Electrical equipment for energy control

Abstract

An electrical device for energy control, which includes a measuring component and a control component, the measuring component including a current sensor, a voltage sensor and a power calculation unit, the current sensor being configured to measure the current at the power output of a low-voltage electric meter, the voltage sensor being configured to measure the voltage at the power output of the low-voltage electric meter, the power calculation unit receiving current information from the current sensor and voltage information from the voltage sensor, and being configured to calculate the electric power consumed at the power output of the electric meter; the control component receiving information about the consumed electric power from the power calculation unit, calculating the difference between the electric power information and a previous value, comparing the absolute value of the difference with a threshold, remaining idle if the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold, and outputting a message containing the power value to a terminal for charging an electric energy storage battery if the absolute value of the difference is greater than the threshold, the charging terminal being remote from the measuring component and the control component, the previous value being the power value contained in the previous message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of rechargeable batteries, in particular electric vehicles. Background Art

[0002] The charging of electric vehicles, and more generally of stationary and mobile batteries, places significant strain on the power grid. Upstream of the meter, this can provide grid reinforcement in densely populated areas. Downstream of the meter, however, this creates supply issues for various energy consumers.

[0003] Applicant has sought to address the need for improved control downstream of electric meters.

[0004] The applicant has designed an energy control device that can optimize the operation of a terminal for charging electric vehicles. The device is named "Qometer".

[0005] Electric vehicle (EV) charging terminals can be installed behind dedicated meters and existing meters. In the case of installation behind an existing meter, the charging terminal shares the power available at the meter with other devices using the same electricity contract.

[0006] Then a fundamental question arises related to the power of the charging terminal, which may easily be reached:

[0007] In the case of single-phase ampere, it is 7.4kW (32A×230V)

[0008] In the case of three-phase amperes, it is 22kW (32×230V×3)

[0009] However, a fully powered charging terminal could trip the entire electrical installation limited by the contract signed. For example, in France, the maximum contracted power in a single-phase power supply is 12 kVA (kW).

[0010] To prevent the charging terminal from tripping the electrical infrastructure, the charging terminal installer can manipulate three parameters:

[0011] 1. Contract power at the meter

[0012] 2. Charging time period

[0013] 3. Maximum power of the charging terminal

[0014] These three parameters are independent, but none of them can guarantee that the charging terminal can operate correctly under all circumstances.

[0015] Solutions adopted by installers worldwide do include increasing the contracted power at the meter, postponing EV charging to late evening hours when other devices reduce their consumption, and limiting the maximum power of chargers.

[0016] All of these modifications are static changes, meaning that if consumers' habits change (even temporarily) or new electrical devices are added, EV charging could trip the meter.

[0017] Some modern meters may offer the ability to access a communication port to see the meter's instantaneous consumption. However, not all meters have this capability, and when such a communication feature exists, the communication standard varies by meter model and country.

[0018] Furthermore, meters known as “smart” communicate in slave mode, meaning a third-party device (the master) is responsible for initiating requests to learn about the meter’s power.

[0019] Even if a charging terminal can connect to the meter's communication port, it must regularly query the meter if it wants to adjust its power based on the remaining power at the meter. If the meter's power suddenly increases between queries, the maximum contracted power may actually be exceeded. This means that, to operate correctly, the charging terminal must query the meter more frequently. This solution has two disadvantages:

[0020] 1. First, it is not certain whether the table (even called smart) can support too high a query frequency.

[0021] 2. In addition, too high a query frequency will generate high communication volume, which is not necessarily compatible with the capacity of the communication link.

[0022] In any case, in order to meet this fundamental need of automatic adaptation of the power of the charging terminal to the power available at the meter, electrical devices for energy control have been created.

[0023] The electrical equipment for energy control consists of several modules:

[0024] Energy measurement module: This module calculates the instantaneous power by measuring the intensity and voltage at the main meter, which does not introduce interruption at the main circuit and is independent of the main meter.

[0025] Communication module: This module uses a LAN type (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, HomePlugCPL, Bluetooth, etc.) communication protocol to establish communication with the charging terminal.

[0026] Control module: Consists of a microcontroller that queries the energy module (see above) at a relatively high frequency (via an analog-to-digital link) and transmits the new power value (via the communication module) to the charging terminal only if the instantaneous power change exceeds a certain threshold set by the system administrator.

[0027] Modules can be generated in software.

[0028] Therefore, electrical devices for energy control enable the charging terminal to automatically adjust its power according to:

[0029] Contract power at the meter,

[0030] The instantaneous total power used by all devices on the grid (including the charging terminal itself) using the same meter.

[0031] Electrical devices for energy control can therefore optimize the power of the charging terminal, minimize charging time, and protect the main meter from tripping risks in various situations. Summary of the Invention

[0032] Typically, an electrical device for energy control includes a measurement component comprising a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a power calculation unit. The current sensor is configured to measure current downstream of a low-voltage electric meter, the voltage sensor is configured to measure voltage at the power output of the low-voltage electric meter, the power calculation unit receives current information from the current sensor and voltage information from the voltage sensor, and is configured to calculate electric power consumed at the power output of the electric meter. The electrical device for energy control includes a control component that receives information about consumed electric power from the power calculation unit, calculates a difference between the information about consumed electric power and a previous value, compares the absolute value of the difference with a threshold, remains idle if the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold, and outputs a message containing a power value to a terminal for charging an electric energy storage battery, the charging terminal being remote from the measurement component and the control component, the previous value being the power value contained in the previous message, if the absolute value of the difference is greater than the threshold.

[0033] In one embodiment, the measuring component and the control component have a common housing, which houses the power calculation unit of the control component and the measuring component.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control component comprises a communication component configured to establish an at least unidirectional link to the charging terminal.

[0035] In one embodiment, the charging terminal is configured to receive the message and adapt its energy consumption to the difference between the contract power and the power value contained in the message.

[0036] The calculation of the difference between the contracted power and the power value can also be performed at the control unit. In this case, the new power is transmitted to it, at which the charger must operate. Communication with a central server that controls the charger by default is also possible.

[0037] In one embodiment, the slave charging terminal is controlled by the control component.

[0038] In one embodiment, the threshold is greater than or equal to 1% of the contract power.

[0039] In one embodiment, the frequency for comparing the absolute value of the difference with the threshold is less than or equal to 100 Hz.

[0040] In one embodiment, the message is output at a frequency that is at least 10 times lower than a frequency used to compare the absolute value of the difference with the threshold value.

[0041] In one embodiment, the calculation of the difference between the contract power and the power value is performed by the control unit, the charger having to operate with the new power transmitted to said charger.

[0042] In one embodiment, said communication with the central server that controls the charger by default is established by the control component.

[0043] In one embodiment, the control component is configured to output a message containing a power value to each terminal charging an energy storage battery connected to the device, each charging terminal being remote from the measuring component and the control component, the previous value being the power value contained in the previous message.

[0044] In one embodiment, the electrical device for energy control and / or the server implements artificial intelligence functionality to optimize the distribution of power while simultaneously managing multiple charging terminals.

[0045] In one embodiment, an electrical device for energy control includes a charge distribution component between phases of a three-phase low-voltage electricity meter.

[0046] In one embodiment, the electrical device for energy control has no communication link with the electric meter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Other specific features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048]

Figure 1

[0049]

Figure 2

[0050]

Figure 3

[0051] The drawings mainly contain certain characteristic elements and therefore serve not only to provide a better understanding of the invention but also to contribute to its definition, if necessary. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, an electrical device for energy control is provided for connection to existing and future electrical installations. The electrical installation can be a household or a small business facility. The electrical installation includes an electricity meter 4 connected to a low-voltage mains supply ensuring electricity, for example, 110 or 220 volts, 50 or 60 hertz, single-phase or three-phase. The electrical installation includes a local power distribution network 10 that supplies power to consumers via power lines and includes terminals for charging electrical energy storage batteries.

[0053] Electrical device 1 for energy control includes a measurement component 2 adapted for a local area network. Measurement component 2 includes a current sensor 3 configured to measure the current at the power output of a low-voltage electricity meter 4. Current sensor 3 may include a measurement loop surrounding an electrical wire 5 of electricity meter 4. Current sensor 3 is positioned adjacent to electricity meter 4, upstream of the line connection, distribution box, and consumer components. Current sensor 3 is distinct from electricity meter 4. Electrical device 1 for energy control is distinct from electricity meter 4 and does not communicate with electricity meter 4.

[0054] Measuring means 2 includes a voltage sensor 6 for measuring the voltage at the power output of meter 4. The voltage varies by a few percent around the rated voltage. It is best to measure with better accuracy than the delivery accuracy. Voltage sensor 6 is different from meter 4.

[0055] Measuring component 2 includes a power calculation unit 7, which receives current information from current sensor 3 and voltage information from voltage sensor 6. Power calculation unit 7 is configured to calculate the electric power consumed at the power output of electric meter 4. Power calculation unit 7 multiplies the measured current value by the measured voltage value. Measuring component 2 includes a control unit 8, which receives the electric power consumption value from power calculation unit 7. Control unit 8 calculates the difference between the electric power consumption value and a previous value. Control unit 8 compares the absolute value of the difference with a threshold value and remains idle if the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold value. If the absolute value of the difference is greater than the threshold value, control unit 8 outputs a message containing the power value to a terminal 11 that charges the electric energy storage battery. The previous value is the power value contained in the previous message. The threshold value can be set to 1% or higher of the contract value in the contract with the electric energy supplier. The absolute value of the difference is compared with the threshold value periodically. The comparison of the absolute value of the difference with the threshold value is performed at predetermined intervals, for example, at a frequency of less than or equal to 100 Hz.

[0056] The output of the message is performed by the control means 8 at a frequency that is at least 10 times lower than the frequency used to compare the absolute value of the difference with the threshold value. The message is output less than 10 times per second.

[0057] The charging terminal 11 is remote from the measuring means 2 and the control means 8. The messages can be sent via the LAN network 9. The calculation unit 7 and the control means 8 can be generated with the help of a microcontroller.

[0058] The calculation of the difference between the contracted power and the power value can also be performed at the control unit 8. In this case, the new power is transmitted to the charger, at which it must operate. Communication with a central server that controls the charger by default is also possible.

[0059] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, multiple charging terminals 11 are powered by the same electricity meter 4.

[0060] The (slave) charging terminal may be controlled by the control unit 8. As a variant, one charging terminal may be controlled by the control unit 8 via another charging terminal.

[0061] Figure 3 An example of an embodiment of an electrical device 1 for energy control is shown. The measuring component 2 is provided with a housing 12 which houses and protects a power calculation unit 7 and a control component 8. A current sensor 3 and a voltage sensor 6 are arranged outside the housing 12.

[0062] Within the housing 12, the measuring component 2 includes at least one connector 20, in particular a single-phase connector and two three-phase connectors, which ensure connection to the main power supply line of the housing 12, to one or more charging terminals 11, and to the current sensor 3 and the voltage sensor 6. The measuring component 2 includes a power transformer 21, which is connected to the leads of the electricity meter 4 through the intermediary of the connector 20. The power transformer 21 can be of the 230 / 5 volt or 110 / 5 volt type. The measuring component 2 includes a rectifier 22 powered by the power transformer 21. The rectifier 22 can include a diode bridge.

[0063] The measuring component 2 includes a carrier communication device 23, which is powered by the rectifier 22 and connected to the leads of the electricity meter 4 so as to communicate with one or more charging terminals 11. The communication component 23 establishes at least a unidirectional link to the charging terminal 11. This link is at least a unidirectional link, preferably a bidirectional link. The charging terminal 11 receives the message output by the control component 8 and transmitted by the communication component 23. The charging terminal 11 adapts its energy consumption to the difference between the contract power and the power value contained in the message. Alternatively, the communication between the measuring component 2 and the charging terminal 11 can be carried out through a LAN network. The measuring component 2 includes a current isolation component 24 installed between the connector 20 connected to the leads of the electricity meter 4 and the communication component 23. The current isolation component 24 includes, for example, a photodiode.

[0064] Measuring component 2 includes a processor 25 connected to connector 20 to receive measurement information from current sensor 3 and voltage sensor 6 and output at least one instruction (particularly in the form of a message) to at least one charging terminal 11. Processor 25 is preprogrammed to perform the functions of processing current and voltage and controlling the measurement. Processor 25 is powered by rectifier 22.

[0065] The control component may be configured to output a message containing a power value to each terminal that charges an electric energy storage battery connected to the electrical device for energy control. Each charging terminal is remote from the measurement component and the control component. The previous value is the power value contained in the previous message.

[0066] In one embodiment, the artificial intelligence functionality is implemented by the electronic device for energy control and / or by the server. Figure 2 , providing artificial intelligence functions to optimize the distribution of power while managing multiple charging terminals at the same time.

[0067] Furthermore, many low-voltage electricity meters are three-phase. In this case, the electrical equipment used for energy control can include components for distributing the charge between the phases. This is more attractive because the distribution between the phases of the network downstream of the meter is often fixed and unsuitable.

Claims

1. An electrical device for energy control, comprising a measuring component and a control component, wherein the measuring component comprises a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a power calculation unit, wherein the current sensor is configured to measure a current downstream of a low-voltage electric meter, the voltage sensor is configured to measure a voltage at a power output of the low-voltage electric meter, the power calculation unit receives current information from the current sensor and voltage information from the voltage sensor, and is configured to calculate the electric power consumed at the power output of the electric meter; the control component receives information on the consumed electric power from the power calculation unit, calculates a difference between the information on the consumed electric power and a previous value, compares the absolute value of the difference with a threshold, remains idle if the absolute value of the difference is less than the threshold, and outputs a message containing a power value to a terminal for charging an electric energy storage battery if the absolute value of the difference is greater than the threshold, the charging terminal being remote from the measuring component and the control component, the previous value being the power value contained in the previous message.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The measuring part and the control part have a common housing.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control component comprises a communication component configured to establish an at least unidirectional link to the charging terminal.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The charging terminal is configured to receive the message and adapt its energy consumption to the difference between the contract power and the power value contained in the message.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The slave charging terminal is controlled by the control component.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The threshold is greater than or equal to 1% of the contract power.

7. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The frequency for comparing the absolute value of the difference with the threshold value is less than or equal to 100 Hz.

8. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The message is output at a frequency that is at least 10 times lower than a frequency for comparing the absolute value of the difference with the threshold value.

9. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The calculation of the difference between the contract power and the power value is performed by the control means, and the charger must be operated with the new power transmitted to said charger.

10. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Communication with a central server that controls the charger by default is established by the control component.

11. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control means is configured to output a message containing a power value to each terminal charging an electric energy storage battery connected to the device, each charging terminal being remote from the measuring means and the control means, the previous value being the power value contained in the previous message.

12. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The electrical device for energy control implements an artificial intelligence function configured to optimize the distribution of power while simultaneously managing multiple charging terminals.

13. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The electrical device for energy control comprises charge distribution components between the phases of a three-phase low-voltage electricity meter.

14. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The electrical equipment used for energy control has no communication link with the meter.

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