Electrical energy consumption management system.

Abstract

Title of the invention: Electrical energy consumption management system. The present invention relates to an electrical energy consumption management system (2) comprising at least one electrical energy storage means (6), a local electrical network (4), and a control unit (8), the control unit (8) being configured to collect at least one data point relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means (6) and at least one data point relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4), the control unit (8) being configured to control the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means (6) and the local electrical network (4). (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: System for managing electrical energy consumption.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical installations intended for equipping buildings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for managing electrical energy consumption within such an electrical installation.

[0002] Buildings, such as homes, storage facilities, or ships, are commonly equipped with an electrical installation, or local electrical network. This local electrical network is capable of receiving electrical energy from an electricity supplier or generating this electrical energy, for example by means of photovoltaic panels, and distributing this electrical energy to various devices connected to the local electrical network.

[0003] Faced with constantly rising electricity costs and growing concerns about potential power outages, more and more consumers are turning to self-consumption of energy. This trend is manifested in particular by the installation of electricity generation systems coupled with stationary batteries. These technologies allow consumers to produce and store their own energy, thereby increasing their energy independence and reducing their electricity bills.

[0004] One of the major problems with self-consumption is that it does not always fully meet the demand for electricity from the local grid, particularly during periods of increased consumption. Consequently, consumers must turn to their electricity supplier to fill this gap, without being able to optimize their consumption based on real-time fluctuations in electricity prices.

[0005] This dependence on tariffs set by suppliers can lead to high expenses for consumers, especially during periods of peak electricity prices. Furthermore, this additional demand on the supplier's electricity grid exacerbates overconsumption and increases the risk of power outages. Indeed, when many consumers connect to the grid simultaneously to compensate for their lack of electricity, this can cause overloads and instabilities that jeopardize the reliability of the electricity supplier's grid.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context and aims to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art. The present invention aims in particular to to use an electrical energy storage system installed in an electric or hybrid vehicle, to manage the electrical energy consumption of the electrical grid according to a plurality of parameters allowing to limit the electrical energy costs for the consumer while maintaining the ability to use their electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0007] Thus, the present invention relates to a system for managing electrical energy consumption comprising at least one electrical energy storage means installed in an electric or hybrid vehicle, a local electrical network and a control unit, the electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to the local electrical network, the control unit being configured to collect at least one data relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means and at least one data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network, the control unit being configured to control the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means and the local electrical network according to said data relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means and according to said data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network.

[0008] The electrical energy storage means forms the battery of a transmitting electric or hybrid vehicle. The main function of this electrical energy storage means is to supply the electrical energy necessary to power the vehicle. The electrical energy storage means can be connected to the local electrical grid to allow, for example, recharging.

[0009] However, it should be noted that the electrical connection between the local electrical network and the electrical energy storage means is such that a transfer of electrical energy can be carried out from the local electrical network to the electrical energy storage means, for example to recharge the electrical energy storage means, or from the electrical energy storage means to the local electrical network, for example to meet a greater demand for electrical energy from equipment supplied by the local electrical network.

[0010] The control unit can be an element physically connected to the local electrical network or be located remotely, for example within a computer server, and connected to an element of the local electrical network, for example via an internet connection.

[0011] The control unit is configured to collect at least one data relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means, this data enabling the control unit to know, for example, the percentage of charge of the electrical energy storage means.

[0012] The control unit is configured to collect at least one data point relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical grid. This data allows the control unit to determine the electrical energy requirements of the local electrical grid. It should be noted that this data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical grid can be obtained in real time by the control unit to adapt to a sudden change within the local electrical grid. Alternatively, this data can be obtained by a prediction that takes into account, for example, the user's habits regarding the use of electrical energy within the local electrical grid.

[0013] According to the invention, based on said data, the control unit is configured to manage the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage device and the local electrical grid. This management, based on the two types of data collected by the control unit, allows the direction of the electrical energy transfer to be adapted according to the needs. Indeed, when the charge level of the electrical energy storage device is low, the need is to recharge said storage device. The control unit therefore manages a transfer of energy from the local electrical grid to the electrical energy storage device. Conversely, when the charge level of the electrical energy storage device is high, the control unit takes into account the electrical energy needs of the local electrical grid to transfer, if necessary, electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device to the local electrical grid.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the control unit is configured to prohibit the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means to the local electrical network when the charge level of the electrical energy storage means is below a low threshold value.

[0015] This lower threshold value may, in particular, be a first predetermined value below which the transfer of energy from the electrical energy storage device to the local electrical grid risks damaging the lifespan of the electrical energy storage device. Also, the first predetermined value is a minimum threshold imposed by the manufacturer of the electrical energy storage device, below which the aforementioned energy transfer risks damaging the electrical energy storage device and impacting its lifespan. More specifically, the first determined value corresponds to a predetermined load level of the electrical energy storage device.

[0016] Furthermore, and as will be mentioned in more detail in the following description, the lower threshold value can be a second predetermined value chosen by the user. However, this second predetermined value is necessarily greater than the first predetermined value.

[0017] Also, by providing a limit below which the transfer of electrical energy is necessarily carried out from the local electrical network to the means of electrical energy storage, the risk of putting the means of electrical energy storage in a configuration in which its charge level is very low is limited, which can cause future malfunctions of the means of electrical energy storage, and in particular reduce its autonomy in the medium term.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, the control unit is configured to allow the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means to the local electrical network when the load level of the electrical energy storage means is greater than the lower threshold value and according to said data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network.

[0019] As mentioned previously, the lower threshold value can be either the first or the second predetermined value. This second predetermined value can thus be defined by the user as a limit below which the control unit prohibits the transfer of energy from the electrical energy storage device to the local electrical grid, for example, to maintain a minimum amount of electrical energy in the electrical energy storage device in the event of a sudden departure by the user requiring their electric or hybrid vehicle equipped with the electrical energy storage device. Furthermore, this predetermined value can be the same as the first predetermined value to maximize the use of the electrical energy storage device.

[0020] However, the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage system to the local electrical grid also takes into account the electrical energy consumption data of the electrical grid, i.e., the electrical energy demand of the local electrical grid. Control based on this data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical grid allows energy to be transferred from the electrical energy storage system to the local electrical grid only when necessary and optimal.

[0021] It is understood from the above that when the charge level of the electrical energy storage means is below the first predetermined value, the control unit prohibits the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means to the local electrical grid, regardless of the local electrical grid's energy consumption data. In other words, when the charge level of the electrical energy storage means is above the lower threshold value, the control unit may, depending on the local electrical grid's energy consumption data, authorize the transfer of energy from the electrical energy storage medium to the local electrical grid.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the local electrical network forms the electrical installation of a building, the local electrical network comprising a charging station for the electrical energy storage means and an electrical component, said electrical component being configured to communicate said consumption data to the charging station.

[0023] The electrical component forms an electricity meter. The electrical component is configured to measure a plurality of parameters related to the electrical energy flowing within the local electrical network. In addition, the electrical component is capable of measuring information on the electrical energy supplying the local electrical network, that is to say, supplied by an electricity provider, but also on the electrical energy produced within the local electrical network.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network includes information relating to the price of the kilowatt-hour or constraints of the local electrical network, the control unit being configured to control the transfer of energy between the means of storing electrical energy and the local electrical network according to said information relating to the price of the kilowatt-hour.

[0025] This control of the electrical energy transfer by the control unit, based on the price per kilowatt-hour, makes it possible to limit the costs of purchasing electrical energy. Indeed, when the price per kilowatt-hour is high, it is preferable to use the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage system to supply the local electrical grid. This avoids having to purchase electrical energy from the electricity supplier when its price is high.

[0026] The control unit is also configured to allow the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage system and the local electrical grid when the price per kilowatt-hour exceeds a predetermined price and provided that, as previously mentioned, the load level of the electrical energy storage system is above the lower threshold. It is understood that the price considered is the price of a kilowatt-hour sold by the electricity supplier to feed into the local electrical grid.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network includes information relating to a breaking capacity of the local electrical network, the control unit being configured to control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means and the local electrical network according to said information relating to the breaking capacity of the local electrical network.

[0028] This control of electrical energy transfer by the control unit, based on the breaking capacity of the local electrical network, makes it possible to limit the risk of interruption of the electrical power supply to equipment connected to the local electrical network. Indeed, when the electrical energy demand of the equipment connected to the electrical network exceeds the breaking capacity of the local electrical network, the risk of power interruption is unavoidable.

[0029] However, the control unit makes it possible to overcome this problem by using the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage system when the electrical energy demand of the equipment connected to the local electrical grid exceeds the switching capacity. Thus, the switching capacity of the electrical grid is not reached by the compensation provided by the use of the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage system.

[0030] According to one feature of the invention, the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network includes information relating to a real-time electrical energy demand of the local electrical network, the control unit being configured to control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means and the local electrical network according to said information relating to the real-time electrical energy demand of the local electrical network.

[0031] This control of the transfer of electrical energy by the control unit according to the demand for electrical energy from the local electrical network makes it possible to adapt in real time to the use of electrical energy within the electrical network so that, depending on the use made, the control unit can adapt the transfer of electrical energy between the means of storing electrical energy and the local electrical network.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network includes information relating to the real-time electrical energy production of the local electrical network, the control unit being configured to control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means and the local electrical network according to said information relating to the real-time electrical energy production of the local electrical network.

[0033] This control of the transfer of electrical energy by the control unit according to the production of electrical energy from the local electrical network makes it possible to adapt the transfer of electrical energy according to the difference between the electrical energy demanded by the local electrical network and the electrical energy produced by the local electrical network.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a management system, the control method implementing at least: - a data collection step during which the control unit collects at least one piece of data relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage system and at least one piece of data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical grid, - an analysis step during which the control unit analyzes the charge level of the electrical energy storage system, - a transfer stage during which the control unit manages the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means and the local electrical network based on the analysis carried out during the second stage and based on the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network.

[0035] In particular, the method can be implemented when the vehicle is connected to a charging station on the local electrical network.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, during the transfer step the control unit controls at least one transfer of electrical energy discharge from the electrical energy storage means to the local electrical network and at least one transfer of electrical energy charge from the local electrical network to the electrical energy storage means, the electrical energy charge transfer and the electrical energy discharge transfer being time-shifted relative to each other.

[0037] It is understood that there can be a plurality of charge transfers and discharge transfers.

[0038] According to one feature of the invention, the transfer step can end with a charge transfer. The aim in this case is to ensure that the charge level of the electrical energy storage means at the end of the process according to the invention, in a normal use case where the user operates their vehicle at a time in accordance with what was planned, allows the user to operate their vehicle without worrying about the charge level.

[0039] According to a feature of the invention, the charge level of the electrical energy storage means reaches a predefined value at a given departure time of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0040] This departure time is programmed in advance, or modified during a session by the user.

[0041] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0042] [Fig.1] represents a system for managing electrical energy consumption according to an embodiment of the invention in which a control unit for piloting the management system is integrated into an external computer server;

[0043] [Fig.2] represents a system for managing electrical energy consumption according to an embodiment of the invention in which a control unit for piloting the management system is integrated into a charging station for an electric or hybrid vehicle;

[0044] [Fig.3] graphically represents the use of electrical energy stored in a means of storing electrical energy according to a specific control of the management system;

[0045] [Fig.4] graphically represents the use of electrical energy stored in a means of storing electrical energy according to a specific control of the management system.

[0046] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0047] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0048] Fig. 1 represents a system for managing electrical energy consumption 2 comprising a local electrical network 4, an electrical energy storage means 6 and a control unit 8.

[0049] The local electrical network 4 constitutes the electrical installation of a building. To this end, the local electrical network 4 includes means for supplying electrical energy to the local electrical network 4. For example, these means may allow the local electrical network 4 to be supplied from the outside, for example by being electrically connected to a general electrical network 11 of an electricity supplier by means of a connection element. The local electrical network 4 also includes means for transferring electrical energy 9 for circulating and distributing said electrical energy within the building. These means for transferring electrical energy 9 thus make it possible to distribute electrical energy to various pieces of equipment electrically connected to the local electrical network 4 and distributed throughout the building, for example by means of an electrical circuit equipped with electrical connectors.

[0050] Also, the local electrical network 4 allows the management of the production, distribution, storage, and consumption of electrical energy within the building.

[0051] In the embodiment shown, the building is a detached house comprising a space in which an electric or hybrid vehicle can be stored. However, in other embodiments, the building may be a storage facility of any kind, a building, a ship, or any space equipped with a local electrical network as previously mentioned.

[0052] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the local electrical network 4 includes an electrical component 10 and a charging terminal 12.

[0053] The electrical component 10 is a device capable of measuring a plurality of parameters relating to electrical energy within the local electrical network 4. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the electrical component 10 is an electricity meter.

[0054] Also, the electrical component 10 is capable of measuring various parameters relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4.

[0055] Thus, the electrical component 10 is capable of measuring parameters such as the breaking capacity of the local electrical network 4, i.e. the intensity from which the distribution of electrical energy within the local electrical network 4 is interrupted, or the demand for electrical energy, in delayed and / or in real time, of the local electrical network 4, i.e. the number of kilowatt-hours consumed by the various equipment supplied with electrical energy by the local electrical network 4 at a given moment.

[0056] In addition, the electrical component 10 can measure the real-time production of the local electrical network 4, that is to say the quantity of electrical energy produced by an electrical energy production system, such as photovoltaic panels, connected to the local electrical network 4.

[0057] The electrical component 10 can collect information transmitted by the electricity supplier and relating to the contract subscribed with said electricity supplier, this information may, for example, include information relating to the subscribed tariff, or information relating to the price of the kilowatt-hour supplying the local electricity network 4.

[0058] The charging station 12 is a piece of equipment of the local electrical network 4 electrically connected with the means of electrical energy transfer 9. The charging station 12 is capable of connecting electrically with the means of electrical energy storage 6 to allow an exchange of information and a transfer of electrical energy between the means of electrical energy storage 6 and the charging station 12.

[0059] The electrical energy storage means 6 is installed in an electric or hybrid vehicle and provides electrical power to the various components installed in said vehicle, as well as enabling the vehicle to move. It is understood from the above that the electrical energy storage means 6 forms what is commonly referred to as the battery of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0060] The charging station 12 is thus capable of transferring electrical energy between the local electrical network 4 and the electrical energy storage means 6. This energy transfer can be used to charge said electrical energy storage means 6 or to supply the local electrical network 4 with the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage means 6. Furthermore, the charging station 12 is capable of collecting at least one piece of information relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6.

[0061] This information relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 can, for example, be expressed as the charge capacity at a given instant in relation to the maximum charge capacity of the electrical energy storage means 6.

[0062] For this purpose, the charging station 12 includes a charging socket intended to connect electrically to the electric or hybrid vehicle and thus to the electrical energy storage means 6. In addition, the charging socket of the charging station 12 includes power pins through which a transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the charging station 12 is permitted and pilot connectors through which an exchange of information between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the charging station 12 is permitted.

[0063] The control unit 8 of the management system 2 is configured to collect at least one data relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 and at least one data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4. Thus, it is understood that the data, measured on the one hand by the electrical component 10 and collected on the other hand by the charging terminal 12, are transmitted to the control unit 8 which ensures the control of the management system 2.

[0064] It should be noted that the said data relating to the consumption of electrical energy of the local electrical network 4 includes at least the data relating to the demand for electrical energy of the local electrical network 4 in real time and / or delayed previously mentioned.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the control unit 8 is decentralized within an external server 14. In other words, the control unit 8 is located remotely from the local electrical network 4. Also, the control unit communicates with the charging station 12, for example via an internet connection, to retrieve said data.

[0066] To enable the communication of said data to the control unit 8, the charging station 12 centralizes all the information within the local electrical network 4. Indeed, the data relating in particular to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4 are retrieved by the charging station 12 from the electrical component 10 and then collected by the control unit 8. In addition, the data relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 are retrieved by the charging station 12 from the electrical energy storage means 6 in accordance with what has been mentioned previously and then collected by the control unit 8. To enable the charging station 12 to centralize said data, the electrical component 10 and the charging station 12 can be connected to each other by a wired connection or by an internet connection.

[0067] It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, the wired connection between the electrical component 10 and the charging terminal 12 is used solely for data transmission. The electrical power supply to the charging terminal 12 is provided by the electrical power transfer means 9.

[0068] Alternatively, and as represented by [Fig.2], the control unit 8 can be directly installed in the charging station 12 so that the management system 2 can be controlled by the control unit 8 independently of an internet connection.

[0069] However, in another alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit can directly collect all the data relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 and data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4 without going through the charging terminal 12.

[0070] In addition, the control unit 8 is capable of controlling an energy transfer between the local electrical network 4 and the electrical energy storage means 6 as a function of at least the data relating to the load level of the electrical energy storage means 6 and the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4.

[0071] It should be noted that the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means 6 to the local electrical network is not a simple indicative or low-intensity signal, but a transfer of electrical energy capable of supplying electrical energy to equipment connected to the local electrical network 4 on its own and ensuring their operation.

[0072] This energy transfer can be controlled by the control unit 8 to be a load transfer from the electrical energy storage means 6, that is to say, a transfer of electrical energy from the local electrical network 4 to the means of electrical energy storage 6. Alternatively, the energy transfer can be controlled by the control unit 8 to be a discharge transfer from the electrical energy storage means 6, i.e. a transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means 6 to the local electrical network 4.

[0073] Said electrical energy transfer is controlled by the control unit 8 according to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6, in particular to prevent a discharge transfer when the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 is not sufficient, for example, to allow an early departure of the electric or hybrid vehicle or to preserve the life of the electrical energy storage means 6.

[0074] Furthermore, the control of the electrical energy transfer ensured by the control unit 8 is also carried out according to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4. Thus, the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage means 6 is used only when the electrical energy demand of the local electrical network 4 requires it.

[0075] Furthermore, this control is implemented such that the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device to the local electrical grid 4 is prohibited by the control unit when the charge level of the electrical energy storage device is below a lower threshold value. Moreover, this control is also implemented such that the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device to the local electrical grid 4 is authorized by the control unit when the charge level is above said lower threshold value and according to the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical grid 4.

[0076] Said data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4 may include information relating to the price of the kilowatt-hour supplying the local electrical network 4. Based on this information, the control unit 8 can control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the electrical network 4 so as to authorize or prohibit said transfer of electrical energy, in order to limit the cost of electrical energy to supply the equipment connected to the local electrical network 4.

[0077] It is understood that this information is obtained in real time so that the control unit 8 can authorize or prohibit the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means 6 to the local electrical grid 4 depending on the price per kilowatt-hour. More specifically, when the real-time price per kilowatt-hour is high, the control unit 8 authorizes a transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means 6 to the local electrical grid 4. Similarly, when the real-time price per kilowatt-hour is low, the control unit 8 prohibits a transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means 6 to the local electrical network 4.

[0078] The data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4 may include information relating to the breaking capacity of the local electrical network 4. The control unit can thus control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the local electrical network 4 so that when the electrical energy demand of the local electrical network 4 is greater than the breaking capacity of the local electrical network 4, the control unit 8 authorizes a discharge transfer between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the local electrical network 4. Thus, the local electrical network 4 is able to supply electrical energy to the equipment connected to said local electrical network 4 without reaching said breaking capacity.

[0079] The data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4 may include information relating to the real-time electrical energy demand of the local electrical network 4. The control unit can thus control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the local electrical network 4 in real time so that, depending on the electrical energy demand of the local electrical network 4 at a time t, a discharge transfer or a charge transfer can be controlled by the control unit 8 so as to adapt to the electrical energy demand of the local electrical network 4.

[0080] The data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4 may include information relating to the real-time electrical energy production of the local electrical network 4. The control unit 8 can thus adapt the energy transfer between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the local electrical network 4 according to the electrical energy produced within the local electrical network 4 and the electrical energy demand of the local electrical network 4. Thus, the control unit 8 can adapt the energy transfer between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the local electrical network 4 according to the difference between the electrical energy demanded by the local electrical network 4 and the energy produced within the local electrical network 4.

[0081] Figures 3 and 4 each represent a specific control of energy transfer between the electrical energy storage device 6 and the local electrical network 4 over time. More specifically, Figures 3 and 4 represent the evolution of the charge level of the electrical energy storage device 6 over time.

[0082] It should be noted that in the operating modes represented by Figures 3 and 4, the previously mentioned lower threshold value can take a first predetermined value, which is a critical value defined by the manufacturer of the storage device. in electrical energy or a second predetermined value, greater than the first predetermined value, which is an optimized value chosen by the user.

[0083] The electrical energy storage means 6 is electrically connected to the local electrical network 4, via the charging terminal 12, when the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 is at an initial charge value 14. This initial charge value 14 corresponds to the chronological moment marking the start of the control of the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the local electrical network 4 by the control unit 8.

[0084] As shown in [Fig. 3], when the electrical energy storage means 6 is connected to the local electrical network 4, the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 is low. More precisely, at this charge level, corresponding here to the initial charge value 14, the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 is below a first predetermined value 16, or critical threshold, corresponding, in the embodiment shown, to approximately 20% of the total charge capacity of the electrical energy storage means 6.

[0085] When the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 is less than the first predetermined value 16, the control unit 8 is configured to prohibit the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means 6 to the local electrical network 4. Indeed, to preserve the service life of the electrical energy storage means 6, the control unit 8 allows a discharge transfer only when the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 is greater than the first predetermined value 16.

[0086] More specifically, in order to maximize the lifetime of the electrical energy storage means 6, the charge and discharge transfers are advantageously carried out between the first predetermined value 16 and a charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 equal to a threshold value 17. In the embodiment shown, the threshold value 17 corresponds to a charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 of approximately 80% of the maximum charge capacity of said electrical energy storage means 6.

[0087] Thus, during a first charge transfer 18 beginning when the electrical energy storage means 6 is connected to the local electrical network 4, i.e., here, at the initial charge value 14, the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 reaches the first predetermined value 16 at a critical load 20.

[0088] During the first load transfer 18, the control unit 8 determines, based on the load level of the electrical energy storage device 6 and the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical grid 4, that the latter does not require electrical energy assistance. Therefore, the load level of the electrical energy storage device 6 increases until it reaches a peak load 22.

[0089] At this moment, the control unit 8 identifies, based on the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 and the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4, an electrical energy requirement of the local electrical network 4. Also, the control unit 8 controls a first discharge transfer 24 to reach a second predetermined value 26.

[0090] This second predetermined value 26 can be chosen by the user and corresponds to a minimum charge value 28 that the user wishes to maintain during the discharge transfer. This minimum charge value 28 thus allows the user to ensure that a minimum amount of energy is always stored in the electrical energy storage means 6 to enable them to use the electric or hybrid vehicle, for example, in the event of an unforeseen circumstance requiring the use of the vehicle.

[0091] It is understood from the above that the control unit 8 is configured to allow the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means 6 to the local electrical network 4 when the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 is greater than the second predetermined value 26 and according to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4.

[0092] Once the charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 has reached the second predetermined value 26, the control unit 8 manages a second charge transfer 30 until a predefined value 32 is reached. This predefined value 32 corresponds to a high and predefined charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6. This predefined value 32 may, for example, correspond to a desired charge level of the electrical energy storage means 6 at a given time, for example, at the beginning of the day when the user needs their vehicle.

[0093] It should be noted that during the second load transfer 30, the control unit 8 could identify a demand for electrical energy from the local power grid 4 and operate a discharge transfer by controlling the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage device and the local power grid 4. Thus, another discharge transfer 24 would have been implemented. This control would be carried out in such a way as to ensure that at the end of the process, i.e., at the scheduled or user-defined start time, the charge level of the electrical energy storage device is greater than the threshold value 17 or at least greater than an intermediate threshold level defined by the user.

[0094] Figure 4 represents an alternative control of the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the local electrical network 4. As can be seen in Figure 4, when the electrical energy storage means 6 is connected to the local electrical network 4, the initial charge value 14 of the electrical energy storage means 6 is close to the threshold value 17. Also, depending on the level Based on the charge level of the electrical energy storage unit 6 and the data collected by the control unit 8 relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network 4, the control unit 8 determines an electrical energy requirement of the local electrical network 4. Thus, the control unit 8 first controls a first discharge transfer 24 until the charge level of the electrical energy storage unit 6 reaches the second predetermined value 26 and then a first charge transfer 18 until reaching the predefined value 32.

[0095] Controlling the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means and the local electrical network 4 thus makes it possible to use the energy stored by the vehicle during a period when this energy is expensive, for example a peak hour in terms of household electricity consumption, and to recharge the vehicle during off-peak hours.

[0096] Furthermore, the control unit 8 is capable of determining the time required to recharge the electrical energy storage means in order to reach the predefined value 32. This determination allows the control unit 8 to be configured to prohibit the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means to the local electrical network 4 when the time limit required to reach the predefined value 32 is reached.

[0097] It can be understood from figures 3 and 4 that the control unit 8 can control a plurality of charge and discharge transfers between the connection of the electrical energy storage means 6 to the local electrical network 4. Furthermore, it should be noted that the control of the electrical energy transfers operated by the control unit 8 ends, during normal operation without prior disconnection of the electrical energy storage means 6, with a charge transfer to reach the predefined value 32.

[0098] Furthermore, it is clear from Figures 3 and 4 that a method for controlling the management system is implemented, during which a data collection step is performed by the control unit 8 to collect at least one piece of data relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage device 6 and one piece of data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical grid 4. This data collection allows the control unit 8 to analyze, during an analysis step, whether the conditions for implementing the method are met, that is, whether the charge level of the electrical energy storage device 6 allows for a discharge transfer. In addition, the control unit 8 also determines whether the local electrical grid 4 requires electrical energy assistance.

[0099] Based on the analysis carried out by the control unit 8, the latter controls, during a transfer step, the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means 6 and the local electrical network 4 according to the data collected.

[0100] The present invention achieves its objective by proposing a system for managing electrical energy consumption that controls the transfer of energy between an electrical energy storage device in an electric or hybrid vehicle and a building's local electrical network. This energy transfer is operable from the electrical energy storage device to the local electrical network based on the load level of said electrical energy storage device and the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Demands

1. A system (2) for managing electrical energy consumption comprising at least one electrical energy storage means (6) installed in an electric or hybrid vehicle, a local electrical network (4) and a control unit (8), the electrical energy storage means (6) being electrically connected to the local electrical network (4), the control unit (8) being configured to collect at least one data point relating to the charge level of the electrical energy storage means (6) and at least one data point relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4),the control unit (8) being configured to control the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means (6) and the local electrical network (4) according to said data relating to the load level of the electrical energy storage means (6) according to said data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4).

2. Management system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to prohibit the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means (6) to the local electrical network (4) when the charge level of the electrical energy storage means (6) is below a low threshold value.

3. Management system (2) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to allow the transfer of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage means (6) to the local electrical network (4) when the load level of the electrical energy storage means (6) is greater than the lower threshold value and according to said data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4)

4. Management system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the local electrical network (4) forms the electrical installation of a building, the local electrical network (4) comprising a charging station (12) for the electrical energy storage means (6) and an electrical component (10), said electrical component (10) being configured to communicate said consumption data to the charging station (12).

5. Management system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4) includes information relating to the price of the kilowatt-hour, the control unit (8) being configured to control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means (6) and the local electrical network (4) according to said information relating to the price of the kilowatt-hour.

6. Management system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4) includes information relating to a breaking capacity of the local electrical network (4), the control unit (8) being configured to control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means (6) and the local electrical network (4) according to said information relating to the breaking capacity of the local electrical network (4).

7. Management system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4) includes information relating to a real-time electrical energy demand of the local electrical network (4), the control unit (8) being configured to drive the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means (6) and the local electrical network (4) according to said information relating to the real-time electrical energy demand of the local electrical network (4).

8. Management system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4) includes information relating to the real-time electrical energy production of the local electrical network (4), the control unit (8) being configured to control the transfer of energy between the electrical energy storage means (6) and the local electrical network (4) according to said information relating to the real-time electrical energy production of the local electrical network (4).

9. A method for controlling a management system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the control method implementing at least: - a collection step during which the control unit (8) collects at least one piece of data relating to the load level of the means of electrical energy storage (6) and at least one data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4), - an analysis step during which the control unit (8) analyzes the load level of the electrical energy storage means (6), - a transfer step during which the control unit (8) controls the transfer of electrical energy between the electrical energy storage means (6) and the local electrical network (4) according to the analysis carried out during the second step and according to the data relating to the electrical energy consumption of the local electrical network (4).

10. A control method according to claim 9, wherein during the transfer step the control unit (8) drives at least one electrical energy discharge transfer from the electrical energy storage means (6) to the local electrical network (4) and at least one electrical energy charge transfer from the local electrical network (4) to the electrical energy storage means (6), the electrical energy charge transfer and the electrical energy discharge transfer being time-shifted relative to each other.

11. A control method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the charge level of the electrical energy storage means (6) reaches a predefined value (32) at a given departure time of the electric or hybrid vehicle.

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