METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DETERMINING THE LOAD SHIFT POTENTIAL OF AN ELECTRICAL CONSUMER

Description

Technical background

[0001] As part of the energy transition, a steadily growing share of electrical energy in the power grid is generated using solar energy, wind energy, etc. Compared to conventional power plants, such as nuclear power plants and coal-fired power plants, photovoltaic systems and wind turbines are subject to environmental influences such as the presence of sunlight or wind. This, in turn, makes demand-oriented energy generation using solar or wind energy difficult.

[0002] The aim is therefore to link at least part of the energy demand to current energy resources.

[0003] EP 2 822 134 A1 discloses a management device that manages a plurality of heat pump systems and adjusts the total amount of energy consumed by the heat pump systems to a target value. The management device comprises a request transmission unit that transmits values ​​for a desired energy consumption to each of the heat pump systems, an information reception unit that receives current energy consumption values ​​from each of the heat pumps, a database for storing a response behavior of the energy consumers of each of the heat pump systems in conjunction with the desired energy consumption values, and a learning unit that learns the response behavior and reflects learning results based on the data stored in the database.

[0004] DE 10 2017 220 414 A1 shows a method for operating a heat storage system, wherein an electrical load associated with the operation of the heat pump is shifted in time and wherein the load shift is controlled by the local energy management, wherein a power consumption of the heat pump is controlled such that this power consumption corresponds to a default value for the electrical power consumption specified by the local energy management, provided that heat-side requirements of the heat storage system permit this.

[0005] DE 10 2009 010 117 A1 shows a method for equalizing the reference power of electrical energy for an energy consumer who has several electrical energy-consuming devices that are assigned to groups of different priorities, wherein in a first step an uncontrolled consumption of power is determined over a definable period with calendar reference and wherein in a second step an average value is formed with this uncontrolled consumption of power, which is used as a specification for a target value during a similar subsequent period, wherein the devices are switched according to their priority in order not to exceed the target value with the current power.

[0006] In STADLER M ET AL: "Modelling and evaluation of control schemes for enhancing load shift of electricity demand for cooling devices", ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE, ELSEVIER, AMSTERDAM, NL, Vol. 24, No. 2, February 1, 2009, pages 285-295, ISSN: 1364-8152, DOI: 10.1016 / J.ENVSOFT.2008.07.003, two types of control signals are discussed and compared to utilize the thermal storage of electrical household appliances as control energy. A simulation model of controllable cooling devices is analyzed with regard to their ability to shift their energy demand depending on parameterized external signals. It is shown that both types of control signals can be used for short-term reserves with a delivery time of 15 minutes, but differ in the possible shapes of the resulting load curves and in the response time of the controlled system.In addition to the simulation model, a model for the synergistic behavior of an ensemble of refrigerators responding to control signals is presented. This mathematical model predicts the power demand of an ensemble of controlled appliances.

[0007] DE 10 2013 214 996 A1 describes a device for load shifting in smart power distribution grids, in which electrical energy consumption occurs at the most favorable time possible, i.e., when there is plenty of energy in the grid or when a variable electricity price is currently low. This is achieved by receiving a forecast for the electricity price trend over a subsequent time interval in a device, and from this, current binary values ​​for switching recommendations for a plurality of devices can be determined at a certain rate. The switching recommendations are each classified only according to the parameters "switching interval," "on probability," and "considered time window."

[0008] DE 10 2017 217 055 A1 discloses an energy flow control device for controlling load shifting of a plurality of electrical energy consumers connected to a grid connection point. The energy flow control device is configured to compare the relative efficiencies of the consumers and to control individual load shifts of the consumers depending on the relative efficiencies. Each relative efficiency is defined as a standardized efficiency of the consumer, with which the consumer would currently operate with an electrical load increased for load shifting.

[0009] Based on this, it is the object of the invention to provide an improved method for determining a load shift potential of an electrical consumer and a corresponding system. Description of the invention

[0010] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to particular embodiments of the invention. Examples are shown below to provide a better understanding of the invention.

[0011] One aspect of the application is a method for determining a load shift potential of an electrical load. The electrical load can be configured, in particular, to generate heat and / or cold in one or more heating and / or cooling circuits. The electrical load can be, for example, a heat pump, an electric radiator, an electrically heated hot water tank, a cooling unit, etc.

[0012] A load shifting potential can be a measure of the extent to which an adjustment of an electrical load of the electrical consumer is possible, in particular with regard to a time of energy consumption by the electrical consumer and / or with regard to an amount of energy at a time within a time range. A load shifting potential can therefore comprise one or more variables. An adjustment (load shifting) can then advantageously be carried out with regard to the time of energy consumption and / or with regard to the electrical power of the electrical energy consumption within a predetermined time interval of the electrical consumer according to the load shifting potential, so that heating or cooling requirements of the electrical consumer can be met / served by the electrical consumer with no or only minor restrictions.

[0013] A first step of the method can be recording the electrical energy consumption of the electrical load as a reference energy consumption of the electrical load. Recording the electrical energy consumption can be performed, for example, using a unit for recording electrical energy consumption. Recording the electrical energy consumption can include recording energy consumption as a function of time, recording an electrical power of the electrical energy consumption as a function of time, etc.

[0014] In some embodiments, detecting electrical energy consumption may include detecting a start time of load operation of the electrical load, an end time of load operation of the electrical load, and the electrical power of the electrical load during load operation. Load operation may be an operating state of the electrical load with the goal of generating a predetermined heat or cold.

[0015] A further step in the process can be the determination of the load shifting potential of the electrical consumer based on the recorded reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer. This has the advantage that the load shifting potential can be determined with minimal effort and a small number of sensors. Another advantage is that a meaningful load shifting potential can be determined with the least possible intrusion into people's privacy, since no information about living space temperatures is required. Furthermore, this makes it particularly easy to retrofit a corresponding process to existing electrical consumers.

[0016] A particularly advantageous method can comprise the additional step of determining a charging time constant of the electrical consumer as a function of the detected reference energy consumption, wherein the load shift potential is determined as a function of the charging time constant of the electrical consumer and the charging time constant of the electrical consumer is determined as a function of a duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical consumer.

[0017] An operating interval can be an interval in which the electrical consumer is operated under load. A charging time constant can be determined, for example, by calculating the average over the duration of a plurality of operating intervals and / or by another mathematical function with the duration of the plurality of operating intervals as the function argument.

[0018] This has the advantage of allowing an estimate of approximately how long the electrical load will be in operation at any one time. This makes it possible to predict the end time of an operating interval and, in particular, to estimate a possible shift in load (energy consumption) without affecting the heating or cooling requirements of the electrical load.

[0019] A particularly optimized method can comprise the additional step of determining a discharge time constant of the electrical load as a function of the detected reference energy consumption, wherein the load shift potential is determined as a function of the discharge time constant of the electrical load, and the discharge time constant of the electrical load is determined as a function of the length of one or more time periods between two consecutive operating intervals of the electrical load. A discharge time constant can be determined, for example, by calculating the mean value over the length of a plurality of time periods between two consecutive operating intervals and / or by another mathematical function with the length of a plurality of time periods between two consecutive operating intervals as the function argument.

[0020] This allows for an estimate of the length of the periods between two operating intervals. This makes it possible to predict the start time of a subsequent operating interval and, in particular, to estimate a possible shift in load (energy consumption) without affecting the heating or cooling requirements of the electrical consumer.

[0021] A particularly well-thought-out method can comprise the additional step of determining an electrical load capacity of the electrical consumer as a function of the recorded reference energy consumption, wherein the load shift potential is determined as a function of the electrical load capacity of the electrical consumer and the electrical load capacity of the electrical consumer is determined as a function of an electrical power of the electrical consumer during the duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical consumer and / or as a function of energy consumption during the duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical consumer. A load capacity can be determined, for example, by calculating the average value over the electrical power orvia the electrical energy consumption of the electrical consumer during the operating intervals and / or by means of another mathematical function with the electrical power or the electrical energy consumption of the electrical consumer as the function argument.

[0022] This has the advantage of allowing an estimate of the electrical power of the electrical consumer during load operation. This makes it possible to estimate the extent to which energy / electrical power is withdrawn from the power grid by the electrical consumer during load operation. Furthermore, using the load capacity, the charging time constant, and / or the discharging time constant, it is possible to determine the extent to which a reduction or increase in the electrical consumer's power is possible, so that the fulfillment of a heating or cooling demand on the electrical consumer is not affected or only slightly affected.

[0023] Furthermore, using the charging time constant, the discharging time constant, and the load capacitance, the electrical energy consumption of the electrical load can be modeled in a particularly simple manner, for example, analogous to an electrical capacitance / capacitor with a charging time constant, a discharging time constant, and a capacitance value. In some embodiments, a load shift potential can include values ​​for the charging time constant, the discharging time constant, and the load capacitance. This has the advantage that a load shift potential can be determined particularly easily and can be transmitted with a small amount of data.

[0024] In a particularly accurate method, detecting the reference energy consumption can include the additional step of detecting a total operating time of the electrical load within a first predetermined time period. In some embodiments, the method can include the additional step of detecting a current operating time of the electrical load in a first current time interval. The load shift potential can then be determined as a function of the total operating time of the electrical load and / or additionally as a function of the current operating time of the electrical load.

[0025] Advantageously, the length of the first predetermined time period can correspond to the length of the first current time interval. In some embodiments, the load shift potential can additionally be determined as a function of the length of the first predetermined time period and / or the length of the first current time interval. This can have the advantage of allowing a particularly accurate estimate of the duration of load operation of the electrical consumer in a predetermined time interval, thus allowing a load shift potential to be determined particularly precisely and reliably.

[0026] In a particularly adapted method, detecting the reference energy consumption can include the additional step of detecting a total energy consumption of the electrical load within a second predetermined time period. In some embodiments, the method can include the additional step of detecting a current energy consumption of the electrical load in a second current time interval. The load shift potential can then be determined additionally as a function of the total energy consumption of the electrical load and / or additionally as a function of the current energy consumption of the electrical load.

[0027] Advantageously, the length of the second predetermined time period corresponds to the length of the second current time interval. In some embodiments, the length of the first predetermined time period can correspond to the length of the second predetermined time period and / or the length of the first current time interval can correspond to the length of the second current time interval. In some embodiments, the load shift potential can additionally be determined as a function of the length of the second predetermined time period and the length of the second current time interval.

[0028] This can have the advantage that energy consumption in a given time interval can be estimated particularly precisely and thus a load shifting potential of the electrical consumer with regard to energy consumption in a time interval can be determined with particularly high accuracy.

[0029] A particularly reliable method can comprise the additional steps of specifying a target temperature for a heating and / or cooling circuit of the electrical load and / or detecting an actual temperature for a heating and / or cooling circuit of the electrical load, wherein the load shift potential is additionally determined as a function of the detected target temperature and / or as a function of the detected actual temperature. This can increase the reliability of the determined load shift potential.

[0030] A particularly advantageously developed method can comprise the additional steps of detecting an outside temperature as a reference outside temperature in conjunction with detecting the reference energy consumption of the electrical load and / or detecting a current outside temperature, wherein the load shift potential is additionally determined as a function of the reference outside temperature and / or additionally as a function of the current outside temperature. This can have the advantage that, in particular, dependencies between the energy consumption of the electrical load and the outside temperature are taken into account when determining the load shift potential.

[0031] In a particularly differentiated method, the electrical consumer can be configured to provide heat and / or cooling in multiple circuits, wherein one circuit is a heating and / or cooling circuit. Detecting the reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer can comprise detecting the activation of the multiple circuits, and determining the load shifting potential can comprise determining the load shifting potential for at least one circuit of the multiple circuits. In some embodiments, determining the load shifting potential of the electrical consumer can comprise determining the load shifting potential for a group of circuits, wherein the group can comprise one or more (even all) circuits of the electrical consumer.

[0032] This allows individual load shift potentials to be determined for individual circuits or circuit groups (a group of circuits), so that individual load shift potentials can be determined in a more differentiated manner and the accuracy of the load shift potentials can be increased.

[0033] A particularly advanced method can include the additional step of determining an overload potential of the electrical load and / or the multiple circuits, wherein the load shift potential is additionally determined depending on the determined overload potential. An overload potential can, for example, be a measure of the extent to which load operation of the electrical load can be extended beyond the actual duration of load operation or the extent to which the power and thus the energy consumption can be increased during load operation of the electrical load without causing damage or significantly impairing efficiency.

[0034] This can have the advantage that the load shifting potential includes a reserve / buffer (the overload potential), allowing a maximum load shifting potential to be determined. A particularly large load shifting potential of the electrical load can have the advantage of increasing the electrical load's flexibility to compensate for both current peaks and load peaks in a power grid.

[0035] A particularly flexible method can include the additional step of providing the load shifting potential, so that the electrical load can be controlled depending on the load shifting potential of the electrical load. Control of the electrical load is particularly achieved by means of a demand response signal. This can have the advantage that the electrical load can be used particularly easily to compensate for current peaks and load peaks in a power grid.

[0036] A particularly reliable method may include the additional step of outputting feedback from the electrical load indicating whether and / or to what extent a load shift of the electrical load occurs when a control signal, in particular a demand response signal, is transmitted to the electrical load based on the load shift potential. This can have the advantage that the decision regarding a load shift of the electrical load lies with the electrical load or its operator, while simultaneously ensuring that erroneous assumptions regarding a load shift of the electrical load are avoided.

[0037] A particularly accurate method can comprise the additional steps of recording a heating circuit temperature, a cooling circuit temperature, a target temperature, and / or a building temperature as reference temperatures in conjunction with recording the reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer; and / or recording a current heating circuit temperature, a current cooling circuit temperature, a current target temperature, and / or a current building temperature as current temperatures, wherein the load shifting potential is additionally determined as a function of the reference temperatures and / or additionally as a function of the current temperatures. This has the advantage that the accuracy of the load shifting potential can be improved, since relationships between the energy consumption of the electrical consumer and the reference temperatures can be determined and used to determine the load shifting potential.

[0038] A particularly advanced method can include the additional steps of recording environmental factors as reference environmental factors in conjunction with recording the reference energy consumption and / or recording current environmental factors, whereby the load shifting potential is additionally determined depending on the recorded reference environmental factors and / or the current environmental factors. Environmental factors can include, for example, vacation dates, holiday periods, weather data, public holidays, social events, major events, etc. This can have the advantage that a load shifting potential can be reliably determined even in the case of irregularities in human behavior.

[0039] In some embodiments, reference data (reference energy consumption, reference temperatures, etc.) and / or current data (current energy consumption, current temperatures, etc.) can be acquired in connection with a time of data acquisition, such as a day of the week, a season, a time of day, a working day, a holiday, etc., and the load potential can be determined depending on at least one of these connections.

[0040] A specially adapted method may include the additional steps of determining a power grid that supplies the electrical load with electrical energy; and assigning the electrical load to a group of electrical loads depending on the determined power grid. Determining a power grid may, for example, include determining a low-voltage grid, a medium-voltage grid, a high-voltage grid, and / or an extra-high-voltage grid.

[0041] This can have the advantage that the load shifting potential can be used particularly efficiently in the power grid that supplies the electrical consumer with energy, and thus, in particular, local, regional and / or supra-regional fluctuations in a complex energy supply network with a large number of power grids can be compensated.

[0042] Advantageously, the method can include a step of determining a power grid that supplies the electrical load with electrical energy, wherein the step of providing the load shifting potential comprises providing the result of determining the power grid. This can have the advantage that a large number of electrical loads can be easily controlled depending on their load shifting potentials, depending on the power grids that supply the electrical loads with electrical energy, and depending on load peaks and current peaks in the power grids.

[0043] A specially structured method may include an additional step of assigning the electrical load to a group of electrical loads based on the load shift potential. This can have the advantage of allowing a large number of electrical loads to be controlled in a simple manner based on load or current peaks.

[0044] One aspect of the application relates to a system for determining a load shift potential of an electrical consumer. Advantageously, the electrical consumer can be configured to generate heat and / or cold in one or more heating and / or cooling circuits. The system can comprise a recording unit for recording an electrical energy consumption of the electrical consumer as a reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer.

[0045] The detection unit can preferably be configured to detect an electrical energy consumption of the electrical consumer as a reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer. Detecting an electrical energy consumption can, for example, comprise detecting an electrical energy consumption as a function of time, an electrical power as a function of time, etc. For this purpose, the detection unit can, for example, comprise one or more digital circuits, in particular a programmable circuit and / or a microcontroller, etc. In some embodiments, a control unit of the electrical energy consumer can comprise the detection unit.

[0046] In some embodiments, specifying a desired energy consumption to the electrical load in order to determine a demand behavior of the electrical load may be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, the system can comprise a determination unit for determining a load shift potential of the electrical load as a function of the reference energy consumption of the electrical load. The determination unit can preferably be configured to determine a load shift potential of the electrical load as a function of the reference energy consumption of the electrical load. For this purpose, the determination unit can comprise, for example, one or more analog and / or digital circuits, in particular computing units. The system has the advantage that a load shift potential of the electrical load can be determined particularly efficiently.

[0048] In some embodiments, a signal processing unit of the electrical load may include the detection unit and / or the determination unit. This has the advantage that the system can be provided in a particularly space-saving and integrated manner.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system may include a signal processing unit, wherein the signal processing unit comprises the detection unit and / or the determination unit. This may have the advantage that the system can determine a load shift potential of the electrical load independently of the electrical load's functionality and interfaces.

[0050] In particularly refined embodiments, the system can comprise a communications unit configured to send an offer for a load shift based on the determined load shifting potential and / or to receive a demand request for a load shift. This can have the advantage that the system can communicate particularly easily with an energy supply system and the determined load shifting potential can be used particularly effectively to shift a load.

[0051] In some embodiments, the detection unit can be configured to detect the electrical energy consumption of a plurality of electrical loads and / or the determination unit can be configured to determine the load shift potential of a plurality of electrical loads. This can have the advantage of reducing the number of detection units and / or the number of determination units, thereby saving costs.

[0052] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to perform a method shown above.

[0053] One aspect of the application relates to a computer program product for determining a load shift potential of an electrical consumer. The computer program product comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15. A computer can be, for example, a microcontroller, a programmable logic circuit, a digital circuit, a semiconductor chip, a processor, etc. Instructions can be represented in one or more software programs, program codes, etc. Description of the characters

[0054] Fig. 1 shows schematically a method according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 to 6 each schematically show a method according to an embodiment of the invention based on the Fig. 1 procedures shown. Fig. 7shows schematically a graph for determining a load shift potential according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 shows schematically a relationship between a daily average temperature and a heating output or a cooling output of an electrical consumer according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 schematically shows a power of an electrical consumer as a function of time according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10 shows schematically a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Fig. 1schematically shows a method according to one embodiment of the invention. Advantageously, the method can be configured to determine a load shift potential of an electrical consumer. The electrical consumer can be configured, in particular, to generate heat and / or cold in one or more heating and / or cooling circuits. The electrical consumer can be, in particular, a heat pump, a cooling unit, a heating element, an electric hot water tank, etc. The detection can be carried out, for example, by means of a detection unit.

[0056] In a first step S11, an electrical energy consumption of the electrical load is recorded as a reference energy consumption of the electrical load. Recording the electrical energy consumption of the electrical load may, in particular, include recording the electrical energy consumption of the electrical load as a function of time.

[0057] In a further step S12, a load shifting potential of the electrical load is determined as a function of the detected reference energy consumption of the electrical load, in particular by means of a determination unit. The load shifting potential of the electrical load can, in particular, contain information regarding the extent to which a temporal shift of the electrical load's energy consumption is possible. In some embodiments, a load shifting potential can contain information regarding the extent to which the electrical load's energy consumption can be adjusted, in particular with regard to power and / or time.

[0058] Fig. 2 shows schematically a method according to an embodiment of the invention. The Fig. 2 The method shown is based on the Fig. 1 The procedure shown in Fig. 2 The procedure shown differs from that in Fig. 1shown method in that it can comprise steps S21, S22 and / or S23, which are each optional. In the optional step S21, a charging time constant of the electrical consumer is determined as a function of the detected differential energy consumption. Accordingly, the load shift potential can be determined as a function of the charging time constant of the electrical consumer. The charging time constant of the electrical consumer can be determined as a function of a duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical consumer. Advantageously, an operating interval relates to a load operation of the electrical consumer. In some embodiments, an operating interval can relate to an operation of the electrical consumer which has the purpose of generating heat and / or cold. The charging time constant can be determined, for example, by means of a determination unit.

[0059] In a further optional step S22, a discharge time constant of the electrical load can be determined depending on the detected reference energy consumption. Accordingly, the load shift potential can be determined in step S12 depending on the discharge time constant of the electrical load. The discharge time constant of the electrical load can be determined depending on the length of one or more time periods between two consecutive operating intervals of the electrical load. The discharge time constant can be determined, for example, using a determination unit.

[0060] In an optional step S23, an electrical load capacity of the electrical consumer can be determined as a function of the detected reference energy consumption. The load shift potential can be determined in step S12 accordingly as a function of the electrical load capacity of the electrical consumer. In some embodiments, the electrical load capacity of the electrical consumer can be determined as a function of an electrical power of the electrical consumer during the duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical consumer and / or as a function of an energy consumption during the duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical consumer. The electrical load capacity can be determined, for example, by means of a determination unit.

[0061] Using steps S21, S22, and / or S23, an electrical load can be easily represented using a model of a capacitance / capacitor. This has the advantage that a load shift potential can be determined particularly easily and efficiently. In some embodiments, a load shift potential can be determined depending on a ratio between the charging time constant and the discharging time constant.

[0062] Fig. 3 shows schematically a method according to an embodiment of the invention. The Fig. 3 The method shown is based on the Fig. 1 shown method and differs in that it includes steps S31 and S32, each of which is optional.

[0063] In some embodiments, step S11 may include a step of detecting a total operating time of the electrical load within a first predetermined period of time. Accordingly, the load shift potential may be determined in step S12 depending on the total operating time of the electrical load within the first predetermined period of time.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method may include a step S31 of detecting a current operating time of the electrical load in a first current time interval, in particular by means of a detection unit. The load shift potential may then be determined in step S12 accordingly, additionally depending on the current operating time of the electrical load in the first current time interval.

[0065] This can have the advantage of assigning recurring patterns in the electrical load's energy consumption to time intervals, allowing the electrical load's energy consumption to be estimated for the future. This estimate can then be used to determine the load shifting potential, thus increasing the accuracy and reliability of the load shifting potential. This estimate can be further improved by recording the current operating time in a first current time interval.

[0066] In some embodiments, step S11 may comprise a step of recording a total energy consumption of the electrical load within a second predetermined time period. Accordingly, the load shifting potential may be determined in step S12 as a function of the total energy consumption of the electrical load. In some embodiments, the method may comprise an optional step S32 of recording a current energy consumption of the electrical load in a second current time interval, in particular by means of a recording unit. Accordingly, the load shifting potential may then be determined in step S12 as a function of the current energy consumption of the electrical load. This may have the advantage that different operating modes of the electrical load, which may have different energy consumption, are taken into account.Consequently, the accuracy of the load shifting potential can be improved, particularly with regard to the energy consumption of the electrical load.

[0067] Fig. 4 shows schematically a method according to an embodiment of the invention. The Fig. 4 The method shown is based on the Fig. 1shown method and differs from this in that it comprises steps S41 and / or S42, which are each optional. In step S41, a target temperature for a heating and / or cooling circuit of the electrical consumer is specified. In a step S42, an actual temperature for a heating and / or cooling circuit of the electrical consumer is detected. The load shifting potential can then be determined as a function of the specified target temperature and / or as a function of the detected actual temperature. Advantageously, a target temperature can be specified, for example, by means of a memory unit or a user interface. In some embodiments, an actual temperature of a heating and / or cooling circuit can be detected, for example, by means of temperature sensors.

[0068] Fig. 5 shows schematically a method according to an embodiment of the invention. The Fig. 5The method shown is based on the Fig. 1 shown method and differs from this in that it comprises the additional steps S51 to S57, which are each optional. The method can include a step S51 detecting an outside temperature as a reference outside temperature in conjunction with detecting the reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer. Accordingly, the load shifting potential can be determined as a function of the reference outside temperature. In some embodiments, the method can include a step S52 detecting a heating circuit temperature, cooling circuit temperature, a target temperature and / or building temperature as reference temperatures in conjunction with detecting the reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer. Accordingly, the load shifting potential can be determined in step S12 as a function of the reference temperatures.

[0069] In some embodiments, the method may include a step S53 of detecting environmental factors as reference environmental factors in conjunction with detecting the reference energy consumption. Accordingly, the load shifting potential may be determined depending on the detected reference environmental factors. Environmental factors may include, for example, holidays, social events, vacation periods, holiday seasons, etc.

[0070] This can have the advantage that influences that affect the load operation of the electrical consumer are also recorded when recording the reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer and can thus be taken into account when determining the load shifting potential.

[0071] In some embodiments, the method may include a step S54 detecting a current outside temperature. Accordingly, the load shifting potential may be determined depending on the outside temperature. In some embodiments, the method may include a step S55 detecting a current heating circuit temperature, a current cooling circuit temperature, a current target temperature, and / or a current building temperature as the current temperature. The load shifting potential may then be determined depending on the current temperatures. In some embodiments, the method may include a step S56 detecting current environmental factors, so that the load shifting potential can be determined depending on the current environmental factors.

[0072] In particularly advanced embodiments, the method may include a step S57 for determining an overcharge potential of the electrical load. The load shift potential may then be determined in step S12 depending on the determined overcharge potential. In some embodiments, the overcharge potential may be determined by evaluating the reference energy consumption. In some embodiments, an overcharge potential may be provided, for example, by a user via a user interface. In some embodiments, the overcharge potential may be predetermined by the heating circuits, cooling circuits, and / or the electrical load.

[0073] Fig. 6 shows schematically a method according to an embodiment of the invention. The Fig. 6 The method shown is based on the Fig. 1shown method and differs therefrom in that it may include steps S61 to S64, each of which is optional.

[0074] The method can optionally include the steps S61 of determining a power grid that supplies the electrical load with electrical energy and S62 of assigning the electrical load to a group of electrical loads depending on the determined power grid. Examples of power grids are low-voltage grids, medium-voltage grids, high-voltage grids, extra-high-voltage grids, and / or direct current grids. This can have the advantage that current peaks or load peaks in a power grid can be compensated for using the load shifting potential of an electrical load that is supplied with electrical energy in said power grid.

[0075] Furthermore, the method may include a step S63 for assigning the electrical load to a group of electrical loads depending on the load shift potential. This allows a large number of electrical loads to be used to compensate for current or load peaks in a particularly simple manner.

[0076] The method may further comprise a step S64 for providing the load shifting potential, so that the electrical load can be controlled depending on the load shifting potential of the electrical load. Control may be effected, for example, by means of a demand response signal. This may have the advantage that the load shifting potential can be provided to an energy supplier that supplies the electrical load with electrical energy without disclosing private information, for example, about the heating behavior of residents of a house that is heated or cooled by the electrical load.

[0077] Advantageously, the Fig. 1 to 6In particular, the determination of a charging time constant (S21), a discharging time constant (S22) and / or an electrical load capacity (S23) can be carried out depending on one or more of the methods and method steps described in the figure descriptions of the Figures 3 to 6 determined and / or recorded parameters / values. For the parameters / values Fig. 1 to 6 In the methods shown, steps can be interchanged, combined, omitted, added, combined, carried out in parallel and / or divided into several steps without affecting the essence of the invention.

[0078] In some embodiments, the electrical load can be configured to provide heat or cold in multiple circuits, one circuit being a heating and / or cooling circuit. Detecting the reference energy consumption of the electrical load can then comprise detecting the control of the multiple circuits. Accordingly, determining the load shifting potential can comprise determining the load shifting potential for at least one circuit of the multiple circuits. In some embodiments, multiple circuits can be combined to form a circuit group, for which a load shifting potential is jointly determined. In some embodiments, a charging time constant, a discharging time constant, and / or a load capacity can be determined accordingly for at least one circuit of the one or more circuits or for a circuit group.

[0079] Fig. 7shows a schematic diagram of a graph for determining a load shift potential according to an embodiment of the invention. Time is plotted on the X-axis. The Y-axis shows a state of charge in percent. Fig. 7 The graph shown can be divided into two sections 71 and 72. Section 71 has approximately the form of a logarithmic function, while section 72 has approximately the form of an exponential function. The graph, comprising sections 71 and 72, shows, by way of example, the charge state of one or more heating or cooling circuits that are supplied with heat or cold by an electrical consumer.

[0080] In section 71, the electrical consumer generates heat or cold, so that the heating or cooling circuits are saturated by the electrical consumer according to specified target temperatures, analogous to a capacitance or capacitor. During this time, the electrical consumer is in load operation, so that heat is generated for one or more heating circuits or cold is generated for one or more cooling circuits. The period of load operation can be referred to as the loading time. Fig. 7 It can be seen that after a period of time 1τ 1 a state of charge of 63% is reached, after 2τ 1 a state of charge of about 86%, after 3τ 1 a state of charge of about 95% and after 4τ 1 a state of charge of about 98% is reached.

[0081] In some embodiments, the value τ 1 can be the charging time constant. In this graph, at a state of charge of approximately 99% and after approximately 5τ 1 , the electrical load switches from load operation to standby mode, or the electrical load is switched off, so that the heating or cooling circuits are no longer supplied with heat or cold by the electrical load in load operation. In some embodiments, load operation can be exited at a lower predetermined state of charge, in particular so that a reserve (overcharge potential) is maintained. As in Fig. 7As can be seen from the graph shown, the state of charge then decreases approximately exponentially (see graph section 72), so that reserves generated in the heating circuits or cooling circuits (state of charge) are consumed over time. Accordingly, a discharge time constant, in particular a discharge time constant τ 2 , can be determined based on graph section 72 using graph section 72.

[0082] In Fig. 7 In the graph shown, the state of charge indicates the charge level of the load capacity of the electrical consumer in percent. The load capacity thus represents a measure of the storage reserves of the heating or cooling circuits supplied with heat or cold by the electrical consumer. In some embodiments, the state of charge can be more than 100%, so that overcharging is possible depending on the overcharging potential.

[0083] Fig. 8shows schematically a relationship between a daily average temperature and a heating or cooling capacity of an electrical consumer according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 8 A graph 80 is shown, in which the daily mean temperature in degrees Celsius is plotted along the x-axis and the heating output (positive values) or cooling output (negative values) in watts is plotted along the y-axis. From graph 80, it can be seen that there is a direct relationship between the daily mean temperature and heating output, so that the measurement points 83 can be represented / approximated / interpolated as a relationship between the daily mean temperature and heating output using a straight line equation 84 or another mathematical function.

[0084] The same applies to cooling capacity. Graph 80 shows that measurement points 81 represent an interaction between the daily mean temperature and cooling capacity. This interaction can be approximated / represented / interpolated using a linear equation 82 or another mathematical function. Based on this, it is possible to approximately estimate the energy consumption of an electrical consumer supplying a cooling circuit with cooling as a function of a daily mean temperature. This has the advantage that the energy consumption of an electrical consumer can be estimated as a function of the daily mean temperature, and a load shifting potential can be determined accordingly as a function of a daily mean temperature.

[0085] Fig. 9 shows schematically the power of an electrical consumer as a function of time according to an embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 9Three graphs are shown for this purpose, with graph 101 showing a power curve (power of the electrical consumer as a function of time) for a first day, graph 102 a power curve for a second day and graph 103 a power curve for a third day as a function of time. The time is plotted on the x-axis in hours and the electrical power of the electrical consumer on the y-axis. During a duration T Be of an operating interval (load operation), the electrical consumer is operated with a power P 1 . During the periods T En,1a , T En,2a , T En,3a , T En,1b , T En,2b , T En,3b , T En,1c , T En,2c between two operating intervals, the electrical consumer is operated with a power PO , in particular with PO = 0 (off mode or standby mode).

[0086] From graphs 101 to 103 it can be seen that the electrical consumer is in load operation for the duration T Be at approximately 6 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. It can also be seen that the time periods T En,1a , T En,1b , T En,1c have approximately the same duration. The same applies to the time periods T En,2a , T En,2b , T En,2c . The time periods T En,3a and T En,3b also have approximately the same length. In some embodiments the time periods can also have different durations or exhibit other regularities (e.g. always long load operation in the morning, always short load operation in the evening, or similar). These regularities can be used to determine a load shifting potential so that a load shifting potential can be optimally determined. In particular a load shifting potential can be determined in such a way that load peaks orPower peaks in a power grid are optimally compensated and at the same time it is ensured that the electrical consumer supplies a heating circuit or a cooling circuit with heat or cold according to user requirements.

[0087] Fig. 10 schematically shows a system according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 90 comprises a detection unit 91 and a determination unit 92. The detection unit is configured to detect an electrical energy consumption of an electrical consumer as a reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer. The determination unit is configured to determine a load shift potential of the electrical consumer depending on the reference energy consumption of the electrical consumer. In particular, the system 90 can be configured to Fig. 1 to 6To this end, the system may comprise additional units. In particular, the detection unit 91 may be configured to perform a detection according to one of the Fig. 1 to 6 The determination unit 92 may, for example, be configured to perform a determination according to one of the steps shown in the Fig. 1 to 6 shown steps.

[0088] In some embodiments, a signal processing unit 93 of an electrical load may include the detection unit and / or the determination unit. In some embodiments, a standalone signal processing unit 93, in particular a signal processing unit 93 that is independent of the electrical load, may include the detection unit and / or the determination unit. This may have the advantage that existing heating or cooling supply systems can be easily retrofitted with a detection unit and / or a determination unit, so that a load shift potential can be determined.

[0089] In some embodiments, the detection unit 91 can be configured to detect the electrical energy consumption of a plurality of electrical loads. In some embodiments, the determination unit 92 can be configured to determine the load shift potential of a plurality of electrical loads. This can have the advantage that a load shift potential of a plurality of electrical loads can be determined cost-effectively using a detection unit or a determination unit.

[0090] In some embodiments, the system may include a communication unit (not Fig. 10shown). The communication unit can, for example, be configured to send one or more control signals, in particular a demand response signal, to an electrical consumer and / or to receive data from one or more electrical consumers. In some embodiments, the communication unit can be configured to retrieve data, in particular from an electrical consumer, from a cloud storage device. This data can, for example, have previously been stored by an electrical consumer in the cloud storage device.

[0091] In some embodiments, detecting the detecting unit may include requesting data by means of the communication unit and / or reading / processing data that the communication unit has received.

[0092] In some embodiments, the communication unit can be configured to send an offer for a load shift depending on the determined load shift potential and / or to receive a demand request for a load shift. Based on the load shift offer, a grid operator can then accept the offered load shift, in particular in part, so that a control signal, in particular a demand response signal, is transmitted to an electrical consumer depending on one or more determined load shift potentials. In the case of a demand request, a control signal, in particular a demand response signal, can be transmitted to an electrical consumer depending on its load shift potential, in particular by means of the communication unit.

[0093] In some embodiments, the communication unit may be configured to provide a load shifting potential of an electrical consumer, in particular in connection with a reference to a power grid in which the electrical consumer is arranged, in a database, a cloud storage, a digital marketplace, etc.

[0094] In some embodiments, the detection unit 91 can be configured to detect additional heat generation units, such as a solar system, a wood-burning system, a gas boiler, an oil boiler, etc., and the determination unit can be configured to determine the load shift potential depending on the additional heat generators and depending on information data that influence the operation of the additional heat generators. Corresponding information data can be, for example, temperatures, predicted hours of sunshine, efficiency of the heat generator, etc.

Claims

1. Method for determining a load shift potential of an electrical load, wherein the electrical load is set up for heat generation and / or cold generation in one or more heating and / or cooling circuits, comprising the steps: detecting (S11) an electrical energy consumption of the electrical load as a reference energy consumption of the electrical load; determining (S12) a load shift potential of the electrical load as a function of the detected reference energy consumption of the electrical load, characterized in that the load shift potential is a measure of the extent to which an adaptation of an electrical load of the electrical load is possible with regard to a time of an energy consumption of the electrical load.

2. Method according to Claim 1, comprising the additional step: determining (S21) a loading time constant (τ1) of the electrical load as a function of the detected reference energy consumption; wherein the load shift potential is determined as a function of the loading time constant of the electrical load, wherein a loading time constant of the electrical load is determined as a function of a duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical load.

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, comprising the additional step: determining (S22) a discharging time constant (τ2) of the electrical load as a function of the detected reference energy consumption; wherein the load shift potential is determined as a function of the discharging time constant of the electrical load, wherein a discharging time constant of the electrical load is determined as a function of a length of one or more time periods in each case between two successive operating intervals of the electrical load.

4. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising the additional step: determining (S23) an electrical load capacity of the electrical load as a function of the detected reference energy consumption; wherein the load shift potential is determined as a function of the electrical load capacity of the electrical load, wherein the electrical load capacity of the electrical load is determined as a function of an electrical power of the electrical load during the duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical load and / or as a function of an energy consumption during the duration of one or more operating intervals of the electrical load.

5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection (S11) of the reference energy consumption comprises the step: detecting a total operating time of the electrical load within a first predefined time period; and / or the method comprises the additional step: detecting (S31) a current operating time of the electrical load in a first current time interval; wherein the load shift potential is determined (S12) as a function of the total operating time of the electrical load and / or additionally as a function of the current operating time of the electrical load.

6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection (S11) of the reference energy consumption comprises the step: detecting a total energy consumption of the electrical load within a second predefined time period; and / or the method comprises the additional step: detecting (S32) a current energy consumption of the electrical load in a second current time interval; wherein the load shift potential is determined (S12) as a function of the total energy consumption of the electrical load and / or additionally as a function of the current energy consumption of the electrical load.

7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, comprising the additional steps: predefining (S41) a setpoint temperature for a heating and / or cooling circuit of the electrical load; and / or detecting (S42) an actual temperature for a heating and / or cooling circuit of the one or more electrical loads; wherein the load shift potential is determined (S12) additionally as a function of the detected setpoint temperature and / or additionally as a function of the detected actual temperature.

8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, comprising the additional steps: detecting (S51) an outside temperature as a reference outside temperature in conjunction with the detection of the reference energy consumption of the electrical load; and / or detecting (S54) a current outside temperature; wherein the load shift potential is determined (S12) additionally as a function of the reference outside temperature and / or additionally as a function of the current outside temperature.

9. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the electrical load is set up for providing heat and / or cold in a plurality of circuits, wherein one circuit is a heating and / or cooling circuit; the detection (S11) of the reference energy consumption of the electrical load comprises a detection of the actuation of the plurality of circuits; the determination (S12) of the load shift potential comprises a determination of the load shift potential for at least one circuit of the plurality of circuits; and / or the method additionally comprises the step: determination (S57) of an overcharge potential of the electrical load and / or of the one or more circuits; wherein the load shift potential is determined (S12) additionally as a function of the determined overcharge potential.

10. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising the additional steps: provision of the load shift potential, with the result that the electrical load can be actuated as a function of the load shift potential of the electrical load, wherein the electrical load is actuated in particular by means of a demand-response signal; and optionally output of a feedback from the electrical load as to whether and / or to what extent a load shift of the electrical load takes place if a control signal, in particular a demand-response signal, is transmitted to the electrical load on the basis of the load shift potential; and / or detection (S52) of a heating circuit temperature, cooling circuit temperature, a setpoint temperature and / or building temperature as reference temperatures in conjunction with the detection of the reference energy consumption of the electrical load; and / or detection (S55) of a current heating circuit temperature, a current cooling circuit temperature, a current setpoint temperature and / or a current building temperature as current temperatures; wherein the load shift potential is determined (S12) additionally as a function of the reference temperatures and / or additionally as a function of the current temperatures; and / or detection (S53) of environmental factors as reference environmental factors in conjunction with the detection of the reference energy consumption; and / or detection (S56) of current environmental factors; wherein the load shift potential is determined (S12) additionally as a function of the detected reference environmental factors and / or as a function of the current environmental factors.

11. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 10, comprising the additional steps: determination (S61) of an electrical grid which supplies the electrical load with electrical energy; and assignment (S62, S63) of the electrical load to a group of electrical loads as a function of the determined electrical grid and / or the load shift potential.

12. System (90) for determining a load shift potential of an electrical load, wherein the electrical load is set up for heat generation and / or cold generation in one or more heating and / or cooling circuits, comprising: a detection unit (91) for detecting an electrical energy consumption of the electrical load as a reference energy consumption of the electrical load; and a determination unit (92) for determining a load shift potential of the electrical load as a function of the reference energy consumption of the electrical load, characterized in that the load shift potential is a measure of the extent to which an adaptation of an electrical load of the electrical load is possible with regard to a time of an energy consumption of the electrical load.

13. System (90) according to Claim 12, wherein a signal processing unit (93) of the electrical load comprises the detection unit and / or the determination unit; or the system comprises a signal processing unit (93) which comprises the detection unit (91) and / or the determination unit (92); and / or the system comprises a communication unit which is set up to send an offer for a load shift as a function of the determined load shift potential and / or to receive a demand request for a load shift.

14. System (90) according to either of Claims 12 and 13, wherein the detection unit (91) is set up for detecting the electrical energy consumption of a multiplicity of electrical loads and / or the determination unit (92) is set up for determining the load shift potential of a multiplicity of electrical loads.

15. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a system according to one of Claims 1214, cause said system to carry out the steps of the method according to one of Claims 1 to 11.