Load control device, load control system and method for operating a load control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a load control device (10), comprising a plug unit (12) for plugging into a household plug socket (14), a functional unit (16) for providing at least one function, and a control unit (18) which is intended to evaluate a mains voltage form present at the household plug socket (14) and / or at least one ripple control signal and to control the functional unit (16) based on an evaluation result.

Description

[0001] Load control device, load control system and method for operating a load control device

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a load control device according to the preamble of claim 1, a load control system according to claim 10 and a method for operating a load control device according to claim 13.

[0004] It has already been proposed to install a ripple control receiver in a distribution box to control load distribution in a power grid, particularly to prevent grid overload and / or utilize off-peak electricity. The electrical consumers controlled by the ripple control receiver must be integrated into a separate circuit. Furthermore, private charging stations for electric vehicles permanently installed in the power grid, which are at least partially equipped to receive ripple control signals, have already been proposed.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of flexibility and efficiency. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 10, and 13, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] A load control device is proposed which has a plug unit for plugging into a household socket, a functional unit for providing at least one function and a control unit which is provided to evaluate a mains voltage waveform present at the household socket and / or at least one ripple control signal and to control the functional unit based on an evaluation result.

[0008] Such a design can increase efficiency, in particular installation efficiency and / or cost efficiency and / or maintenance efficiency. Installation of the load control device, in particular for reading out information based on the mains voltage waveform and / or the ripple control signal, can be achieved independently by a user in a particularly simple and / or quick manner, in particular without the assistance of specialist personnel, by plugging the load control device into the household socket. Furthermore, cost efficiency and / or availability can be advantageously increased in that the load control device, in particular, has a simple design and advantageously uses already established technologies. Cost efficiency can further be increased by the simplified installation.Advantageously, a particularly high degree of flexibility of the load control device can be achieved, in particular with regard to an installation location, which can be easily selected and / or changed by the user. Furthermore, increased flexibility can be achieved with regard to a selected consumer that is controlled with the load control device. Electric vehicles, in particular electric bicycles and / or electric cars, which themselves do not have a ripple control receiver and, for example, are difficult to reach by an energy supplier via the Internet or mobile network in an underground car park, can advantageously be controlled, in particular at a charging station that is not ripple control-capable. Furthermore, household appliances, in particular washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and / or the like, can be controlled particularly advantageously.Furthermore, the load control device can change a controlled consumer and / or control additional consumers in a particularly flexible and simple manner.

[0009] "Intended" should be understood as specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0010] The load control device is, in particular, a device for controlling at least one load of at least one consumer connected to a power grid, for example, to influence load distribution in the power grid and / or to utilize an advantageous electricity tariff. The load control device is, in particular, connectable to the power grid via the plug unit. The load control device is preferably portable and, in particular, can be transported manually by the user, at least outside of an operating state of the load control device. The load control device is preferably part of a load control system having at least one consumer, in particular one mentioned above, which can be controlled via the functional unit. It is further proposed that the load control system have an energy supplier and / or a smart meter and / or the household socket.For the energy supplier, this can advantageously increase the potential for load control. In particular, it can fill current gaps in the energy supplier's transition to smart grid technology. The energy supplier is preferably an energy utility and, in particular, provides the power grid accessible from the household socket. The consumer is, in particular, intended to receive power from the power grid, originating from the energy supplier.

[0011] The control unit can be configured to control the functional unit based solely on the evaluation result. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to consider at least one additional parameter for controlling the functional unit.

[0012] The functional unit preferably provides a connection to the load for controlling the load. Preferably, the control unit, in particular by means of the functional unit, is provided to block or enable and / or regulate the operation of the load and / or the power supply to the load depending on the evaluation result, for example, by switching between different operating states of the load with different power consumption. Operation of the load is to be understood, in particular, as any operation of the load using electrical energy, at least from the power grid.

[0013] The household socket is, in particular, a socket that can be connected to the plug unit independently by a user, whereby the user can also be a private user, in particular a non-professional user. The plug unit can be connected and / or disconnected from the household socket without the need for tools. The plug unit is, in particular, intended for connection to a low-voltage network. In particular, the household socket can provide single-phase current or three-phase alternating current with a standard mains voltage and standard frequency, in particular a country-specific one. The plug unit is preferably designed as a Type F, Type J, or Type C plug. The plug unit can be designed as a Schuko plug or a Euro plug. Alternatively, the plug unit can be designed as a CEE plug, in particular as a power plug.The load control device is supplied with power via the plug unit plugged into the household socket.

[0014] The mains voltage waveform is, in particular, at least one physical quantity of the power grid connected to the household socket. The mains voltage waveform can, for example, describe an amplitude and / or a symmetry and / or a frequency and / or the like, and / or a temporal progression of these quantities. Based on the mains voltage waveform, at least one ripple control signal and / or a modulation of a signal, in particular a continuous one, on the power grid can be read out.

[0015] It is conceivable that the load control device has at least one operating element, in particular a button and / or switch, for switching on and / or off at least one control function of the control unit and / or the functional unit.

[0016] The ripple control signal is preferably a control signal originating from the energy supplier, in particular for influencing load distribution in the power grid. The load control device preferably functions at least partially as a ripple control receiver, in particular for evaluating the ripple control signal. It is conceivable that the load control device is designed to receive the ripple control signal wirelessly. The ripple control signal can be transmitted, in particular, via long-wave radio, for example, via radio waves. This can provide advantageous signal transmission reliability and thus a high level of supply security.

[0017] Preferably, however, the ripple control signal is a control signal fed into the power grid, wherein the ripple control signal is provided in particular at the household socket. The ripple control signal can be transmitted via the power grid in particular by modulating a signal with a frequency in the three- to four-digit Hertz range. The ripple control signal can preferably be tapped via the plug unit. Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit is provided to evaluate at least one ripple control signal provided via the household socket, whereby a particularly reliable and / or efficient signal transmission can advantageously be provided. In particular, the ripple control signal can be transmitted in a particularly simple manner via the power grid and thus via existing infrastructure.The ripple control signal is in particular a control signal of the ripple control technology, in particular in the form of a sequence of voltage pulses which form a pulse telegram, transmitted via the power grid.

[0018] It is further proposed that the control unit be provided to determine a grid utilization parameter. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a particularly rapid response of the load control device to an acute high grid utilization. Advantageously, a response to grid utilization can be made independently, and in particular independently of ripple control signals, in particular of pulse telegrams, which can have a long signal duration of several seconds to several minutes. The grid utilization parameter can preferably be determined from the grid voltage waveform present at the household socket and / or the grid voltage waveform describes the grid utilization parameter. The grid utilization parameter is preferably at least one grid frequency present at the household socket and can in particular be a temporal profile of the grid frequency.The control unit is preferably designed to control the functional unit in a prioritized manner depending on the network utilization parameter, in particular for a network utilization parameter lower or higher than a stored reference value, for example, if the network utilization is determined to be too high, in particular over control depending on the latching control signal. This allows for a particularly fast response and, in particular, particularly reliable control.

[0019] It is also proposed that the functional unit have a communication unit that is provided for communication with at least one consumer, whereby in particular a particularly effective and / or flexible control of the consumer can be provided. In particular, more than one consumer can be controlled particularly advantageously. The communication unit is preferably provided for at least a data connection to the consumer. The communication unit is preferably provided to communicate at least one control command and / or information data from the control unit, which is / is dependent in particular on the evaluation result, to the consumer. Preferably, the consumer is provided to influence an operation of the consumer depending on the control command and / or the information data.In particular, the control unit is provided by means of the communication unit to block operation of the consumer, in particular to prevent and / or interrupt and / or shut down, or to enable, in particular to continue and / or allow and / or trigger and / or regulate, in particular to throttle or increase the consumer's power consumption. The control unit is preferably provided by means of the communication unit to change an operating mode of the consumer, in particular in an orderly manner. Preferably, the communication unit is provided to communicate the at least one control command and / or the information data to the consumer for an orderly change to an operation of the consumer. Preferably, the consumer has at least one software function for changing the operation, in particular in an orderly manner, depending on the control command and / or the information data.This allows the load to be shut down in an orderly manner, for example, during periods of heavy grid load, thereby advantageously avoiding abrupt interruptions in operation, for example, due to abrupt shutdown of the load. The safety and / or service life of the load can be increased by advantageously preventing the occurrence of arcing and / or sparking, particularly during the charging process of an electric car.

[0020] The communication unit is preferably provided for wireless communication with the consumer, in particular via WLAN, Bluetooth, mobile radio and / or another wireless communication method deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the communication unit to be provided for wired communication with the consumer, for example via LAN, WAN, PowerLine and / or the like. Advantageously, the control of the consumer by means of the communication unit for an already existing corresponding communication interface on the consumer can be achieved in a particularly simple manner. In particular, the communication by means of the communication unit can be received by the consumer in particular merely through software adaptations, for example through a simple software update, and in particular without any necessary hardware changes.

[0021] Preferably, the communication unit is designed to communicate with more than one consumer, in particular simultaneously. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the communication unit is designed to communicate with only one consumer.

[0022] It is conceivable that the communication unit is provided for bidirectional communication with the at least one consumer, wherein in addition to the communication of the at least one control command and / or the information data from the communication unit to the consumer, in particular a status message and / or power consumption information and / or an operating state can be communicated from the at least one consumer to the load control device.

[0023] It is further proposed that the functional unit comprise a plug-in connection unit for a power supply connection to a load. Advantageously, the load can be connected to the load control device in a particularly simple and efficient manner. In particular, the load can be controlled by the control unit independently of a corresponding software function, in particular as mentioned above, and / or independently of a communication option with the communication unit, for example in the case of a non-internet-capable load. In particular, the load can be controlled merely by its power supply connection. Advantageously, hardware and / or software adaptations to the load for control purposes can be avoided, whereby in particular complexity can be reduced and / or cost efficiency can be increased.The control unit is preferably designed to block or release and / or regulate a power supply by means of the functional unit, in particular the plug-in connection unit, depending on the evaluation result. The control unit is preferably designed to switch the power supply on or off by means of the plug-in connection unit depending on the evaluation result, whereby the power supply connection of the consumer can be interrupted, in particular directly. The plug-in connection unit can preferably be switched on or off via an electronic circuit and / or a relay of the load control device. The plug-in connection unit is preferably designed as a socket unit and is particularly designed for plugging in a power supply plug of the consumer.The plug connection unit is preferably designed as a household socket unit, which in particular has at least one household socket, which can be designed identically to the household socket or corresponding to a standard household socket that differs from the household socket. Alternatively, another design of the socket unit that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art is conceivable, in particular depending on the power supply plug of the consumer to be controlled. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the plug connection unit to be designed as another plug unit.

[0024] The functional unit can comprise only one plug-in connection unit or a plurality of plug-in connection units, which can be configured to be identical to one another or different from one another. The plug-in connection unit is preferably provided for direct connection to the consumer. It would be conceivable for the plug-in connection unit to have at least one replaceable and / or removable adapter element, which is provided for changing a type of plug-in connection unit, in particular for adapting the plug-in connection unit to the consumer's power supply connection and / or for increasing the plug-in connection unit's capacity to accommodate power supply connections of the consumer.

[0025] It is conceivable that the plug connection unit is at least partially formed in one piece with the communication unit and, in particular, in addition to the power supply connection, is at least partially provided for a data connection with the consumer.

[0026] It is further proposed that the load control device have an identification unit for identifying the load control device. This can advantageously increase control over the control of the load control device, in particular by the energy supplier. Preferably, the identification unit is provided for storing an identification code of the load control device. Preferably, the identification code is unchangeable. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the identification code to be at least partially adjustable, in particular by the energy supplier. Preferably, the load control device can be assigned to a group of load control devices by means of the identification unit and in particular the identification code. The identification is preferably provided for assigning the load control device to a group of different load control devices to be controlled by the energy supplier.The energy supplier is preferably provided with the ability to control groups of different load control devices in stages, in particular of a freely selectable size.

[0027] The identification unit is preferably provided for comparing a grading identifier sent by the energy supplier with the identification coding and / or for performing at least one calculation depending on the identification coding using the grading identifier. The control unit is preferably provided for controlling the functional unit depending on a result of the comparison of the identification unit. The identification unit is preferably provided for determining at least one control parameter, in particular an identification control parameter, for the control unit for controlling the functional unit. For example, a grading identifier can be provided for disconnecting the number of operated load control devices and / or consumers from the power grid in 10 gradings and thus in particular in 10% increments.A position of the identification code, for example, a last number from 0 to 9, can serve as an assignment parameter and, in particular, be compared with the squadron identifier. Alternatively, the assignment can be provided, for example, based on an integer division remainder that results from dividing the identification code by the number of squadrons, which can be determined, in particular, from the squadron identifier.

[0028] The identification code is preferably unique. The identification unit is preferably provided for the unmistakable identification of the load control device. The identification code is preferably a multi-digit number and preferably a consecutive number or a random or pseudo-random number and / or a number that includes such a number as mentioned above. A random or pseudo-random number can advantageously achieve a uniform distribution of the control of various load control devices within the energy supplier's delivery area.

[0029] Alternatively, the identification coding of different load control devices within a group can be identical, with the load control devices of the group always being controlled jointly by the energy supplier. It is conceivable that the identification coding contains a deliberate identification of the assigned group, particularly one chosen by the energy supplier.

[0030] It is also proposed that the load control device have a setting unit by means of which at least one, in particular further, control parameter for the control unit can be set. This can advantageously increase control over control of the load control device by the energy supplier. In particular, control over a temporal distribution of a load in the power grid can be improved. Preferably, the setting unit is provided for storing at least one adjustable interval coding. The interval coding can be set in particular by the user and / or the energy supplier. Preferably, by means of the setting unit, a power supply to the consumer, for example for a charging process, can be set in an adjustable time interval, in particular in a time period and / or at a point in time.The interval coding can preferably be set by the energy supplier depending on a time interval booked by the user, for example online. The energy supplier is preferably provided for transmitting an interval identifier, in particular by modulating a continuous signal and / or by a ripple control signal, for example in the form of characters and / or numbers. The interval identifier preferably changes depending on the time interval. For example, the change for a bookable power supply can be provided in time intervals of one hour, hourly. The interval coding preferably differs depending on the time interval. The setting unit is preferably provided for recognizing the interval identifier.The setting unit is preferably provided for determining the, in particular further, control parameter, for comparing the interval identifier with the interval coding and / or for carrying out at least one calculation as a function of the interval coding using the interval identifier. The control unit is in particular provided for controlling the functional unit as a function of the, in particular further, control parameter. The control unit is preferably provided for enabling a power supply and / or operation of the consumer if the interval coding and the interval identifier match, and in particular for blocking it otherwise. The energy supplier can be provided for sending at least one interval identifier at least at a selected time and thus preferably limiting power consumption, in particular total power consumption, on the power grid.Alternatively or additionally, the energy supplier can be provided to permit power supply operation at a further time, for example at night and in particular after 10:00 p.m., which is unrestricted at least with regard to the interval coding, for example by suspending the transmission of the interval identifier. It is conceivable that the, in particular further, control parameter and in particular the at least one interval coding can only be set with regard to a number and / or a duration of a time interval(s). In particular, the energy supplier can be provided so that only a number and / or a duration of a time interval(s) can be booked, but not a time point with regard to a time. This can advantageously prevent certain time intervals from being preferred by users.In particular, network utilization can be advantageously reduced in a time interval preferred by users.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the, in particular further, control parameter and in particular the assignment of the time intervals can be set by remote configuration of the energy supplier. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the identification unit is provided for determining the, in particular further, control parameter and preferably for assigning the time intervals, in particular with regard to a point in time and / or a duration. It is conceivable that the, in particular further, control parameter and in particular the at least one time interval can be determined and / or assigned depending on the identification coding. For random or pseudo-random identification coding, in particular an advantageous uniform distribution of the power load over different time intervals and / or in the delivery area can be achieved.Appropriate pricing of electricity tariffs can advantageously control demand and user acceptance.

[0032] The setting unit can be formed at least partially in one piece with the identification unit, whereby these can in particular have at least one identical memory unit. It is conceivable for the setting unit and / or the identification unit to be part of the control unit. The at least one control parameter and / or the at least one further control parameter can in particular be part of the evaluation result and / or at least part of at least one further parameter, in particular mentioned above, for controlling the functional unit.

[0033] It is further proposed that the load control device have a connection unit for communication with an energy supplier, in particular as mentioned above, and / or a smart meter, in particular as mentioned above. This advantageously provides, in particular, bidirectional communication with the energy supplier and / or the smart meter. In particular, a transmitted data transmission rate, for example for transmitting a large data packet, can be advantageously increased. Maintenance efficiency of the load control device can advantageously be increased. Preferably, communication via the connection unit is provided for transmitting updates, for remote maintenance, for setting and / or configuring parameters and / or for exchanging at least one control command and / or information data.

[0034] The connection unit is preferably provided for communicating with the energy supplier and / or a smart meter via at least one internet-enabled device, in particular via a router. The connection unit is preferably provided for communicating with the internet-enabled device. The connection unit is preferably provided for wireless communication with the internet-enabled device. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the connection unit to be provided for wired communication with the internet-enabled device. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the connection unit to be provided for establishing an independent internet connection, in particular for direct communication with the energy supplier and / or the smart meter, for example via the mobile network.

[0035] It is conceivable that the connection unit and the communication unit are at least partially formed as a single piece. For example, the connection unit and the communication unit can have a common communication module, for example a Wi-Fi module, by means of which the communications are provided. It is conceivable that the connection unit is intended to communicate with the energy supplier and / or the smart meter via internet-enabled consumers. In particular, it is conceivable that the connection unit and / or the communication unit is intended for communication, in particular for an exchange of information data and / or at least one control command, with smart home devices and / or their routers and / or smart home hubs.

[0036] It is further proposed that the load control device have an output unit for outputting at least one piece of information. The information can be read out, in particular by the user, by means of the output unit, which can, in particular, increase user convenience. The information can include the grid utilization and / or the grid frequency and / or the interval marking and / or the like, which can, in particular, further increase safety. Preferably, the output unit is provided, at least partially and preferably completely, for optical output of the information.The output unit can in particular be provided for the optical output of at least one number, for example the grid frequency, and / or at least one graph, for example relating to a temporal development of the grid utilization, and / or at least one symbol and / or a color code, for example relating to the grid utilization and / or the interval code. The output unit preferably has at least one display unit, in particular a display, by means of which the information can be output. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the output unit is provided for transmitting the information and in particular an associated display format to an external output device. In particular, the external output device can be designed as a smart device, such as a smartphone.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the output unit is at least partially provided for an acoustic and / or haptic and / or another type of output of the information that appears appropriate to the person skilled in the art.

[0037] In addition, a method for operating a load control device with a plug unit, in particular as mentioned above, for plugging into a household socket, in particular as mentioned above, and with a functional unit, in particular as mentioned above, for providing at least one function is proposed, wherein a mains voltage waveform present at the household socket and / or at least one ripple control signal is evaluated and the functional unit is controlled based on an evaluation result. Such a configuration can particularly advantageously increase the installation efficiency, flexibility and / or cost-effectiveness of the load control device. Preferably, the method has at least one method step, in particular a receiving step, in which at least one control signal and / or information data originating from the energy supplier and / or a grid utilization parameter is received and / or tapped.The method preferably comprises a further method step, in particular an evaluation step, which in particular takes place after the receiving step. In the evaluation step, in particular the evaluation result is determined by means of the control unit. In the evaluation step, at least one control parameter and / or a further control parameter is preferably determined by means of the identification unit and / or the setting unit. In a further method step, which takes place in particular after the evaluation step, in particular in a control step, the control unit preferably controls the functional unit. Preferably, in the control step, at least one consumer is controlled by the control unit via the functional unit.

[0038] The load control device, the load control system, and the method for operating a load control device are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the load control device, the load control system, and the method for operating a load control device may have a number of individual elements, components, units, and method steps that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein.

[0039] Drawings

[0040] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0041] They show:

[0042] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a load control system with a load control device and Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for operating the load control device.

[0043] Description of the embodiment

[0044] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a load control system 50 with a load control device 10, a load 36, another load 38, a household socket 14, a smart meter 30, and an energy supplier 32. The load control system 50 includes an internet-enabled device 52. Dashed connecting lines in Figure 1 indicate a wireless connection, while solid connecting lines indicate a wired connection.

[0045] The consumer device 36 is embodied, for example, as a washing machine 46. The consumer device 36 is connectable via Wi-Fi. The additional consumer device 38 is embodied, for example, as an electric bicycle 48.

[0046] The load control device 10 has a plug unit 12 for plugging into the household socket 14, a functional unit 16 for providing at least one function and a control unit 18 which is provided to evaluate a mains voltage waveform applied to the household socket 14 and to control the functional unit 16 based on an evaluation result.

[0047] The control unit 18, via the functional unit 16, is provided to block or enable and / or regulate the operation of the load 36 depending on the evaluation result. The control unit 18, via the functional unit 16, is provided to block or enable a power supply to the load 38 depending on the evaluation result. The control unit 18 is provided to control the loads 36, 38 using the functional unit 16.

[0048] The plug unit 12 is designed as a Schuko plug. The household socket 14 is designed as a Schuko socket. Alternatively, other common household plug and socket types are conceivable.

[0049] The control unit 18 is designed to determine a grid utilization parameter. The evaluated grid voltage waveform describes at least the grid utilization parameter. The grid utilization parameter is the grid frequency present at the household socket 14.

[0050] In a first case, the control unit 18 is provided to change the power supply and / or the operation of at least one of the consumers 38, 36 based on the evaluation result as a function of the grid utilization parameter. In a second case, the control unit 18 is provided to maintain the power supply and / or the operation of at least one of the consumers 38, 36 based on the evaluation result as a function of the grid utilization parameter. In the second case, the control unit 18 is provided to evaluate at least one ripple control signal and to control the functional unit 16 based on a further evaluation result. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the control unit 18 is only provided to evaluate a grid utilization parameter or a ripple control signal and / or to control the functional unit 16 only as a function of the grid utilization parameter or the ripple control signal.

[0051] At least in the second case, the control unit 18 is provided to evaluate at least one ripple control signal provided via the household socket 14. The energy supplier 32 transmits the ripple control signal via a power grid 42. Alternatively, another wired or wireless communication of the ripple control signal, for example, via longwave radio, is conceivable that would be appropriate to a person skilled in the art.

[0052] The functional unit 16 has a communication unit 20, which is provided for communication with the consumer 36. The communication unit 20 is provided for communicating at least one control command and / or information data from the control unit 18 to the consumer 36. The control unit 18, by means of the communication unit 20, is provided for blocking or enabling and / or regulating the operation of the consumer 36 depending on the evaluation result. For example, a heating process of the washing machine 46 can be interrupted.

[0053] The communication unit 20 is provided for communication for an orderly change in the operation of the load 36. The load 36 has at least one software function that influences the operation of the load 36 depending on the communication of the communication unit 20. The communication unit 20 is provided for wireless communication with the load 36. In the present case, the communication unit 20 is provided for communication with the load 36 via Wi-Fi. Alternatively, another wireless or wired communication method that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art is conceivable. The communication unit 20 can control more than one load 36, although only one load 36 is shown here as an example.

[0054] The functional unit 16 has a plug-in connection unit 22 for a power supply connection to the additional consumer 38. The control unit 18 is provided, via the plug-in connection unit 22, to block or enable a power supply to the additional consumer 38 depending on the evaluation result. The plug-in connection unit 22 can be switched on or off by the control unit 18. The plug-in connection unit 22 is designed as a household socket unit 44. Alternatively or additionally, the additional consumer 38 could communicate with the communication unit 20.

[0055] The load control device 10 has an identification unit 24 for identifying the load control device 10. The identification unit 24 is provided for storing an identification code for the load control device 10. The load control device 10 can be assigned to a group of load control devices (not shown) using the identification unit 24.

[0056] The identification coding is immutable. The identification coding is unique. Alternatively, the identification coding can be at least partially variable and / or consistent across a plurality of load control devices 10.

[0057] The identification unit 24 is provided at least for comparing a switching identifier sent by the energy supplier 32 with the identification coding. The control unit 18 is provided for controlling the functional unit 16 depending on the result of the comparison of the identification unit 24. The identification unit 24 is provided for determining at least one control parameter for the control unit 18 for controlling the functional unit 16.

[0058] The load control device 10 has a setting unit 26, by means of which at least one further control parameter for the control unit 18 can be set. The setting unit 26 is provided for storing at least one adjustable interval coding. The interval coding can be set by the user and / or the energy supplier 32. Using the setting unit 26, a power supply to the load 36, 38 can be set at an adjustable time interval. The interval coding can be set by the energy supplier 32.

[0059] The control unit 18 is at least part of an electronic unit 54. The electronic unit 54 has the identification unit 24 and the setting unit 26.

[0060] The energy supplier 32 is provided for transmitting an interval identifier. The setting unit 26 is provided for recognizing the interval identifier. The setting unit 26 is provided for determining the further control parameter, at least by comparing the interval identifier with the interval coding. The control unit 18 is provided for controlling the functional unit 16 depending on the further control parameter.

[0061] The load control device 10 has a connection unit 28 for communicating with the energy supplier 32 and the smart meter 30. The connection unit 28 is designed to communicate with the energy supplier 32 via at least one internet-enabled device 52. The connection unit 28 is designed to communicate directly with the smart meter 30. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the connection unit 28 is designed to communicate with the smart meter 30 via the internet-enabled device 52 or via at least one other device.

[0062] The connection unit 28 is provided for wireless communication via Wi-Fi with the internet-capable device 52. In this case, the internet-capable device 52 is a router 40. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the internet-capable device 52 is designed as another device that would be appropriate to a person skilled in the art, or that the connection unit 28 is provided for a different type of wireless or wired communication with the internet-capable device 52. Alternatively, the connection unit 28 can be provided for establishing an independent internet connection via a mobile network.

[0063] The connection unit 28 is formed integrally with the communication unit 20. Alternatively, the connection unit 28 and the communication unit 20 can be formed at least partially separately. The load control device 10 has an output unit 34 for outputting at least one item of information. The output unit 34 is provided for optical output. The output unit 34 has a display 56. The output unit 34 can, for example, display the grid frequency as a number (not shown) and the interval identification and the grid utilization in color (not shown). Alternatively, it is conceivable that the information is output via an external output device (not shown), such as a smartphone, and / or at least partially acoustically and / or haptically.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method for operating the load control device 10.

[0065] The method comprises at least one receiving step 100, in which at least the mains voltage waveform at the household socket 14 is measured. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that in the receiving step 100, a latching control signal is received via communication outside the power grid.

[0066] The method comprises an evaluation step 102, in which the evaluation result is determined by the control unit 18 as a function of at least the mains voltage waveform. In the evaluation step 102, a control parameter is determined by the identification unit 24. In the evaluation step 102, a further control parameter is determined by the setting unit 26.

[0067] In a control step 104, the control unit 18 controls the functional unit 16 depending on the evaluation result, the at least one control parameter, and the at least one further control parameter. The load 36 and the further load 38 are controlled by the control unit 18 via the functional unit 16 in the control step 104. Reference numerals

[0068] 10 Load control device

[0069] 12 plug unit

[0070] 14 household socket

[0071] 16 functional unit

[0072] 18 Control unit

[0073] 20 Communication unit

[0074] 22 Plug-in connection unit

[0075] 24 Identification Unit

[0076] 26 Adjustment unit

[0077] 28 Connection unit

[0078] 30 smart meters

[0079] 32 energy suppliers

[0080] 34 Output unit

[0081] 36 consumers

[0082] 38 consumers

[0083] 40 routers

[0084] 42 Power grid

[0085] 44 household socket unit

[0086] 46 Washing machine

[0087] 48 electric bikes

[0088] 50 Load control system

[0089] 52 internet-enabled device

[0090] 54 Electronics unit

[0091] 56 Display

[0092] 100 receive steps

[0093] 102 Evaluation step

[0094] 104 Control step

Claims

Claims 1. Load control device (10) with a plug unit (12) for plugging into a household socket (14), with a functional unit (16) for providing at least one function and with a control unit (18) which is provided to evaluate a mains voltage waveform present at the household socket (14) and / or at least one ripple control signal and to control the functional unit (16) based on an evaluation result.

2. Load control device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (18) is provided to evaluate at least one ripple control signal provided via the household socket (14).

3. Load control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit (18) is provided to determine a network utilization parameter.

4. Load control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional unit (16) has a communication unit (20) which is provided for communication with at least one consumer (36).

5. Load control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional unit (16) has a plug connection unit (22) for a power supply connection to a consumer (38).

6. Load control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an identification unit (24) for identifying the load control device (10).

7. Load control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a setting unit (26) by means of which at least one control parameter for the control unit (18) can be set.

8. Load control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a connection unit (28) for communication with an energy supplier (32) and / or a smart meter (30).

9. Load control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an output unit (34) for outputting at least one piece of information.

10. Load control system (50) with a load control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims and with at least one consumer (36, 38) that can be controlled via the functional unit (16).

11. Load control system (50) according to claim 10, characterized by the household socket (14).

12. Load control system (50) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by an energy supplier (32) and / or a smart meter (30).

13. Method for operating a load control device (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, with a plug unit (12) for plugging into a household socket (14) and with a functional unit (16) for providing at least one function, wherein a mains voltage waveform present at the household socket (14) and / or at least one ripple control signal is evaluated and the functional unit (16) is controlled based on an evaluation result.

Images