REFERENCE PROJECT

TRUST IS GOOD, RESEARCH IS BETTER!

TU Munich investigates pioneering heating systems

TASK

At the research centre for combined smart energy systems, the Center for Combined Smart Energy Systems (CoSES) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), electricity and heat generators for different building types are compared with each other in a practical simulation. Highly efficient neoTower® CHP units from RMB/ENERGIE are used as a reference for combined heat and power generation.

There are various engineering degree programmes and apprenticeships in the field of technical building services that scientifically research the energy-related interrelationships of buildings and thus gain knowledge for future-oriented building technologies. One of these is the CoSES laboratory at the Munich Institute of Integrated Materials, Energy and Process Engineering (MEP) at the Technical University of Munich, which was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The neoTower 5.0 supplies the apartment block with electricity and heat
Oxytabs heating centre

SOLUTION

Like all components, the combined heat and power plants were selected through a tendering process. The requirements included operation with natural gas, condensing boiler utilisation, output modulation, external control and an output range of 1.5 to 2 kWel and 5 to 6 kWel. In the end, there were other reasons in favour of the neoTower® combined heat and power units, including the wide distribution of the units on the market and the uniquely differentiated range of 15 different CHP units in the output range between 2.0 and 50.0 kWel, which meant that a customised solution was available for every application. The appliances also impress with their compact dimensions, low noise level and simple connection options thanks to the ‘plug and play back panel’.

Daniel Zinsmeister, M.Sc., research assistant at TUM, also praises the first-class service provided by the North German manufacturer. From installation to commissioning and technical questions, the entire process was expertly supported by the factory field service – as is usual for all RMB/ENERGIE projects. Added to this is the perfected system monitoring during operation, which is offered by RMB/ENERGIE as standard.

CONCLUSION

In the CoSES laboratory, control approaches are tested experimentally under realistic conditions. The investigations revealed some revealing findings: A CHP unit does not always have to be used for base load supply. The heat source and electricity generation varies depending on the intelligence of the energy management system, time of day, consumer and PV output.

The results obtained are not only exciting for teachers, researchers and industry, but also for planners and tradespeople. They provide insights that have not yet been gained in any other way. This means that the CoSES laboratory has a lot to be proud of, which is confirmed by the researchers as well as external experts.

OVERVIEW

Customer: Technical University of Munich
Field of application: University
Location: Munich
Combined heat and power plant: 1x neoTower® 2.0 | 1x neoTower® 5.0
Gas type: Natural gas
Rated output – electrica: 2,0 kW | 5,0 kW
Rated output – thermal: 5,2 kW | 12,0 kW