Combination of a vacuum solar collector system and an internal combustion engine in a local heat network

Different measures to reduce the space heating consumption can contribute to a more rational use of energy. Such measures are for example the use of solar collectors and the application of the principle of cogeneration by block-type thermal power stations (BTP) with internal combustion engines. This contribution presents some part of the results of an investigation in which the dimensioning of an internal combustion engine under the special conditions of the combination with a solar-heating system was analyzed. Concerning the course of the yearly duration curve which is an important criterion in dimensioning a BTP it can be found out that the shape of the course looks like a step. This is suitable for the block-type thermal power station if the thermal power of the combustion engine modules is chosen in a way that they fit in these steps.