METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MANAGING A CUSTOMER FACILITY IN A RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Abstract

The described process relates to a resource distribution network comprising an information server and customer facilities. It applies, for example, to an electricity distribution network. The process allows the control of customer facilities on the distribution network based on a forecast of the carbon intensity of resource production. For example, it may involve sending a load shedding command to a customer device configured to manage the customer facility. FIG. 1

Description

Title of the invention: METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MANAGING A CUSTOMER FACILITY OF A RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK technical field

[0001] The various embodiment examples described in this disclosure relate to a distribution network for a resource, for example an electricity, gas, or heat distribution network, as well as the customer facilities of such a network, including meters.

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The carbon intensity of electricity production is a measure that indicates the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted per unit produced. It is generally expressed in grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour (g CO2 / kWh). This measure makes it possible to assess the environmental impact of different energy sources used for production.

[0004] Carbon intensity varies considerably depending on the types of technologies and fuels used. For example, for electricity generation, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power have very low carbon intensity, often close to zero. Nuclear energy sources also have low carbon intensity, although there are emissions associated with the nuclear fuel lifecycle and the construction of power plants. In contrast, fossil fuel power plants, such as those that burn coal, oil, or natural gas, have high carbon intensity due to the large quantities of CO2 emitted during the combustion of these fuels.

[0005] Reducing carbon intensity is a key objective for energy policies aimed at combating climate change, by encouraging the deployment of cleaner and more efficient technologies.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] A first aspect relates to a method for managing a resource distribution network comprising an information server and client facilities. The described method includes steps, executed by the information server, to determine a forecast of the carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, and to transmit to one or more client facilities information enabling the control of said client facilities over said at least one period of time based on the carbon intensity forecast.

[0008] In a first embodiment of the network management process, the transmitted information includes a load shedding command intended for a client device configured to manage the client installation, and it is transmitted by an application programming interface of the information server to an internet access point of the client installation.

[0009] In a second embodiment of the network management process, the transmitted information includes the carbon intensity forecast, and it is transmitted to a meter of the customer installation via a telecommunications network.

[0010] A second aspect concerns a method for managing a customer installation of a resource distribution network that includes an information server. The method comprises steps for receiving from the information server information containing a forecast of the carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, and for processing the received information to allow control of the customer installation over said at least one period of time based on the carbon intensity forecast. This method is, for example, executed by a meter in the customer installation.

[0011] In a first embodiment of the customer installation management process, the step for processing the received information includes determining a load shedding command for said at least one period of time from the carbon intensity forecast, and transmitting the load shedding command to a customer device configured to manage the customer installation.

[0012] In a second embodiment of the customer installation management process, the step for processing the received information includes a transmission of the carbon intensity forecast to a tele-information device connected to the meter and configured to determine a load shedding command for said at least one period of time from the carbon intensity forecast and to transmit it to a customer device configured to manage the customer installation.

[0013] Advantageously, the customer installation management process includes a step of displaying one or more data representative of the carbon intensity forecast on a display module of the meter or on a remote display module.

[0014] According to a third aspect, a method for managing a customer installation of a resource distribution network comprises steps for receiving from a meter of the customer installation a forecast of the carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, determining a load shedding command for said at least one period of time based on the received carbon intensity forecast, and transmitting the load shedding command to a customer device configured to manage the customer installation. For example, this method is executed by a teleinformation device that is connected to the meter of the customer installation.

[0015] A fourth aspect relates to an information server device comprising means for implementing a method of managing a resource distribution network as described above.

[0016] A fifth aspect relates to a meter comprising means for implementing a customer installation management process as described above.

[0017] A sixth aspect relates to a tele-information device comprising means for implementing a method of managing a distribution network of a resource as described above.

[0018] The information server, counter, and tele-information device may be constituted by software means, that is, instructions intended to be executed by a set of circuits to perform one or more or all of the operations or steps to be carried out, in application of the processes described in this document. The set of circuits may consist of dedicated circuitry. It may also consist of one or more processors and one or more memories comprising one or more computer program codes, said processors, memories, and computer codes being configured to cause the information server, counter, and / or tele-information device to execute one or more or all of the steps of the processes described in this document.

[0019] A seventh aspect relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the implementation of a distribution network management process or a customer facility management process as described above.

[0020] An eighth aspect relates to a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium containing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the implementation of a distribution network management process or a customer facility management process as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0021] The implementation examples will be better understood in the light of the detailed description that follows and the accompanying drawings, which are given for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not limiting to this disclosure.

[0022] Figure [Fig.1] is a diagram of an example of a resource distribution network system.

[0023] Figure [Fig.2] is a diagram describing the steps of a process for managing a resource distribution network.

[0024] Figure [Fig.3] is a diagram describing the steps of a process for managing a customer installation of a distribution network of a resource intended to be executed by a meter of a customer installation of the distribution network.

[0025] Figure [Fig.4] is a diagram describing the steps of a process for managing a customer installation of a distribution network of a resource intended to be executed by a tele-information device connected to a meter of a customer installation of the distribution network

[0026] Figure [Fig.5] represents an example of a production carbon intensity forecast curve as a function of the time of day.

[0027] Figure [Fig.6] represents an example of a load curve for a given customer when the carbon intensity of production is not taken into account.

[0028] Figure [Fig.7] represents an example of a load curve for the same customer as that of [Fig.6] when the customer installation is controlled according to the carbon intensity forecast shown in [Fig.5].

[0029] Figure [Fig.8] is a block diagram of an implementation device for an information server, a counter and / or a tele-information device as described in this document. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the drawings accompanying this disclosure, which illustrate certain embodiments.

[0031] The specific structural and functional details described herein are non-limiting examples. The embodiments described herein may be subject to various modifications and alternative forms. The subject matter of the disclosure may be realized in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments presented herein as illustrative examples. It should be understood that there is no intention to limit the embodiments to the particular forms described later in this document.

[0032] In the following description, identical, similar, or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals. The block diagrams, flowcharts, and message sequence diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionalities, and operation of computer systems, devices, processes, and program products according to one or more embodiments. Each block in a block diagram or each phase in a flowchart can represent a module or a portion of software code comprising instructions for implementing one or more functions. In some implementations, the order of the blocks or phases can be changed, or the corresponding functions can be implemented in parallel. The process blocks or phases can be implemented using circuits, software, or a combination of circuits and software, either centrally or remotely. in a distributed manner, for all or part of the blocks or phases. The systems, devices, processes, and methods described can be modified, supplemented, and / or deleted while remaining within the scope of this description. For example, the components of a device or system can be integrated or separated. Also, the described functions can be implemented using more or fewer components or phases, or with other components or through other phases. Any suitable data processing system can be used for implementation. A suitable data processing system or device includes, for example, a combination of software code and circuits, such as a processor, controller, or other circuit suitable for executing the software code.When the software code is executed, the processor or controller directs the system or device to implement all or part of the functionalities of the blocks and / or phases of the processes or methods according to the embodiment examples. The software code can be stored in non-volatile memory or on a non-volatile storage medium (USB flash drive, memory card or other medium) readable directly or through an interface adapted by the processor or controller.

[0033] This disclosure applies to any resource distribution network comprising at least one information server and a plurality of meters measuring the consumption of said resource. This could be, for example, an electricity, gas, heat, etc. distribution network...

[0034] In the non-limiting example of [Fig. 1], a resource distribution network 100 comprises at least one information server 110 designed to communicate via a sub-distributor 120 with a plurality of meters 130 installed at customer premises 140. For example, the information server 110 communicates with the sub-distributor 120 via a wireless telecommunications network 150. The wireless communication network 150 may be a GPRS, UMTS, LTE, 5G, or a narrowband IoT (Internet of Things) network. For example, the sub-distributor 120 communicates with the meters 130 via the power line communication (PLC) network. For example, data exchange between the meters 130 and the headend 170 occurs via data frames conforming to the DLMS / COSEM protocol.

[0035] The information server 110 includes, for example, a metering data management module 160 (known by the acronym MDM for "Meter Data Management") and a network head 170 which manages the communication protocols to communicate with the client installations 140.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the customer installation 140 comprises, in addition to the meter 130, a tele-information device 174 which is connected to the meter 130 and configured to communicate with a home automation device 175. For example, the communication between the meter 130 and the tele-information device is a serial communication in asynchronous mode with ASCII encoding at a speed of 1200 or 9600 bit / s.

[0037] Alternatively, the meter 130 is configured to communicate directly with the home automation device 175. In this case, communication with the home automation device 175 is done for example via Wi-Fi.

[0038] The network headend 170 can also communicate with the meter 130 of the customer installation 140 via the internet network 180. In this case, the information server includes a dedicated application programming interface (API) 190 that communicates with an internet access point 195 of the customer installation. The internet access point of the customer installation then allows the information to be routed to the home automation device 175, for example via Wi-Fi.

[0039] The meters 130 are configured to measure consumption by the customer 140 of the resource that is distributed by the distribution network. For example, when the network is an electricity distribution network, the meter 130 measures electricity consumption.

[0040] Each of the meters 130 is further configured to transmit to the information server 110 customer information representative of the consumption of customer 140 over a determined time range.

[0041] For example, meters 130 transmit daily information representative of their daily consumption. This customer information includes, for example, a consumption value for each time segment of a predetermined duration, for example, every 15 minutes. The values ​​transmitted for each 15-minute segment during the day make it possible to establish a load curve for the customer for the day. This embodiment makes it possible to take into account differences in consumption profiles depending on the day of the week.

[0042] The metering data manager module 160 can thus determine an overall forecast load curve for all customers, from the consumption data reported by each customer, for example for each day of the week.

[0043] Furthermore, the carbon intensity of production depends on the ability to use renewable energies efficiently, and on the need to produce or import other energy sources considered non-green to meet demand.

[0044] The information server 110 knows in advance (for example, 6 hours in advance in the embodiment described here) the means of production used and the capacity they can provide. It can therefore determine a forecast of the carbon intensity of resource production, based on the forecast load curve, for example, for the next 6 hours, in 15-minute increments.

[0045] Figure [Fig. 2] is a flowchart representing the main steps of a process 200 for managing a resource distribution network as described herein. In step 210, the information server 110 (for example, the metering data manager module 160 of the information server 110) determines a forecast of the carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, for example, for the next 6 hours divided into 15-minute segments. Then, in step 220, the information server 110 transmits information to one or more customer installations 140 enabling the control of said customer installations based on the carbon intensity forecast.

[0046] For example, when the network head 170 communicates with the meter 130 of the customer installation 140 via the internet network 180, the information transmitted includes a load shedding command intended for the home automation device 175.

[0047] In another example, when the network head 170 communicates with the meter 130 of the customer installation 140 via the telecommunications network 150, the transmitted information includes the carbon intensity forecast, and the meter 130 is configured to process the received information in order to allow control of the customer installation 140 based on the carbon intensity forecast.

[0048] Figure [Fig.3] is a flowchart representing the main steps of a process 300 for managing a customer installation of a resource distribution network, intended to be executed by the meter 130. It includes a step 310 for receiving from the information server information including a forecast of carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, and a step 320 for processing the information received to allow control of the customer installation based on the carbon intensity forecast.

[0049] In a first embodiment, step 320 includes determining a load shedding command for one or more time periods from the carbon intensity forecast, and transmitting the load shedding command to the home automation device 175 which is configured to manage the customer installation 140.

[0050] In a second embodiment, step 320 includes a transmission of the carbon intensity forecast to the tele-information device 174, which is configured to determine a load shedding command for one or more time periods from the carbon intensity forecast, and to transmit it to the home automation device 175.

[0051] For example, the home automation device 175 can be configured to pass on or not a received load shedding command, and / or to apply different load shedding modalities according to one or more criteria.

[0052] Figure [Fig. 4] is a flowchart representing the main steps of another method 400 for managing a customer installation of a distribution network resource. This process is intended to be executed by the tele-information device 174. It includes a step 410 to receive from the meter 130 a forecast of carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, a step 420 to determine a load shedding command for one or more periods of time from the received carbon intensity forecast, and a step 430 to transmit the load shedding command to the home automation device which is configured to manage the customer installation 140.

[0053] In Figure [Fig. 5], curve 500 represents an example of a production carbon intensity forecast as a function of the time of day (96 periods of 15 minutes in a day). Two thresholds 510 and 520 are shown which, in this example, correspond to a value of 30 gCO2 / kWh and 60 gCO2 / kWh respectively. Thus, three types of periods can be defined during the day: a first type of period where the predicted carbon intensity is less than or equal to the first threshold 510 (periods 531, 533, 535 and 539 represented in light grey on [Fig.5]), a second type of period where the predicted carbon intensity is between the first threshold 510 and the second threshold 520 (periods 532, 534, 536 and 538 represented in medium grey on [Fig.5]), and a third type of period where the predicted carbon intensity is greater than or equal to the second threshold 520 (period 537 represented in dark grey on [Fig.5]).

[0054] In one embodiment, in addition to determining and transmitting a load shedding command, one or more data points representative of the carbon intensity forecast are displayed on a display module of the meter 130 or on a remote display module, for example on the home automation device 175, or a mobile phone, tablet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more LEDs are illuminated on the meter 130 indicating the type of period in progress, for example a green LED for periods of the first type, an orange LED for periods of the second type, and a red LED for periods of the third type. Alternatively, it is possible to use a multicolor LED that can display three different colors (green, orange, or red), or to vary the backlighting of a screen integrated into the meter (for example, backlighting off for periods of the first type, slow flashing (for example, 0.5 Hz) for periods of the second type, rapid flashing (e.g., 2 Hz) for periods of the third type. The use of a remote display allows for the display of more precise information, for example, a curve showing the evolution of the forecast of carbon intensity of production.

[0055] The information display allows, for example, the customer to intervene directly on their installation, for example to turn off the radiators to reduce their consumption.

[0056] In Figure [Fig. 6], curve 600 represents an example of a load curve for a given customer when the carbon intensity of production is not taken into account. The customer has significant consumption during periods 532 and 537, which is not optimal from the point of view of the carbon intensity produced.

[0057] In Figure [Fig.7] curve 700 represents an example of a load curve for the same customer when the customer installation is controlled according to the carbon intensity forecast.

[0058] For example, during period 537 (third type), a load shedding command is applied to reduce or stop the operation of high-consumption equipment (such as heating or hot water production equipment), and the activation of additional equipment is postponed (for example, a washing machine, a dryer, or the charging of an electric car). Whereas during period 532 (second type), the activation of additional equipment is postponed, but no load shedding is carried out. As illustrated in Figure [Fig. 7], consumption decreases during both periods 532 and 537 and increases during the other periods.

[0059] In the example above, two thresholds and three types of periods have been described. This is not a limiting example. It is of course possible to define only one threshold and two types of periods, or conversely, to define more than two thresholds and more than three types of periods. It is also possible to add other criteria for managing the customer's installation, for example, to take into account, in addition to the carbon intensity threshold(s), a customer consumption threshold. The home automation device 175 can thus be configured to implement one or more load shedding methods, depending on the management criteria that have been configured.

[0060] The information server 110, the counters 130, and the tele-information devices 174 can, for example, be implemented in the form of a device as described in Figure [Fig. 8]. This device, referenced as 800, comprises a printed circuit board 801 on which a communication bus 802 connects a processor 803, random access memory 804, a storage medium 811, optionally an interface 805 for connecting a display 806, a series of connectors 807 for connecting user interface devices or modules such as a mouse or trackpad 808 and a keyboard 809, and one or more communication interfaces 810 and / or 812. Some modules in Figure [Fig. 8] may be internal or externally connected, in which case they are not necessarily an integral part of the device itself.For example, the 806 screen may be a screen that is only connected to the 800 device under specific circumstances, or the 800 device may be controlled by another device with a screen, and in this case the 800 device does not have an 806 screen or an 805 interface. Depending on the required functionality, including how the 800 device is used. In a 170 network headend, a 130 meter, or a 174 tele-information device, the device may implement only some of the above. For example, a 130 meter and a 174 tele-information device are generally not connected to a mouse, trackpad, or keyboard.

[0061] The memory 811 contains one or more software codes which, when executed by the processor 803, enable the device 800 to perform the processes described above. In one embodiment given by way of example, a removable storage medium 813, such as a USB flash drive, may also be connected. For example, the detachable storage medium 813 may contain the software codes to be downloaded into the memory 811.

[0062] The 803 processor can be any type of processor such as a central processing unit ("CPU") or a dedicated microprocessor such as an embedded microcontroller or a digital signal processor ("DSP").

[0063] The device 800 may also include other components that are commonly found in computer systems, such as an operating system, queue managers, device drivers or one or more network protocols that are stored in memory 811 and executed by the processor 803.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that all the functional diagrams presented here represent conceptual views, given by way of example, of circuits incorporating the principles of disclosure.

[0065] Each function, block, and step described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or any suitable combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions or blocks of the functional diagrams and flowcharts can be implemented by computer program instructions / software code, which can be stored or transmitted on a computer-readable medium, or loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable processing device and / or system, such that the computer program instructions or software code that execute on the computer or other programmable processing device create the means for implementing the functions described herein.

[0066] Although aspects of this disclosure have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments only illustrate the principles and applications of this disclosure. It is therefore understood that many modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without to deviate from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as determined on the basis of the claims and their equivalents.

[0067] The advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments of the invention. However, the advantages, benefits, solutions to problems, and any element that may cause or result in such advantages, benefits or solutions, or cause such advantages, benefits or solutions to become more pronounced, shall not be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Method of managing a resource distribution network, the distribution network comprising an information server (110) and client facilities (140), characterized in that it comprises steps, executed by the information server, to: - determine (210) a forecast of carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, - transmit (220) to one or more client facilities information enabling control of said client facilities over said at least one period of time according to the carbon intensity forecast.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitted information includes a load shedding command intended for a client device configured to manage the client installation, and in that it is transmitted by an application programming interface of the information server to an internet access point of the client installation.

3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitted information includes the carbon intensity forecast, and in that it is transmitted to a meter of the customer installation via a telecommunications network.

4. Method of managing a customer installation of a resource distribution network, said network comprising an information server (110), characterized in that it comprises steps for: - receiving (310) from the information server information comprising a forecast of carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, - processing (320) the information received to allow control of the customer installation over said at least one period of time based on the carbon intensity forecast.

5. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step (320) for processing the received information comprises determining a load shedding command for said at least one period of time from the carbon intensity forecast, and transmitting the load shedding command to a customer device configured to manage the customer installation.

6. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step (320) for processing the received information comprises a transmission of the carbon intensity forecast to a tele-information device connected to the meter and configured to determine a load shedding command for said at least one period of time from the carbon intensity forecast and to transmit it to a customer device configured to manage the customer installation.

7. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a step of displaying one or more data representative of the carbon intensity forecast on a display module of the meter or on a remote display module.

8. A method for managing a customer installation of a resource distribution network, characterized in that it comprises steps for: - receiving (410) from a meter of the customer installation a forecast of carbon intensity of resource production for at least one period of time, - determining (420) a load shedding command for said at least one period of time from the received carbon intensity forecast, - transmitting (430) the load shedding command to a customer device configured to manage the customer installation.

9. Information server device comprising means for implementing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. Counter device comprising means for implementing a method according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

11. Tele-information device comprising means for implementing a method according to claim 8.

12. Product computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the implementation of a process according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. Computer-readable non-transient storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the implementation of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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