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas) in this case the removal of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas, which has the smallest distance to the memory, wherein the information on the air line are related.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment it can be provided that the hydrocarbon-containing gas provided takes place in spatial distance from the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. As a result, storage devices can be used for carrying out the present method, which are bound to geographic requirements, such as the pore and / or cavern storage previously described. Accordingly, it can be provided accordingly that the gas inlet to the reservoir is at least 10,000 m, more preferably at least 20,000 m, and especially preferably at least 50 km from the gas inlet of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. In a combination of several apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas (pool of apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas) in this case the removal of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas, which has the smallest distance to the memory, wherein the information on the air line are related.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one memory in the vicinity and at least one memory in spatial distance may be present. According to this embodiment, at least one reservoir may be present, wherein the gas inlet to the reservoir is at most 19000 m, more preferably at most 10000 m and most preferably at most 5000 m away from the gas inlet of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas, and at least one reservoir, wherein the gas inlet to the reservoir is at least 20,000 meters, and more preferably at least 50 kilometers from the gas inlet of the oxidation oxidizing apparatus, of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. In such a combination, the shortest distance for the memory in the vicinity and the largest distance for the memory in the spatial distance applies, the data being related to the straight line.

According to a further embodiment, the hydrocarbon-containing gas provided can be stored in the gas pipeline network by increasing the pressure.

The source of electrical energy used to carry out the present process is not critical. Accordingly, the electric power can be generated by nuclear power plants, coal power plants, gas power plants, wind turbines and / or solar power plants.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electrical energy which is optionally used for heat supply, at least partially originate from renewable energies, for example from wind power and / or solar energy.

However, according to the current legal situation, electricity generated by renewable energies must be fed into the grid without special needs and must be remunerated. Accordingly, conventionally generated electricity may be temporarily "surplus" because for the power plant operator, shutting down the plant may be more inefficient than delivering electricity below cost. This obtained by the continued operation of conventional systems electrical energy can be used surprisingly to obtain hydrocarbon-containing gas.

The thermal energy provided by an apparatus for providing heat by using electric power or an apparatus for oxidizing a hydrocarbon-containing gas can be widely used. Preferably, this can increase the temperature of a liquid. Furthermore, it can be provided that the heat generated from electrical energy and / or by oxidation of gas increases the temperature of a liquid by at least 10 ° C., preferably at least 30 ° C., particularly preferably at least 60 ° C. Here, the temperatures refer to the difference between the inlet temperature of the liquid in the apparatus and the outlet temperature of the liquid.

According to a preferred embodiment, the heat energy can be used to generate steam. In this case, in particular, the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas may comprise a device which can provide gas. Surprising advantages can be achieved if the apparatus for providing heat by the use of electric current also generates steam. This can be upgraded by surprisingly simple and inexpensive conversions existing systems, for example in the industry, in particular the chemical industry for carrying out the present method, without having to be built into the subareas of the plants comprehensive installations and controls.

The present method can be used in all fields in which heat is generated by oxidation of gas. These include heating systems in single-family or multi-family homes, municipal utilities that provide, for example, district heating, and industrial large-scale plants, especially chemical plants.

Surprising advantages can be achieved, in particular, in processes which are described in US Pat Related to the production of chemical products. In many plants, steam is generated centrally from the oxidation of gas, which is then used to heat pipes, boilers or evaporators. The present method, when using electrical energy to provide heat, may be modified such that the necessary heat is supplied directly to the devices or components to be heated, such as pipelines, boilers, or evaporators. This can be done by the use of microwaves, by induction and / or by resistance heating. As a result, energy can be saved surprisingly, since enter through the use of steam pipes heat losses. This advantage is made possible by the very precise temperature setting and the well controllable heat distribution of the current heated devices or components.

Furthermore, the present method can be carried out in particular in combination with a combined heat and power plant, preferably a combined heat and power plant, as stated above. In particular, smaller power generators that use distributed power and heat for single-family homes, residential buildings, smaller businesses and hotels that are powered by gas. These combined heat and power plants preferably have a power of less than 100 kW, more preferably less than 75 kW and especially preferably less than 50 kW. Here, these systems can be used in combination of several, so that a common control is available, which can be implemented centrally or decentrally. The total power of the network is subject to no limitation, so that total power of at least 1 MW, preferably at least 5 MW, more preferably at least 50 MW and most preferably at least 100 MW can be realized, this power represents the rated power under full load.

Furthermore, a plant for carrying out the present method is the subject of the present invention, which is characterized in that the system at least one consumer with at least one device to be heated, at least one apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and at least one apparatus for providing heat Use of electric power, wherein the device to be heated is designed both by the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and by the apparatus for providing heat by using electricity heated, and the system comprises at least one control unit, which via data lines is connected to the apparatus for generating heat and a means for determining the need for thermal energy, wherein the means for determining the demand for thermal energy is in communication with the device to be heated.

The term consumer is to be understood in the context of the present invention, which may be, for example, a single-family house, an apartment building, a small business or an industrial plant. A consumer comprises at least one device to be heated. This device is dependent on the type of consumer, wherein the device to be heated with the two apparatus for generating heat, namely at least one apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and at least one apparatus for providing heat by using electrical energy is connected , The type of connection can be made very different depending on the consumer, so that these apparatuses for generating heat can be formed directly in a device to be heated device or at least one of the apparatus for generating heat, for example by at least one steam line or another heat-conducting line may be connected to a device to be heated device.

The devices to be heated include boilers, which can be heated with a gas burner and / or a heating coil. For example, in an industrial plant, a gas powered steam generator may provide steam for various equipment, such as stills, reactors, or pipelines, which components may each be heated by heating coils, microwaves, or induction.

The process of the present invention may preferably be carried out with a plant comprising a controller in addition to an apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and an apparatus for providing heat by the use of electric current.

The control unit is preferably connected, inter alia, to the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and the apparatus for providing heat by the use of electrical current, so that data can be exchanged. This exchange of data may take place by the usual means and procedures previously described. Furthermore, the controller may be connected to a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, which determines the heat demand of a consumer.

In this case, the control unit can be connected to a respective line with individual components of the system. Furthermore, these components can However, can also be connected via a single line to the controller. In this case, for example, one or more distributors can be provided, which can collect the corresponding data of the individual components and forward them to the control unit.

Other features of the controller, in particular the configuration as a computer system and the implementation that the controller is equipped with communication devices, have been previously set forth, so that reference is made thereto.

Preferably, the system may include a gas storage. In this embodiment, it may be preferably provided that the control unit is connected via a data line to a valve which is installed in the gas line, which supplies the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas with gas and in the use of electricity to generate heat gas can divert into the gas storage.

According to a further embodiment, the plant of the present invention may comprise several consumers, for example, single or multi-family houses or small businesses. The heating system of the consumer each comprises an apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and an apparatus for providing heat by the use of electric current and a device to be heated. These components are preferably controlled in this embodiment by a common control over data lines. In particular, the control unit transmits a heat requirement that can be determined via a sensor, for example a temperature sensor. To provide this thermal energy, the controller may transmit appropriate control signals to the hydrocarbon-containing gas oxidation apparatus, to the apparatus for providing heat by use of electrical power, or to both apparatus.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the system has a means for determining the requirement for thermal energy, this device preferably being connected to the control device set out above. Furthermore, the means for determining the demand for thermal energy is in communication with the device to be heated. This connection with the device to be heated is not subject to any specific limitation, but arises from the method of determination by which the agent determines the heat requirement. These means include in particular sensors, for example temperature sensors and heat demand meters or other control units for setting a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature range.

Preferably, said means for determining the thermal energy demand or the controller may be provided with a unit consisting of the data provided by said means for determining the thermal energy demand and other data, for example historical data on historical consumption , Data on the heat capacity and the final temperature to be achieved or production data of chemical plants, calculated a thermal energy to be provided, which is optionally provided via the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas or the use of electrical energy.

Alternatively, it is sufficient that the means for determining the demand for thermal energy transmits a heat demand to the controller and when reaching a predetermined temperature also reports this event, whereby a regulation can be achieved. The thermal energy required in each case for the heating processes can in each case be provided in a targeted manner by the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and / or by electricity.

By a timely response to the supply of electricity and the substitutability arise advantages that exist in particular in a small size of a possible heat storage. For example, a preferred plant that performs the process does not require a heat storage that can store more than one week's heat requirement or more. Preferably, the heat storage capacity is at most 200% of the heat requirement of a day, more preferably at most 100%, and most preferably at most 50%.

Further embodiments of the system have been described above with respect to the method, so that reference is made to this.

Embodiments of the invention will be explained below with reference to three schematically illustrated figures, without, however, limiting the invention. Showing:

1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention for carrying out the present method;

2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a system according to the invention for carrying out the present method and

3 a flow chart for an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

1 shows a schematic structure of a preferred embodiment of a plant for carrying out the method according to the invention. This facility includes a consumer 1 This may for example be an industrial plant whose demand for heat optionally via an apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas 2 and / or an apparatus for providing heat by using electric power 3 can be covered. The apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas 2 is through a gas pipe 4 supplied with fuel, whereas the apparatus for providing heat by using electric power 3 to a power line 5 connected. The thermal energy generating apparatuses heat a device to be heated 6 , the present presentation is very schematic. In a household, for example, a boiler can be a device to be heated 6 be heated with a gas burner and / or a heating coil. For example, in an industrial plant, a gas-fired steam generator may provide steam for various equipment, such as stills, reactors, or pipelines, which may be heated with heating coils, microwave, or induction. The device to be heated 6 is accordingly with the two apparatuses for generating heat 2 . 3 connected, this compound can be designed very different, so that these apparatuses for generating heat 2 . 3 may be formed directly in a device or these apparatus for generating heat 2 . 3 For example, by steam lines or other heat-conducting lines with the heating device 6 may be connected, as has been previously exemplified.

The present system also includes a control unit 7 , which via data lines 8th . 8th' and 8th'' with the equipment for the production of heat 2 . 3 and a means for determining the need for thermal energy is connected, which is not shown for reasons of clarity. The means for determining the need for thermal energy is in turn with the device to be heated 6 connected. This connection depends on the method of determining the heat demand. The means for determining the demand for thermal energy can be designed inter alia as a sensor, for example as a temperature sensor, which measures the temperature of the device to be heated and this measurement result to the control unit 7 transmitted.

The embodiment set forth here shows a line to the individual components, but these components also via a single line with the control unit 7 can be connected. In this case, for example, one or more distributors may be provided, collect the corresponding data of the individual components and to the control unit 7 can forward. With another data line is the control unit 7 with a valve 10 connected, which in the gas line 4 is installed and when using electricity to generate heat gas via line 11 in a gas storage 12 can redirect.

For example, in long-term contracts, gas is commonly purchased and used to provide heat, and with a high supply of electricity, the heating method is switched to provide gas. This gas is present in memory 12 and may serve a variety of purposes previously stated. For example, gas can be offered as control energy in the gas market. Furthermore, the gas can be sold, especially at a high price.

In 2 a further embodiment of a plant for carrying out the present method is shown schematically, wherein the previously explained in more detail apparatuses for generating heat for reasons of clarity are not described. The 2 shows different consumers 20 . 20 ' and 20 '' , each with a gas line 24 and a power line 25 are connected. The consumers 20 . 20 ' and 20 '' may be, for example, single or multi-family houses or small businesses. The heating system of the consumers 20 . 20 ' and 20 '' of course has at least one in connection with 1 described apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and an apparatus for providing heat by the use of electric current and a device to be heated on. These components are controlled by a controller 29 via data lines 30 . 30 ' and 30 '' controlled by the controller 29 with the respective consumers 20 . 20 ' and 20 '' combines. The controller is transmitted 29 in particular a heat demand determined by a corresponding means, which can be determined via a sensor, for example a temperature sensor. To provide this thermal energy, the controller 29 corresponding control signals to the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas, to the apparatus for providing heat by the use of electric power or to both apparatuses. The amount of gas exempted by the use of electricity can be supplied to the gas network via gas line 31 taken and in gas storage 32 stored and provided.

In 3 Fig. 3 is a flow chart for a preferred method of the present invention. In step 1 the thermal energy to be provided is determined. The determination method to be used for this purpose can be selected very simply, for example by measuring the temperature of a component or a liquid. If the actual temperature is lower than the target temperature, thermal energy is required, which is provided in the subsequent process steps. In advanced embodiments, a means for determining or forecasting a required energy can be used for this purpose, for example a computer that calculates the required thermal energy from the difference between the actual temperature and the setpoint temperature and the electrical energy required to achieve the intended setpoint temperature or transmit chemical energy in the form of gas to the controller.

In step 2 the supply of electrical energy is determined. This determination can be made via a computer system which queries corresponding data in power exchanges or takes account of data provided by the power exchanges. Furthermore, as already stated above, the supply of electricity can also be provided the provision of control energy, in particular negative control energy.

If the supply of electrical energy is low, the energy to be supplied is generated by oxidation from a hydrocarbon-containing gas, as in step 5 is executed. With a high supply of electrical energy can in an optional step 4 be queried whether an exclusion criterion for the use of electricity is present. This may be, for example, a defect in the apparatus for providing heat by using electric current. Furthermore, however, an overload of the power grid can speak for the use of gas. If an exclusion criterion is present according to the present flowchart according to step 5 generates the thermal energy to be provided by the use of gas.

If no exclusion criterion is given, the heat to be provided is effected by the use of electrical energy according to the present flow diagram.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, as well as the claims, figures and embodiments may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009007567 A1 [0005]
• DE 4332789 A1 [0006, 0010]
• DE 102004030717 A1 [0007]
• WO 2010/115983 A1 [0008]

Claims (30)

A method of obtaining a hydrocarbon-containing gas comprising generating heat by operating an apparatus for oxidizing a hydrocarbon-containing gas, characterized by optionally providing a required heat supply from the oxidation of the hydrocarbon-containing gas by the heat supply of electrical energy with an apparatus for providing is substituted by heat by using electric power and the unoxidized hydrocarbon gas is provided. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the provided hydrocarbonaceous gas is stored. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the provided hydrocarbonaceous gas is stored in a pore storage, a cavernous storage, a tube storage, a ball storage or a combination of these memories. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the provided hydrocarbon-containing gas is stored in the gas pipeline network by pressure increase. Method according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the provided hydrocarbon-containing gas is stored in spatial proximity to the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the gas inlet to the reservoir is at most 10000 m from the gas inlet of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. Method according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the provided hydrocarbon-containing gas is stored in spatial distance from the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the gas inlet to the reservoir is at least 10000 m away from the gas inlet of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical energy which is optionally used for heat supply, at least partially originates from renewable energies. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the use of electrical energy in dependence on the supply of electrical energy is selected. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the use of electrical energy in dependence on the load of the power transmission network is selected. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a thermal energy to be provided within a certain period of time is optionally provided by combustion of gas and / or by the use of electrical energy. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the determined period of time within which a thermal energy is to be provided is at most 24 hours, preferably at most 12 hours, particularly preferably at most 6 hours and especially preferably at most 1 hour. A method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the decision regarding the manner of providing the thermal energy is at most 12 hours, preferably at most 6 hours, more preferably at most 2 hours and especially preferably at most 1 hour before the period within which the thermal Energy is to be provided. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas comprises a combined heat and power plant. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the heating power achievable by gas to the heating power provided by electrical energy is in the range of 2: 1 to 1: 2. A method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plant, with which the method is carried out, does not include a heat storage, which can store more than the heat requirement of one week. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical energy is converted by a resistance heating into heat. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical energy is converted into heat by microwaves. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electrical energy is converted by an induction heater into heat. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat energy is used to generate steam. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is used in connection with the production of chemical products. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is used in a combined heat and power plant. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a) determining the supply of electrical energy, b) using the electrical energy to generate heat if the supply exceeds a predetermined value, c) using gas for generating heat if the supply falls below the predetermined value set out above. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that weather forecast data are used to determine the supply of electrical energy, which preferably originates from renewable energies. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a) determining the load of the power transmission network, b) using the electrical energy to generate heat, if the load of the power transmission network exceeds a predetermined value, c) using Gas for generating heat, if the load of the power transmission network falls below the predetermined value set out above. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat generated from electrical energy and / or by oxidation of gas increases the temperature of a liquid by at least 10 ° C, preferably at least 30 ° C, particularly preferably at least 60 ° C. Plant for carrying out the present method, characterized in that the plant at least one consumer ( 1 . 20 . 20 ' . 20 '' ) with at least one device to be heated, at least one apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas ( 2 ) and at least one apparatus for providing heat by using electric power ( 3 ), wherein the device to be heated ( 6 ) by both the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas ( 2 ) and by the apparatus for providing heat by the use of electric current ( 3 ) is designed to be heated, and the system at least one control unit ( 7 . 29 ), which via data lines ( 8th . 8th' . 8th'' . 30 . 30 ' . 30 '' ) with the apparatus for generating heat ( 2 . 3 ) and a means for determining the need for thermal energy, wherein the means for determining the need for thermal energy with the device to be heated ( 6 ). Plant according to claim 28, characterized in that the device to be heated ( 6 ) is a boiler. Plant according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the plant at least one gas storage ( 12 . 22 ).

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