Dealing with energy surpluses and / or deficits in local energy systems

Abstract

A method for handling excess or shortage of energy in a local energy system (30) is proposed. The method comprises: determining (S1) an energy state of the local energy system (30) based on data related to the local energy system (30); for each of a plurality of mobile devices (10) including an energy accumulator (20), determining (S2) an energy accumulator state based on energy accumulator data related to the corresponding mobile device (10); scoring (S3) each of the mobile devices (10) based on the determined corresponding energy accumulator state and the determined energy state; and selecting (S4) a mobile device (10) to which at least one of control information or navigation information associated with the local energy system (30) is to be sent from the plurality of mobile devices (10) based on the corresponding score of each of the plurality of mobile devices (10); and sending the control information and / or the navigation information to the selected mobile device (10). A server (40) configured to handle excess or shortage of energy in a local energy system is also proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to handling energy surplus and / or deficit in local energy systems.

[0002] The invention also relates to a server configured to handle energy surplus and / or shortage in a local energy system. Background Art

[0003] Electric energy is increasingly generated in local energy systems. Examples of local energy systems are solar panels and windmills. Such local energy systems may increase the variation in the electricity produced over time, not only with the seasons, but also with the time of day. This is due, for example, to variations in the sun and the wind. Due to these variations, sometimes a particular local energy system may have excess energy, and sometimes that particular local energy system may have insufficient energy. Further, a movable device including an energy accumulator, such as an electric vehicle, may also be considered a local energy system. Likewise, a local energy system in the form of a movable device including an energy accumulator may sometimes include excess energy, and sometimes have insufficient energy. Therefore, there is a need to deal with excess or insufficient energy in local energy systems. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide means for handling energy surplus and / or shortage in a local energy system.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a method for handling excess or shortage of energy in a local energy system is provided. The method comprises:

[0006] determining an energy state of the local energy system based on data related to the local energy system;

[0007] For each of a plurality of movable devices including an accumulator, determining an accumulator state based on accumulator data associated with the corresponding movable device;

[0008] scoring each of the movable devices based on the determined corresponding accumulator state and the determined energy state;

[0009] selecting, among the plurality of mobile devices, a mobile device to which to transmit at least one of control information or navigation information associated with the local energy system based on the respective scores of each of the plurality of mobile devices; and

[0010] The control information and / or the navigation information is sent to the selected removable device.

[0011] In conjunction with the present disclosure, the term "energy state of a local energy system" should be understood as the energy-related state of the local energy system, i.e., whether the local energy system needs energy or has excess energy available. The energy state of the local energy system may also indicate how much energy is needed or how much energy is available. The energy state of the local energy system may also indicate when energy is needed or when energy is available.

[0012] In conjunction with the present disclosure, the term "accumulator state" should be understood as the energy-related state of the accumulator, i.e., whether the accumulator requires energy or has excess available energy. The state of the accumulator may also indicate the current state of charge of the accumulator together with the minimum and / or maximum state of charge of the accumulator. The state of the accumulator may also indicate the desired state of charge of the accumulator. The state of the accumulator may also indicate the point in time at which the desired state of charge is to be reached.

[0013] In this way, a mobile device can be selected, directed to a local energy system currently in a state of excess energy produced and recharged at the local energy system. Mobile devices that are traditionally powered by burning fossil fuels in engines are increasingly powered by electric motors (instead of or in addition). Therefore, mobile devices can be propelled by electric motors. Non-limiting examples of such mobile devices are cars, buses, trucks, drones, robots, lawn mowers, ships, airplanes and helicopters. The energy that powers the electric motor is usually stored in an accumulator of the mobile device. According to a non-limiting example, the accumulator can be a battery. The battery can store electricity electrochemically. According to a non-limiting example, the accumulator can be a hydrogen tank. The hydrogen tank can store hydrogen, which can then be converted into electricity in a fuel cell. Similarly, if the local energy system is currently in a state of deficiency, that is, not generating enough energy for some reason, the mobile device can be directed to the local energy system and release some energy to it. In this way, the local energy system can handle energy excess or deficiency by utilizing the activities of the mobile devices in its area, thereby coordinating with the expected behavior of these mobile devices stopping due to charging or other reasons. By matching the accumulator status of the mobile device and possibly other needs with the current local energy system needs, energy supply and demand can be matched on a local scale. This can reduce the need for fixed accumulators at the local energy system. Otherwise, such fixed accumulators at the local energy system would be needed in order to store excess energy when there is excess energy generation at the local energy system for use when there is insufficient energy generation at the local energy system.

[0014] According to a specific example, the selection action includes selecting a mobile device to which the control information associated with the local energy system is to be sent among the multiple mobile devices, and the sending action includes sending the control information to the selected mobile device. According to this example, the selected mobile device may already exist in the local energy system. According to this example, the local energy system may be a mobile device parked in a parking lot. The local energy system in the form of a mobile device may need energy. The selected mobile device may be one of one or more mobile devices also parked in the same parking lot. Therefore, the selected mobile device can share excess energy with the local energy system in the form of a mobile device. The local energy system in the form of a mobile device may have excess energy. The selected mobile device may be one of one or more mobile devices also parked in the same parking lot. Therefore, the selected mobile device can obtain excess energy from the local energy system in the form of a mobile device. Therefore, a group of mobile devices can be parked in a parking lot, and the method can be used to decide which of these devices to charge / discharge according to the needs of the mobile device, wherein one of these mobile devices will be regarded as a local energy system. The selected mobile device and the local energy system can be connected to each other at the local charging / discharging system of the parking lot.

[0015] The accumulator data may include the current state of charge of the accumulator, the minimum state of charge of the accumulator, and / or the maximum state of charge of the accumulator. Including the maximum state of charge, the minimum state of charge, and / or the current state of charge may enable a more informed estimation of the needs of the movable device relative to the needs of the local energy system.

[0016] The accumulator data may include the desired state of charge of the accumulator. In this way, the mobile device can be charged or discharged at the local energy system as needed, while still enabling the accumulator to have the desired state of charge when the mobile device is activated again for movement. For example, it may be known that typical use of the mobile device only requires a portion (e.g., half) of the available maximum capacity of the accumulator. Therefore, the mobile device can release any energy in excess of this portion to the local energy system that needs the energy. By understanding the desired state of charge, a better match can be found, which better match means a better match between the energy supply and demand between the mobile device and the local energy system. In this way, the total energy waste can be reduced.

[0017] The desired state of charge may include a range of states of charge. In this way, the mobile device may be charged / discharged within its desired state of charge range to a point selected so as to more closely meet the needs of the local energy system to provide / absorb energy. Thus, the needs of the local energy system may be more optimally weighed against the needs of the mobile device.

[0018] The action of scoring each of the movable devices may include estimating the energy cost for moving the movable device to the local energy system. The action of moving the movable device refers to transporting the movable device to the corresponding local energy system. The movement action may include one or more of driving, flying, propulsion, or any other activity mode of transporting the movable device to the corresponding local energy system. For example, in this way, movable devices that cannot reach the local energy system may not be considered. Further, movable devices that are within the reach of the local energy system but are too close to be effectively stopped due to insufficient charging of the accumulator of the movable device may also not be considered. In addition, the time spent by the charging / discharging movable device on the local energy system can be more closely optimized to meet the needs of the movable device.

[0019] The data related to the accumulator may include an expected operating time of the movable device including the accumulator. The expected operating time may include a start time of the operating time. The expected operating time may include an end time of the operating time. The operation start time may be expressed as a time to leave the local energy system. For example, when the owner of the electric vehicle returns (e.g., after get off work), the electric vehicle may want to leave the local energy system.

[0020] Further, the act of scoring each of the local energy systems may include an expected arrival time of the mobile device to the corresponding local energy system.

[0021] The data related to the local energy system may be related to the amount of energy available for transfer from the local energy system. This allows the selection of mobile devices that may be more in need of charging energy. Conversely, the data may prevent mobile devices with a state of charge higher than their desired level from being directed to a local energy system that requires energy removal. The data related to the local energy system may be related to the available time periods for energy. This enables more sensible planning of charging / discharging activities of mobile devices. For example, a local energy system based on solar panels may not be suitable for nighttime charging activities. The available time period may be measured by hour or part of a day.

[0022] The data relating to the local energy system may relate to the energy need of the local energy system, i.e. the amount of energy required by the local energy system. This allows the selection of a mobile device with a state of charge higher than required, which can release energy to the local energy system that needs energy. The data relating to the local energy system may relate to the time period of energy need.

[0023] By understanding the current excess or shortage of energy in the local energy system, the energy supply and demand between multiple mobile devices and the local energy system can be better matched. In this way, the total energy waste can be reduced.

[0024] The method may further include directing the selected movable device to the local energy system.

[0025] The local energy system may be associated with a geographical location. The current location of a plurality of movable devices may be determined. This may be done, for example, using a GPS unit.

[0026] The method may further include determining navigation data related to the geographic location of the local energy system and the current geographic location of one or more of the mobile devices. The action of guiding the selected mobile device may include providing navigation data to a navigator of the selected mobile device. This enables navigation of the mobile device to the local energy system. This may be necessary for the autonomous mobile device to move to the local energy system and / or may be helpful to an operator.

[0027] The local energy system may include one or more of the following: solar panels, wind turbines, thermal generators, another mobile device including energy storage, a district heating system, a district cooling system, or a shared heating and cooling thermal system such as ectogrid TM , see, for example, WO 2017 / 076868. A local energy system may be a solar panel parking lot comprising a group of solar panels. A local energy system may be a wind turbine parking lot comprising a group of wind turbines. A local energy system will be regarded as an energy system that generates and / or uses energy locally. In this context, local should be interpreted as within a limited space. For example, a local energy system may be arranged in a vehicle, in a house, in a house, or in an area of ​​a city. According to a non-limiting example, a local energy system is an energy system that is configured to generate energy primarily locally and consume locally generated energy locally. Therefore, the energy generated is preferably consumed at the same place where it is generated. However, in some cases, such a local energy system may require additional energy or may require the removal of excess energy. The present invention provides means for this.

[0028] The method may further include identifying the plurality of removable devices as removable devices currently located within a predetermined geographic area.

[0029] According to a second aspect, a server configured to handle energy surplus or shortage in a local energy system is provided. The server comprises:

[0030] a receiver configured to receive data related to the local energy system and to receive energy accumulator data related to a plurality of movable devices each including an energy accumulator, and

[0031] A control circuit, the control circuit being configured to:

[0032] determining an energy state of the local energy system using a local energy system state determination function, wherein the energy state is based on data related to the local energy system;

[0033] determining an accumulator state of each of the movable devices using an accumulator determination function, wherein the accumulator state of each movable device is based on accumulator data of the corresponding movable device;

[0034] scoring each of the removable devices using a scoring function, wherein each score is based on the corresponding determined energy storage state and the determined energy state; and

[0035] selecting, using the scoring function, a mobile device among the plurality of mobile devices to which at least one of control information or navigation information associated with the local energy system is to be transmitted;

[0036] The receiver is further configured to send the control information and / or navigation information associated with the local energy system to the selected movable device.

[0037] As described in connection with the method according to the first aspect, such a server may enable a movable device traversing a zone to contact the server and regulate its energy needs using a local energy system in the zone.

[0038] The above-mentioned features of the method also apply to this second aspect where applicable. To avoid excessive repetitions, reference is made to the above.

[0039] According to the detailed description given below, the further applicable scope of the present invention will become clear. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating the preferred embodiments of the present invention, are only given in an illustrative manner, because those skilled in the art will clearly understand various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on this detailed description.

[0040] Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific components of the described equipment or the actions of the described methods, because such equipment and methods can be changed. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. It must be noted that, unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean one or more of the elements present. Therefore, for example, mentioning "unit" or "the unit" can include several devices, etc. In addition, the words "comprising", "including", "containing" and similar terms do not exclude other elements or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention. The drawings should not be considered to limit the invention to the specific embodiments; rather they are used to explain and understand the invention.

[0042] As shown in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the overall structure of embodiments of the present invention.Throughout the text, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0043] Figure 1 Multiple mobile devices, servers, and local energy systems interconnected in a communication network are shown.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the server.

[0045] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for directing a movable device to a local energy system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to achieve thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to the skilled person.

[0047] Figure 1A communication network including a plurality of mobile devices 10A, 10B, 10C, a local energy system 30 and a server 40 is shown. The mobile devices 10A, 10B, 10C, the local energy system 30 and the server 40 are configured to communicate with each other. The communication is preferably wireless communication. Such communication is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein.

[0048] Each of the mobile devices 10A, 10B, 10C is shown as an electric car in this case. An electric car is just one example of the mobile device 10. The mobile device 10 can be any device configured to be propelled by an electric motor. Further, non-limiting examples of mobile devices are: buses, trucks, drones, robots, lawn mowers, boats, airplanes and helicopters. The energy that powers the electric motor is usually stored in an accumulator 20 of the mobile device 10. According to a non-limiting example, the accumulator 20 can be a battery. The battery can store electricity electrochemically. According to another non-limiting example, the accumulator can be a hydrogen tank that stores hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be converted into electricity in a fuel cell. Therefore, the accumulator 20 can save electricity, and the mobile device 10 can use the electricity for different purposes, such as propelling the mobile device. Further, the accumulator 20 can be configured to discharge at a local energy system. Many mobile devices include accumulators with considerable capacity. For example, electric vehicles on the market today can include batteries with a capacity of approximately 40-120kWh. This may be enough to serve as a backup power source for a local energy system for hours or even days. Especially because some of the electric vehicles can discharge their energy accumulators in addition to charging them. The latter can be referred to as a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system. Therefore, the mobile device 10 including the V2G system can not only charge the on-board energy accumulator 20, but also discharge it to the local energy system. Therefore, the on-board energy accumulator 20 of the mobile device 10 can be used as a backup energy accumulator for the local energy system. When not referring to a specific mobile device 10A, 10B, 10C, the term "mobile device 10" will be used throughout the specification. Each mobile device 10 can be associated with a current geographic location. To this end, each mobile device 10 can be equipped with a GPS unit.

[0049] The local energy system 30 is depicted as a wind turbine. It should be appreciated that the local energy system 30 may alternatively be a solar panel, a thermal generator, a district heating system, a district cooling system, a shared heating and cooling system, or any other local energy generation system. The local energy system 30 may even be another movable device 10 with an accumulator 20. The local energy system 30 may be associated with a geographic location. A geographic location is a location where energy can be extracted from or input to the local energy system 30. The local energy system 30 may include an accumulator. The local energy system 30 does not need to include an accumulator, and energy, such as electricity, may be generated alternatively only when connected to an energy consuming device (such as a movable device 10 or any other type of energy consuming device). Excess energy of the local energy system 30 may be stored at an accumulator connected to the local energy system 30. The accumulator connected to the local energy system 30 may be a fixed accumulator belonging to the local energy system. Alternatively, or in combination, the accumulator connected to the local energy system 30 may be an accumulator of a movable device 10 connected to the local energy system 30.

[0050] Due to the potentially large fluctuations in energy production in the local energy systems, accumulators may be required. Designing fixed accumulators for the worst case scenario for each local energy system is associated with an increased cost in the total cost of the energy system. Therefore, V2G systems can be used to alleviate the problem of excess energy in one local energy system and insufficient energy in another local energy system at a certain moment.

[0051] Combination Figure 2 Schematically shown is a more detailed schematic diagram of a server 40. The server 40 comprises a transceiver 42, a control circuit 44 and a memory 48.

[0052] The transceiver 42 is configured to communicate with a plurality of mobile devices 10 individually. The transceiver 42 is configured to communicate with the local energy system 30. Therefore, the transceiver 42 enables the server 40 to establish communication with other devices such as the mobile devices 10 and the local energy system 30. That is, the local energy system 30 and each of the plurality of mobile devices 10 also include a corresponding transceiver for communicating with the server 40. Communication may include data transfer, etc. Data transfer may include, but is not limited to, downloading and / or uploading data and receiving or sending messages. Data may be processed by the server 40, each of the plurality of mobile devices 10, and / or the local energy system 30. Processing may include storing data in a memory (e.g., a memory 48 of the server 40), performing operations or functions, etc.

[0053] The control circuit 44 is configured to perform overall control of the functions and operations of the server 40. The control circuit 44 may include a processor 46, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller or a microprocessor. The processor 46 is configured to execute program codes stored in the memory 48 to perform the functions and operations of the server 40.

[0054] The memory 48 may be one or more of a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory 48 may include a non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and a volatile memory used as a system memory for the control circuit 48. The memory 48 may exchange data with the control circuit 44 via a data bus. There may also be accompanying control lines and an address bus between the memory 48 and the control circuit 44.

[0055] The functions and operations of the server 40 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 48) of the server 40 and executed by the control circuit 44 (e.g., using the processor 46). In addition, the functions and operations of the server 40 may be stand-alone software applications, or form part of a software application that performs additional tasks associated with the server 40. The described functions and operations may be considered as methods that are configured to be performed by the corresponding device. Likewise, although the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functions may also be performed by dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware and / or software.

[0056] The control circuit 44 may execute an accumulator state determination function 50. The accumulator state determination function 50 may be configured to determine the accumulator state of the accumulator 20 of the movable device 10. The accumulator state determination function 50 may be configured to determine the accumulator state based on one or more of the following accumulator data related to the accumulator 20 of the movable device 10:

[0057] The current state of charge (SOC) of the accumulator 20;

[0058] the maximum or minimum possible SOC of the accumulator 20;

[0059] voltage tolerance when charging the energy storage device 20;

[0060] For example, a geographic area in which the mobile device 10 requests parking within certain neighborhoods, urban areas, suburbs, etc.;

[0061] The accumulator size, for example measured in kWh;

[0062] If the SOC is low (e.g. below 10%), an indication of whether the accumulator needs to be charged; and

[0063] An indication of whether to allow the accumulator to discharge, and in that case, possibly also an indication as to how much discharge is allowed, for example down to 60% SOC.

[0064] One or more of the above accumulator data related to the accumulator 20 of the mobile device 10 may be retrieved from the mobile device 10. For example, the current SOC of the accumulator 20. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of the above accumulator data related to the accumulator 20 of the mobile device 10 may be stored in a database 49 stored in the memory 48. For example, the maximum or minimum SOC possible for the accumulator 20 or the voltage tolerance when charging the accumulator 20. Each entry of the database may be linked to the ID of the accumulator 20 and / or the mobile device 10. The ID of the accumulator may be the ID of a specific type of accumulator 20. The ID of the accumulator may be an ID unique to each specific accumulator 20. The ID of the mobile device 10 may be the ID of a specific type of mobile device 10. The ID of the mobile device 10 may be an ID unique to each specific mobile device 10. The database 49 does not need to be stored locally at the server 40. Therefore, the database 49 may be, for example, a distributed database compiled using cloud computing. One or more of the above accumulator data related to the accumulator 20 may be measured in real time. One or more of the above accumulator data related to the accumulator 20 may be predetermined. The accumulator state of the accumulator 20 of the movable device 10 may be an indication that the accumulator 20 needs to be charged or that the accumulator 20 needs to be de-energized.

[0065] The accumulator state can also be based on additional information. For example, the price level, i.e. the maximum allowed price for charging the accumulator, or a request for a negative price in the case of discharge. The additional information can also include requests that include a time aspect, i.e. of the type "at time X, the SOC needs to be at least Y".

[0066] The control circuit 44 may execute a local energy system state determination function 52. The local energy system energy state determination function 52 may be configured to determine the energy state of the local energy system 30. The local energy system energy state determination function 52 may be configured to determine the energy state of the local energy system 30 based on one or more of the following data related to the local energy system 30:

[0067] The location of the local energy system (geographic location);

[0068] Information relating to energy excess or deficit, and possibly a measure of the degree of energy excess or deficit;

[0069] information about when energy is available or required and for how long;

[0070] The offer price (price per kWh), which can be negative or positive, depending on whether there is excess or deficit energy;

[0071] The current capacity of the removable device 10;

[0072] Minimum / maximum charging power; and

[0073] The hours that the local energy system 30 is available - for example, the local energy system 30 may be placed in a closed parking garage.

[0074] One or more of the above data related to the local energy system 30 can be retrieved from the local energy system 30. For example, information related to excess or shortage of energy, and also possibly a measure of the degree of excess or shortage of energy; information related to when energy is available or needed and for how long; a quote (price per kWh), which may be negative or positive, depending on whether the energy is in excess or insufficient; or the current capacity of the mobile device 10. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of the above data related to the local energy system 30 can be stored in the database 49. For example, the minimum / maximum charging power; or the available time of the local energy system 30. Each entry of the database 49 can be linked to the ID of the local energy system 30. One or more of the above data related to the local energy system 30 can be measured in real time. One or more of the above data related to the local energy system 30 can be predetermined. The energy state of each of the multiple local energy systems 30 can be an indication that the local energy system 30 needs to remove energy or the local energy system 30 needs to obtain energy. Specifically, the energy status of the local energy system 30 may include an amount of energy available for delivery to one or more mobile devices 10 or an amount of energy required by the local energy system 30 .

[0075] The control circuit 44 may perform a scoring function 54. The scoring function 54 may be configured to select a mobile device 10 to which at least one of the control information or navigation information associated with the local energy system 30 is to be sent from a plurality of mobile devices 10. The control information associated with the local energy system 30 is information about how to control the selected mobile device 10 in conjunction with the local energy system 30. The control information may be information about how to charge energy from the local energy system 30 to the accumulator 20 of the selected mobile device 10 / discharge energy from the accumulator of the selected mobile device to the local energy system. The navigation information associated with the local energy system 30 is information about how to guide the selected mobile device 10 to the local energy system 30. The navigation information may be based on the geographic location of the local energy system 30 and the geographic location of the selected mobile device 10. The scoring function 54 may be based on the selection of one of the plurality of mobile devices 10 based on the scoring. The scoring may be configured to compare the energy state of the local energy system 30 with the accumulator state of the mobile device 10. The scoring may be further based on other data such as preset preferences. Scoring will be discussed in more detail below and will also be illustrated by some examples. Scoring function 54 may further include a comparator. The comparator is configured to compare the scores and select at least one removable device 10 based on the scores. The comparator can be configured to select a specific removable device 10 with, for example, the best score. The comparator can be configured to select a subset of removable devices 10 with scores above a threshold.

[0076] The control circuit 44 may execute the instruction function 56. The instruction function 56 may be configured to send control information associated with the local energy system 30 or navigation information associated with the local energy system 30 to the determined mobile device 10. The receiver of the control information may be a charger / discharger at the mobile device 10. Alternatively, or in combination, the instruction function 56 may be configured to send control information associated with the local energy system 30. The receiver of the control information may be a charger / discharger at the local energy system 30.

[0077] As described above, the navigation information associated with the local energy system 30 includes information about how to direct the selected mobile device 10 to the local energy system 30. The navigation information may include information about the geographic location of the local energy system 30. The information about the geographic location of the local energy system 30 may include an identifier of the local energy system 30 and / or the actual geographic location of the local energy system 30. At the mobile device 10, an operator or a navigation computer may then decide how to travel to the local energy system 30. The mobile device 10 may be configured to calculate navigation data based on the location of the local energy system 30 and the current location of the mobile device 10.

[0078] The control circuit 44 and / or the selected mobile device 10 may perform a guidance function 58. The guidance function 58 is configured to determine geographic data related to the geographic location of the local energy system 30 and / or the selected mobile device 10 and use this data to determine navigation data. The navigation data may include instructions for the selected mobile device 10 to reach the local energy system 30. The navigation data may then be sent to the mobile device 10 by the instruction function 56. The geographic location of the mobile device 10 and / or the local energy system 30 may be determined by GPS. The geographic location of the local energy system 30 may be predetermined and stored in the database 49. The mobile device 10 may be guided by sending the navigation data to a navigator of the mobile device 10.

[0079] As described above, the control information associated with the local energy system 30 is information about how to control the selected mobile device 10 in conjunction with the local energy system 30. The control information may be information about how to charge energy from the local energy system 30 to the energy accumulator 20 of the selected mobile device 10 / discharge energy from the energy accumulator of the selected mobile device to the local energy system. The control information may be information about the control of a charger / discharger configured to control the charging / discharging of energy to / from the mobile device 10 connected to the local energy system 30. The charger / discharger may be arranged at the mobile device 10. The charger / discharger may be arranged at the local energy system 30.

[0080] For example, when the selected mobile device 10 has been connected to the local energy system 30 or has arrived at the local energy system 30 and has just been connected to the local energy system 30, the control information may be sent to the mobile device 10. Therefore, when the mobile device 10 is connected to the local energy system 30, the control information may be sent to the mobile device 10. Alternatively, or in combination, when the mobile device 10 is connected to the local energy system 30, the control information may be sent to the charger / discharger at the local energy system. The charger / discharger arranged at the local energy system 30 or the mobile device 10 is configured to control the charging / discharging of energy to / from the mobile device 10 connected to the local energy system 30.

[0081] Therefore, the server 40 can communicate with the local energy system and multiple mobile devices 10 including the on-board energy storage device 20. The server 40 determines information associated with the energy storage device state of the energy storage device 20 of each of the multiple mobile devices 10. The energy storage device state may be related to the need to charge the energy storage device or whether the energy storage device can be discharged (i.e., release energy). The server 40 further determines information associated with the energy state of the local energy system 30. The energy state may be related to the excess or insufficient energy of the local energy system 30. Then, the server 40 can match the energy storage device state of the corresponding mobile device 10 with the energy state of the local energy system 30, that is, match the needs of different mobile devices with the specific mobile device 10 that needs energy or can remove energy. By matching, a group (i.e., one or more) of mobile device needs that meet the needs of the local energy system can be determined. Then, the navigation information associated with the local energy system 30 and / or the control information associated with the local energy system 30 can be sent to one or more mobile devices 10 selected from one or more determined mobile devices 10. Thus, one or more mobile devices 10 may be routed to a local energy system 30 having needs corresponding to the needs of the one or more mobile devices 10 .

[0082] An example embodiment of the details of the matching procedure and energy requirements is described below.

[0083] The data related to the respective mobile devices 10 may indicate that among the plurality of mobile devices 10A, 10B, 10C, the mobile device 10A has excess energy. In this example, the energy storage device 20 of the mobile device 10A is fully charged. Depending on the needs of the mobile device 10B in the near future, the mobile device 10B may store more energy or remove some of its stored energy. The mobile device 10C is insufficient in energy and will soon run out of energy.

[0084] According to a first example, data related to the local energy system 30 may indicate that the local energy system 30 needs energy. For example, the energy generation at the local energy system 30 may be less than the current energy demand at the local energy system 30. According to this example, the scoring of the scoring function 54 may rate the mobile device 10A as high, 10B as not so high, and 10C as the lowest score. For example, a scale of 1-10 may be used, where the mobile device 10A would receive 10 points, the mobile device 10B would receive 6 points, and the mobile device 10C would receive 1 point.

[0085] On the other hand, the accumulator data may indicate an excess of energy in the local energy system 30. For example, the energy production at the local energy system 30 is greater than the current energy consumption at the local energy system 30. In this case, the mobile device 10C would receive a high score, the mobile device 10B would again receive an intermediate score, and the mobile device 10A would receive the lowest score. For example, a scale of 1-10 may be used, where the mobile device 10C would receive a score of 10, the mobile device 10B would receive a score of 5, and the mobile device 10A would receive a score of 1.

[0086] As described above, the accumulator data associated with the respective mobile device 10 may include the geographic area in which the mobile device 10 requests to park. If the case is that the mobile devices 10B and 10C are the only mobile devices 10 that are set to park at the geographic area that includes the local energy system 30, only the mobile devices 10B and 10C are rated on a scale of 1-10. In this case, the mobile device 10A may receive a score of 0 because the local energy system 30 is not located within the geographic area in which the mobile device 10A plans to park. Of course, many parameters or desirability of the local energy system 30 or the mobile device 10 may be considered, where the scoring of the scoring function 54 will use these parameters or desirability to score the mobile device 10. One such parameter may be, for example, simply that solar energy is better than wind energy, or that renewable energy is better than fossil fuel-based energy. Another parameter may be, for example, an indication of whether the accumulator 20 of a particular mobile device 10 is allowed to discharge, and in this case, it may also be an indication of how much discharge is allowed, such as down to 60% SOC.

[0087] As can be seen from these examples, it is possible to direct one or more of a plurality of mobile devices 10 having onboard energy storage 20 to a local energy system 30 based on the respective needs of the mobile devices 10 relative to the needs of the local energy system 30 .

[0088] Each of the mobile devices 10 may have set an interval of desired SOC, such as 30%-70% or 20%-50%. If this is done, the scoring function 54 can make a more informed choice about which mobile device 10 to select. For example: the local energy system 30 needs to remove energy. Then the mobile device 10 with the largest difference between its current SOC and its highest desired SOC (e.g., measured in kWh) can be scored the highest. According to another example, the local energy system 30 needs energy. Then the mobile device 10 with the largest difference between its current SOC and its lowest desired SOC (e.g., measured in kWh) can be scored the highest. Of course, other factors may also come into play.

[0089] Figure 3A flow chart of a method for handling excess or insufficient energy in a local energy system 30 is shown. The actions of the method can be performed by the functions of the server 40 described above. However, it is also recognized that some or all of the actions of the method can be performed by similar functions performed on other devices. The method includes the following actions. Determine S1 the energy state of the local energy system 30. The accumulator state is determined based on data related to the local energy system 30. Determine S1 may involve predetermined data related to the local energy system 30. Therefore, the data is known in advance. Determine S1 may involve measured or estimated data related to the local energy system 30. Therefore, the data changes over time. Examples of data related to the local energy system 30 are listed above. For example, data related to the local energy system 30 may be related to the amount of energy that can be used to transfer from the local energy system 30 to the accumulator 20 of the movable device 10. Further, data related to the local energy system 30 may be related to the energy needs of the local energy system 30. Data related to the local energy system 30 may be related to the available time period of energy. The method further includes determining S2 the accumulator state of each of the plurality of mobile devices 10 including the accumulator 20. The energy state of each of the mobile devices is based on accumulator data related to the accumulator 20 of the corresponding mobile device 10. Determining S2 may involve predetermined data related to the corresponding mobile device 10. Therefore, the data is known in advance. Determining S2 may involve measured or estimated data related to the corresponding mobile device 10. Therefore, the data changes over time. Examples of data related to the corresponding mobile devices 10 are listed above. For example, the data related to each corresponding mobile device 10 may include the current state of charge of the accumulator 20 of the mobile device 10 and / or the maximum state of charge of the accumulator 20 of the mobile device 10. Further, the data related to the mobile device 10 may include the expected state of charge of the accumulator 20 of the mobile device 10. The expected state of charge may include an interval of the state of charge. The method further includes scoring S3 for each of the mobile devices 10. The scoring is based on the determined accumulator state of each of the mobile devices 10 and the determined energy state of the local energy system 30. The action of scoring S3 for each of the mobile devices 10 may include estimating the energy cost for moving the mobile device 10 to the local energy system 30. The action of moving the mobile device refers to transporting the mobile device to the corresponding local energy system. The movement action may include one or more of driving, flying, propulsion, or any other activity mode of transporting the mobile device to the corresponding local energy system. The data related to the accumulator 20 may include the expected operating time of the mobile device 10 including the accumulator 20. The expected operating time may include the start time of the operating time.The expected operation time may include the end time of the operation time. The operation start time may be expressed as the time of departure from the local energy system 30. For example, for a mobile device 10 as a surveillance drone, the available energy from the local energy system 30 may be weighed against the time it is expected to conduct a patrol.

[0090] The scoring will generate a score for each of the plurality of mobile devices 10. The score may be, for example, on a scale of 1-10. The method further comprises selecting S4 a mobile device 10 among the plurality of mobile devices 10 to which at least one of control information or navigation information associated with the local energy system 30 is to be sent. The selection S4 is based on the respective score of each of the plurality of mobile devices 10. For example, the selection S4 may be performed by selecting the mobile device 10 with the highest score. The selection S4 may be performed by selecting the mobile device 10 with a score above a threshold. The method further comprises directing S5 the selected mobile device 10 by sending the control information and / or navigation information associated with the local energy system 30 to the selected mobile device 10.

[0091] The method may further include identifying a plurality of movable devices 10 as being movable devices currently located within a predetermined geographic area.

[0092] The method may further include setting a geographic area in which the movable device 10 is planned to move, and determining a plurality of local energy systems 30 to be scored based on the geographic area and the geographic locations of the local energy systems 30 .

[0093] Those skilled in the art realize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0094] For example, the movable device 10 may be something other than an electric vehicle, such as a small flying drone, an exoskeleton, or a submarine - any movable device with an energy storage device may be used.

[0095] The movable device may be autonomous.

[0096] In some embodiments, the main task of the mobile device is to serve as a mobile accumulator for balancing energy excesses and deficiencies in a local energy system within a certain geographical area. An example of such a mobile device may be a vehicle comprising an accumulator in the form of a tank filled with a fluid. Energy may be stored in the fluid by heating the fluid. According to a non-limiting example, the fluid may be water or water mixed with an antifreeze such as ethylene glycol. Thus, a simple and effective method for balancing energy excesses and deficiencies in a local energy system based on thermal energy is provided.

[0097] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled artisan in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for handling excess or shortage of energy in a local energy system, the method include: determining an energy state of the local energy system, wherein the energy state comprises an excess amount of energy available for delivery from the local energy system together with a time period during which the energy is available and / or an energy requirement of the local energy system together with a time period during which the energy is required; determining an accumulator state for each of a plurality of movable devices including an accumulator, wherein the accumulator state of each movable device includes a current state of charge of the corresponding accumulator together with a desired state of charge of the accumulator, the desired state of charge including an interval of the state of charge; scoring each of the movable devices based on the determined corresponding accumulator state and the determined energy state, wherein the scoring is configured to compare the energy state of the local energy system with the accumulator state of the movable device; selecting, among the plurality of mobile devices, a mobile device to which to transmit at least one of control information or navigation information associated with the local energy system based on the respective scores of each of the plurality of mobile devices; and sending the control information and / or the navigation information to the selected removable device, The act of scoring each of the movable devices includes estimating an energy cost for moving the movable device to the local energy system.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The data related to the energy accumulator includes an expected operation time of the movable device including the energy accumulator, wherein the expected operation time includes at least one of a start time of the operation time and an end time of the operation time.

3. The method according to claim 1, in, The local energy system includes one or more of the following: solar panels, wind turbines, thermal generators.

4. The method according to claim 1, in, The local energy system includes another movable device including an energy accumulator.

5. The method according to claim 1, in, The local energy system includes one or more of a district heating system or a district cooling system.

6. The method according to claim 1, in, The local energy system includes a shared heating and cooling thermal system.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the plurality of removable devices as removable devices currently located within a predetermined geographic area.

8. The method according to claim 1, in, The selecting action includes selecting a mobile device among the plurality of mobile devices to which control information associated with the local energy system is to be transmitted, and the transmitting action includes transmitting the control information to the selected mobile device.

9. The method according to claim 8, in, The local energy system is another movable device, and wherein the selected movable device is selected as a movable device connected to the local energy system.

10. A server configured to handle excess or shortage of energy in a local energy system, the server include: a receiver configured to receive an excess amount of energy available for transfer from the local energy system together with a time period during which the energy is available and / or an amount of energy required by the local energy system together with a time period during which the energy is required, and to receive a current state of charge together with an interval of a desired state of charge for each of a plurality of energy accumulators, each energy accumulator belonging to a different one of a plurality of movable devices, and A control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: determining an energy state of the local energy system using a local energy system state determination function, wherein the energy state includes excess energy available for transfer from the local energy system together with a time period during which the energy is available and / or an amount of energy required by the local energy system together with a time period during which the energy is required; determining an energy storage state of each of the movable devices using an energy storage determination function, wherein the energy storage state of each movable device includes a current state of charge together with an interval of a desired state of charge; scoring each of the movable devices using a scoring function, wherein each score is a comparison of the energy state of the local energy system to the corresponding energy accumulator state of the movable device, and using the scoring function to select a mobile device among the plurality of mobile devices to which at least one of control information or navigation information associated with the local energy system is to be sent; wherein the receiver is further configured to send the control information and / or navigation information associated with the local energy system to the selected mobile device, The act of scoring each of the movable devices includes estimating an energy cost for moving the movable device to the local energy system.

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