EP2883293A2

EP2883293A2 - Method for limiting the loading of electrical power transmission networks

Info

Publication number: EP2883293A2
Application number: EP13750671.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jörg STRESE; Gerd Hinüber; Christoph BUTTERWECK; Georg Markowz; Jürgen Erwin LANG; Rüdiger Schütte
Original assignee: Evonik Industries AG
Current assignee: Evonik Operations GmbH
Priority date: 2012-08-09
Filing date: 2013-08-08
Publication date: 2015-06-17
Also published as: DE102012107348A1; WO2014023792A3; US20150236511A1; WO2014023792A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for limiting the loading of electrical power transmission networks, comprising generating heat by operating an apparatus for oxidizing a hydrocarbon-containing gas, wherein optionally a required provision of heat from the oxidation of the hydrocarbon-containing gas is replaced by the provision of heat from electrical energy by means of an apparatus for providing heat by using electric current and the non-oxidized hydrocarbon-containing as is provided. The invention further relates to a system for carrying out the method.

Description

Method for limiting the load of power transmission networks

The present invention relates to a method for limiting the load of power transmission networks. The use of renewable energies, such as wind power, solar energy and hydropower, is gaining greater importance 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. A disadvantage of the use of renewable energies is the burden of electricity transmission networks. While conventional power plants can easily be built and operated near locations where power is needed, sustainable energy systems can only be installed in locations where wind blows or the sun shines.

Site-based energy sources based on wind and solar require the construction of new or existing power transmission networks. However, this expansion is expensive and requires extensive approval procedures. When the load limit is reached, the fed-in power must hitherto be reduced so that energy is lost.

In view of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for limiting the load of power transmission networks, which 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 a method for the use and / or chemical storage of relatively 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, it should be possible to carry out the method according to the invention 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 are solved as well as other tasks that are not explicitly mentioned, but which are readily derivable or deducible from the contexts discussed in the introduction, by a method having all the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous modifications of the method according to the invention for limiting the load of power transmission networks are provided in the subclaims 2 to 24 under protection.

The subject of the present invention is accordingly a method for limiting the load of power transmission networks, which is characterized in that the method of generating heat by operating an apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas optionally, substituting a required heat supply from the oxidation of the hydrocarbon-containing gas by the heat supply of electrical energy with an apparatus for providing heat by using electric power, and providing the unoxidized hydrocarbon-containing 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 use electrical energy that has been generated, for example, from renewable energies, including wind power or photovoltaics, without having to build new electricity transmission grids or expand existing grids. In this case, in particular in the case of a particularly high load, current can be converted into a storable form by means of the present method. In this case, it is possible to fall back on a parallel existing infrastructure whose load limit has often not been reached. In this context, reference should be made, in particular, to the efforts made to save energy through residential insulation and similar measures in other technical areas, which will reduce the burden on existing gas networks.

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 method is very high. This relatively low investment costs are necessary.

The present method can be operated very dynamically, so that in a very short time without loss of efficiency, a hydrocarbon-containing gas can be provided. 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 realoptional ity, as this gas and electricity are 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 method of the present invention is particularly useful for limiting the load on power transmission networks. Electricity transmission networks are present connections for the transmission of electrical power and / or energy. In this case, these networks are not subject to any particular limitations, so that DC and / or AC networks are encompassed by the present invention.

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 be transmitted only 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 high, ie if the current is too high, the temperature of the line increases, so that damage to the line 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.

Preferably, the load of the power transmission network prior to the use of electrical energy to provide thermal energy at least at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% and more preferably at least 95%, based on the maximum continuous load 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.

The power transmission network whose load is to be limited may preferably be connected to subnets or constructed of subnets. In general, power transmission grids, in particular grids, comprise high ones Work on voltages and transmit energy over long distances, several voltage levels. In this case, high voltages are suitable for transmitting high powers with a relatively low loss, but require very high safety precautions. For this reason, electricity is often transported over multiple voltage levels from the power plants to the small consumers who are supplied with 380 V or 220 V in Europe. Industrial bulk buyers and municipal utilities can be served with higher voltages. In general, at least three voltage levels are used, with supra-regional telecommunications networks generally at voltages of at least 200 kV, regional distribution networks generally in the range of 50 to 200 kV, preferably 60 to 150 kV and more preferably about 1 10 kV, medium voltage networks in the range of 1 kV to 50 kV, preferably 5 to 40 kV and low-voltage networks below 1 kV, preferably operated in the range of 230 V to 690 V. The individual voltage levels of a power transmission network are usually connected by transformers, optionally power transformers, which are operated in substations. The interconnected regional networks operated by TSOs are grouped in Europe to form a large network (UCTE interconnected network) to increase network security. The merger of various regional networks, whereby four transmission system operators are currently active in Germany, is carried out by switchgear. The substations and switchgear contained in a power grid represent nodes of the power transmission network.

Accordingly, the power transmission network whose load is to be limited is preferably connected to subnets or constructed from subnetworks. In this case, the term subnet means that the power transmission network is made up of subareas that can be in the same voltage level. This can be realized, for example, by the previously described switchgear at each voltage level. Furthermore, a power transmission network may have multiple voltage levels, such that the power transmission network may include, for example, a high or extra voltage level connected by transformers to one or more subnets operating at a medium voltage or a low voltage. Furthermore, provision can be made for the electrical energy, which is optionally used for heat supply, to be consumed within a subnet and provided by plants, preferably plants for generating electricity from renewable energies. Here is dispensed with the transmission of the current in another part of the power transmission network using the power line whose load is to be limited. Here, these sub-areas are defined by the circuits and / or transformers set out above.

The subnet can in this case comprise or be connected to several subnets. For example, the regional distribution network set out above can supply several medium-voltage networks, so that the regional distribution network can be regarded as a subnet and the medium-voltage networks as subnetworks.

The power transmission network can preferably be operated with a voltage of at least 10 kV, preferably at least 30 kV, particularly preferably at least 80 kV and especially preferably at least 200 kV. In a power transmission network connected to subnetworks operating at a lower voltage, this information refers to the voltage of the highest voltage network level whose load is to be limited.

The process involves the generation of heat by operating an apparatus for the oxidation of 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 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 noted that the production of electricity through a cogeneration plant at a high supply of electricity from renewable energy is not appropriate, as surplus 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. With the use of combined heat and power plants, a lot of gas is now saved in times of high supply of renewable energies, since the system can be switched off, whereby the heat requirement 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, i. H. 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 heat generating apparatuses are preferably designed so that they do not undergo overstress. 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 electric energy may 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 , These include, among other things, 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. Preferably, it can be provided that the method comprises the following steps: a) determination of the load of the power 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, as has already been defined above.

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.

The present method, as already stated, serves to limit the load on power transmission networks. In particular, this method can also be used to keep the load relatively low, with high supply in a subnet or subnet, as previously defined, using current at a high current supply to generate heat. 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 can be planned.

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 include 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 converted into heat not only at a high load of the power transmission network or a high supply but at 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 load on the power grid or the supply of electrical energy can preferably be determined promptly before the provision of thermal energy. Preferably, it can be provided that the decision with regard to the method 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 time period and / or time, via or to the 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 forecasting the load on the electricity transmission grid or 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. In this case, a prediction of the load of the power transmission network can be created, since this load can be predicted based on the data set out above and the network capacity.

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 forecasts become common 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, the energy source used to generate a necessary thermal energy can be adapted. 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 achieved, would have to be waived. By the present method, it is surprisingly possible to provide a hydrocarbon-containing gas, this gas being obtained by a avoided oxidation. The term "providing" in the context of the invention means that the unoxidized gas can be used for other purposes, among other things, storage of the unoxidized gas, delivery of the unoxidized gas to other customers and the use of the unoxidized gas as a raw material for example in the chemical industry for the production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), carbon disulfide (CS ₂ ) and methyl halides.

The present process can serve, inter alia, to obtain 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 gained. 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 also includes a gas saved over which the operator of the method according to the invention has dominion or which was previously in the possession and / or ownership of the same.

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 mains frequency to a predetermined nominal frequency compensation power is 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 too low a supply of energy into the network, i. 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, which is needed at too high a frequency, 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, which are more particularly defined 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) become. 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.

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. The resulting control power for the power grid is provided by the provision or storage of electrical Enables energy in the form of hydrocarbonaceous gas, which would have led to the release of carbon dioxide without the present method. 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. With an excess, ie a very high pressure in the network, according to the present invention gas can be used for the provision of thermal energy, while with a deficiency of gas in the gas network, electrical energy is used for the production of 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 out above can be combined so that the method can be used to provide control power to the power transmission network while providing control power to the gas network. This can occur simultaneously Energy taxes, ie a supply of gas into the gas network and electrical power are 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. At a diameter of steel ball of 40 m is a design for 10 bar appropriate, with 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, ie control energy for the gas network, can be ensured independently of other control devices.

It can preferably be provided that the gas inlet to the reservoir is at most 20,000 m, more preferably at most 10,000 m, and particularly preferably at most 5000 m from the gas inlet of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas. In the case of a combination of several apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas (pool of apparatuses for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas), the removal of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas, which has the smallest distance to the memory applies, wherein the information on the air line are related.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment it can be provided that the stored hydrocarbon-containing gas is stored at a 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 memory may be present, wherein the gas inlet to the memory at most 19,000 m, more preferably at most 10,000 m and most preferably at most 5000 m of the gas inlet of the apparatus for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas is removed, and at least one store, wherein the gas inlet to the store at least 20,000 m, and more preferably at least 50 km from the gas inlet of the apparatus for the oxidation 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.

Preferably, the hydrocarbonaceous gas provided may be fed into a natural gas network which is connected to a gas power plant. The transferred gas can be used in the gas power plant to generate electricity. Here, the power transmission network whose load is to be limited, preferably connected to subnets or constructed of subnets, wherein the electrical energy that is optionally used for heat supply, not generated in the subnet heat in which the gas power plant feeds electricity. Here, the definition given above applies to the description of the subnets.

As a result of this configuration, electrical energy can be provided in a subnetwork or subnetwork without an overload of the power transmission networks occurring. Thus, in one section of the power transmission network, the use of electricity provides gas, which is converted into electricity in another section. As a result, the gas network is used for purposes of power transmission. The aforementioned different subregions are defined here, as already explained above via the line whose load is to be limited.

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 temporarily exist as a "surplus" and lead to a heavy load on the electricity transmission network, as for the power plant operator a shutdown of the plant may be more uneconomical than a discharge of electricity below the cost price Energy can surprisingly be used to provide hydrocarbonaceous 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 install in 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 used in connection with the production of chemical products. In many plants, steam is generated centrally by 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. This can be used in particular smaller power generators, which are operated with gas and generate electricity and heat distributed for single-family homes, residential buildings, small businesses and hotels. 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 Overall performance of the network is not subject to any limitation, so that total power of at least 1 MW, preferably at least 5 MW, more preferably at least 50 MW and very particularly 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 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 with the apparatus for generating heat, a means for measuring the load of the power grid and a means for determining the need for thermal energy is connected, wherein the means for determining the need for thermal energy with the device to be heated is in communication. 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 designed very differently depending on the consumer, so that these apparatuses for generating heat can be formed directly in a device to be heated or at least one of the apparatuses for generating heat, for example by at least one Steam line or other 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. Furthermore, it can be provided that the control unit is connected to a means for determining the load of the power transmission network. In this case, the means for determining the load of the power transmission network can determine the load at one or more points of the power transmission network. Preferably, the nodes of the power transmission network previously defined in particular by substations or switchgear can have measuring devices which determine the load of the respective power lines. In general, the corresponding data can be determined on the switchgear and / or transformers described above, which are operated, for example, in substations, so that the means for determining the load of the power transmission network, for example as a power meter or as Temperature sensor can be configured, which determines the load of the power grid or the corresponding power line according to the previously defined method. Preferably, the controller is directly or indirectly connected to these systems or can receive the corresponding data active or passive. Thus, these data can be sent directly from the switchgear and / or transformers to the control unit. Furthermore, the control unit can receive these data from the switchgear and / or transformers directly or via databases by a corresponding query. For this purpose, the previously defined interfaces and data transmission devices can be used.

In this case, the control unit can be connected to a respective line with individual components of the system. Furthermore, however, these components can also be connected to the control unit via a single line. 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 using electric power 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 one needed for the heating processes Thermal energy can be provided in any case specifically by the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and / or by electricity.

By a timely response to a high load on the power grid or a 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:

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

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

Procedure and

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram for an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a schematic structure of a preferred embodiment of a plant for carrying out the method according to the invention. This plant comprises a consumer 1, which may be, for example, an industrial plant whose demand for heat can be covered either by means of an apparatus 2 for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and / or an apparatus 3 for the provision of heat by the use of electricity. The apparatus 2 for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas is passed through a gas line 4 is supplied with fuel, whereas the apparatus 3 is connected to provide heat by the use of electric power to a power line 5. The apparatuses for generating thermal energy heat a device 6 to be heated, the present representation being very schematic. In a household, for example, a boiler can be a device 6 to be heated, which can 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 6 to be heated is accordingly connected to the two apparatuses 2, 3 for the production of heat, wherein this connection can be configured very differently, so that these apparatuses 2, 3 can be formed directly in a device for generating heat or these apparatuses 2, 3 can be connected to the heating device 6 for the production of heat, for example by steam lines or other heat-conducting lines, as has been previously exemplified. The present system further comprises a control unit 7, which is connected via data lines 8, 8 'and 8 "with the apparatuses 2, 3 for generating heat and a means for determining the demand for thermal energy, which is not shown for reasons of clarity The means for determining the requirement of thermal energy is in turn connected to the device 6 to be heated, this connection being dependent on the method of determining the heat demand, the means for determining the requirement for thermal energy can be designed inter alia as a sensor, for example as a temperature sensor be, which measures the temperature of the device to be heated and transmits this measurement result to the control unit 7.

The embodiment set forth here shows a line to the individual components, but these components can also be connected to the control unit 7 via a single line. 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 7. With a further data line, the control unit 7 is connected to a valve 10 which is installed in the gas line 4 and with the use of electricity to generate heat gas via line 1 1 can divert into a gas storage 12.

Conventionally, for example, in long-term contracts, gas is purchased and used to provide heat, and when there is a high load on the power transmission network, the heating method is switched so that gas can be supplied. This gas, in the present case, is transferred to storage 12 and can serve various purposes which have been set forth above. For example, gas can be offered as control energy in the gas market. Furthermore, the gas can be sold, especially at a high price.

Furthermore, the control unit 7 is connected via data lines 13 and 13 'to nodes 14 and 14' of the power transmission network, which connect, for example, different voltage levels of the network or switch different subnets. These nodes can represent, for example substations with transformers or switchgear. The individual nodes 14, 14 'can be interconnected via power lines 15, 15'. Furthermore, the power grid may include power generation facilities 16 that provide power. The nodes contain means for measuring the load of the power network, for example temperature sensors or ammeters, the data obtained by this means being transmitted to the control unit 7 via the data lines 13, 13 '.

If, for example, a high power is fed into the network via the systems 16 for generating electricity, so that the power line 15 'is exposed to a very high load, power can be supplied to the load 1 via power line 5 for generating heat. As a result, the line 15 'is relieved.

2 shows 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. 2 shows various consumers 20, 20 'and 20 ", which are each connected to a gas line 24 and a power line 25. Die Consumers 20, 20 'and 20 "may, for example, be single- or multi-family houses or small businesses The heating system of consumers 20, 20' and 20" has, of course, at least one apparatus for oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and at least one described in more detail in connection with FIG 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 "which connect the controller 29 to the respective loads 20, 20' and 20". In particular, the control unit 29 transmits a heat demand determined by a corresponding mean, which can be determined via a sensor, for example a temperature sensor. To provide this thermal energy, the controller 29 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. The amount of gas released by the use of power can be taken from the gas network via gas line 31 and stored in gas storage 32 and provided.

The control unit 7 is connected via the data lines 33, 33 'with nodes 34, 34' of the power network, which are set forth in more detail with respect to Figure 1, which include means for measuring the load of the power grid, such as temperature sensors or ammeters. The data obtained by this means are transmitted via the data lines 33, 33 'to the control unit 7.

The nodes 34, 34 'are connected via power line 40. Here, node 34 is connected to a system 36 for power generation, such as a wind turbine via power line 38. The nodes have further power lines 41, 42, leading to nodes, consumers or power plants, not shown.

With a heavy load on the power line 40, electrical energy can be used via line 25 to generate heat. As a result, the load on the power line 40 can be limited. Referring to Figure 3, a flow chart for a preferred method of the present invention is set forth. In step 1, the thermal energy to be provided is determined. The determination method to be used for this purpose can be chosen 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 which calculates the required thermal energy from the difference between the actual temperature and the setpoint temperature and the electrical energy or energy required to achieve the intended setpoint temperature chemical energy in the form of gas transmitted to the control unit.

In step 2, the load of the power transmission network is determined. This determination can be made via appropriate means, such as temperature sensors or ammeters at nodes of the power grid and transmitted to a controller.

If the network load is low, the energy to be provided is generated by oxidation from a hydrocarbon-containing gas, as set forth in step 5. At a high load of the power transmission network can be queried in an optional step 4, 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. If there is an exclusion criterion, according to the present flowchart according to step 5, the thermal energy to be provided is generated 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 preceding description as well as the claims, figures and exemplary embodiments can be described individually, as well as in any combination essential for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

Claims

Patent claims

1 . Method for limiting the load on electricity transmission networks, characterized in that the method involves the generation of heat by operating an apparatus for the oxidation of a

hydrocarbon-containing gas, optionally one

required heat provision from the oxidation of the

hydrocarbon-containing gas is substituted by the provision of heat from electrical energy with an apparatus for providing heat by using electrical current and the non-oxidized hydrocarbon-containing gas is provided.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Power transmission network is operated with a voltage of at least 10kV, preferably at least 30kV, particularly preferably at least 80kV and particularly preferably at least 200kV.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hydrocarbon-containing gas provided is stored.

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrocarbon-containing gas provided is fed into a natural gas network which is connected to a gas power plant.

5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical energy, which is optionally used to provide heat, is at least partially made up

comes from renewable energies.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electricity transmission network, whose Load should be limited, connects at least two subnets or is made up of at least two subnets.

7. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power transmission network, the load of which is to be limited, is connected to subnetworks or is constructed from subnetworks, the electrical energy, which is optionally used to provide heat, within a subnetwork

consumed and provided by systems, preferably systems for generating electricity from renewable energies.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the subnetwork comprises several subnetworks or is connected to them.

9. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load on the

Power transmission network before the use of electrical energy to provide thermal energy is at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 90% and particularly preferably at least 95%, based on the maximum

Long-term resilience of the power grid.

10. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrocarbon-containing gas provided is fed into a natural gas network which is connected to a gas power plant and is used in the gas power plant to generate electricity, and the electricity transmission network, the load of which is limited is intended to be connected to subnets or made up of subnets, with the electrical energy being used either

Heat provision is used, heat is not generated in the subnetwork into which the gas power plant feeds electricity.

1 1 Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one within a specific

Thermal energy to be provided during the period can be selected Combustion of gas and/or through the use of electrical energy is provided.

12. The method according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the

specific period within which thermal energy is to be provided is at most 24 hours, preferably at most 12 hours, particularly preferably at most 6 hours and particularly preferably at most 1 hour.

13. The method according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the decision regarding the type of provision of the thermal energy is at most 12 hours, preferably at most 6 hours, particularly preferably at most 2 hours and particularly preferably at most 1 hour before the period within to which the thermal energy is to be provided.

14. The 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 system.

15. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratio of the heating power that can be achieved by gas to the heating power that is provided by electrical energy is in the range from 2:1 to 1:2.

16. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system with which the method is carried out does not include a heat storage device that can store more than the heat requirement of one week.

17. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical energy is provided by a

Resistance heating is converted into heat.

18. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical energy is converted into heat by microwaves.

19. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electrical energy is supplied by a

Induction heating is converted into heat.

20. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal energy is used to generate steam.

21. 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.

22. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is used in a combined heat and power plant.

23. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps a) determining the load on the electricity transmission network,

b) use of electrical energy to generate heat if the load on the electricity transmission network exceeds a predetermined value,

c) Use of gas to generate heat if the load on the electricity transmission network falls below the predetermined value set out above.

24. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat generated from electrical energy increases the temperature of a liquid by at least 10 ° C,

preferably at least 30 ° C, particularly preferably at least 60 ° C.

25. Appendix for carrying out the present procedure, thereby

characterized in that the system provides at least one consumer (1, 20, 20', 20") with at least one device (6) to be heated, at least one apparatus (2) for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and at least one apparatus (3). of heat by using electric current, wherein the device (6) to be heated is designed to be heatable both by the apparatus (2) for oxidizing a hydrocarbon-containing gas and by the apparatus (3) for providing heat by using electric current , and the system comprises at least one control device (7, 29), which is connected via data lines (8, 8 ', 8", 30, 30', 30") to the apparatus (2, 3) for generating heat, a means for Measuring the load on the power grid and a means for determining the need for thermal energy is connected, the means for determining the need for thermal energy being connected to the device (6) to be heated.

26. Plant according to claim 25, characterized in that the too

heating device (6) is a boiler.

27. System according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the system comprises at least one gas storage (12, 22).