Power supply apparatus, power supply method, power supply system, and power supply network

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply device (1000, 3000). The power supply device comprises: a power element (110, 110 ') configured for taking DC power from a DC power source (20) and outputting it to at least one first electrical device (210), and configured for taking AC power from an AC power source (10) and outputting it to at least one second electrical device (220); and a data element (140, 140 ') which is designed to receive data from a data source (30) and to provide it to the at least one first electrical appliance (210).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device, a power supply method, a power supply system and a power supply network. Background Art

[0002] Power supply devices and methods therefor as well as data provision devices and methods therefor are known in principle. In particular, household sockets and wall sockets with RJ45 plugs are known. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved power supply device, an improved power supply method, an improved power supply system and an improved power supply network.

[0004] The above technical problem is solved by the following power supply device, which includes: a power element, which is configured to obtain DC power from a DC power supply and output it to at least one first power consumer, and which is configured to obtain AC power from an AC power supply and output it to at least one second power consumer; and a data element, which is configured to receive data from a data source and provide it to the at least one first power consumer.

[0005] When power, particularly electricity, is mentioned below, it includes not only current but also voltage, which together generate power. For example, a power supply device can be configured to source and / or output a constant voltage and a variable current. Similarly, a power supply device can be configured to source and / or output a constant current and a variable voltage. A power supply device can also be configured to source and / or output a constant current and a constant voltage.

[0006] The power supply device first includes a power element configured to draw DC power from a DC power source. A power source is a source, such as an electrical line, that provides power to the location of the power supply device. Here, a DC power source is a source that provides or outputs DC power. In particular, the DC power source can be a power generation device and / or energy storage device configured to output power. Examples of power generation devices include photovoltaic systems, wind power plants, and / or batteries and / or accumulators, particularly battery-powered motor vehicles.

[0007] The power element is further configured to output the harvested DC power to one or more consumers electrically connected to the power supply device. In particular, the power element is configured to output the harvested DC power to DC-powered consumers. A DC-powered consumer is an electrical and / or electronic device that requires DC power to perform its functions. This DC electronic power can be used, in particular, to operate the consumer and / or charge the consumer's battery.

[0008] The power element is also configured to draw AC power from an AC power source. Specifically, the AC power source is a line from a power grid operator that is connected to a building where the power supply device is located and provides power to the building. In other words, the power supply line can be connected, in particular directly, to the power grid.

[0009] The power element is further configured to output the harvested AC power to one or more electrical consumers electrically connected to the power supply device. In particular, the power element is configured to output the harvested AC power to AC power consumers. AC power consumers are electrical and / or electronic devices that require AC power to perform their functions. The AC electronic power can be used, in particular, to operate the consumers and / or charge their batteries.

[0010] The power supply device further includes a data element configured to receive data from a data source and provide the data to at least one first powered device. In particular, the data element is further configured to receive data from the powered device and / or provide data to the data source. Furthermore, in particular, the data element is configured to provide data to at least one DC powered device.

[0011] In particular, the data is a data stream, such as internet access or access to a server. The data source can be a router, switch, and / or hub, and / or include access to a data network. The data can be received and / or provided both wiredly and wirelessly. To this end, the data element of the power supply device can in particular have access to a data network, such as a LAN or WLAN. The data element itself can also function as a router, hub, or switch.

[0012] The power supply device according to the present invention enables two different types of power and data to be provided to one or more power consumers simultaneously, thereby providing a flexible power supply device, in particular with a communication function.

[0013] In particular, the power element is configured to output DC power drawn from a DC power source to a DC power consumer without converting or transforming the DC power, particularly without converting the DC power to AC power and back again. Alternatively, the conversion element may simply convert the DC power level, for example, converting a 48 V DC voltage to a 12 V DC voltage.

[0014] This embodiment enables direct DC power to be delivered directly from a DC power source to a DC power-consuming device, particularly without requiring conversion. This allows for the provision of DC power without conversion losses, thus providing a particularly efficient power supply device.

[0015] In particular, the power element is configured to output AC power drawn from an AC power source to an AC power consumer without converting or transforming the AC power, particularly without converting the AC power to a DC voltage and back again. Alternatively, the conversion element may simply convert the AC power level, for example, converting a 230 V AC voltage to a 110 V AC voltage.

[0016] This embodiment enables AC power to be directly delivered from an AC power source to an AC power-consuming device, particularly without requiring conversion. This allows AC power to be provided without conversion losses, thus providing a particularly efficient power supply device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the output of DC power and the provision of data are performed via a single interface of the power supply device.

[0018] In particular, it is an interface designed to provide both DC power and data, such as a USB connector, a USB-C connector, a Lightning connector, or a network connector operating under the Power-over-Ethernet standard or the IEEE 802.3 standard.

[0019] This embodiment enables simultaneous supply of data and power, in particular DC power, to a consumer, thereby providing a particularly compact power supply device with minimal wiring.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a power supply device includes: an information element configured to receive power information; and a control element configured to control output power according to the power information.

[0021] Power supply information refers to information about the power drawn by a power supply device, particularly power delivered via a DC power source and / or an AC power source. The information element can be configured to receive the power supply information wirelessly and / or wiredly. The term "information" is used in a general plural sense and may also include a single piece of information.

[0022] The power supply device further includes a control element configured to control the output power based on the power supply information. In particular, the control element is configured to control the output DC power and / or the output AC power based on the power supply information. For example, the control element may be configured to increase the output power, in particular to a maximum power, and / or decrease the output power, in particular to a minimum power and / or to zero, based on the received power supply information.

[0023] This embodiment enables intelligent control of the power output to the corresponding electrical devices. In particular, the power supply device according to the present invention enables the power output to be dynamically adapted to the power supply conditions, thereby providing a particularly flexible power supply device.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the power supply information includes building power information.

[0025] The building power information is information related to power in a building using power supply equipment.

[0026] For example, building power information includes information about power generation devices and / or energy storage devices located within or directly connected to the building and configured to output electricity. Examples of power generation devices include photovoltaic systems located on the building's roof, wind turbines located in a garden, battery-powered motor vehicles connected to the building in a garage, and / or batteries and / or storage batteries located within the building. These power generation devices are configured to supply electricity to the building, particularly to the power supply equipment. Building power information may include information about the availability of electricity and / or the level of electricity generated or capable of being supplied by the power generation devices.

[0027] This embodiment enables the preferred use of a power generation device arranged on or in a building, in particular as soon as and / or as long as the power generation device is able to provide power.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the power supply information includes power supply network information.

[0029] Power supply network information is information related to the power supply network provided by the power supply network operator. In particular, this power supply network information is information related to the power supplied to power supply devices via the power supply lines, such as information about the availability of power and / or the level of available power, and in particular, whether there are problems, fluctuations, or failures in the power supply network.

[0030] In particular, electrical equipment power information does not include building power information, and vice versa.

[0031] This embodiment enables a dynamic response to the power supply provided by the power grid operator. In particular, it allows for flexible response to power outages and the exclusion of individual or several less important consumers from power supply, while continuing to supply power to other more important consumers. This provides a particularly reliable power supply device, particularly one with reliable power supply.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the information element is further configured to receive power information of the electric device, and the control element is further configured to control the output power according to the power information of the electric device.

[0033] Power information about a powered device is information related to the power delivered to the powered device by the power supply device, specifically the DC power and / or AC power delivered. Power information about the powered device can also be received from an information element wirelessly or wired. For example, power information about the powered device may include information related to the minimum and / or maximum power that the powered device can draw.

[0034] This embodiment enables dynamic adjustment of the power output to a powered device. In particular, if the power information from the powered device indicates a need to reduce the power output to the powered device, the power output to the powered device can be reduced, in particular to a minimum power level. This provides a particularly efficient power supply device.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the information element is further configured to receive temperature information, and the control element is further configured to control the output of electric power according to the temperature information.

[0036] The temperature information relates to the temperature of the power supply device, in particular the temperature inside the housing of the power supply device. For this purpose, the information element can access a temperature sensor that is arranged in and / or on the housing of the power supply device and detects the temperature.

[0037] In particular, the control element can be designed to reduce the output power when a predetermined maximum temperature is exceeded and / or to increase the output power when a predetermined maximum temperature is fallen below, in particular by applying a hysteresis.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the power element is further configured to detect a fault when outputting power to at least one electrical consumer.

[0039] A fault that occurs when power is delivered to at least one electrical consumer is, for example, an overvoltage and / or overcurrent during the power delivery. Overvoltage or overcurrent is the output of a voltage or current that is too high for the respective electrical consumer. Alternatively or additionally, such a fault may be a short circuit in at least one electrical consumer and / or the associated line. Alternatively or additionally, such a fault may be an incorrect polarity connection, particularly an incorrect polarity connection of a DC power consumer.

[0040] Such faults can be detected by suitable sensors and / or circuits.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the power element is further designed to correct a detected fault.

[0042] In particular, the power element is also designed to reduce, lower and / or shut down the power output, in particular the output voltage and / or the output current, when an overvoltage, an overcurrent and / or a short circuit is detected.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the power element is designed in particular to reverse and / or switch the polarity connection and / or likewise reduce and / or switch off the output power if an incorrect polarity connection is detected.

[0044] This embodiment allows for a particularly reliable output of electrical power to one or more electrical consumers. In particular, this embodiment reduces the risk to the user of the device.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the information element is further configured to receive sector information, and the control element is further configured to control the output of electric power according to the sector information.

[0046] Segment information is information related to different segments of one or more power consumers, particularly one or more DC power consumers and one or more AC power consumers. For example, one or more DC power consumers may form a first DC power segment, and one or more other DC power consumers may form a second DC power segment. Alternatively or additionally, one or more AC power consumers may form a first AC power segment, and one or more other AC power consumers may form a second AC power segment.

[0047] For example, powered devices can be grouped into a segment based on the power they typically draw. Another example is based on their power type, meaning whether they draw DC or AC power. Another example is based on their desired power reliability.

[0048] For example, a user can assign one or more powered devices to a segment at the power supply interface, such as by using a button or switch. Alternatively or additionally, one or more powered devices can be assigned to a segment at a common user interface of the power supply. To this end, other parameters of the power supply can also be defined or modified, such as the minimum output power, the duration of power supply reliability, and so on.

[0049] This embodiment allows for reduced power to one or more consumers in a first segment while maintaining power to one or more consumers in another segment. For example, the first segment may include consumers charging batteries that are not critical, while the second segment may include consumers providing critical and / or needed infrastructure.

[0050] In particular, this makes it possible to supply power to specific consumers organized in segments only when a DC power source is available or generates sufficient DC power.

[0051] In particular, segment information about one or more consumers can also be temporarily or permanently stored in the power supply device. Whether and, if necessary, how long the segment information is stored can be specified or set individually for each consumer by the user.

[0052] This makes it possible to retrieve the previously set section information even when the electric device is reconnected to the power supply device, without having to re-enter the section information.

[0053] The technical problem mentioned at the beginning is also solved by the following power supply system, which includes the implementation of the power supply device mentioned above and one or more of the AC power supplies described above and / or one or more of the DC power supplies described above and / or one or more of the data sources described above.

[0054] The technical problem mentioned at the beginning is also solved by the following power supply method, which includes the following steps: obtaining DC power from a DC power supply; outputting the obtained DC power to at least one first power user; obtaining AC power from an AC power supply; outputting the obtained AC power to at least one second power user; receiving data from a data source; and providing the data to at least one first power user.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the power supply method further includes the following steps: receiving power information; and controlling the output power according to the power information.

[0056] In particular, the power supply method may be partially or completely executed by the power supply device and / or the power supply system described above.

[0057] The technical problem mentioned at the beginning is also solved by the following power supply network, which includes: a first power supply device according to one of the embodiments described above; and a second power supply device according to one of the embodiments described above; wherein the power element of the second power supply device is constructed to obtain DC power from the first power supply device and output it to at least one first power user, and the power element of the second power supply device is also constructed to obtain AC power from the first power supply device and output it to at least one second power user; and wherein the data element of the second power supply device is constructed to receive data from the first power supply device and provide it to at least one first power user.

[0058] Therefore, for the first power supply device, the second power supply device is the first powered device and the second powered device, and / or for the second power supply device, the first power supply device is the DC power source, the AC power source, and the data source.

[0059] It should be understood that a plurality, in particular an arbitrary number, of further power supply devices according to one of the above-described embodiments may also be connected together to form a power supply network.

[0060] Such power supply networks have no line length restrictions and can, in particular, be connected together in any desired topology.

[0061] With regard to the configurations and advantages of the power supply system, the power supply method and the power supply network, reference is also made to the configurations and advantages thereof described above with regard to the power supply device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Now, embodiments of a power supply device, a power supply system, a power supply method, and a power supply network will be described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings:

[0063] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a power supply device and a power supply system;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic flow chart showing a method of supplying power; and

[0065] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of an electricity supply network is shown.

[0066] Here, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar features. In particular, reference numerals that are distinguished only by single quotes denote the same or similar features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a power supply device 100 in a power supply system 1000 is shown.

[0068] In this case, the power supply device 100 firstly comprises a power element 110 which is designed to draw AC power from an AC power source 10. The AC power source 10 is, for example, a building connection of a power supply network operator.

[0069] AC power source 10 typically has an AC voltage between 100 V and 400 V, in particular between 110 V and 230 V, and a maximum AC current between 5 A and 70 A, in particular between 10 A and 20 A. In particular, AC power source 10 is a common household socket connection.

[0070] Here, AC power is supplied to the power supply device 100 or the power element 110 via the power supply line 11, or the power supply device 100 is connected to the AC power source 10 via the power supply line 11. Specifically, the power supply line 11 is a two-core or three-core cable.

[0071] Power element 110 is further configured to draw DC power from a DC power source 20. This DC power source 20 can be, in particular, a DC power generation device located in or on a building, such as a photovoltaic system and / or a wind turbine. Additionally or alternatively, DC power source 20 can be an energy storage device, such as a battery and / or accumulator. In particular, a DC power source is a combination of a DC power generation device and an associated energy storage device.

[0072] Here, DC power supply 20 typically has a DC voltage between 10 V and 200 V, in particular between 12 V and 48 V, or for example an integer multiple of 12 V, and a maximum DC current between 1 A and 20 A, in particular between 5 A and 10 A.

[0073] Here, DC power is supplied to the power supply device 100 or the power element 110 via the power supply line 21, or the power supply device 100 is connected to the DC power source 20 via the power supply line 21. In particular, the power supply line 21 is a two-core cable.

[0074] The power element 110 is further configured to output DC power to a first powered device 210. Specifically, the first powered device 210 is a DC powered device, which refers to a device that (specifically, only) can draw or use DC power. For example, the first powered device is a laptop, a smartphone, or other device that typically draws DC power or is operated and / or charged by DC power.

[0075] Here, DC power is supplied from power supply device 100 or power element 110 to first powered device 210 via power supply line 211, or power supply device 100 is connected to first powered device 210 via power supply line 211. Power supply line 211 is typically a cable with a USB connector, more specifically a cable with a USB-C connector, a Lightning connector, or another standard commonly used for transmitting DC power. To this end, power supply device 100 may include one or more plug receptacles corresponding to these connectors.

[0076] Power element 110 is further configured to output AC power to a second powered device 220. Second powered device 220 is specifically an AC powered device, which refers to a device that (particularly, only) can draw from or use AC power. For example, the second powered device is a light bulb, a large electrical appliance (such as a refrigerator or toaster), or other device that typically draws from, is operated by, and / or is charged with, AC power.

[0077] Here, AC power is supplied from power supply device 100 or power element 110 to second powered device 220 via power supply line 221, or power supply device 100 is connected to second powered device 220 via power supply line 221. Power supply line 221 is typically a cable with a protective contact plug, a Euro plug, or another standard cable commonly used for transmitting AC power. To this end, power supply device 100 may have one or more plug receptacles corresponding to these aforementioned connectors.

[0078] The power supply device 100 also includes an information element 120 configured to receive power supply information. In particular, the information element 120 is configured to receive building power information. Building power information relates to the power supply and / or power generation devices present in or on the building, in particular the average level, maximum level, and / or availability of the power supply. In particular, the building power information is information related to one or more of the DC power sources 20 described above. The building power information is transmitted to the power supply device 100 or the information element 120 in a wired manner, for example, via an information line 22. Alternatively or additionally, the building power information can also be transmitted to the information element 120 via a wireless connection. The information element 120 is also configured to provide the building power information to one or more DC power sources 20.

[0079] Building power information, for example, is the current or future power generation status of one or more power generation devices. In particular, the building power information may be information related to current or future weather conditions, particularly solar conditions, temperature conditions, and / or wind conditions. Alternatively or additionally, the building power information may be the current or future charge status of one or more electrical energy storage devices.

[0080] Information element 120 is also configured to receive power supply network information. This power supply network information relates to the power supply from the network operator's power supply network to the building, particularly the average level, maximum level, and / or availability of power supply. In particular, the power supply network information is information related to one or more of the AC power sources 10 described above. The power supply network information is transmitted to power supply device 100 or information element 120 via a wired connection, for example, via information line 12. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply network information can also be transmitted to information element 120 via a wireless connection. Information element 120 is also configured to provide the power supply network information to one or more AC power sources 10, particularly to the power supply network.

[0081] The information element 120 is also configured to receive consumer power information. The consumer power information relates to the power consumption of consumers connected to the power supply device 100, in particular, the average, minimum, and / or maximum power consumption of the consumers and / or their availability. The consumer power information is transmitted from the first consumer 210 to the power supply device 100 or the information element 120, for example, via a wired connection via an information line 212. Alternatively or additionally, the consumer power information can be transmitted to the information element 120 via a wireless connection. The information element 120 is also configured to provide the consumer power information to the first consumer 210 via the information line 212.

[0082] The information element 120 is also configured to receive temperature information. The temperature information relates to the temperature of the power supply device 100, in particular the temperature in the housing of the power supply device 100. To this end, the information element 120 may access a temperature sensor that is arranged in and / or on the housing of the power supply device 100 and detects the temperature.

[0083] The information element 120 is further configured to receive segment information. The segment information relates to information about the segment to which one or more electrical consumers are grouped based on their parameters and / or requirements.

[0084] The power supply device 100 further includes a control element 130 configured to control the power output by the power element 110 based on building power information, power supply network information, power information of the power consumer, temperature information, and / or zone information. In particular, the control element 130 is configured to control the DC power output to the first power consumer 210 based on the building power information, power supply network information, power information of the power consumer, temperature information, and / or zone information, and / or to control the AC power output to the second power consumer 220 based on the building power information, power supply network information, power information of the power consumer, temperature information, and / or zone information.

[0085] The power element 110 is further configured to identify faults when outputting power to the power consumers 210 , 220 and to correct the identified faults, for example, by reducing or shutting off the output power.

[0086] The power supply device 100 further includes a data element 140 configured to receive data from one or more powered devices and / or provide data to one or more powered devices. Additionally or alternatively, the data element 140 is further configured to receive data from a data source 30 and / or provide data to the data source 30. In this case, the data can be received and / or provided, in particular, together with the output of power, via a single interface of the power supply device 100.

[0087] Here, data is provided from the data source 30 to the power supply device 100 or the data element 140 via the data line 33, and from there to the first powered device 210, for example, via the data line 213. Similarly, data is provided from the first powered device to the power supply device 100 or the data element 140 via the data line 213, and from there to the data source 30 via the data line 33. The data line 33 between the data source 30 and the power supply device 100, and the data line 213 between the power supply device 100 and the first powered device 210, can be wireless and / or wired. In particular, the data line 33 and / or the data line 213 can be a copper cable, such as a Cat5 cable, and / or a glass fiber cable.

[0088] In particular, for the data line 213 between the power supply device 100 and the first power consumer 210, the cable with a USB connector described above, in particular a cable with a USB-C or Lightning connector, or a cable with the following other standards can be used. In addition to being used to transmit DC power, this standard can also be used to transmit data, such as the Power-over-Ethernet standard or the IEEE802.3 standard.

[0089] In particular, the data provided between the data source 30 and the data element 140 can also be modulated onto DC power or AC power and exchanged via a common cable, for example, in accordance with the IEEE-1901 standard.

[0090] The power element 110 is further configured to provide power to the data source 30, in particular via a power supply line 31. Similarly, the information element 120 is configured to receive power supply network information and / or building power information from the data element 30 and / or provide the data element to the data element, in particular via an information line 32.

[0091] The power supply device 100 further includes a conversion element 150 configured to convert received power and then output the converted power to a powered device.

[0092] In particular, the conversion element 150 is configured to convert the AC power provided by the AC power source 10 in terms of power level, frequency, and / or type. For example, the conversion element 150 is configured to convert 230 V AC power provided by the AC power source 10 to 110 V. For another example, the conversion element 150 is configured to convert 50 Hz AC power provided by the AC power source 10 to 60 Hz. For another example, the conversion element 150 is configured to convert the AC power provided by the AC power source 10 to DC power.

[0093] More particularly, the conversion element 150 is configured to convert the DC power provided by the DC power source 20 in terms of power level and / or type. For example, the conversion element 150 is configured to convert the DC power provided by the DC power source 20 having a DC voltage of 48 V to 12 V. For another example, the conversion element 150 is configured to convert the DC power provided by the DC power source 20 into AC power.

[0094] The power element 110 is also configured to output AC power to the AC voltage source 10. In particular, the power element 110 is configured to provide power previously generated by or stored in the DC power source 20 or the DC power generation device, in particular using the conversion element 150, as AC power to the power supply network via the power supply line 11.

[0095] The power element 110 is also configured to output DC power to the DC power source 20. In particular, the power element 110 is configured to provide AC power provided by the AC voltage source, in particular using the conversion element 150, as DC power to a battery or storage battery via the power supply line 21.

[0096] The components of the power supply device 100 described above can particularly realize the following application scenarios:

[0097] In an operating situation where one or more AC power sources 10 are able to provide power but one or more DC power sources 20 are unable to provide power (for example, because the building power information shows that there is no sun, no wind and / or the battery / storage battery is empty), the power supply device 100 can only receive power from the AC power source 10 and provide it to one or more power users, and in particular can also convert AC power into DC power and thereby provide it to the DC power user 210.

[0098] In particular, power supply device 100 can predict building power information, for example, by taking into account current and / or future weather conditions and / or the current and / or future charge state of batteries / accumulators. As such, as long as DC power source 20 is still able to generate DC power, it can be stored in batteries / accumulators and / or fed to DC power consumers 210.

[0099] In an operating situation where one or more DC power sources 20 are able to provide power, but one or more AC power sources 10 are unable to provide power (for example, because power supply network information indicates a current or future power supply network failure or outage), the power supply device 100 may receive power only from the DC power source 20 and provide it to one or more powered devices. In particular, the power supply device 100 may also convert the DC power into AC power and provide it to the AC powered devices 220. In this case, the DC power source 20 may also be stopped from providing power to the power supply network.

[0100] In particular, power supply device 100 can predict this power supply network information, for example, by taking into account future power supply network conditions and / or the current time. Thus, as long as AC power source 10 is still able to generate AC power, it can be stored in batteries or accumulators and / or fed to AC and / or DC power consumers 210. In particular, it is also possible to wait for a specific time at which, for example, AC power is more advantageous.

[0101] In an operating situation in which not only one or more DC power sources 20 but also one or more AC power sources 10 are capable of providing power, the power supply device 100 can receive DC power from the DC power source 20 and provide it to one or more DC voltage power users 210, in particular without the need for prior conversion thereof, and the power supply device 100 can also receive AC power from the AC power source 10 and provide it to one or more AC power power users 220, in particular without the need for prior conversion thereof.

[0102] Furthermore, in all cases, the power supply device 100 (in particular based on received power information of the electrical consumers and / or time) can predict the power consumption of one or more electrical consumers, for example because the DC power consumer 210 includes a battery, so that the provision of power can still wait for a predetermined duration, and / or because it is known that a specific AC power consumer continuously requires constant and / or maximum power, and / or because it is known that a specific electrical consumer (e.g. a heat pump) requires constant and / or maximum power at a specific time.

[0103] In addition to the power supply device 100 described above, the power supply system 1000 further includes one or more AC power sources 10 described above and / or one or more DC power sources 20 described above and / or one or more data sources 30 described above.

[0104] In particular, the power supply device 100 and one or more data sources 30 can be integrated into a single housing that can be plugged into a conventional household outlet. Alternatively, the power supply device 100 can be designed as a concealed device. Furthermore, the power supply device 100 can be referred to as a smart router, a smart energy router, or a smart power outlet.

[0105] Figure 2 A schematic flow chart of a power supply method 2000 is shown.

[0106] The power supply method 2000 begins with a first step 2010 , in which DC power is obtained from a DC power source.

[0107] The power supply method 2000 continues with a further step 2020 , in which the acquired DC power is output to a first electrical consumer, which is a DC power consumer.

[0108] The power supply method 2000 continues with a further step 2030 in which AC power is obtained from an AC power source.

[0109] The power supply method 2000 continues with a further step 2040 , in which the acquired AC power is output to a second electric consumer, which is an AC power consumer.

[0110] The power supply method 2000 continues with a further step 2050 in which power information is received.

[0111] The power supply method 2000 continues with a further step 2060 , in which the output power is controlled in dependence on the received power information.

[0112] The power supply method 2000 continues with a further step 2070 in which data is received from a data source.

[0113] The power supply method 2000 continues with a further step 2080 in which data is provided to the first powered device.

[0114] It should be understood that some or all of the steps may be performed in a different order and / or simultaneously. In particular, steps 2010, 2020, 2030, and 2040 may be performed simultaneously and / or consecutively. Further particularly, steps 2070 and 2080 may be performed before steps 2050 and 2060 and / or consecutively.

[0115] Figure 3The power supply network 3000 is shown. The power supply network 3000 includes a first power supply device 100 and a second power supply device 100'. Here, the first power supply device 100 and the second power supply device 100' are basically combined with Figure 1 The power supply devices described are constructed identically, or the first power supply device 100 and the second power supply device 100' implement substantially the same Figure 1 The same functions as described for the power supply equipment.

[0116] Here, with Figure 1 Consistently, the first power supply device 100 has a power element 110, an information element 120, a control element 130, a data element 140 and a conversion element 150, and the second power supply device 100' correspondingly has a power element 110', an information element 120', a control element 130', a data element 140' and a conversion element 150' that are constructed identically or similarly.

[0117] However, the difference here is that the second power supply device 100' is not connected to the DC power supply 20, the AC power supply 10 or the data source 30 like the first power supply device 100, but is only connected to the first power supply device 100, which implements these functions for the second power supply device 100' or provides these functions to the second power supply device 100'.

[0118] In other words, the power element 110 ′ of the second power supply device 100 ′ is configured to obtain DC power from the power element 110 of the first power supply device 100 and output it to the at least one first powered device 210 .

[0119] The power element 110 ′ of the second power supply device 100 ′ is further configured to obtain AC power from the power element 110 of the first power supply device 100 and output the AC power to at least one second powered device 220 .

[0120] The data element 140 ′ of the second power supply device 100 ′ is configured to receive data from the data element 140 of the first power supply device 100 and provide the data to at least one first powered device 210 .

[0121] In other words, for the first power supply device 100, the second power supply device 100' is the first powered device and the second powered device, and the second power supply device 100' receives AC power, DC power and data from the first power supply device 100, and outputs or forwards them to the first powered device 210 and the second powered device 220.

[0122] To this end, the second power supply device 100' is connected to the first power supply device 100 via a first power supply line 111, an information line 112, a data line 113, and a second power supply line 114. Here, the first power supply line 111 provides AC power from the first power supply device 100 to the second power supply device 100', the information line 112 provides power information from the first power supply device 100 to the second power supply device 100', the data line 113 provides data from the first power supply device 100 to the second power supply device 100', and the second power supply line 114 provides DC power from the first power supply device 100 to the second power supply device 100'. In particular, this can be done via a common physical cable, so that the first power supply device 100, the second power supply device 100', and possibly other similar or identical power supply devices are connected together or to each other.

[0123] In particular, the AC power supply 10, the DC power supply 20 and / or the data source 30 can also be arranged together and constructed so that they provide a common physical output terminal, to which the cables described above can be connected in order to supply DC power, AC power, data and / or power information to one or more power supply devices, in particular the first power supply device 100.

[0124] In this case, the second power supply device 100' can, in particular, have the characteristics of a repeater, amplifier, or proxy. This is especially true when, for technical reasons, DC current and data cannot be transmitted over medium distances without amplification, or when amplification of DC current and data is required. To this end, the power supply network 3000 can be composed of any number of power supply devices, for example, 3, 4, 8, or 16, which together form the power supply network. Consequently, for the power supply devices, and for the power supply system 1000' described below, there are no spatial boundaries, in particular due to actual cable length limitations, such as those found in data lines.

[0125] In particular, a plurality of power supply devices can be arranged or connected together in any desired topology. In particular, bus topologies or linear topologies are suitable for this. This makes simple retrofitting possible.

[0126] More particularly, the first power supply device 100 is configured to provide a higher data bandwidth to the second power supply device 100' than to the powered device. Also particularly, the first power supply device 100 is configured to provide the maximum possible data bandwidth to the second power supply device 100'. To this end, the first power supply device 100 or the first data element 140 can be configured to identify whether it is providing data to another identical or similar power supply device or to a different powered device.

[0127] In particular, the first power supply device 100 is configured to supply higher power (both direct current and alternating current) to the second power supply device 100' than to the powered device, in particular, power having a higher voltage and / or a higher current than that supplied to the powered device. Also particularly, the first power supply device 100 is configured to supply the maximum possible power to the second power supply device 100'. To this end, the first power supply device 100 or the first power element 110 can be configured to identify whether it is providing data to another identical or similar power supply device or to a different powered device. In particular, the power supplied to the powered device can be below a so-called safety voltage, while the power supplied to the other power supply device can be above this safety voltage.

[0128] Additionally, the first power supply device 100 may also be configured to supply power to the second power supply device 100' via corresponding lines (not shown). Figure 3 Additional power consumers not shown in the figure supply DC power, AC power, data and / or power information.

[0129] exist Figure 3 It also shows that different Figure 1 The power supply system 1000 ′ is configured to include at least two power supply devices 100 , 100 ′ and a data source 30 and / or a DC power source 20 .

[0130] Reference Signs List

[0131] 10AC power supply

[0132] 11 Power supply lines

[0133] 12 information lines

[0134] 20 DC power supply

[0135] 21 power supply lines

[0136] 22 information lines

[0137] 30 data sources

[0138] 31 power supply lines

[0139] 32 information lines

[0140] 33 data lines

[0141] 100 power supply equipment

[0142] 100' power supply equipment

[0143] 110 power components

[0144] 110' power element

[0145] 111 power supply line

[0146] 112 Information Line

[0147] 113 data line

[0148] 114 power supply lines

[0149] 120 information components

[0150] 120' information element

[0151] 130 control elements

[0152] 130' control element

[0153] 140 data components

[0154] 140' data element

[0155] 150 conversion elements

[0156] 150' conversion element

[0157] 210 electrical equipment

[0158] 211 power supply line

[0159] 212 Information Line

[0160] 213 data line

[0161] 220 electrical equipment

[0162] 221 power supply line

[0163] 1000 power supply system

[0164] 1000' power supply system

[0165] 2000 Power Supply Method

[0166] 2010 Methods and Steps

[0167] 2020 Methods and Steps

[0168] 2030 Methodology and Steps

[0169] 2040 Method Steps

[0170] 2050 Method Steps

[0171] 2060 Method Steps

[0172] 2070 Methods and Steps

[0173] 2080 Method Steps

[0174] 3000 power supply network

Claims

1. A power supply device (100), comprising: - a power element (110), the power element being configured to obtain DC power from a DC power source (20) and output it to at least one first power consumer (210), and the power element being configured to obtain AC power from an AC power source (10) and output it to at least one second power consumer (220); and A data element (140) is designed to receive data from a data source (30) and to provide the data to at least one first electrical consumer (210).

2. The power supply device (100) according to claim 1, in, The output of DC power and the provision of data are performed through a single interface of the power supply device (100).

3. The power supply device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - an information element (120), the information element being configured to receive power supply information; as well as - a control element (130), the control element being configured to control the output power according to the power supply information.

4. The power supply device (100) according to claim 3, in, The power supply information includes building power information.

5. The power supply device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, in, The power supply information includes power supply network information.

6. The power supply device (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in, The information element (130) is further configured to receive power information of an electric device; and The control element (140) is further configured to control the output power according to the power information of the electrical equipment.

7. The power supply device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The information element (120) is further configured to receive temperature information; and The control element (130) is further configured to control the output of electric power according to the temperature information.

8. A power supply system (1000), comprising: - Data Source (30); as well as - A power supply device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7.

9. A power supply system (1000), comprising: - DC power supply (20); as well as - A power supply device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7.

10. A power supply method (2000), the power supply method comprising: - obtaining (2010) DC power from a DC power source (20); - outputting (2020) the acquired DC power to at least one first powered device (210); - obtaining (2030) AC power from an AC power source (10); - outputting (2040) the acquired AC power to at least one second powered device (220); - receiving (2050) data from a data source (30); and - providing (2060) data to at least one first powered device (210).

11. A method for supplying electricity (2000), further comprising the following steps: - receiving (2070) power information; as well as - Controlling the output power according to the power information (2080).

12. A power supply network (3000), comprising: - a first power supply device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; as well as - a second power supply device (100') according to any one of claims 1 to 7; wherein the power element (110') of the second power supply device (100') is configured to obtain direct current power from the first power supply device (100) and output it to at least one first power consumption device (210), and the power element (110') of the second power supply device (100') is further configured to obtain alternating current power from the first power supply device (100) and output it to at least one second power consumption device (220); and The data element (140') of the second power supply device (100') is configured to receive data of the first power supply device (100) and provide the data to at least one first power consumer (210).

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