Method and system for controlling loads in a local network section of a power network using ripple control signals

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling loads in a local network section (8) of a power network, having the steps of: a) ascertaining the actual electric output requirement by means of at least one controller (2) of at least one electric load (9) in the local network section in specified time intervals and / or under specified conditions, said load (9) being connected to the local network section (8) electrically and to the at least one controller (2) for communication purposes, b) transmitting output data from the at least one controller (2) to a load control unit (3) via a communication network (4), said output data comprising at least the actual electric output requirement of the at least one load (9) and the geographical location of the at least one controller (2) and / or the at least one load (9), c) receiving, processing, and storing the output data in the load control unit (3), d) transmitting a ripple control signal (6) from a network control unit (1) of the power network into the local network section (8) under specified conditions and / or in specified time intervals, e) receiving and processing the ripple control signal (6) in the at least one controller (2) in the local network section (8), f) transmitting output data from the at least one controller (2) to the load control unit (3) via the communication network (4), g) receiving, processing, and storing the output data in the load control unit (3), h) ascertaining a target electric output requirement of the at least one load (9) by means of the load control unit (3), i) transmitting output data, which comprises at least the ascertained target output requirement of the at least one load (9), from the load control unit (3) to the at least one controller (2) via the communication network (4), j) receiving, processing, and storing the output data in the at least one controller (2), wherein the controller (2) is coupled to the at least one load (9) such that the controller actively or passively prompts the load (9) on the basis of the output data to adapt the actual electric output requirement thereof until the target electric output requirement is reached, and k) selectively repeating steps a) to j).

Description

[0001] Method and system for load control in a local network section of a power grid using ripple control signals

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and a system that controls the energy consumption of electrical consumers, in particular of at least partially electrically powered motor vehicles and work vehicles, in a local network section of a power grid using, inter alia, ripple control signals.

[0003] As a result of the mobility transition, combined with an increasing degree of automation in all areas of public life, electrical energy consumption in both private households and commercial enterprises is rising steadily, and in some cases rapidly. The substitution of cars and commercial vehicles powered by fossil fuels with those powered directly by electricity can lead to local power peaks or even partial overloads in the respective sections of the power grid when charging or directly operating the vehicles, as these sections are not designed for the high and sometimes simultaneous power demands. For this reason, it is advisable to regulate and optimize the electrical energy consumption of consumers in such grid sections. This can prevent overloads and the potentially associated power outages.

[0004] In conventional load control systems, individual consumers such as one or more vehicle charging stations, electrical heating systems, electrical energy generation and storage facilities of a building or several jointly managed buildings are controlled together at a local level. Above all, the electrical power drawn from the grid section of the electricity grid is regulated and monitored in order to prevent overloading of the connected load of the buildings. However, the grid section is generally not designed to draw the maximum electrical connected load from all buildings connected to the grid section at the same time. Despite monitoring and regulating the drawn electrical energy consumption within a building unit, the respective grid section can therefore become overloaded, which can lead to temporary power outages and possibly damage to the grid section or the consumers.Furthermore, these known load control systems are not able to compensate for peak loads through targeted feed-in with coupled energy generation and storage facilities in the local grid section.

[0005] A long-established method for controlling energy consumption in a power grid is ripple control via ripple control signals controlled by the energy supplier. Ripple control signals are low-frequency, analog pulse sequences superimposed on the 50 Hz mains voltage with an amplitude of a few percent of the respective nominal mains voltage and transmitted directly via the power-transmitting power grid. The audio frequency is switched on and off according to a code as a pulse pattern for transmission, creating a type of telegram. A special receiver, called a ripple control receiver, is connected upstream of the consumers in the power grid. This receiver filters the pulse telegrams from the power grid and derives the desired control information from them.This allows the energy supplier to send signals to load switching devices via the direct electrical connection to the grid section, for example, to actively switch downstream consumers on or off. This method has so far been used primarily to control electric storage heating systems, which have high energy consumption and can be deliberately switched off during consumption peaks and switched back on during consumption troughs.

[0006] EP 2 434 605 A1 discloses an alternative solution for load shedding of switchable loads during peak consumption times in order to avoid overloading power grids and thus minimize the risk of partial or total outage. A load management system comprises a load manager connected to a plurality of load switching devices via a control system unit, wherein the load switching devices are electrically coupled to downstream loads. Electrical loads are divided into profile groups and, more specifically, into profile subgroups. Programmable time lines, which characterize an operating time of the electrical load, are assigned to the profile groups or profile subgroups. The control system unit is thus capable of sending command signals relating to the time line to switch a profile and / or profile subgroup on or off to the load switching devices by means of ripple control signals.This type of load management immediately disconnects electrical consumers from the electrical power supply. This is disadvantageous because such a sudden disconnection or shutdown from the electrical power supply can cause malfunctions or damage to electrically powered motor vehicles and work vehicles while they are being charged or operated.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method for load control in a local network section of a power grid which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art, which efficiently allocates the available electrical power and also future available electrical power within a network section to electrical consumers without abruptly severing the electrical connection, stabilizes the power grid and its network sections by controlled reduction of electrical power consumption and / or by supplying electrical power from electrical energy generation and / or storage devices in the respective network sections and thus represents an improvement over previous methods.

[0008] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the features of claims 1 and 16. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The method according to the invention for load control in a local network section of a power grid comprises the following steps: a) determining an actual electrical power consumption by at least one control unit of at least one electrical consumer in the local network section in a predetermined time interval and / or under predetermined conditions, in particular of at least partially electrically powered motor vehicles and work vehicles, wherein the consumer is electrically coupled to the local network section and communicatively coupled to the at least one control unit; b) sending power data from the at least one control unit via a communication network to a load control unit, wherein the power data comprises at least the actual electrical power consumption of the at least one consumer and the geographical location of the at least one control unit and / or the at least one consumer;c) receiving, processing, and storing the power data in the load control unit; d) sending a ripple control signal from a network control unit of the power grid to the local network section via the power grid under predetermined conditions and / or at predetermined time intervals, wherein the ripple control signal comprises ripple control data; e) receiving and processing the ripple control signal in the at least one control device in the local network section; f) sending power data from the at least one control device via the communication network to the load control unit, wherein the power data comprises the ripple control data RD; g) receiving, processing, and storing the power data in the load control unit; h) determining a target electrical power consumption of the at least one consumer based on the power data and / or predetermined conditions by the load control unit;i) Sending performance data, which comprise at least the determined target power consumption of the at least one consumer, from the load control unit via the communication network to the at least one control unit within the local network section; j) Receiving, processing and storing the performance data in the at least one control unit, wherein the control unit is coupled to the at least one consumer in such a way that, on the basis of the performance data, it actively or passively causes the consumer to adjust its actual electrical power consumption until the target electrical power consumption is reached; k) Optionally repeating steps a) to j).

[0010] The local network section of a power grid can be formed by a low-voltage local or city network. It is also conceivable for several low-voltage networks to be combined into a local network section. Such a combination of low-voltage networks can be carried out in a practical manner. The power grid is generally formed by extra-high, high, medium, and low-voltage networks, which are supplied with electrical energy by a large number of power plants.

[0011] The control unit can be designed integrally with the electrical consumer, in particular an electrically powered motor vehicle or work vehicle. Alternatively, the control unit can be designed as a single, independent electrical module having a housing and electrical contact or connection points that enable the control unit to be electrically connected to the power grid and to the at least one consumer. The control unit can additionally or alternatively be designed as an electricity meter. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can be configured to control, regulate, and monitor electrical building-specific devices. The control unit can additionally or alternatively be designed integrally with a charging device for charging electrically powered motor vehicles and work vehicles.This provides the advantageous option of integrating consumers without their own load management into a load control system, for example old appliances or electrical consumers that should not be directly connected to the Internet for security reasons.

[0012] The actual power consumption can advantageously be determined in step a) under predetermined conditions. These conditions can, for example, represent the electrical connection of the load to the local network section. In principle, these predetermined conditions can be determined by the load, the control unit, and / or an operator of the load. The predetermined time intervals can be appropriately adapted to the load's use. Time intervals in full hours, minutes, seconds, as well as fractions or multiples thereof are therefore conceivable.

[0013] Furthermore, the method is not limited exclusively to use in conjunction with electrically powered motor vehicles or utility vehicles. This method can also be used in conjunction with both mobile and stationary loads for load control.

[0014] Preferably, a communication connection between the consumer and the control unit can be wired or wireless. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured such that it can be coupled to a consumer either wirelessly or by cable. Optionally, the type of coupling can be determined by the consumer itself.

[0015] Preferably, the geographical location of the at least one control unit in step b) can be determined by the control unit using a satellite navigation system at a predetermined time interval and / or under predetermined conditions. This allows even mobile electrical consumers such as motor vehicles and work vehicles to be assigned to the local grid section in which they draw electrical power.

[0016] The predetermined conditions for transmitting the geographical location can be the same predetermined conditions that determine the actual power consumption. Additionally or alternatively, predetermined conditions can be determined by the load control unit. It should be noted that, in principle, the predetermined conditions can be an identical predetermined condition, i.e., one and the same predetermined condition can trigger multiple method steps of the method according to the invention. Different predetermined conditions can also be used, each of which triggers one or more, but not all, method steps of the method according to the invention.

[0017] The control unit is preferably configured such that it can determine its current geographical location, for example, via a GPS sensor or the like. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the control unit to be communicatively coupled to the at least one consumer in such a way that it prompts the consumer, which is configured to determine its own geographical location, to transmit this location to the control unit. For example, an electric vehicle as a consumer is equipped with a sensor for determining the geographical location.

[0018] The load control unit is communicatively coupled to at least one control unit. This coupling can be wired or wireless via a standard, bidirectional communication network that is configured separately from the power (supply) grid. The load control unit can preferably be configured as a distributed computer system, e.g., in the cloud. Particularly preferably, the load control unit is configured as a client-server system, with the load control unit being the server and the control unit being the client. This allows the load control unit to easily manage and control multiple control units.

[0019] Furthermore, the performance data in step b) may include the following data:

[0020] • Data identifying a predetermined category of consumer;

[0021] • Data showing historical consumption times and levels of at least one consumer;

[0022] • Data that indicate predetermined conditions of use by the consumer;

[0023] • Data that has conditions manually predetermined by a user;

[0024] • Data comprising predetermined power change conditions and / or a minimum target power consumption of the at least one consumer;

[0025] When processing the power data in the load control unit in step c), an overview of all current and historical power data for each consumer can be created in the load control unit. The load control unit can then process this data in such a way that a current, complete consumer profile is always provided, thus enabling predictive load control.

[0026] In step d), the electricity grid operator's higher-level grid control unit is assigned to the local grid section and electrically connected to it. The grid control unit may additionally or alternatively be electrically connected to several local grid sections.

[0027] The ripple control signal can be coded in such a way that it comprises a data packet with ripple control data, wherein the data packets can preferably comprise one or more of the following ripple control data:

[0028] • Data identifying a local network section;

[0029] • Data identifying one or more predetermined categories of consumers; • Data identifying a control device;

[0030] • Data comprising commands for adjusting the actual electrical power consumption of at least one consumer;

[0031] • Data containing a command to immediately switch off or shut down the electrical load;

[0032] • Data indicating a state of the power grid and / or the local network section;

[0033] • Data containing characteristics and / or information regarding the electrical energy supplied;

[0034] • Data containing commands for supplying electrical power to the local network section;

[0035] • Data that includes information on the currently available electrical power in the local network section;

[0036] • Data that includes or indicates information about an under- / oversupply of electrical power in the local network section;

[0037] The ripple control data can be transmitted in one or more data packets. Each data packet contains specific ripple control data, such as the actual power consumption. Alternatively, specific ripple control data can be divided into multiple data packets. Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable to use data transmission protocols that enable secure data transmission using carrier frequency technology, such as Powerline Communication PLC, in a local network section and are transferable to low-frequency ripple control signals. The size of the data packets must be adapted to the specific application, the transmission length and the transmission speed in the local network section.

[0038] In step e), it is also conceivable for the ripple control data to be encrypted by the network control unit so that it can only be decoded by specific control units. This allows for individual and secure data transmission to one or more control units. Alternatively, the ripple control data is not encrypted but contains data that is processed by one or more control units.

[0039] In step f), the control unit can decode the ripple control data, decrypt it if necessary, and process it further. Furthermore, based on the received ripple control data, the control unit can determine whether it will be further processed, which data will be further processed, and which ripple control data will be included in the performance data.

[0040] Optionally, multiple target power consumption values ​​can be determined for a plurality of electrical consumers based on their respective performance data. The target power consumption values ​​for the plurality of consumers can be identical or different. Optionally or alternatively, individual target power consumption values ​​can be determined for each consumer.

[0041] The determined target power consumption can thus be provided directly to the control unit in step i), which, among other things, enables short reaction times for adjusting the actual electrical power consumption.

[0042] The control unit can be configured to transmit the determined target power consumption via the communication link to the consumer, whereupon the consumer passively initiates internal measures to adjust its actual power consumption to the target power consumption. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to adjust or regulate the available electrical power in relation to the target power consumption to be achieved, thereby actively adjusting the consumer's actual power consumption. Adjusting the power consumption can include both reducing power consumption and increasing power consumption. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the control unit to be configured to cause coupled consumers both actively and passively to change their actual power consumption, depending on the coupling of the respective consumer to the control unit.This makes it possible to adjust the electrical power consumption, particularly of controlled loads or a plurality of them, in order to ensure the highest possible operational readiness of the electrical loads with minimal power restrictions, given the available electrical power. Furthermore, the power consumption of the electrical load can be increased if sufficient electrical power is available in the local grid section.

[0043] In step k), it is preferred that all or a subset of steps a) to j) of the method according to the invention are repeated. Optionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that one or more of steps a) to j) are repeated. The order of steps a) to k) and the order in which steps a) to j) are repeated can be changed as required, i.e. the order of the steps of the method according to the invention can be changed as required in a suitable manner. As a result, the method according to the invention can be adapted to a variety of situations in response to ripple control signals, ripple control data, and performance data.

[0044] The method according to the invention enables, in particular, targeted supply-side load control of the electrical power consumption of consumers in a global power grid via an essentially existing infrastructure in addition to local load control. The electrical power consumption can be continuously adjusted as required by the method according to the invention, taking into account the available electrical power in the local grid section, a multitude of predetermined conditions and the current, historical and future power data of the consumers, and this virtually in real time, i.e. with only a delay of a few seconds depending on the setting of the monitoring time for the consumers. This is ensured by the corresponding software in the control units, in the consumers and in the load control unit. Changes to the software are possible via real-time updates for all connected components.

[0045] Advantageously, in the method, in step h), a target power period can be determined by the load control unit, which can cause the control unit to actively or passively adjust the actual power consumption of the at least one consumer until the determined target power consumption is reached, wherein the power data includes the target power period. Using the target power period, the consumer or the control unit can take internal measures to adjust the actual power consumption within the target power period. For example, this enables a gentle shutdown or startup of consumers. The target power period can be predetermined based on a predetermined category of consumers. Additionally or alternatively, the performance data can contain a consumer-specific target power period.

[0046] Preferably, in the method, the ripple control data are additionally sent via the communication network to the load control unit at predetermined times, at predetermined time intervals or under predetermined conditions by the network control unit, wherein the load control unit can receive, process and store the ripple control data.

[0047] With further advantage, a direct data connection to the load control unit can be established by additionally sending ripple control data via the communications network. The same ripple control data as via the ripple control signal can be sent, in particular simultaneously, via the direct data connection via the communications network, whereby data transmission can be secured and data loss can be minimized. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable for only predetermined data packets of the ripple control data to be sent via the communications network to the load control unit, wherein the ripple control signal comprises ripple control data with different data packets than those sent via the communications network. As a result, large data packets and a large number of them, which have a long transmission time due to transmission via the ripple control signal, can be sent directly via the communications network to the load control unit.As a result, data packets of the ripple control data can be distributed appropriately across the communication channels and the response time for performance adjustment can be reduced.

[0048] Preferably, in step b) of the method, the load control unit can send the performance data via the communication network to the network control unit at predetermined times, at predetermined time intervals or under predetermined conditions, which can receive, process and store the performance data.

[0049] By sending the power data from the load control unit to the grid control unit, the grid control unit can process the data in such a way that it adapts the ripple control data based on the received power data. This particularly advantageously achieves targeted load control. With further advantage, the grid control unit can therefore react to a higher electrical power demand based on the power data before this can be electrically measured in the local grid section or provide the local grid section with a higher electrical power. With particular advantage, the power data can include the maximum power consumption of the consumer, wherein the determined target power consumption of the at least one consumer lies between zero and its maximum power consumption.

[0050] Advantageously, the method allows at least one consumer to be switched off or shut down in a controlled manner. Alternatively, the target electrical power consumption can be made available to the consumer without restriction, depending on the availability of electrical power in the local grid section.

[0051] Preferably, the performance data may include the future electrical target power consumption of the at least one consumer in a predetermined future period.

[0052] The power data may therefore include a future target electrical power consumption, for example as a data pair consisting of the predetermined target power consumption and an associated future point in time within the predetermined period.

[0053] The method can advantageously determine in an additional step I) at least one target power consumption and at least one target time for the consumer on the basis of the target power consumption, the power data, the ripple control data and / or the predetermined conditions by the load control unit.

[0054] Furthermore, the method can advantageously proactively adjust the future target power consumption of the respective consumers so that the future use of the consumers is only restricted to a minimal extent.

[0055] Furthermore, the method can advantageously send, in a further step m), performance data, which comprise at least the determined target power consumption and the determined target time, from the load control unit to the at least one control unit via the communication network.

[0056] In a further optional step n), the method can receive, process and store the power data in the at least one control unit, wherein the control unit can actively or passively cause the consumer to adjust its electrical target power consumption to the electrical target target power consumption at the target time.

[0057] This advantageously allows a separate control unit network to be created between the control units, which can ensure that the performance data is transmitted to the load control unit.

[0058] Advantageously, the load control unit can determine the target power consumption and / or the desired target power consumption on the basis of a plurality of historical power data and / or historical ripple control data in step a).

[0059] The load control unit can therefore identify patterns in the power and ripple control data, allowing the target power consumption or the desired target power consumption to be determined efficiently. Statistical methods and / or machine learning can be applied to identify patterns in the power and ripple control data.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can process stored historical performance data and / or ripple control data in such a way that they are available to a user via an output unit or via an interface.

[0061] Preferably, at least one control unit can be communicatively and / or electrically coupled to at least one further control unit in such a way as to send data comprising performance data, ripple control signals, and / or ripple control data to the at least one further control unit via the communication network, wherein the at least one further control unit preferably receives, processes, and stores this data.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, at least one further control unit can be assigned to a control unit, whereby this assignment can be designed as a master-slave assignment.

[0063] With further advantage, at least one of the control unit and the at least one further coupled control unit can be configured to send performance data of the control unit and the at least one further coupled control unit to the load control unit, and wherein the load control unit is preferably configured to send performance data to at least one of the control unit and the at least one further coupled control unit.

[0064] Preferably, the load control unit is implemented in a cloud environment and configured to communicate with the network control unit and the at least one control device via the communication network.

[0065] Further preferably, the control unit is communicatively coupled to at least one energy generating device and / or an energy storage device, wherein the energy generating device and / or the energy storage device are coupled to the local network section and / or the at least one consumer, wherein the control unit is configured to actively or passively cause the energy generating device and / or the energy storage device to provide electrical power to the local network section and / or at least one consumer coupled to the control unit.

[0066] This makes it possible, on the one hand, to store excess electrical power from the local grid section in the energy storage devices. On the other hand, the stored electrical power can be provided directly to the local grid section when the electrical power in that section is insufficient. The energy generation device can thus be controlled in a similar manner, so that when the electrical power consumption of the coupled electrical consumers is low, the excess electrical power is provided to the local grid section when the electrical power in that section is insufficient.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, the electrical consumer, in particular an electrically powered motor vehicle or work vehicle, may also be an energy generation and / or storage device.

[0068] With further advantage, the control unit is configured to determine the actual power generated by the energy generation device and / or the actual capacity of the energy storage device, wherein the power data may include the actual power generated and / or the actual capacity. Preferably, the control unit or the load control unit can determine, based on the power data, a power consumption difference between the determined electrical target power consumption and the actual power consumption of the at least one consumer and cause the energy generation devices and / or the energy storage devices to provide at least the determined power consumption difference to the at least one consumer, so that the actual power consumption of the at least one consumer from the local network section is equal to or less than the determined target power consumption.

[0069] This makes it possible to continue operating electrical consumers without restrictions, even though a lower target power consumption has been determined due to insufficient electrical power in the local network section.

[0070] With further advantage, the load control unit can determine a feed-in power, a feed-in time and a feed-in duration of the feed-in power for at least one energy generation device and / or an energy storage device in the local grid section on the basis of power data, ripple control data, a plurality of historical power data, historical ripple control data and / or predetermined conditions, wherein the power data can comprise the feed-in power, the feed-in time and the feed-in duration, wherein upon processing of the power data by means of the control device, the control device can cause the at least one energy generation device and / or energy storage device to provide the feed-in power to the local grid section at the feed-in time over a feed-in period.

[0071] This allows short-term load fluctuations in the local network section to be compensated, so that no restriction of the electrical power in the local network section has to be made.

[0072] According to the invention, a load control system is provided with at least one control unit, a load control device, a network control unit, a local network section of the power grid, and at least one consumer that is communicatively coupled to the at least one control unit and electrically coupled to the local network section, which is configured to carry out the method described above. Contrary to the consecutive numbering, the method steps of the method according to the invention can be expediently and, where possible, interchanged in their order. Optional method steps can also be arranged in a suitable order in the method according to the invention.

[0073] Ultimately, the load control system according to the invention includes all advantageous features of the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0074] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying figures of exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0075] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a local network section in the power grid in which a preferred embodiment of the load control method according to the invention is applied.

[0076] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram intended to illustrate the inventive method for load control in a local network section of a power grid. A power plant K generates electrical power and supplies it via a high-voltage network to a transformer T, which transforms the generated power accordingly and thereby supplies a low-voltage network 5 with a local network section 8 with electrical power. In this embodiment, the low-voltage network 5 has a network control unit 1, which is configured to transmit a ripple control signal 6 to the low-voltage network 5 by means of a ripple control transmission device (not shown).

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the local network section 8 comprises, connected to its supply power lines, a plurality of control devices that are electrically connected to the power grid of the local network section 8 and are further configured to receive the ripple control signal 6. The ripple control signal is processed using a suitable ripple control receiving device, such as an analog or digital ripple control receiver.

[0078] One of the control units is designed as a stationary control unit 2a and assigned to a building 7. The stationary control unit 2a can be designed as a building energy management system or as an electricity meter configured to control, regulate, and monitor electrical consumers, such as a so-called smart meter. The stationary control unit 2a in the building 7 is connected to an electrically powered work vehicle 9a as a mobile consumer and, furthermore, within the building 7 to a stationary consumer 9b. The control unit 2a itself and / or the work vehicle 9a have a sensor that can determine and transmit geographical information, for example a GPS sensor. This means that if the location of the work vehicle 9a changes, the changed geographical data can be transmitted to the control unit 2a.Alternatively, a geographical location, for example a building address, can be manually assigned to the control unit 2a.

[0079] A second control unit 2b is located directly in the local network section 8 and connected thereto. It is also electrically connectable to an electric vehicle 9c. In the embodiment shown here, the control unit 2b is designed as a mobile or stationary charging device. The stationary charging device can be provided as a wall box or a charging station. Here, too, both the second control unit 2b and the electric vehicle 9c have a sensor that can determine and transmit geographical data.

[0080] A third control unit 2c is electrically connected to a load 9d, which is embodied here as an electric truck, and also to the stationary control unit 2a. The control units 2b and 2c are each integrally formed with the corresponding mobile and stationary charging devices, respectively.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown here, the stationary control unit 2a is electrically connected to an energy storage device 12 and an energy generation device 11. The energy generation device 11 can be, for example, a solar system, a biogas plant, a combined heat and power plant, or the like, which is configured to provide direct current or alternating current to the local grid section 8. The energy generation device 11 can provide a variable or predetermined electrical power to a consumer or the energy storage device 12 in the local grid section 8, or feed the generated power into the power grid. The energy storage device 12 can be, for example, a mobile or stationary battery that can store and provide a predetermined amount of energy over a predetermined period of time.

[0082] In this embodiment, all control units 2a, 2b, 2c are communicatively coupled via a conventional, bidirectional communication network 4 to a load control unit 3, which in the embodiment described here is designed as a cloud computer with appropriate software, storage device, processing device, and communication interfaces. The load control unit 3 is coupled to the network control unit 1 via the communication network 4. The stationary control unit 2a in the building 7 is coupled here, for example, in a master-slave hierarchy to the mobile control unit 2c, with the stationary control unit 2a being arranged as the master and the mobile control unit 2c as the slave in the hierarchy. Other hierarchically equivalent designs are also possible.The load control unit 3 can also be coupled, by cable or wirelessly via the communication network 4, to a monitoring display unit (not shown), for example a smartphone with an app that can display to a user the current status of the local network section or specific geographical areas thereof in different ways.

[0083] The performance data of the control units 2a, 2b, 2c are transmitted to the load control unit 3 either wired or wirelessly via the communication network 4. In this embodiment, the loads 9a, 9b coupled to the stationary control unit 2a are coupled thereto via a wired communication network 4. In this embodiment, the stationary control unit 2a is configured to transmit the performance data of the coupled loads 9a, 9b to the load control unit 3. The mobile control unit 2b, which is directly connected to the local network section 8, is also configured to transmit the performance data wirelessly to the load control unit 3.In this embodiment, the stationary control unit 2a is exclusively electrically connected to the energy storage device 12 and the energy generation device 11 and is further configured to actively initiate the delivery of electrical power to at least one consumer 9a, 9b or to the local network section 8. Alternatively, the stationary control unit 2a can be electrically and communicatively coupled to the energy generation device 11 and / or the energy storage device 12, so that the control unit 2a can passively initiate the energy generation device 11 and / or the energy storage device 12 to provide electrical power to the local network section or to a consumer 9a, 9b coupled to the stationary control unit 2a.In contrast, all control units 2a, 2b, 2c of this embodiment are configured to passively cause the loads 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d to adjust their actual power consumption to a target power consumption, wherein the loads 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are also communicatively coupled to the control units 2a, 2b, 2c in this way. Passive adjustment of the actual electrical power consumption of the loads 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d can be achieved by a reduction or increase in the charging power initiated internally by the load 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0084] The control units 2a, 2b, 2c can have an input and output device that allows performance data and / or ripple control data to be displayed to a user. Furthermore, the control units 2a, 2b, 2c can have an interface via which historical and current performance data and / or ripple control data are sent to a user device coupled to the control unit 2a, 2b, 2c. For example, evaluations or notifications associated with the performance data and / or ripple control data can be sent to and displayed on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet belonging to the user of the control unit 2a, 2b, 2c. Furthermore, it is provided that the user of the control unit 2a, 2b, 2c defines predetermined conditions using the input device of the control unit 2a, 2b, 2c or via the interface and with the coupled device, and that these conditions are processed and stored in the control unit.The performance data can include the predetermined conditions defined by the user and can thus be sent to the load control unit 3, which receives, processes, and stores the performance data. Likewise, the user can specify time intervals using the input device or the mobile terminal, which are then processed and stored by the control unit 2a, 2b, 2c. The performance data can include the time intervals manually specified by the user and be sent to the load control unit 3 for processing. Furthermore, a geographical address can be assigned to the control unit 2a using the input device and / or the mobile terminal. Performance data can generally be entered manually by the user via the input device and the interface of the control unit 2a, 2b, 2c.In the exemplary embodiment described here, predetermined ripple control data is transmitted centrally into the power grid by the network control unit 1 using a ripple control signal 6. The ripple control signal 6 is received and processed in the ripple control receivers of the respective decentralized control units 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0085] In this exemplary embodiment, the load control unit 3 sends the power data of the consumers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d as feedback to the network control unit 1, for example at predetermined time intervals such as 0.2 s to 5 s. In this way, the network operator receives feedback not only about the change in the load in the local network section 8, but also via the load control unit 3 that the load has been changed or adjusted according to the specification.

[0086] The power data of the loads 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d include not only the current power consumption, but also their maximum and minimum power consumption. The load control unit 1 can use this power data to determine a target power consumption that represents the maximum or unrestricted power consumption of the load 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d or the minimum power consumption in the load. If the minimum consumption of the load 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is zero, the load control unit 1 can determine a predefined target power consumption of zero based on this power data and implement it by switching off or shutting down the device.

[0087] In the following, an application of the method according to the invention will be explained using the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The designation of the individual steps refers to the method sequence described above, which is also listed in the appended claims.

[0088] First, in step a), the actual electrical power of the loads 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d in the local network 8 is determined at predetermined time intervals by the control units 2a, 2b, 2c. In addition to the actual power consumption, the actual power generated by the energy supply device 11 and the actual capacity of the energy storage device 12 are determined by the stationary control unit 2a. If a predetermined condition occurs, such as the electrical connection of a new load 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d with control unit 2a, 2b, 2c to the power grid, the actual power consumption of the newly added load 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is also determined accordingly by the control unit 2a, 2b, 2c. Furthermore, the geographical data of the control units 2a, 2b, 2c or of the consumers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d coupled to the control units 2a, 2b, 2c are determined at predetermined time intervals, for example 0.2 s to 5 s.

[0089] The power data generated in step a) is transmitted in step b) to the load control unit 3 via the communications network 4, where it is received, processed, and stored in step c). Steps a) to c) thus ensure continuous monitoring of all consumers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d in the local network section 8 that are connected to a control unit 2a, 2b, 2c. The respective power data of the consumers is supplemented, if necessary, by the corresponding control unit and then transmitted to the load control unit, so that a substantially current consumption status of the local network section 8 is always stored and processable there.

[0090] As soon as the grid operator of the power grid comprising the local grid section 8 detects an overload in the local grid section 8 in step d), the grid control unit 1 sends a ripple control signal 6 into the power grid, thus also into the local grid section 8. The ripple control signal 6 comprises the coded ripple control data, which contains commands for adjusting electrical consumption in the entire power grid and in particular in the local grid section 8. In the exemplary embodiment described here, the ripple control data relate, for example, to the currently possible actual power consumption and the option of feeding electrical power into the local grid section 8.

[0091] In step e), the ripple control signals 6 are received, processed and stored by the control units 2a, 2b, 2c in the local network section 8.

[0092] Subsequently, performance data is sent from the control units 2a, 2b, 2c via the communication network 4 to the load control unit 3 in step f), whereby the performance data now includes the ripple control data. The load control unit 3 receives, processes, and stores the performance data.

[0093] Regardless of the receipt of the ripple control data or the ripple control signal 6, power data identifying individual consumers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, the actual power consumption of the respective consumer 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and its minimum and maximum electrical power consumption, as well as predetermined consumption conditions, which were defined manually by the user, for example, are sent from the load control unit 3 to the grid control unit 1 via the communication network 4. The consumption information about all consumers in the local grid section 8 is thus available to the grid control unit 1 virtually in real time.

[0094] In the next step, the load control unit 3 determines, in step h), a consumer-specific target power consumption and a consumer-specific target power period based on all received power data and on the basis of historical power and ripple control data. Accordingly, the respective control units 2a, 2b, 2c ensure, through signaling, that the coupled consumers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d adjust their current actual power consumption to the determined target power consumption. Furthermore, the actual power of the energy generation device 11 and the actual capacity of the energy storage device 12 are taken into account in determining the consumer-specific target power consumption and the target power period of the consumers 9a, 9b coupled to the control unit 2a.The load control unit 3 determines a feed-in time, a feed-in duration and a feed-in power into the local grid section 8 for the energy generation device 11 and the energy storage device 12.

[0095] The power data generated in step h), which include a consumer-specific target power consumption, a consumer-specific target power period, a feed-in time and a feed-in duration of a feed-in power, are subsequently sent in step i) via the communication network 4 from the load control unit 3 to the corresponding control devices 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0096] The control units 2a, 2b, 2c receive, process, and store these consumer-specific power data in step j), whereupon they passively cause the corresponding consumers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d to adjust their actual power consumption to the target power consumption within the target power period. For example, the power data for the control units 2c, 2b contain commands for the immediate shutdown of the coupled consumers 9c, 9d within a target power period of, for example, 10 s. In contrast, the power data for the stationary consumer 9b does not contain a changed target power consumption. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 2a causes the energy generation device 11 and the energy storage device 12 to make a specific feed-in power available to the local grid section 8 for stabilization at a feed-in time determined by the load control unit 3 and for a specific feed-in period.

[0097] In step k), it is possible to repeat the process in whole or in part until sufficient stability of the local grid section 8 is achieved. This creates a closed control loop for stabilizing the local grid section 8. If sufficient power is again available for or in the local grid section 8, the determined target power consumption of the consumers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are adjusted using the steps mentioned above.

[0098] As described above, it is also possible for the grid control unit 1 to communicate directly with the load control unit 3, i.e. to exchange data bidirectionally. This makes it possible not only for ripple control data to be sent from the grid control unit 1 via ripple control technology via the power grid, but also for the grid control unit 1 to communicate targeted control data to the load control unit 3 in order to control the electrical power consumption of specific consumers 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d separately, individually, or in groups. The result is significantly more detailed and precise consumption control. For example, it is possible to inform a local section of the grid that a particularly large amount of power is available at a particularly low price at certain times, for example if a particularly large amount of wind or solar energy is available.Load control unit 3 has sufficient data to decide which consumers can consume additional power beyond their current consumption level. This can be particularly interesting for electric vehicles that are parked at a charging station for several hours and only have to have full energy storage at a specific time. List of reference symbols:

[0099] K Power Plant

[0100] TT transformer

[0101] I Network control unit

[0102] 2a Control unit

[0103] 2b Control unit

[0104] 2c control unit

[0105] 3 Load control unit

[0106] 4 Communication network

[0107] 5 Low-voltage network

[0108] 6 ripple control signal

[0109] 7 buildings

[0110] 8 local network section

[0111] 9a Consumer

[0112] 9b Consumer

[0113] 9c Consumer

[0114] 9d Consumer

[0115] II Energy generation facility

[0116] 12 Energy storage device

Claims

Claims 1. A method for load control in a local network section (8) of a power grid, the method comprising the following steps: a) determining an actual electrical power consumption by at least one control unit (2) of at least one electrical consumer (9) in the local network section (8) in a predetermined time interval and / or under predetermined conditions, in particular of at least partially electrically operated motor vehicles and work vehicles, the consumer (9) being electrically coupled to the local network section (8) and communicatively coupled to the at least one control unit (2);b) Sending performance data from the at least one control device (2) via a communications network (4) to a load control unit (3), wherein the performance data comprises at least the actual electrical power consumption of the at least one consumer (9) and the geographical location of the at least one control device (2) and / or of the at least one consumer (9); c) Receiving, processing, and storing the performance data LD in the load control unit (3); d) Sending a ripple control signal (6) from a network control unit (1) of the power grid to the local network section (8) via the power grid under predetermined conditions and / or at predetermined time intervals, wherein the ripple control signal (6) comprises ripple control data; e) Receiving and processing the ripple control signal (6) in the at least one control device (2) in the local network section (8);f) sending performance data from the at least one control device (2) via the communication network (4) to the load control unit (3), wherein the performance data comprises the ripple control data; g) Receiving, processing, and storing the performance data in the load control unit (3); h) Determining a target electrical power consumption of the at least one consumer (9) based on the performance data and / or predetermined conditions by the load control unit (3); i) Sending performance data, which comprise at least the determined target power consumption of the at least one consumer (9), from the load control unit (3) via the communication network (4) to the at least one control unit (2) within the local network section (8); j) Receiving, processing, and storing the performance data LD in the at least one control unit (2), wherein the control unit (2) is coupled to the at least one consumer (9) in such a way that, based on the performance data, it actively or passively causes the consumer (9) to adjust its actual electrical power consumption until the target electrical power consumption is reached;k) optionally repeating steps a) to j).; 2. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the load control unit (3) determines in step h) a target power period which causes the control unit (2) to actively or passively adapt the actual power consumption of the at least one consumer (9) until the determined target power consumption is reached, wherein the performance data comprise the target power period.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the network control unit (1) additionally sends the ripple control data via the communication network (4) to the load control unit (3) at predetermined times, at predetermined time intervals or under predetermined conditions and the load control unit (3) receives, processes and stores the ripple control data.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step b) the load control unit (3) sends the performance data via the communication network (4) to the network control unit (1) at predetermined times, at predetermined time intervals or under predetermined conditions, which receives, processes and stores the performance data.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power data comprise the maximum power consumption of the consumer (9), wherein the determined target power consumption of the at least one consumer (9) lies between zero and its maximum power consumption.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the power data comprise the future electrical target power consumption of the at least one consumer (9) in a predetermined future period.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: Determining, on the basis of the desired power consumption, the power data, the ripple control data and / or predetermined conditions, at least one desired target power consumption and at least one desired time for the consumer (9) by the load control unit (3); Sending performance data, which include at least the determined target power consumption and the determined target time, from the load control unit (3) via the communication network (4) to the at least one control unit (2); Receiving, processing and storing the power data in the at least one control unit (2), wherein the control unit (2) actively or passively causes the consumer (9) to adapt its electrical target power consumption to the electrical target target power consumption at the target time.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the load control unit (2) determines the target power consumption and / or the desired target power consumption on the basis of a Majority of historical performance data and / or historical ripple control data determined in step a).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit (2) is communicatively coupled to at least one further control unit (2) in such a way as to send data comprising performance data, ripple control signals (6), and / or ripple control data to the at least one further control unit (2) via the communication network (4), wherein the at least one further control unit (2) receives, processes and stores this data.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the control unit (2) and the at least one further coupled control unit (2) is configured to send performance data of the control unit (2) and the at least one further coupled control unit (2) to the load control unit (3) and wherein the load control unit (3) is configured to send performance data to at least one of the control unit (2) and the at least one further coupled control unit (2).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the load control unit (3) is designed in a cloud environment and is configured to communicate with the network control unit (1) and the at least one control device (2) via the communication network (4).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (2) is communicatively and / or electrically coupled to at least one energy generating device (11) and / or an energy storage device (12), wherein the energy generating device (11) and / or the energy storage device (12) are coupled to the local network section and / or the at least one consumer (9), wherein the control unit (2) is configured to actively or passively cause the energy generating device (11) and / or the energy storage device (12) to provide electrical power to the local network section (8) and / or to at least one consumer (9) coupled to the control unit (2).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the control unit (2) is further configured to determine the actual power generated by the energy generation device (11) and / or the actual capacity of the energy storage device (12), wherein the performance data accordingly comprise the actual power generated and / or the actual capacity.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the control device (2) or the load control unit (3) determines a difference in power consumption between the determined electrical target power consumption and the actual power consumption of the at least one consumer (9) on the basis of the power data and causes the energy generation devices (11) and / or the energy storage devices (12) to provide the at least one consumer (9) with at least the determined difference in power consumption, so that the actual power consumption of the at least one consumer (9) from the local network section (8) is equal to or less than the determined target power consumption.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the load control unit (3) determines a feed-in power, a feed-in time and a feed-in duration of the feed-in power for at least one energy generation device (11) and / or one energy storage device (12) in the local network section (8) on the basis of power data, ripple control data, a plurality of historical power data, historical ripple control data and / or predetermined conditions, wherein the power data comprise the feed-in power, the feed-in time and the feed-in duration, wherein upon processing of the power data by means of the control device (2), the control device (2) causes the at least one energy generation device (11) and / or energy storage device (12) to provide the feed-in power to the local network section (8) at the feed-in time for a feed-in duration.

16. Load control system with at least one control device (2), a load control device (3), a network control unit (1), a local network section (8) of the power grid and at least one consumer (9) which is connected to the at least one control device (2) in terms of communication technology and is electrically connected to the local network section (8). which is adapted to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

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