Method for determining the utilization state of at least part of an electricity grid, in particular for controlling a controllable consumer, and communication system

Abstract

Method for determining a utilization state (A) of at least a part (Z) of an electricity network (10), - wherein the electricity network (10) is divided into several defined interconnected network units (ZNE) and zones (Z), each of which zones (Z) comprises at least one of the interconnected network units (ZNE); - wherein at least one controllable consumer (18) for obtaining energy from the electricity grid (10) is coupled or can be coupled to the electricity grid (10) at an electricity supply point, - wherein the at least one controllable consumer (18) is assigned to a specific connected network unit (ZNE) of a specific zone (Z) of the several zones (Z) depending on its electricity supply position, wherein the specific connected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) comprises the electricity supply position, - wherein, before the at least one controllable consumer (18) draws energy from the electricity grid (10) at the electricity supply point, the at least one controllable consumer (18) transmits information about the amount of energy (E) to be drawn by the at least one controllable consumer (18) to an evaluation unit (22) via a communication network (16), - where information about a generation capacity (S) relating to at least the specific connected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) is provided at the evaluation unit (22), - wherein the evaluation device (22) determines the utilization state (A) locally for the specific interconnected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) at least as a function of the generation capacity (S) and the information about the amount of energy (E) to be drawn by the at least one controllable consumer (18), characterized in that - by the at least one controllable consumer (18) a maximum state value range (I) is defined for the amount of energy (E) to be drawn, which is transmitted by the controllable consumer (18) to the evaluation unit (22), whereby the state value (W) determined depending on the determined load state (A) is compared with the state value range (I), and if the determined state value (W) is within the state value range (I), the draw of the amount of energy (E) for the at least one controllable consumer (18) is enabled, - which assigns a certain urgency to the procurement of the amount of energy (E) to be procured by at least one controllable consumer (18) according to at least one predetermined criterion, and determines the state value range (I) depending on the assigned urgency.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for determining a load state of at least one part of a power grid, in particular for controlling at least one controllable consumer. The invention also includes a communication system for determining a load state of at least one part of a power grid.

[0002] Controllable consumers or controllable loads are consumption devices that influence their electricity consumption according to certain (external) incentives or specifications. These include, for example, any electricity storage devices, controllable consumption devices according to Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG), consumers with atypical grid usage according to Section 19 of the German Electricity Necessity Ordinance (StromNEV), and prosumers. In addition, associated charging stations or other charging points for such consumers are also considered controllable consumers. A controllable consumer can also represent the sum of several individual consumers. However, this sum includes at most the individual consumers that can be combined as a single withdrawal point for the public electricity grid. Each controllable consumer is assigned an identification number (ID), for example, a metering point designation.

[0003] Currently, controllable loads are managed individually or as part of a virtual power plant. Virtual power plants consist of multiple generation plants, loads, or storage units and feed the generated electricity into the power grid in a controlled and bundled manner. Like a control center, they bundle the electricity from many small generators and feed it into the power grid in exactly the amount previously agreed upon when the electricity was sold. The amount of electricity available to individual plants in the virtual power plant fluctuates due to natural supply. This can result in generation output that is higher or lower than originally planned. Controllable generation plants and loads can be used to adjust this. The existing flexibility enables the provision of system services, such as control power.By combining the plants, any restrictions on minimum capacities for marketing or system services can also be met.

[0004] However, plants in a virtual power plant are not grouped according to their affiliation to a grid area, but include plants in the entire market area, regardless of their geographical proximity. This enables these power plants to provide system services that are relevant for the entire market area, such as control power. The provision of local system services, such as local voltage control or reactive power provision or compliance with the permissible current carrying capacity of equipment, is not possible due to the lack of a clear grid area definition of virtual power plants. Furthermore, grouping all plants together, regardless of their location in the electricity grid, is associated with significant disadvantages for controllable consumers. Firstly, grid charges vary locally and are levied according to the specific load in the grid area.In addition, system services such as voltage control and compliance with permissible current carrying capacity can only be provided locally. Optimizing grid utilization would be desirable, particularly in the context of the energy transition and the increasing electrification of motor vehicles.

[0005] DE 10 2009 016 624 A1 describes a method and a device for charging an electric vehicle, in which the electric vehicle is identified during a charging process and is assigned a type of electricity or an energy supplier that corresponds to a tariff model of an electric vehicle user and is dependent on an available power supply.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2016 000 920 A1 describes a method for charging a traction battery of at least partially electrically powered vehicles, as well as a charging station constructed similarly to a gas station and comprising several charging columns that offer different types of electricity and display information about the types of electricity. Furthermore, WO 2013 / 110 316 A1 describes a device and a method for controlling a charging process at at least two charging stations that charge several vehicles according to an operator's specifications, whereby refueling with green electricity is suggested when the sun is shining.

[0007] However, none of the methods described in the state of the art allows for optimizing grid utilization. To even be able to perform such optimization, the most accurate knowledge possible of the utilization status of at least part of a power grid is first required.

[0008] WO 2016 / 120248 A1 describes a method for improving the utilization of a low-voltage network using a communication network between components of the low-voltage network, wherein load forecasts created by controllable components are repeatedly delivered to a central processing unit, which creates a network status forecast from these load forecasts and sends it to the controllable components, which change their load profile on the basis of the network status forecast.

[0009] WO 89 / 12342 A1 proposes that each electrical energy provider determine its current market price at any time and communicate this to its consumers for the power provided, particularly in the form of power cost signals. This allows price information to be made available to consumers. The consumer can specify a predetermined power cost value at which a corresponding household appliance should be operated. The power cost value can then be compared with the price information provided by the provider in the control device.

[0010] WO 2012 / 006644 A2 describes a method for planning and / or controlling energy delivery to a consumer and / or energy feed-in to an energy distribution network, wherein a first energy supplier generates and sends initial messages regarding expected current and / or planned tariffs and / or grid utilizations, as well as a value for the probability of the respective tariffs and / or grid utilizations occurring. A control unit then switches a switching device for a consumer within the specified timeframe at a time interval in which the consumer's energy demand can be met with a lower expected grid utilization or a more favorable tariff.

[0011] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for determining a utilization state of at least part of a power grid and a communication system which enable the grid utilization to be determined as accurately as possible and which, in particular, set the course for optimizing the grid utilization.

[0012] This object is achieved by a method and a communications system having the features according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0013] In a method according to the invention for determining a utilization state of at least part of a power grid, the power grid is divided into several defined, interconnected grid units and zones, each of the zones comprising at least one of the interconnected grid units, whereby at least one controllable consumer is coupled or can be coupled to the power grid at a power supply position for drawing energy from the power grid. Depending on its power supply position, the at least one controllable consumer is assigned to a specific interconnected grid unit of a specific zone of the plurality of zones, wherein the specific interconnected grid unit of the specific zone comprises the power supply position. Zones as well as interconnected grid units can be defined as specified below.Furthermore, before the at least one controllable consumer draws energy from the power grid at the power consumption point, the at least one controllable consumer transmits information about the amount of energy to be drawn by the at least one controllable consumer to an evaluation device via a communications network, wherein information about a generation capacity relating to the specific interconnected network unit of the specific zone is also provided to the evaluation device. Furthermore, the evaluation device determines the utilization state locally for the specific interconnected network unit of the specific zone at least as a function of the current generation capacity and the information about the amount of energy to be drawn by the at least one controllable consumer.In addition, a maximum state value range is determined by the at least one controllable consumer for the amount of energy to be drawn, which maximum state value range is transmitted by the controllable consumer to the evaluation device, wherein the state value determined as a function of the determined load state is compared with the state value range, and if the determined state value lies within the state value range, the drawing of the amount of energy is enabled for the at least one controllable consumer, wherein the at least one controllable consumer assigns a certain urgency to the drawing of the amount of energy to be drawn according to at least one predetermined criterion, and determines the state value range as a function of the assigned urgency.

[0014] The information about the amount of energy to be purchased can represent the amount of energy itself, or, for example, an indication of a power to be purchased and a period for which the power is to be purchased.

[0015] Each zone can be assigned to exactly one evaluation unit. If a zone comprises several interconnected grid units, the current generation capacity of each of these interconnected grid units in the same zone can be provided to the evaluation unit. This unit then determines the utilization status separately for each interconnected grid unit, particularly taking into account the respective controllable consumers specific to each grid unit, which can also be clearly assigned to a connected grid unit based on their respective power consumption position.

[0016] The invention is based on the realization that optimizing grid utilization requires knowledge of the utilization status of a local area of ​​the power grid. This is made possible by dividing the power grid into interconnected grid units and zoning these units. According to the invention, the loads, in particular the controllable loads, are also advantageously assigned to a respective interconnected grid unit according to their power consumption position, and thus also to a zone, namely the zone encompassing the assigned grid unit.The respective controllable consumers assigned to such a zone, such as the specific zone here, can, when they intend to draw electricity from the power grid, communicate the corresponding information about the respective amount of energy to be drawn, such as the maximum possible power or energy quantity to be drawn, to the evaluation device via a corresponding communications network. Thus, the evaluation device can advantageously determine or forecast the utilization state of the power grid locally, namely for each connected network unit in the zone, for example for a respective defined period or time step, based on the generation output of each connected network unit in the zones, as well as on the energy quantities to be drawn communicated to the respective controllable consumers and the forecast energy quantity of uncontrolled consumers.This advantageously enables a particularly precise determination of the local grid utilization and thus also a local and therefore significantly more efficient control of the electricity supply and thus a significant improvement in terms of optimizing the grid utilization.

[0017] The controllable loads assigned to the same zone can be combined into a virtual controllable zone load, for which a local, zone-specific resolution is provided. An evaluation unit is required for each zone. Combining them into a zone load ensures that minimum volumes are maintained on the electricity and system power markets. Furthermore, the division into contiguous grid units within the zones can advantageously promote the most even grid utilization possible.

[0018] This also provides the opportunity, for example, for a grid operator's eligible grid costs to be passed on to them through grid fees in a way that is fair to the polluter, thus creating an incentive effect that, in turn, has a positive impact on balanced grid utilization. Furthermore, local electricity and system service marketing can also be enabled.

[0019] A coherent network unit is preferably defined as part of the electricity supply network in which the following allocation can be made for all withdrawal points: One network node, or various network nodes, at which, however, a certain degree of energy exchange exists at the voltage level of the network nodes or lower voltage levels, in particular where the certain degree can be based on country-specific specifications and can be a percentage of the power of a network node, and in addition no more than one responsible network operator, and no more than one network or substation level.

[0020] The division of the power grid into several zones, or the combination of interconnected grid units at different voltage levels into a single zone, can be based on the typical responsibilities of distribution system operators, such as in Germany, with a large number of regional municipal utilities. A zone comprises one or more interconnected grid units operated by no more than one grid operator. In principle, a zone can be created for each interconnected grid unit.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the power grid is divided into several zones such that a zone represents the sum of all connected grid units of a grid operator, which can be assigned to a single connected grid unit either at the second-lowest grid level or at the third-lowest grid level. "Assignment" here means that there is a possibility of energy exchange between connected grid units. This can result in various zones, namely regional zones, supra-regional zones, and local zones. In addition to this zoning, a zone can also be created for each connected grid unit.

[0022] The consolidation into local, regional, and supra-regional zones simplifies the size of the zone network and the number of evaluation devices. It also offers the possibility of over- and under-provisioning larger procurement volumes, providing greater certainty that sufficient energy quantities have been purchased. Furthermore, zoning is more effective for decentralized market processes, as it allows for a larger number of participants to be addressed, thus providing greater liquidity.

[0023] Within the zone, however, the individual consumers and producers are assigned to the various interconnected grid units. This can be done via the evaluation device by assigning each ID to a connected grid unit.

[0024] Since, according to the previous definitions, only one grid operator is responsible for each zone, and the grid operator usually knows the available generation capacity, the information on the respective generation capacity in the respective connected grid units of a zone can be easily provided by the grid operators to the evaluation device. The grid operators also usually have corresponding consumption information from non-controllable consumers, so that this can also be taken into account when calculating the utilization status of the connected grid units of a zone. These are also assigned to the respective connected grid unit of a zone according to their electricity consumption positions.

[0025] Such a controllable consumer could be, for example, a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. However, the controllable consumers could also be any other type of consumer, in particular storage devices or similar devices, as described above.

[0026] It is also particularly advantageous, at least in the case where non-controllable consumers also consume electricity or are present, for the evaluation device to provide a forecasted power consumption of uncontrolled consumers assigned to the specific interconnected network unit, and for the evaluation device to additionally determine the utilization status locally for the specific interconnected network unit depending on the provided power consumption. This advantageously allows for a comprehensive balance to be provided.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a state value is determined depending on the determined load state, whereby the energy consumption by the at least one controllable consumer is controlled depending on the determined state value. This advantageously allows, for example, control over whether the required energy should currently be consumed by the controllable consumer. This can then advantageously be adapted to the local load state of the power grid.

[0028] According to the invention, a maximum state value range is defined by the at least one controllable consumer for the amount of energy to be drawn, wherein the state value determined as a function of the determined utilization state is compared with the state value range, and if the determined state value lies within the state value range, the drawing of the amount of energy for the at least one controllable consumer is enabled.

[0029] A corresponding control device can be provided for activation depending on the result of the comparison between the state value and the state value range. This can, for example, be part of the evaluation device or part of the controllable load. For example, the controllable load can transmit the information about the state value range it has defined, along with the information about the amount of energy to be drawn, to the evaluation device. As described, this determines the utilization state for the connected network units in a zone and, from this, the state value. It compares this with the respective state value ranges also transmitted to the evaluation device by the controllable loads.If the status value determined by the evaluation device lies within such a status value range of a controllable consumer, the evaluation device can continue to enable the respective controllable consumer to purchase electricity or energy. However, it can also be provided that the evaluation device transmits the status value based on the determined utilization status of the respective connected network unit of a zone to a respective controllable consumer that wishes to purchase energy. The respective controllable consumer then compares the received status value with the status value range it has specified. If the transmitted status value lies within this status value range, the controllable consumer itself enables energy consumption.However, even here, it is preferable that the state value range defined by a respective controllable load is still transmitted to the evaluation device. This is particularly advantageous because, based on this, the evaluation device can provide an accurate forecast of the load status, since the state value range ultimately determines whether or not the corresponding controllable load will draw power during the relevant time interval.

[0030] By defining such a state value range for a respective controllable load, its flexibility regarding energy consumption can be expressed. This advantageously allows the needs and requirements of each controllable load to be taken into account when controlling power consumption. For example, if the power grid in a certain connected grid unit of a zone is already at full capacity, a controllable load can still draw power from the power grid at that time if it expresses this, for example, by selecting a correspondingly large state value range.If, for example, another controllable consumer is very flexible with regard to when it draws electricity, this can be expressed by a very small state value range, so that such a consumer is not charged when the power grid in the connected network unit assigned to it is already fully utilized, but for example at a different time when the power grid of the connected network unit assigned to it is not fully utilized.

[0031] The state value range can also be unilaterally open, extending, for example, from minus infinity to a specific maximum state value. In such a case, to specify the state value range, it is sufficient, for example, to specify the maximum state value. Then, a comparison can also be made as to whether the state value determined by the evaluation device is greater than or less than / equal to the maximum state value specified by the controllable consumer, in order to determine whether the state value lies within the unilaterally open state value range limited on one side by the maximum state value. In particular, the state value range can thus also include negative values, and the state value can also assume a negative value.

[0032] According to the invention, the at least one controllable consumer assigns a specific urgency to the consumption of the energy quantity to be consumed according to at least one predetermined criterion and defines the state value range depending on the assigned urgency, in particular, the higher the assigned urgency, the larger the state value range. If, for example, the controllable consumer is an electric vehicle that is currently driving to a charging station to charge the energy storage device of the electric vehicle, and in such a case, for example, the energy storage device is still half charged, the motor vehicle can, for example, assign a correspondingly low urgency to the full charging of the energy storage device.Based on this urgency value, the state value range can be determined by the motor vehicle and transmitted, together with the maximum amount of energy to be drawn, for example, first to the charging station and from there to the evaluation device, or directly from the motor vehicle to the evaluation device. An urgency and a state value range can also be determined by a charging station or its operator. This can be done by forecasting the charging station's capacity utilization or by information about or from planned connecters of the charging station. In this case, a communication link can exist between the charging station and connecters, such as an electric vehicle, through which the connecter can transmit an urgency and a state value range themselves or provide the necessary information so that this can be determined by the charging station or its operator.Based on the amount of energy to be drawn and taking into account all other energy requests from other controllable consumers in the same interconnected grid unit in a zone, as well as the current generation output and other influencing factors already described and to be described below, such as the forecast consumption power of uncontrolled consumers, the evaluation device determines the current utilization state for the relevant interconnected grid unit. From this, it calculates the state value and compares this with the state value range defined, for example, by the vehicle to be charged or a charging station. The state value can be calculated from the utilization state of an interconnected grid unit or, optionally, from the utilization state of other interconnected grid units at the same grid or substation level. The utilization can be determined for each interconnected grid unit.The state value range can, for example, start at zero and be open-ended on the scale, i.e. limited by a maximum state value that can be selected as large as desired. As described above, this state value range can also be open-ended, in particular unlimited. The same applies to the state value calculated by the evaluation device. This can, for example, tend to be higher the higher the grid utilization or grid overload. If the power grid in the relevant connected grid unit is currently overloaded, the state value will also be high and thus not be within the state value range of the motor vehicle whose charging was assessed as less urgent. This can prevent charging at the current time, and the motor vehicle can initiate a new request after a certain period of time.If, on the other hand, the motor vehicle's state of charge is very low, it can assess the need for electricity as significantly more urgent and express this through a correspondingly large state value range, so that charging is still possible even when the power grid is heavily utilized with regard to the same connected network unit. The same applies to other controllable consumers, which can thus advantageously express the urgency of the electricity consumption through the state value range. If the urgency is very high, the previously declared controllable consumer, for example the motor vehicle, can consume electricity as an uncontrolled consumer, according to a tariff displayed to it. Accordingly, there is an incentive for the state value range of a controllable consumer to be set below the local tariff for uncontrolled consumers.

[0033] This makes it particularly advantageous to align the needs of the respective controllable consumers with an optimization of grid utilization. The assessment of urgency by a respective controllable consumer can vary depending on the system or be based on different criteria. For example, if the energy to be drawn is needed to charge an energy storage device, the urgency can be measured based on the current charge level of such a storage device. The more charged the storage device is, the less urgent the consumption of the amount of energy to be drawn can be classified. The predetermined criteria according to which the urgency of the energy consumption of at least one controllable consumer is classified can also be set manually.This advantageously allows the user to decide for themselves in which situations they consider the energy consumption by the controllable consumer to be more or less urgent. Thus, the energy consumption by at least one controllable consumer can be configured according to business and user-specific needs, and the urgency for the consumption of a specific amount of energy can be assigned manually or via optional local intelligence, such as a processor, sensors, and appropriate software.

[0034] The urgency of obtaining the specified amount of energy can be advantageously implemented by correspondingly defining the state value range. It is particularly advantageous that the power requirement, i.e., the amount of energy to be obtained, can be specified together with the state value range, either in stages or as a continuous function.In this case, it represents a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention if the at least one controllable consumer grades the energy quantity to be drawn into a plurality of individual energy quantities differing in size and assigns a respective state value range to each of the individual energy quantities, wherein the respective state value ranges differ from one another, and in particular wherein the drawing of that individual energy quantity is enabled which represents the largest individual energy quantity of those individual energy quantities in whose assigned state value ranges the state value determined as a function of the determined utilization state falls.If, for example, a controllable consumer ideally wants to draw a total amount of energy of 20 kilowatt hours within a certain time period, for example a quarter of an hour, but the consumption of this total amount of energy of 20 kilowatt hours is to be classified as less urgent, but the consumption of at least five kilowatt hours is to be classified as very urgent, this controllable consumer can assign a relatively small state value range to the amount of energy of 20 kilowatt hours, for example from zero to a certain, relatively small maximum value, and assign a relatively large value range to the individual amount of energy of five kilowatt hours, for example from zero to a correspondingly larger maximum value.The consumer can then transmit this information about these two energy quantities to be drawn (20 kilowatt hours and five kilowatt hours), along with the associated state value ranges, to the evaluation device. This evaluation device then determines the current grid utilization of the connected grid units in a zone for a time step, for example, 15 minutes, based on, for example, the forecast consumption of uncontrolled consumers for this time step, the forecast generation of decentralized feeders (i.e., the power generation plants for this time step), as well as other power or energy requests from other controllable consumers, taking into account the associated state value ranges. From this utilization state, a current state value can be determined for this specified time step.This determination can also be performed iteratively, since when calculating this value or the current load state for this time step, only those energy quantities requested by the controllable consumers are to be considered that are assigned a state value range within which the determined state value ultimately falls. If, for example, the ultimately determined state value is relatively low, so that it falls within both the state value range assigned to the 20 kilowatt hours and the state value range assigned to the five kilowatt hours, the controllable consumer can now draw the 20 kilowatt hours.If, on the other hand, a current state value is calculated by the evaluation device which is relatively high, so that it does not fall within the state value range assigned to the 20 kilowatt hours, but instead falls within the state value range assigned to the five kilowatt hours, the controllable consumer can at least draw the five kilowatt hours.

[0035] This has the particularly significant advantage that a controllable consumer can determine with great flexibility which amount of energy must be drawn in any case, which can be drawn optionally, and which should be drawn at some point but is not urgently needed at the current time. The needs and requirements of the respective controllable consumers are thus covered and fulfilled in every case. At the same time, this enables extremely flexible control of the electricity consumption of these controllable consumers, advantageously optimizing grid utilization without any loss of comfort for the controllable consumers themselves.This is particularly relevant with regard to electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles as controllable consumers, since such vehicles can be advantageously used as controllable consumers to optimize grid utilization without impairing the acceptance of electric vehicles due to a loss of comfort.

[0036] Rather, this method can also offer users additional incentives in a particularly advantageous and simple way, for example, by correlating the state value determined by the evaluation device and the state value ranges specified by the controllable consumers with electricity prices or grid charges. For example, a respective controllable consumer can specify a corresponding price range up to a maximum value for a respective amount of energy to be purchased or an individual energy quantity, which then corresponds to the state value range. This price range can also refer to a power unit, such as cents per kilowatt.Based on the current local grid utilization, the evaluation device can determine a current price for electricity consumption, for example, also based on a power unit such as cents per kilowatt, and compare it with the price range specified by the controllable consumer. If the determined price is within the price range specified by the controllable consumer, the consumer purchases the electricity. Otherwise, the consumer does not purchase the electricity and requests it again at a later time, for example, in the next time step.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the state value is further determined depending on whether a period during which the energy to be drawn from the at least one controllable consumer is to be drawn represents a peak load period or not. Thus, if a peak load period exists, the state value determined by the evaluation device can be correspondingly higher, which in turn makes it less likely that this state value lies within a state value range specified by the controllable consumer. The power drawn by the controllable consumers can thus advantageously be shifted to time windows with lower grid utilization.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the state value can be further determined depending on whether the specific interconnected network unit and / or the specific zone has a positive or negative electricity generation balance during the period during which the energy to be supplied is to be supplied by the at least one controllable consumer. If the electricity generation balance is positive, the local generation in the interconnected network unit exceeds the total consumption of the interconnected network unit. If the electricity generation balance is negative, the opposite is true.

[0039] It may happen that a contiguous grid unit in a zone cannot cover the electricity demand within that zone solely through the power generation facilities assigned to that contiguous grid unit. In such a case, the contiguous grid unit must obtain electricity from other contiguous grid units, for example a secondary, subordinate, or higher-level one, or even from a contiguous grid unit in a supra-regional zone or similar. In such a case, the contiguous grid unit in a regional zone itself represents a consumer for the contiguous grid unit in a supra-regional zone, which means that this contiguous grid unit may have to contribute to the grid costs of the supra-regional zone and therefore represents an undesirable situation for such a contiguous grid unit.Therefore, such a negative power generation balance must also be avoided, which can be achieved by including this power generation balance in the calculation of the state value. Here, too, the state value can be higher if the power generation balance is forecast to be negative for a subsequent time step and lower if the power generation balance is positive. Thus, the power consumption of controllable consumers can be effectively reduced in the event of a negative power generation balance, which in turn can promote the zone-specific optimization of grid utilization.

[0040] To provide information about the amount of energy taken from other zones or the amount of energy delivered to other zones, a zone network can be provided, i.e. a network between the individual zones of the power grid, in order to enable the exchange of information between the zones. For this purpose, a communication unit can be provided for each zone, which can be integrated, for example, into a respective evaluation unit of a respective zone. In this way, the zone network can link any zones in which an exchange of energy is possible. Zones in which this possibility only exists via the transport network, i.e. the transmission network, do not belong to the identical zone network. In addition to the power flow between the zones orinterconnected network units, network node voltages and currents as well as requirements for influencing the power flow between the zones or interconnected network units are also provided.

[0041] This makes it advantageous to use this information to also consider the energy exchange with upstream or downstream levels, as well as the repercussions on these levels. Overall, such a network connection can exist with zones of the same rank as well as with upstream or downstream zones. Each rank represents a zone with associated, connected grid units of the same grid and substation levels; for example, two regional zones have the same rank.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the state value is further determined depending on the grid level to which the power reference position is assigned. A power grid typically has various grid levels, such as the low-voltage grid, the medium-voltage grid, the high-voltage grid, and the extra-high-voltage grid, with corresponding transformer levels located between each of these levels, i.e., between medium and low voltage, between high and medium voltage, and between extra-high and high voltage levels. The lower the grid level and the lower the decentralized local generation capacity, the more complex the provision of electricity usually is, since it must first pass through various other grid levels and transformer levels.This can also be advantageously taken into account in the status value, which can, for example, be higher the lower the grid level of the electricity supply position and the lower the decentralized local generation capacity.

[0043] Furthermore, the invention relates to a communication system for determining a utilization state of at least part of a power grid, wherein the communication system has at least one evaluation device, at least one controllable consumer and a communication network by means of which the at least one controllable consumer is communicatively coupled to the at least one evaluation device, wherein the at least one controllable consumer is coupled or can be coupled to the power grid at a power reference position for drawing energy from the power grid, and wherein the at least one controllable consumer is assigned to a specific connected network unit of a specific zone of a plurality of zones of the power grid depending on its power reference position, wherein the specific connected network unit of the specific zone comprises the power reference position.Furthermore, the at least one controllable consumer is designed to transmit information about an amount of energy to be drawn from the at least one controllable consumer to the evaluation device via the communication network before drawing energy at the power draw-off point. Furthermore, information about a generation capacity relating to the specific connected network unit is provided to the evaluation device. This information can be provided, for example, by a network operator, which can also be a participant in the network, as well as further additional information, as already described in connection with the method according to the invention and its embodiments.In addition, the evaluation device is designed to determine the load state locally for the specific connected network unit of the specific zone at least as a function of information provided to the evaluation device about the generation capacity and the information about the amount of energy to be drawn by the at least one controllable consumer and preferably also the information about the forecast amount of energy to be drawn by all uncontrolled consumers.-A maximum state value range can be defined for the amount of energy to be drawn by the at least one controllable consumer, and the controllable consumer is designed to transmit the maximum state value range to the evaluation device, wherein the communication system is designed to compare the state value determined as a function of the determined load state with the state value range, and if the determined state value lies within the state value range, to enable the drawing of the amount of energy for the at least one controllable consumer, wherein the at least one controllable consumer is designed to assign a certain urgency to the drawing of the amount of energy to be drawn according to at least one predetermined criterion, and to define the state value range as a function of the assigned urgency.

[0044] The advantages described for the method according to the invention and its embodiments apply equally to the communication system according to the invention. Furthermore, the method steps described in connection with the method according to the invention and its embodiments enable the further development of the communication system according to the invention through further corresponding material features. The invention also encompasses the combination of the features of the described embodiments.

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of the division of the electricity grid into interconnected network units and their grouping into zones; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a communication network for determining a load state of at least part of the power grid for controlling controllable consumers according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0047] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a power grid 10 and its division into interconnected network units ZNE and their grouping into zones Z. In order to enable optimization of grid utilization, the determination of the local grid utilization is of great advantage. Accordingly, consumers, in particular controllable consumers, must also be resolved locally, which is achieved by assigning respective controllable consumers to interconnected network units ZNE of a zone Z. This advantageously makes it possible for the responsible grid operator to determine the utilization of a interconnected network unit ZNE of a zone Z, as will be described in more detail later. In addition, the assignment can be used to provide local system services and define the energy exchange with other interconnected network units ZNE or zones Z.

[0049] The definition of zones Z can be based, for example, on the typical responsibilities of distribution system operators. There is a large number of regional municipal utilities, particularly down to the second-lowest grid level, designated here as E2. Larger grid operators can divide their grid area into different zones Z. A zone Z can also be created for each contiguous grid unit ZNE.

[0050] In principle, the power grid 10 can be divided into different grid levels. The lowest grid level is designated E1 and represents, for example, a low-voltage level. The second lowest grid level is designated E2 and represents, for example, a medium-voltage level. The third lowest grid level is designated E3 and represents, for example, a high-voltage level. The highest level is designated E4 and represents, for example, an extra-high-voltage level of the transmission grid. Furthermore, interconnected grid units (ZNE) can be defined as follows: A interconnected grid unit (ZNE) is defined as a part of the electricity supply grid 10 in which the following assignment can be made for all withdrawal points: - a network node; or - different network nodes, where, however, a certain degree of energy exchange exists at the voltage level of the network nodes or lower voltage levels, in particular where the certain degree may be based on country-specific requirements and may be a percentage of the power of a network node; and - no more than one competent network operator; and - no more than one network or substation level.

[0051] In addition to the Fig. In addition to the grid levels E1, E2, E3, and E4 shown in Figure 1, the power grid also has substation levels at which voltage transfer takes place between grid levels. U1 denotes the substation level between the lowest grid level E1 and the second-lowest grid level E2, U2 denotes the substation level between the second-lowest grid level E2 and the third-lowest grid level E3, and U3 denotes the substation level between the third-lowest grid level E3 and the highest grid level E4.

[0052] A network node can be defined as follows: A network node represents a spatially limited part of an electricity supply network, which is located in a structurally connected area and consists of (a) a transformer substation, a transformer substation, a distribution substation or a switchgear or (b) another delivery point, where there is a connection for energy exchange comparable to that referred to in point (a), to which one or more withdrawal points are connected.

[0053] Thus, a zone Z can now be defined as follows: A zone Z represents the sum of all connected network units ZNE of a network operator that can be assigned to a single connected network unit ZNE either at the second-lowest network level E2 or at the third-lowest network level E3. Assignment here means that there is a possibility of energy exchange between connected network units.

[0054] This can result in different zones Z, namely regional zones RZ, supra-regional zones URZ and local zones LZ. A regional zone RZ represents the combination of several connected network units ZNE of directly downstream network and transformer levels, which can be assigned to a single connected network unit ZNE at the second lowest network level E2. A local zone LZ represents a special case of the regional zone, which corresponds to the scope of a regional zone RZ without the connected network unit ZNE at the second lowest network level E2. A local zone LZ can be assigned to exactly one regional zone RZ, but several local zones LZ can also be assigned to one regional zone RZ. A local zone LZ can be created in special cases if a network operator is only responsible for these voltage levels or if controllable consumers are only present or considered at these voltage levels.A supra-regional zone URZ represents the combination of several interconnected network units ZNE of downstream transformer levels, which can be assigned to a single interconnected network unit ZNE at the third lowest network level E3.

[0055] The following exceptions apply: If a connected network unit ZNE of the substation level to the third-lowest network level E3, i.e. the second substation level U2, but not the connected network unit ZNE of the third-lowest network level E3, is under the responsibility of a distribution system operator, this connected network unit ZNE of the substation level U2 is to be assigned to the regional zone RZ, and not to the supra-regional zone URZ. In principle, however, this, i.e. the substation level U2, is to be assigned to the supra-regional zone URZ. If the responsibility for a connected network unit ZNE of the substation level to the transport or transmission network level E4, i.e. the substation level U3, lies with the network operator of a supra-regional zone URZ, it is also assigned to this zone Z.

[0056] Thus, the individually defined zones Z can also be assigned to specific voltage levels. In the special case of the local zone LZ, this means the lowest voltage level E1 and the first substation level U1. A regional zone RZ can also have the lowest voltage level E1, the first substation level U1, the second lowest level E2, and possibly, as described above, the second substation level U2. A supra-regional zone can only have the third lowest voltage level E3 and the second substation level U2, and under certain circumstances, also the third substation level U3.

[0057] Thus, the combination of interconnected network units ZNE of different voltage levels into a zone Z is based on the typical responsibilities of distribution system operators.

[0058] In contrast to the definition of the connected network unit ZNE, these zones Z represent a comprehensive connected network unit ZNE, which extends over several network and substation levels, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0059] Furthermore, a zone Z can also be defined for each connected network unit ZNE.

[0060] A connected grid unit ZNE as well as zone Z can be combined as a withdrawal point for an upstream connected grid unit ZNE or zone Z. Using the information regarding consumption and generation quantities and assigned to the individual connected grid units ZNE, the utilization of zones Z as well as for each connected grid unit ZNE within this zone Z can be defined. This utilization can then be advantageously used to control controllable consumers, as described below, and to contribute to the optimization of grid utilization through this consumption flexibility.

[0061] The arrows 12 in Fig. 1, of which only one is provided with a reference symbol as an example, illustrate the possible energy exchange between the individual connected network units ZNE.

[0062] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a communication network 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. This communication network 14 now has several individual communication systems 14a, wherein a respective zone Z of the power grid 10, as in Fig.1, has such a communication system 14a. Each communication system 14a comprises a network 16 and network participants. The network 16 can be configured as either a server-client or a peer-to-peer network. Participants in this network 16 are individual controllable consumers 18, specifically all those assigned to the same zone Z. This assignment can be based on the power supply location at which the respective controllable consumers 18 wish to obtain energy from the power grid 10.Such a power supply position is always fixed, for example when the controllable consumer 18 is a stationary device, such as an electric heater or another system or device, for example in a household, but also when the controllable consumer 18 is a mobile device, such as an electric vehicle, which can charge at different charging stations, which may be assigned to different zones Z, since the assignment of the electric vehicle to a corresponding zone Z is based on the position of the current charging station, which is fixed, and its assignment to the corresponding zone Z. In other words, it is always a stationary device. For vehicles, although the charging point for the vehicle varies, the charging points in the power grid are stationary. Vehicles charge, for example, at a charging station or at home.Both are fixed installations with the relevant electricity meter and a defined communication and control unit. The defined communication and control unit, as well as an additional electricity meter, can also be located in the vehicle itself. The vehicle is connected to the fixed charging point and assigned the charging point's identification number. The assignment to the identification number or charging point can be done automatically or manually.

[0063] Furthermore, the grid operator responsible for the respective zone Z also represents a grid participant and is designated here by 20. Furthermore, the communication system 14a can have an evaluation device 22, which is shown here as an example as a separate unit, but can alternatively also be provided as part of the grid operator 20. For the exchange of information via the network 16, a respective controllable consumer 18 has a communication interface 18a and also a control device 18b. This control device 18b and the communication interface 18a can also be provided as a unit in the form of an intelligent measuring system, such as a smart electricity meter, which includes these two units. In addition, each electricity consumption position of a controllable consumer 18 is uniquely identifiable according to its identification number ID, and this is assigned to a coherent grid unit ZNE.

[0064] The possible active power consumptions, i.e., the energy quantities E to be consumed, as well as associated state intervals I as state value ranges are provided as information via the network 16 to the evaluation device 22 by the respective controllable consumers 18. Corresponding power specifications and intervals can also be implemented in a completely analogous manner, for example, for the provision of reactive power.

[0065] The grid operator 20 also provides information, namely the forecast consumption of uncontrolled consumers, i.e., all non-controllable consumers, which is denoted here by V, as well as the forecast generation of decentralized feeders, i.e., the power generation plants, which is denoted here by S. For the forecast of the consumption V of uncontrolled consumers, for example, consumption profiles based on historical data can be used.

[0066] From this transmitted information, the evaluation device 22 of a zone Z can now determine the utilization of the connected network unit of a zone Z. Such a determination can be repeated at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 15 minutes. The utilization state A determined by the evaluation device 22 can also be calculated for such a time interval, for example, 15 minutes.

[0067] However, this calculation does not assume that the energy quantities E requested by the respective controllable consumers 18, i.e., the possible active power consumption, are actually fully consumed by the respective controllable consumers 18 within this time interval. The extent to which this is the case is determined as follows: A state value W can be calculated from the utilization state A. This state value W can then be compared with the respective state value interval I of the respective controllable consumers 18. If this value W falls within a respective value interval I, the energy consumption for the respective controllable consumer 18 is authorized; otherwise, it is not authorized.This calculation method can now be performed iteratively. This means that it is initially assumed that all controllable consumers 18 would also draw the requested energy quantity E, and on this basis, the utilization state A can be approximately calculated. An approximate state value is then determined from this approximated utilization state. Consumers whose intervals I are very far removed from this determined approximate state value can be neglected in the next iteration step. This means that the utilization state A is recalculated, taking into account only the requested energy quantities E of the remaining consumers 18, and so on. This ultimately provides a final forecasted utilization state A and a state value W that can ultimately be determined from it.If this state value W ultimately falls within a respective interval I of a corresponding controllable consumer 18, energy consumption is enabled for this specific controllable consumer 18; otherwise, it is not. Furthermore, such a controllable consumer 18 can submit a request to the evaluation device 22 to purchase an energy quantity E every 15 minutes or at predetermined time intervals.

[0068] The state value W is determined based on the network utilization A of a specific time step, for example, 15 minutes. In the advance planning, the power of controllable consumers 18 is acknowledged until the specified specifications regarding the state value interval I are met. The resulting available consumers 18 can then be combined into a virtual controllable load for a zone Z.

[0069] The state value interval I can be determined by each consumer 18 itself. In particular, this interval I can be determined according to the urgency of the power consumption. The urgency can in turn be determined manually by a user of the respective consumer 18 or via optional local intelligence of the respective controllable consumers 18 themselves, which for this purpose can, for example, have a corresponding processor, sensors, and software. For example, an electric vehicle as a controllable consumer 18 can determine the urgency based on the current charge state of a battery, which can be automatically detected by such sensors. The energy quantities E to be consumed and the associated intervals I can also be defined in stages or as a continuous function.

[0070] When determining the state value W, additional factors can also be taken into account. For example, a corresponding state value W can be calculated for the sum of the simultaneous utilization of all connected network units of a network operator for a respective network level, such as the aforementioned levels E1, E2, E3 as well as for the relevant transformer levels U1, U2, U3. Furthermore, the state value W can also be determined depending on whether the period during which the energy quantity E to be purchased from the respective controllable consumers 18 is to be purchased represents a peak load period or not. Furthermore, it can also be taken into account whether a zone Z as well as a connected network unit represents a generator or consumer at the specific point in time or time interval, i.e., whether the electricity generation balance of the relevant zone or the connected network unit is positive or negative.All these variables can advantageously be used to specifically control the controllable consumers 18 in such a way that an optimization of the network utilization can be achieved, in particular for each connected network unit and zone.

[0071] Ultimately, a control method can be provided which enables control of controllable consumers 18 to optimize network utilization with a particularly high degree of flexibility and without any loss of comfort for the controllable consumers 18 themselves.

[0072] This approach can be applied not only to the purchase of active power, but also, quite analogously, to the provision of reactive power. For example, to offer consumers additional incentives, the relevant values, in particular the aforementioned state values ​​W, as well as the corresponding value intervals I, can also be correlated with corresponding electricity prices. This also results in numerous other economic advantages.

[0073] The zones Z can also communicate with each other and exchange information via a corresponding network, the zone network 24. In particular, the respective evaluation devices 22 of the respective zones Z can be communicatively coupled to one another. The information exchanged between the zones Z can, in particular, relate to the energy exchange between these zones Z. This information can, in turn, be included in the calculation of the utilization state A and / or the state value W. Furthermore, in addition to the power flow between the zones Z or connected network units ZNE, network node voltages and currents as well as requirements for influencing the power flow between the zones or connected network units ZNE can be provided as information.

[0074] For the available virtual zone load, for example, the electricity quantities must be purchased on the electricity markets or bilaterally through third parties. Furthermore, the load can be used for system services. This can be achieved either through participation in system service markets (e.g., the balancing energy market) or through bilateral contracts. By aggregating individual controllable consumers, any capacity requirements for marketing on the electricity exchange or for system services can be met, for example, a minimum batch size of 100 kilowatts on the electricity exchange.

[0075] By specifying marginal prices and power quantities for reactive power provision, the local reactive power balance could be included in addition to the grid utilization, which takes active power flows into account. Marginal prices and power quantities per time step represent an option for the maximum state value range and the energy quantity specification. Accordingly, the virtual zone load would be reduced by those controllable consumers 18 (acknowledgement) for which the costs for reactive power provision exceed the specified marginal prices that can be provided by corresponding intervals I. Power procurement process, virtual zone load:

[0076] For electricity purchasing, the marginal price bids for the electricity procurement of the individual controllable consumers 18 apply. Marginal prices represent an option of the maximum state value range. These are to be summarized by the grid operator 20 for the virtual zone load based on the possible power slices on the procurement markets. Together with the corresponding power of the virtual zone load, the marginal price bids for the virtual zone load for electricity procurement are to be determined by the grid operator 20 and passed on to third parties for electricity procurement. These third parties, in turn, must provide the grid operator 20 with information regarding the power that could be procured according to the marginal price specifications. A communication interface can exist for this information exchange. Update of network charges and virtual zone load:

[0077] Network operators 20 must obtain information for updating network utilization and virtual zone load, namely regarding forecast and marketed decentralized feed-in in the relevant zone Z or connected network unit ZNE, for example via an external database, marketers, etc., and regarding controllable consumers 18 with electricity procurement appropriate to the individual marginal price bid.

[0078] Using this information, the grid operator 20 can continuously update the grid utilization until physical delivery. With the updated grid utilization and corresponding status value, all individual controllable consumers 18 are acknowledged until the specified specifications regarding the status value interval I are met. This results in an updated available controllable zone load. For this, it must be checked whether too many or too few quantities of electricity were procured. From this, an updated procurement or sales quantity can then be transmitted to third parties for electricity marketing. This process can be repeated frequently, according to an iterative process, until the point at which no electricity procurement is possible for the delivery period. Incentive or control command by network operators

[0079] After electricity procurement for the delivery time is no longer possible and before physical delivery, the grid operator must calculate and transmit a power specification, for example, in kilowatts or reactive volt-amperes, or a resulting total electricity price for the individual controllable consumers. The total electricity purchase price is composed of the variable and fixed electricity price components applicable to the individual consumer. Separate prices can be set for reactive power. The individual controllable consumers must purchase electricity according to this specification and their previously defined state value range.

[0080] Overall, the examples demonstrate how the invention enables the allocation of feed-ins as well as uncontrolled and controllable loads to a definable grid area, thus enabling precise local determination of grid utilization and particularly flexible and adapted control of controllable consumers. This also enables the application of flexible and equally adapted grid charges that take into account the utilization of the local power grid and provide incentives for flexible electricity procurement. Furthermore, the network can be supplemented by a regional green electricity marketing platform at the breakup of a zone or a contiguous grid unit. This platform provides a marketing opportunity for avoiding regional electricity surpluses and thus enables system-friendly 100% green electricity procurement.

Claims

[1] Method for determining a load state (A) of at least one part (Z) of a power grid (10), - wherein the power grid (10) is divided into several defined interconnected grid units (ZNE) and zones (Z), wherein each of the zones (Z) comprises at least one of the interconnected grid units (ZNE); - wherein at least one controllable consumer (18) for obtaining energy from the power grid (10) is coupled or can be coupled to the power grid (10) at a power supply position, - wherein the at least one controllable consumer (18) is assigned to a specific interconnected network unit (ZNE) of a specific zone (Z) of the plurality of zones (Z) depending on its power reference position, wherein the specific interconnected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) comprises the power reference position, - wherein, before energy is drawn from the power grid (10) by the at least one controllable consumer (18) at the power supply position, information about an amount of energy (E) to be drawn from the at least one controllable consumer (18) is transmitted to an evaluation device (22) by means of a communication network (16), - wherein further information about a generating capacity (S) relating to at least the specific connected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) is provided at the evaluation device (22), - wherein the evaluation device (22) determines the load state (A) locally for the specific connected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) at least as a function of the generation capacity (S) and the information about the amount of energy (E) to be drawn from the at least one controllable consumer (18), characterized by , that - a maximum state value range (I) is determined by the at least one controllable consumer (18) for the energy quantity (E) to be drawn, which maximum state value range (I) is transmitted from the controllable consumer (18) to the evaluation device (22), wherein the state value (W) determined as a function of the determined load state (A) is compared with the state value range (I), and if the determined state value (W) lies within the state value range (I), the drawing of the energy quantity (E) is enabled for the at least one controllable consumer (18), - the at least one controllable consumer (18) assigns a specific urgency to the purchase of the energy quantity (E) to be purchased according to at least one predetermined criterion, and determines the state value range (I) as a function of the assigned urgency. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized bythat a predicted power consumption of uncontrolled consumers assigned to the specific connected network unit (ZNE) is provided at the evaluation device (22), and the evaluation device (22) additionally determines the utilization state (A) locally for the specific connected network unit (ZNE) as a function of the power consumption provided. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the state value (W) is determined as a function of the determined load state (A), and wherein the energy consumption by the at least one controllable consumer (18) is controlled as a function of the determined state value (W). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the state value range (I) is larger, the higher the assigned urgency is. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the at least one controllable consumer (18) divides the energy quantity (E) to be drawn into a plurality of individual energy quantities (E) differing in size and assigns a respective state value range (I) to a respective one of the individual energy quantities (E), wherein the respective state value ranges (I) differ from one another, and in particular wherein the drawing of that individual energy quantity (E) is enabled which represents the largest individual energy quantity (E) of those individual energy quantities (E) in whose assigned state value ranges (I) the state value (W) determined as a function of the determined utilization state (A) falls. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the state value (W) is further determined depending on whether a period of time during which the amount of energy (E) to be obtained is to be obtained from the at least one controllable consumer (18) represents a specific peak load time or not. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the state value (W) is further determined depending on whether the specific connected network unit (ZNE) and / or the specific zone (Z) has a positive or negative electricity generation balance in the period during which the amount of energy (E) to be obtained is to be obtained from the at least one controllable consumer (18). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the state value (W) continues to be determined depending on which network level (E1, U1, E2, U2, E3, U3) the current reference position is assigned to. [9] Communication system (14) for determining a load state (A) of at least part of a power grid (10), - the communication system (14a) comprises at least one evaluation device (22), at least one controllable consumer (18) and a communication network (16) by means of which the at least one controllable consumer (18) is communicatively coupled to the at least one evaluation device (22), - wherein the at least one controllable consumer (18) for obtaining energy from the power grid (10) is coupled or can be coupled to the power grid (10) at a power supply position; - wherein the at least one controllable consumer (18) is assigned to a specific interconnected network unit (ZNE) of a specific zone (Z) of several zones (Z) of the power grid (10) depending on its power reference position, wherein the specific interconnected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) comprises the power reference position, - wherein the at least one controllable consumer (18) is designed to transmit information about an amount of energy (E) to be drawn from the at least one controllable consumer (18) to the evaluation device (22) by means of the communication network (16) before drawing energy at the power draw-off position, - wherein further information about a generating power (S) relating to the specific connected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) is provided at the evaluation device (22), and - wherein the evaluation device (22) is designed to determine the load state (A) locally for the specific connected network unit (ZNE) of the specific zone (Z) at least as a function of the information provided to the evaluation device (22) about the generation capacity (S) and the information about the amount of energy (E) to be drawn from the at least one controllable consumer (18), characterized by , that - a maximum state value range (I) can be defined by the at least one controllable consumer (18) for the amount of energy (E) to be drawn, and the controllable consumer (18) is designed to transmit the maximum state value range (I) to the evaluation device (22), wherein the communication system (14a) is designed to compare the state value (W) determined as a function of the determined load state (A) with the state value range (I), and if the determined state value (W) lies within the state value range (I), to enable the drawing of the amount of energy (E) for the at least one controllable consumer (18), - wherein the at least one controllable consumer (18) is designed to assign a specific urgency to the purchase of the energy quantity (E) to be purchased according to at least one predetermined criterion, and to define the state value range (I) as a function of the assigned urgency.

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