Power management for dialysis therapy in a residential space

Abstract

A control device performs a method for power management in relation to a dialysis system installed in a residential space. In the method, the dialysis system is operated to perform a heat disinfection procedure, HDP, in preparation of dialysis therapy. During the HDP, power measurement data representing a momentary power consumption in the residential space is obtained (203). A projected power consumption in the residential space at one or more future time points is determined based on the power measurement data (204). The projected power consumption is evaluated in relation to a maximum limit of power consumption in the residential space, for detection of an upcoming power shortage (205). To counteract the upcoming power shortage, the HDP and / or an operation of at least one electrical device other that the dialysis system in the residential space is modified (206).

Description

[0001] POWER MANAGEMENT FOR DIALYSIS THERAPY IN A RESIDENTIAL SPACE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to dialysis therapy, and in particular to a technique of performing power management in relation to a dialysis system installed in a residential space.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Dialysis therapy is undertaken to replace or supplement the normal blood-filtering function of the kidneys. It is used when the kidneys are not working well, which is known as kidney failure. Dialysis therapy involves removal of water from the body of the patient suffering from kidney failure, as well as exchange of solutes with the patient's blood. One example of dialysis therapy is extracorporeal (EC) blood therapy, in which blood is circulated outside of the patient and interfaced with one or more medical fluids. Modalities of extracorporeal blood therapy include hemodialysis (HD), hemofiltration (HF) and hemodiafiltration (HDF). Another example of dialysis therapy is peritoneal dialysis (PD), in which a medical fluid is infused into the peritoneal cavity of the patient to interface with the blood of the patient through the peritoneal membrane.

[0006] Conventionally, dialysis therapy is performed under supervision of trained staff at a medical facility, such as a hospital, dialysis clinic, intensive care unit, etc. Dialysis therapy is also performed to a limited extent in residential spaces, such as at the home of a dialysis patient. Such "home dialysis" is envisioned to become more common in the future. Home dialysis is for the convenience of the patient, who saves time and money by not having to travel to the medical facility for the dialysis therapy. A more widespread use of home dialysis will also relieve the burden on the medical facilities to house and treat a large number of patients.

[0007] One challenge for home dialysis is the need for the dialysis therapy to fit the patient's home and lifestyle, while ensuring quality and safety of the therapy. A precondition for dialysis therapy is microbial control of the dialysis system. To ensure microbial control, the dialysis system has to be regularly disinfected, for example daily. Typically, this involves heat disinfection, in which a fluid is heated to a predefined minimum temperature and circulated within and / or through the dialysis system for a predefined minimum time. The temperature and time may, for example, be set according to the AO concept (EN ISO 15883-1), which is the most common standard for heat disinfection of medical devices in hospital settings.

[0008] Unlike medical facilities, in which the power distribution system is dimensioned to supply all medical devices with sufficient power at all times, a residential space has a much more limited connection to the power grid. The power supply capability may also differ between residential spaces, depending on the rating of the main fuse(s). There is thus a risk of blowing a fuse during operation of the dialysis system. To install a dialysis system in a residential space, it may therefore be necessary to increase the power supply capability of the residential space, which is a cumbersome and costly operation.

[0009] The prior art comprises US8034235, which discloses a dialysis system for use in a patient's home. The dialysis system comprises a supplemental power source, for example a battery, and is configured to selectively supply power from the supplemental power source whenever needed. In the event that the dialysis system includes two electrical heaters, it is also proposed to modify a pulse width modulation (PWM) sequence for powering the heaters so that the heaters are alternately powered during the PWM sequence, to thereby prevent a concurrent power draw by both heaters.

[0010] Summary

[0011] It is an objective to at least partly overcome one or more limitations of the prior art.

[0012] One objective is to facilitate installation and operation of a dialysis system in a residential space.

[0013] Another objective is to mitigate the risk that the power consumption in the residential space, during operation of the dialysis system, exceeds the capability of the power supply system in the residential space.

[0014] One or more of these objectives, as well as further objectives that may appear from the description below, are at least partly achieved by a computer-implemented method, a computer-readable medium, and a control device according to the independent claims, embodiments thereof being defined by the dependent claims.

[0015] A first aspect is a computer-implemented method of power management in relation to a dialysis system installed in a residential space, which comprises one or more additional electrical devices other than the dialysis system. The method comprises: operating the dialysis system to perform a heat disinfection procedure in preparation of dialysis therapy; obtaining, during the heat disinfection procedure, power measurement data representing a momentary power consumption in the residential space by the dialysis system and the one or more additional electrical devices; determining a projected power consumption in the residential space at one or more future time points based on the power measurement data; evaluating the projected power consumption in relation to a maximum limit of power consumption in the residential space, for detection of an upcoming power shortage; and modifying the heat disinfection procedure and / or an operation of at least one of the one or more additional electrical devices in the residential space to counteract the upcoming power shortage.

[0016] A second aspect is a computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by processor circuitry in a computer device, causes the computer device to perform the method of the first aspect or any of its embodiments.

[0017] A third aspect is a control device, which is configured for operative connection to a dialysis system installed in a residential space and for connection to a power meter arrangement configured to measure a momentary power consumption in the residential space, wherein the control device is configured to perform the method of the first aspect or any of its embodiments.

[0018] A fourth aspect is an apparatus for use in a dialysis system together with at least one additional apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a functional unit for performing a function of the dialysis system; a first electrical connector for receiving input power; a second electrical connector for providing output power to the at least one additional apparatus; a power line arrangement for distributing electrical power from the first electrical connector to the functional unit and to the second electrical connector; and a control device. The control device is configured to: obtain a maximum allowable power consumption for a combination of the apparatus and the at least one additional apparatus; determine a momentary supplied power to the combination of the apparatus and the at least one additional apparatus via the first electrical connector; and operate the functional unit to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0019] A fifth aspect is a computer-implemented method of operating an apparatus among a group of apparatuses in a dialysis system. The method comprises: obtaining a maximum allowable power consumption for the group of apparatuses; determining a momentary supplied power to the group of apparatuses; and operating the apparatus to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0020] A sixth aspect is a control device, which is configured for operative connection to an apparatus among a group of apparatuses in a dialysis system and for connection to at least one power meter configured to measure a momentary supplied power to the group of apparatuses, wherein the control device is configured to perform the method of the fifth aspect of any of its embodiments. A seventh aspect is a computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by processor circuitry in a computer device, causes the computer device to perform the method of the fifth aspect or any of its embodiments.

[0021] Still other objectives and aspects, as well as embodiments, technical effects, features and advantages that may appear from the following detailed description, from the attached claims as well as from the drawings.

[0022] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] FIG. 1A is an illustration of a dialysis system that is installed and operated in a residential space, and FIG. IB is a graph of an example power consumption over time in relation to a fuse limit in a residential space.

[0024] FIGS 2A-2B are block diagrams of example embodiments of a dialysis system in a residential space, FIG. 2C is a flow chart of an example power management method in relation to a dialysis system installed in a residential space, and FIG. 2D is a graph of a measured power consumption value and two projected power consumption values.

[0025] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an example dialysis system, FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an example apparatus corresponding to a dialysis system or a sub-system thereof, FIG. 3C is a timeline of sub-procedures included in a heat disinfection procedure (HDP) for a dialysis system, FIG. 3D includes examples of sub-procedures of an HDP performed in the apparatus of FIG. 3B, FIG. 3E includes example graphs of fluid temperature and power consumption over time during heat disinfection, and FIGS 3F-3G are timelines of operations performed in relation to completion of an HDP.

[0026] FIGS 4A-4B are flow charts of example operations performed during the power management method of FIG. 2C, and FIG. 4C is a block diagram of an example computer device for use in controlling a dialysis system.

[0027] FIGS 5A-5D show a time sequence of sub-procedures that are performed during an HDP in a dialysis system with two sub-systems connected in series.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example method of scheduling HDP for a dialysis system in a residential space.

[0029] FIG. 7A is a block diagram of a group of apparatuses in a dialysis system, FIGS 7B-7C are block diagrams of a power controller for the group of apparatuses, FIG. 7D is a flow chart of a power control method for the group of apparatuses, and FIGS 7E-7F are diagrams of power consumption over time in a group of apparatuses by use of the power control method.

[0030] Detailed Description of Example Embodiments Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, the subject of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0031] Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and / or operational aspects of any of the embodiments described and / or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments described and / or contemplated herein, and / or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and / or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein, "at least one" shall mean "one or more" and these phrases are intended to be interchangeable. Accordingly, the terms "a" and / or "an" shall mean "at least one" or "one or more", even though the phrase "one or more" or "at least one" is also used herein. As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise owing to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, that is, to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "multiple", "plural" and "plurality" are intended to imply provision of two or more elements, whereas the term a "set" of elements is intended to imply a provision of one or more elements. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0033] It will furthermore be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0035] As used herein, "dialysis therapy" refers to any therapy that replaces or supplements the renal function of a patient by use of a medical fluid. Dialysis therapy includes, without limitation, extracorporeal blood therapy and peritoneal dialysis therapy. As used herein, "residential space" refers to any private space designated to one or more persons. The residential space may also be denoted private living area, accommodation or living space. The residential space may, for example, be an apartment in a residential building, a single-family house or part thereof, a dormitory or part thereof, etc. A residential space typically includes at least one of a bathroom, a toilet, or a kitchen.

[0036] As used herein, "dialysis system" refers to a machine or a combination of machines operable to perform dialysis therapy. A dialysis system may comprise one or more sub-systems. In some embodiments, a sub-system may correspond to a unit within the dialysis system. In some embodiments, a sub-system may be functionally defined within the dialysis system, so that physical components may overlap between different sub- systems.

[0037] As used herein, "heat disinfection procedure" or HDP, refers to a technique of deactivating bacteria and viruses by subjecting them to a fluid at a required temperature for a required time period.

[0038] As used herein, "sub-procedure" refers to a subset of an HDP. Thus, an HDP may be regarded as composed of a plurality of sub-procedures, which may be performed in sequence and / or parallel in accordance with an ordering. In some embodiments, the ordering of sub-procedures may be changed while achieving the objective of the HDP.

[0039] Like reference signs refer to like elements throughout.

[0040] The present disclosure relates to a technique of controlling power consumption in a residential space (for example, a home), in which a dialysis system is installed and operated to perform dialysis therapy, commonly referred to as "home dialysis". The purpose of the technique is to counteract that the total power demand in the residential space, as a result of the operation of the dialysis system, exceeds a power limit of a distribution apparatus that receives and distributes electrical current within the residential space. When this happens, the distribution apparatus is overloaded, causing a protection device such as a fuse or a circuit breaker to break the supply of electrical current. There is also a risk that the overloading damages the distribution apparatus and / or electrical appliances that are connected to receive electrical power in the residential space. The distribution apparatus may, for example, be a distribution board, a circuit breaker panel, a fuse box, etc. The available maximum power in a residential space may, for example, be given by the rating of the main fuse(s) for the residential space. According to embodiments, the risk of overloading is mitigated by a technique of monitoring the power consumption in the residential space in real time and actively modifying, as needed, the operation of the dialysis system and / or one or more other power consuming devices in the residential space. The technique may, for example, be implemented by configuring a computer program that controls the heat disinfection of the dialysis system with smart features that are responsive to the real-time power consumption in the residential space.

[0041] FIG. 1A is an illustration of a dialysis system 20 in a residential space. In the illustrated example, the dialysis system 20 is configured as a single machine, which is operable to perform extracorporeal (EC) blood treatment. The dialysis system 20 is fluidly connected to the cardiovascular system of the patient 100 by a tubing 21 for blood extraction, and a tubing for blood return 22. During operation, the dialysis system

[0042] 20 receives and processes the blood of the patient, by use of a medical fluid ("dialysis fluid" or "treatment fluid"), and returns the processed blood. The processing results in spent dialysis fluid which is directed through a tubing 23 to a drain (not shown), for example a sink, toilet, a bag, etc. In the illustrated example, the dialysis system 20 is capable of producing the dialysis fluid by mixing one or more concentrates (not shown) with water received through a tubing 24, which may be connected to a water faucet (not shown) in the residential space. The dialysis system 20 is connected via an electrical cable ("power cord") 25 and an attached electrical connector or plug 26 to receive power from an electrical outlet or socket ("receptacle outlet") 30'.

[0043] A corresponding dialysis system 20 for peritoneal dialysis (PD) may be installed and used in the residential space. In a PD system 20, the tubings 21, 22 are instead connected for fluid communication with the peritoneal cavity of the patient, with tubing

[0044] 21 being arranged for supply of a medical fluid ("dialysis fluid" or "treatment fluid") to the peritoneal cavity and tubing 22 being arranged for withdrawal of spent dialysis fluid from the peritoneal cavity. Like in FIG. 1A, the spent dialysis fluid is directed through a tubing 23 to a drain (not shown), and the dialysis system 20 may be capable of producing the dialysis fluid by mixing one or more concentrates (not shown) with water received through a tubing 24.

[0045] FIG. IB shows an example of the electrical power consumption 110 in a residential space over time. The residual space has a fixed power limit, which may be set by the main fuse(s) of the residential space. In FIG. IB, the fixed power limit is designated FL ("fuse limit"). It may be desirable to keep the electrical power consumption below FL by a fixed or variable margin, designated Pmargin in FIG. IB, resulting in an effective power limit, designated by Pmax in FIG. IB, that should not be exceeded. The margin is typically larger than zero but may be zero. As understood, at any time point, the available power for additional use (Pavailable) is given by the difference between Pmax and the momentary power consumption, designated by Phome. The momentary power consumption (Phome) is the sum of the power consumption of all operating electrical devices in the residential space, including both fixed and non-fixed appliances, as well as the dialysis system (20 in FIG. 1A) if switched on.

[0046] FIG. 2A shows a first example of a power distribution system 30. Input power is supplied through a main input line 31 to the above-mentioned distribution apparatus 32, which may set the maximum limit FL for the residential space. The distribution apparatus 32 is configured to divide the electrical power feed into subsidiary circuits while providing a protective fuse or circuit breaker for each circuit, typically in a common enclosure. The distribution apparatus 32 may also define a respective circuit power limit for each of the subsidiary circuits via the respective protective fuse or circuit breaker. In some installations, the distribution apparatus 32 also includes a main switch and / or one or more residual-current devices (RCDs) or residual current breakers with overcurrent protection (RCBOs). The distribution apparatus 32 may also be denoted distribution board, panelboard, breaker panel, electric panel, fuse box or DB box. In the illustrated example, local power lines PLl-PLn extend from the distribution apparatus 32 to electrical connectors Cl-Cn for electrical equipment Al -An, also denoted "electrical appliances" or "appliances" herein. The power lines PLl-PLn are part of one or more branch circuits in the residential space. Each appliance is an electrical device ("power consuming device") other than a dialysis system. The appliances Al -An may include electrical equipment with a permanent (fixed) connection to a power line. Examples of such equipment include stove, oven, dishwasher, wash machine, tumble dryer, electric radiator, residential heat pump, residential water heater, air conditioner, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the appliances Al -An may include electrical equipment that is removably connected to a receptacle outlet, for example by a plug-socket connection (cf. 26, 30' in FIG. 1A), so that it can be disconnected when not used. Although not shown, it is to be understood that several appliances may be connected to one power line, and that the respective power line may be branched.

[0047] In FIG. 2A, a dialysis system 20 is connected to a power line PLi, by a plug 26 coupled to a receptacle outlet 30'. In a variant, the dialysis system 20 may have a fixed connection to the power line PLi. The dialysis system 20 comprises a plurality of subsystems SSl-SSm. A local controller 27 in the dialysis system is configured to operate the dialysis system to perform dialysis therapy in accordance with a therapy schedule, which may be predefined or defined by configuration data entered into a user interface (not shown) for the dialysis system 20. The local controller 27 is also configured to perform a heat disinfection procedure, HDP, of the dialysis system 20 to ensure microbial control of the system. During operation of the dialysis system 20, the local controller 27 generates control signals [CS] for various components in the dialysis system, such as pumps, heaters, valves, etc, based on input signals [IS] from various sensors in the dialysis system, such as pressure sensors, flow meters, conductivity sensors, temperature sensors, etc. This is well-known to the skilled person and needs no further explanation.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the dialysis system 20 comprises a local (supplementary) power source 40, for example a battery, capacitor, or fuel cell, which is operable by the local controller 27 to selectively supply power to sustain the operation of the dialysis system 20. The local power source 40 may be a fixed or removable component of the dialysis system 20.

[0049] The power distribution system 30 includes a main power meter PM, which is configured to measure the momentary power consumption in the residential space. The main power meter PM may be an auxiliary device, as shown, which is connected to the distribution apparatus 32, or be integrated with the distribution apparatus 32. The main power meter PM outputs power consumption data, PCD, which indicates the total power consumption in real time. In the illustrated example, the PCD is communicated, by wire or wirelessly, to the local controller 27, which adjusts the power consumption of the dialysis system 20 based on the PCD. In a variant, the PCD is communicated to a remote device, for example a cloud server, which analyses the PCD and provides a power control signal to the local controller 27 for adjustment of the power consumption of the dialysis system. In a variant, the main power meter PM is supplemented by a local power meter (not shown), which is arranged to measure the momentary power consumption of the dialysis system 20. The local power meter may be attached to or part of the dialysis system 20.

[0050] FIG. 2B shows a second example of a power distribution system 30. Compared to the system in FIG. 2A, the appliances Al -An are connected to the power lines PLl-PLn through a local power control unit PCUl-PCUn, which is configured to measure the power consumption of the respective appliance Al-An, given as power consumption data PCDl-PCDn. The local power control units PCUl-PCUn are also operable to adjust the power consumption of their respective appliance Al -AN based on a power control signal PCSl-PCSn. The local power control units PCUl-PCUn are connected, by wire or wirelessly, to communicate PCDl-PCDn and PCSl-PCSn with a central power controller ("central controller") 50.

[0051] The dialysis system 20 likewise comprises or is connected through such a local power control unit PCUi, which is configured to output power consumption data PCDi and receive a power control signal PCSi. The PCUi may be a separate device, for example attached to the power cord 25, as shown, or be part of the dialysis system 20. Although not shown in FIG. 2B, the PCSi is received by the local controller 27 and causes the local controller 27 to adjust the operation of the dialysis system 20 in accordance with the PCSi. In one example, the PCSi designates an available power consumption for the dialysis system 20, and the local controller 27 adjusts the operation of the dialysis system accordingly, if deemed necessary by the local controller 27. In another example, the PCSi may comprise instructions for the local controller 27 on how to adjust the operation of the dialysis system 20. In some embodiments, the PCUi is an integral part of the local controller 27.

[0052] The central controller 50 is configured to adjust the power consumption of individual appliances Al -An and / or the dialysis system 20, via the power control signals, to ensure that the total power consumption, given by the power consumption data, is acceptable at all times. The central controller 50 may be a remote device, for example a cloud server, or a local device. In one example, the functionality of the central controller 50 is implemented by the local controller 27.

[0053] It is to be understood that all electrical equipment in the residential space need not be connected to the central controller 50. However, it is preferable for major power consuming equipment to be connected, for example equipment with a power rating of 300W or more. It is also conceivable that some electrical equipment is connected for one-way transmission of power consumption data and is thus not responsive to a power control signal from the central controller 50.

[0054] FIG. 2C is a flow chart of an example method 200 for controlling the power consumption in a residential space. The method 200 may be performed by the local controller 27 in FIG. 2A, the central controller 50 in FIG. 2B, or jointly by the central controller 50 and the local controller 27 in FIG. 2B. The method 200 is configured to ensure proper operation of the dialysis system 20. As noted above, the power consumption of the dialysis system 20 may become excessive during the heat disinfection procedure, HDP. Therefore, the method 200 is focused on ensuring that the dialysis system 20 is capable of performing an HDP to meet requirements on microbial control.

[0055] In step 201, a maximum limit for the power consumption in the residential space is obtained. The maximum limit may correspond to Pmax in FIG. IB. The maximum limit may be predefined and stored in memory. It is also conceivable that the margin is changed over time. For example, the margin may be increased if the power distribution system 30 is unexpectedly overloaded, for example by a circuit breaker being tripped.

[0056] In step 202, the dialysis system 20 is operated to start a heat disinfection procedure, HDP, in preparation of a subsequent dialysis therapy. Then, while the HDP is performed, steps 203-206 are performed. In step 203, power measurement data representing the momentary power consumption in the residential space is obtained. In FIG. 2A, the power measurement data is given by PCD from the power meter PM, optionally supplemented by measurement data from a local power meter in the dialysis system 20. In FIG. 2B, the power measurement data is given by PCDl-PCDn and PCDi.

[0057] In step 204, a projected power consumption in the residential space is determined at one or more future time points based on the power measurement data from step 203. Such a projected power consumption may be sub-divided into at least two parts, which may be estimated separately, as represented by steps 204a and 204b. The projected power consumption may be given by the sum of the estimated parts.

[0058] In step 204a, the projected power consumption of the dialysis system 20 when performing the HDP is determined at the one or more future time points. Since the HDP is deterministic, the projected power consumption of the dialysis system 20 may be calculated by use of an appropriate calculation model or a look-up table, based on knowledge about how the dialysis system will operate at the future time point(s). The determination of in step 204a may also account for the measured power consumption of the dialysis system 20, if made available by step 203. Further examples of step 204a are given below with reference to FIG. 4A.

[0059] In step 204b, the projected power consumption of the appliances Al -An in the residential space is determined at the one or more future time points. Thus, step 204b estimates the future power consumption of all electrical devices in the residential space other than the dialysis system 20.

[0060] In some embodiments of step 204b, the projected power consumption of the appliances is set equal to the current power consumption of the appliances, CPCA. In FIG. 2B, the CPCA is measured and given by the sum of PCDl-PCDn. In FIG. 2A, the current power consumption of the dialysis system 20 may be determined, by analogy with the step 204a, and subtracted from the PCD to yield the CPCA. Alternatively, the CPCA may be obtained by subtracting a measured power consumption of the dialysis system 20 from the PCD.

[0061] In other embodiments of step 204b, the projected power consumption of the appliances is determined by predicting the power consumption of the appliances at the future time point(s), based on the CPCA. This prediction may be performed by operating a prediction model on the CPCA as well as on historic data of the power consumption of the appliances in the residential space. The historic data may originate from one or more preceding executions of step 203 or step 204 to represent the most recent power consumption. Alternatively or additionally, the historic data may include pre-recorded data that represents a fingerprint pattern of power consumption in the residential space, for example at different time points during a day. For example, the fingerprint pattern may represent the habits of the resident cooking food, washing clothes, etc. In some embodiments, the projected power consumption of the appliances is determined by a trained neural network or the like, for example based on the CPCA.

[0062] The time frame for the future time point(s) in step 204 may differ depending on implementation. The time frame may also differ depending on the stage of the HDP. In some embodiments, the projected power consumption is estimated for the immediate future, for example at one or more time points within the next 0.1-20 seconds. In some embodiments, the projected power consumption is estimated for a longer time period, for example for the duration of one or more sub-procedures of the HDP.

[0063] In step 205, the projected power consumption from step 204 is evaluated in relation to the maximum limit from step 201. A power shortage may be detected when the projected power consumption exceeds the maximum limit at at least one time point.

[0064] An example of steps 204-205 is given in FIG. 2D, in which tO designates the current time point, and tl, t2 are future time points. The filled dot is the measured power consumption, and the open dots are projected power consumption values. As seen, the projected power consumption is found to exceed Pmax at t2. In FIG. 2D, 211 indicates the power consumption of the appliances at tO (CAPC), and 211', 211" indicate the projected power consumption of the appliances at tl and t2, respectively. Similarly, 212 indicates the power consumption of the dialysis system at tO, and 212', 212" indicate the projected power consumption of the dialysis system at tl and t2, respectively.

[0065] If an upcoming power shortage is detected in step 205, step 206 is performed to take one or more counter-measures to prevent or at least mitigate the risk for a power shortage. In the examples of FIGS 2A-2B, one counter-measure is to modify the HDP that is performed by the dialysis system 20 to lower its power consumption at the future time point(s). In the example of FIG. 2B, one counter-measure may additionally or alternatively be to modify the operation of one or more of the appliances Al -An in the residential space to lower the power consumption at the future time point(s). In FIG. 2B, the central controller 50 may perform step 206 and modify the HDP via signal PCSi and / or modify the operation of one or more appliances via signals PCSl-PCSn. Alternatively, the central controller 50 may indicate a required power reduction via signal PCSi, and the local controller 27 may decide how to modify the HDP to achieve this required power reduction.

[0066] As indicated in FIG. 2C, steps 203-206 may be performed repeatedly during the HDP. Thereby, the HDP and / or appliance operation may be modified at any time during the HDP, as needed, to counteract power shortages. Although not shown in FIG. 2C, the method 200 may also include, by analogy with step 205, a step of evaluating the projected power consumption in relation to Pmax, for detecting a surplus of available power at one or more future time points and, by analogy with step 206, a step of increasing the power consumption of the dialysis system and / or one or more appliances to at least partly make use of the surplus power. For example, the power consumption of an appliance may be at least partly restored if it has been previously reduced by step 206. Likewise, the HDP may be modified to increase its power consumption.

[0067] In the foregoing example, the maximum limit Pmax for the power consumption in the residential space is set in relation to the fixed power limit FL that is given by the main fuse of the residual space. Thus, Pmax is set for the residential space as a whole. In an alternative, Pmax may be set for a subset of the power distribution circuits in the residential space. For example, the maximum limit Pmax may be set in relation to the circuit power limit of the subsidiary circuit to which the dialysis system is connected. The method 200 is equally applicable for such a maximum limit, with step 203 being performed to result in power measurement data for this subsidiary circuit, and step 204 being performed to result in the projected power consumption of this subsidiary circuit, including power consumption of appliances (if any) that are connected to the same subsidiary circuit as the dialysis system. It is also conceivable that the method 200 is performed in parallel both for the residual space as a whole and a subset of the power distribution circuits in the residential space

[0068] Further below, the method 200 will be exemplified with reference to an example dialysis system 20 shown in FIG. 3A. The dialysis system 20 may be configured for PD therapy or EC blood therapy. The dialysis system 20 may be operated by a local controller (cf. 27 in FIGS 2A-2B) in conventional manner to perform dialysis therapy in accordance with a treatment schedule, which may be predefined or entered by a user, such as a caretaker, a resident, or the patient, who may be a resident. The local controller may be implemented by one or more devices. In the illustrated example, the dialysis system 20 comprises modules or sub-systems SS1-SS3 that provide a respective functionality. The sub-systems SS1-SS3 may be implemented by separate machines or be combined into one or two separate machines.

[0069] Sub-system SSI is operable to generate product water, PW, based on source water, SW, and is also denoted "water purification sub-system" or WPS herein. The source water, SW, may be tap water or any other water of insufficient (or at least unverified) purity and / or sterility for use in dialysis therapy. As used herein, the term "water purification" refers to a process of removing one or more of undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from the water. For example, water purification may involve, in any combination, active carbon filtration, ultrafiltration, membrane filtration, ion exchange, electrodeionization, dechlorination, disinfection, softening, etc. Water purification sub-systems are well-known in the art and need no further description. The product water PW is purified water that may be generated to meet criteria of so-called "water for dialysis" "water for injection", or "ultrapure water".

[0070] In FIG. 3A, SW is directed to SSI on an inlet fluid line 23, which extends from a water source 10, for example a supply of tap water in the residential space. SSI is connected to receive electrical power Pl from a first power line 25a. SSI includes an electrical heating device ("heater") Hl, which is powered together with other electrical components of SSI by the supply power Pl. During operation, SSI may generate waste fluid WF1, which is directed on a first drain line 24a to a drain 60, for example a toilet, kitchen sink, a bathroom drain, or a bag. SSI typically includes permanent flow paths, which need to be regularly disinfected for deactivation of bacteria and viruses. This may be done by heat disinfection, in which the heating device Hl is operated to heat a fluid that is passed through relevant portions of the fluid paths in SSI.

[0071] Sub-system SS2 is connected to receive PW from SSI and operable to generate treatment fluid, TF, based on PW. SS2 is also denoted "fluid preparation sub-system" or FPS herein. SS2 may be configured to generate TF by mixing PW with one or more concentrates. The skilled person is well aware of fluid preparation sub-systems, integrated or stand-alone, that have been proposed in both scientific literature and patent literature, for use in PD therapy and EC blood therapy.

[0072] In FIG. 3A, PW is conveyed from SSI to SS2 on a first transfer line 28a. SS2 is connected to receive electrical power P2 from a second power line 25b. SS2 includes an electrical heating device ("heater") H2, which is powered together with other electrical components of SS2 by the supply power P2. During operation, SS2 may generate waste fluid WF2, which is directed to the drain 60 on a second drain line 24b. Like SSI, SS2 typically includes permanent flow paths, which are regularly heat disinfected by operating the heating device H2.

[0073] Sub-system SS3 performs the dialysis therapy by use of TF and is denoted "dialysis therapy sub-system" or DTS herein. In the field of PD, SS3 is known as a cycler. In the field of EC blood therapy, SS3 is sometimes denoted HD machine. As is well-known to the person skilled in the art, dialysis therapy may involve providing a controlled supply of TF and receiving spent TF. Dialysis therapy sub-systems are well- known in the art and need no further description.

[0074] In FIG. 3A, TF is conveyed from SS2 to SS3 on a second transfer line 28b. SS3 is connected to receive electrical power P3 from a third power line 25c, to power its included components. If SS3 is configured for PD, SS3 is fluidly connected by a supply line 29a and a withdrawal line 29b to the peritoneal cavity 10' of the patient 100. During PD therapy, SS3 is operable to convey TF into the peritoneal cavity 10' via the supply line 29a and withdraw spent treatment fluid from the peritoneal cavity 10' via the withdrawal line 29b. In some installations, lines 29a, 29b are merged into a single flow path. If SS3 is configured for EC blood therapy, SS3 is fluidly connected by a withdrawal line 29b (cf. line 21 in FIG. 1A) and a return line 29a (cf. line 22 in FIG. 1A) to the vascular system 10' of the patient 100. During EC blood therapy, SS3 is operable to draw blood from the vascular system 10' via the withdrawal line 29b and return processed blood to the vascular system 10' via the return line 29a. In SS3, the blood is processed by interfacing it with TF via a semi-permeable membrane, also known as a "dialyzer". During operation, whether for EC blood therapy or PD therapy, SS3 may generate waste fluid WF3, which is directed the drain 60 on a third drain line 24c.

[0075] In the illustrated example, SS3 does not include an electrical heater. It is common for SS3 to have disposable flow paths, which are discarded after a therapy session, so that there is no need for heat disinfection in SS3. However, in some embodiments, SS3 includes an electrical heating device for use in heat disinfection. Such a heating device may also, for example, by used to control the temperature of TF when SS3 is operated to provide dialysis therapy.

[0076] The dialysis system 20 in FIG. 3A is only an example and the present disclosure is applicable to any dialysis system 20 that includes at least one heating device which is used for heat disinfection. A heating device in one sub- system may be used for heat disinfection of a fluid path in this sub-system and / or in another, fluidly connected, subsystem.

[0077] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of an example apparatus 120 that may be viewed to represent the dialysis system 20 in FIG. 3A as a whole, or any one of the sub-systems SS1-SS3 in FIG. 3A. The depiction of the apparatus 120 is highly schematic and only intended to illustrate various embodiments for changing the power consumption during HDP. The apparatus 120 is connected to receive an input fluid on an input line 12. The input fluid may be SW, PW, or TF, depending on apparatus 120. A main flow path 121 extends from the input line 12 to a fluid processing device 128a. The fluid processing device 128a may, for example, include water purification equipment if the structure 120 is a WPS (SSI in FIG. 3A), fluid mixing equipment if the apparatus 120 is an FPS (SS2 in FIG. 3A), fluid supply equipment if the structure 120 is a DTS for PD (SS3 in FIG. 3A), or a dialyzer if the apparatus 120 is a DTS for EC blood therapy (SS3 in FIG. 3A). A number of further flow paths 122-127 are defined within the structure in fluid communication with the main flow path 121. In relation to the example dialysis system in FIG. 3A, the input line 21 may correspond to any one of fluid lines 23, 28a, 28b, flow path 127 may correspond to any one of fluid lines 24a-24c, and flow path 126 may correspond to any one of fluid lines 28a, 28b, 29a or 29b. Flow paths 122-125 are not shown in FIG. 3A and are only presented as a non-limiting example, for the purpose of illustrating example sub-procedures during an HDP (FIG. 3D, below). Reference numerals 128b- 128d designate various components that may be arranged in the further flow paths. Depending on functionality of the apparatus 120, these components may include one or more of degassing equipment, filters, reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, sensors, pumps, valves, flow restrictors, reservoirs, mixing chambers, etc. As will be explained below, the apparatus 120 may be operated to selectively convey a heated fluid through the different fluid paths 121-127 during HDP, by control of flow directing valves, which are not shown in FIG. 3B.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the main flow path 121 includes a first temperature sensor 129a, an electric heater 129b, a second temperature sensor 129c, and a fluid pump 129d arranged in sequence in a main flow direction from the input line 12 to the fluid processing device 128a. As explained further below, heated fluid will be passed through the flow path 127 to the drain 60 at one or more stages during the HDP. To make use of the thermal energy of the heated fluid, a heat transfer device 130a, 130b may be arranged, as shown, to transfer thermal energy from the flow path 127 to the inlet line 12 upstream of the apparatus 120. The transfer of thermal energy is indicated by a dot-dash arrow 130. In FIG. 3B, reference numerals 130a, 130b may represent flow channels of a heat exchanger. In a variant, the heat transfer device 130a, 130b is a heat pump that uses a refrigeration cycle to transfer thermal energy. The use of a heat pump may provide increased flexibility in the design of the apparatus 120.

[0079] A heat disinfection procedure, HDP, may be seen to include a number of subprocedures. FIG. 3C shows a timeline for an example HDP that includes a time sequence of sub-procedures SP1-SP6. In the illustrated example, the sub-procedures SP1-SP6 are performed in a non-overlapping sequence. However, sub-procedures may also be performed in parallel with any overlap in time. A sub-procedure may be designated to a specific part of a dialysis system, for example a sub-system (cf. SS1- SS3 in FIG. 3A) or a subset of a sub-system. Alternatively or additionally, a subprocedure may refer to a specific operation, for an example operation to achieve a target temperature of a fluid, an operation to maintain a target temperature of a fluid, etc.

[0080] FIG. 3D shows an example of five sub-procedures SP1-SP5 performed in the apparatus 120 of FIG. 3B. Thicker lines indicate the fluid flow through the apparatus 120, and the direction of flow is indicated by arrows. A filled pump symbol indicates that the pump 129d is operating. All sub-procedures SP1-SP5 involve operating the electrical heater 129b to heat a passing fluid to a target temperature. As noted above, valves for directing the fluid flow along different flow paths are not shown. As seen, the sub-procedures SP1-SP5 differ by the flow paths that are subjected to heat disinfection.

[0081] In SP1, fluid is admitted into the apparatus 120 via input line 12. The pump 129d drives the fluid along the main flow path 121 and into flow path 127 to drain 60, while the fluid is being heated by the heater 129b. This type of sub-procedure is denoted "single-pass" herein. As shown, thermal energy may be transferred 130 from flow path 127 to inlet line 12. In SP2-SP5, the heated fluid is circulated within the apparatus 120. This type of sub-procedure is denoted "multi-pass" herein. In SP2, the fluid is circulated through the main flow path 121, flow path 124, and part of flow path 122. In SP3, the fluid is circulated through the main flow path 121, flow path 123, and part of flow path 122. In SP4, the fluid is circulated through the main flow path 121, part of flow path 124, flow path 125, part of flow path 123, and part of flow path 122. In SP5, the fluid is circulated through the main flow path 121, part of flow path 126, and flow path 122. At completion of SP5, all flow paths in the apparatus 120 have been subjected to heat disinfection. It is realized that the power consumption may differ between SP1-SP5. In SP1, for example, a significant energy loss is caused by the fluid being passed to drain 60. Also, heat losses to the surroundings may differ between SP2-SP5.

[0082] FIG. 3E shows an example of fluid temperature and supplied electrical power as a function of time during fluid recirculation in an apparatus to be heat disinfected. Between 0-200 seconds, the fluid used for heat disinfection (for example, water) is at ambient temperature (here 20°C). From 200-500 seconds (duration ATI), the fluid is heated to a target temperature (here 85°C). It may be noted that the power demand is increasing throughout this heating phase due to the increasing (temperature-dependent) heat losses to the surroundings that need to be balanced by the heater. Between 500- 1200 seconds (duration AT2), the flow path is exposed to the target temperature. During this exposure phase, some power is required to balance the heat losses to the surroundings. At 1200 seconds, the heating is stopped and the flow path starts cooling. In the illustrated example, no power is required in the passive cooling phase.

[0083] The time profile of supplied power in FIG. 3E is merely given as an example. For example, instead of being increased during the heating phase, the supplied power may be set to a fixed value during at least part of the heating phase. Alternatively, the supplied power may be limited to a maximum value during the heating phase. Further, any increase in supplied power need not be linear as shown.

[0084] There is a relation between required fluid temperature and required exposure time for heat disinfection to be effective. As noted in the Background section, one common technique of determining temperature and exposure time is the so-called A0 concept, which is defined by the standard EN ISO 15883. A0 is a physical parameter denoting the inactivation of microorganisms. The concept of AO is intended to allow equivalent disinfection efficiencies to a reference time / temperature to occur at other disinfection temperatures. If the fluid temperature is decreased, the exposure time needs to be increased. The relation between fluid temperature and exposure time, whether given by the AO concept or another technique, may be given mathematically (algorithmically) or by a look-up table.

[0085] Reverting to FIG. 3E, the required duration AT2 of the exposure phase is a function of the fluid temperature during this phase. It is conceivable to also account for the fluid temperature during the heating phase when determining the required duration AT2. It is currently believed that the fluid temperature should be measured at the coldest spot in the flow path to be disinfected. In the example of FIG. 3B, the coldest spot during multi-pass (SP2-SP5 in FIG. 3D) is immediately upstream of the heater 129b. Thus, the fluid temperature may be given by the output of sensor 129a (FIG. 3B). On the other hand, during single-pass (SP1 in FIG. 3D), the coldest spot of relevance may be where the heated fluid leaves the flow path 127. This temperature may be measured by a temperature sensor (not shown) or be estimated as a function of the temperature after the heater 129b, given by sensor 129c (FIG. 3B), and the heat losses between sensor 129c and the end of the flow path 127.

[0086] In view of FIG. 3E, it should be clear that several options are available to reduce the momentary power consumption during HDP. A first option, if the heater is controlled based on measured temperature (closed-loop control), is to decrease the target fluid temperature for the exposure phase. This will require the duration AT2 to be increased. A second option, which may be combined with the first option, is to increase the duration ATI, i.e., to extend the time to reach the target fluid temperature. A third option, if the supplied power to the heater is set based on measured fluid temperature upstream of the heater (open-loop control), is to decrease the supplied power, which will result in at least one of an increased duration ATI, an increased duration AT2, or a reduced fluid temperature during the exposure phase. A fourth option, which is applicable to single-pass, is to reduce the flow rate of fluid through the heater, to reduce the energy loss to the drain per unit time. A fifth option, which is applicable to singlepass, is to activate a heat transfer device (cf. 130a, 130b in FIG. 3B), to preheat the incoming fluid and thereby decrease the momentary power consumption of the heater. The first to fifth options are merely examples, which can be used singly or in any combination, and are not intended to be exhaustive. It is to be noted that the effect of the respective option is predictable and may be known to controller that operates the dialysis system. After a completed HDP, the dialysis system is operable to start a session of dialysis therapy during a time window. Such a therapy start window, TSW, is illustrated in FIG. 3F. A selected time point for start of therapy is designated by THs. The lower limit of the TSW is given by the time required for the dialysis system and the fluid therein to cool down to an acceptable temperature, as represented by a cooling period CP in FIG. 3F. The upper limit of TSW is set by the risk for microbial growth in the dialysis system. The upper limit is typically set to 24-36 hours from completion of the HDP. When this upper limit is exceeded, a new HDP needs to be performed before dialysis therapy can be started. The time point THs may be predefined for the dialysis system or confined to a predefined time range for user selection. For example, the dialysis system for PD therapy may be preconfigured to allow the patient to start a session of nocturnal PD therapy between 6-12 pm every day. It is also conceivable that the patient is allowed to start dialysis therapy at any selected time.

[0087] It is realized that the HDP may be scheduled to be performed in relation to a known or anticipated start of dialysis therapy, so that THs falls within TSW in FIG. 3F. However, as understood from the foregoing, a modification of the HDP to reduce power consumption may result in an extended duration of the HDP. This is illustrated in FIG. 3G, where ED designates an extended duration caused by a reduction in power consumption during HDP as a result of step 206 in FIG. 2C. In the illustrated example, ED causes the anticipated or predefined start time, THs, to fall within the cooling period CP. This would prevent start of dialysis therapy. In some embodiments, to mitigate this problem, the dialysis system is configured to allow for forced cooling ("accelerated cooling") to shorten CP. The controller of the dialysis system may estimate ED during HDP and selectively start forced cooling if deemed necessary. In forced cooling, the dialysis system is actively cooled. The forced cooling may involve operating the dialysis system to pass a cooling fluid through at least a subset of its flow paths. The cooling fluid may be any suitable fluid that has a desired temperature and is available to the dialysis system. In the example of FIG. 3 A, SSI may be cooled by SW, SS2 may be cooled by PW, and SS3 may be cooled by PW or TF. Alternatively or additionally, the forced cooling may be achieved by a heat exchanger, a heat pump, a cooling fan, etc.

[0088] It is also conceivable, whether or not HDP is extended, that the controller of the dialysis system starts the forced cooling if the patient selects, during ongoing HDP or passive cooling, a start time that is deemed to fall within the passive CP. The controller may also estimate the remaining duration of CP with forced cooling and inform the patient, via a user interface, of a projected time point for the start of dialysis therapy.

[0089] It is also conceivable that the anticipated or predefined start time is used as a constraint for step 206 in FIG. 2C. Specifically, the reduction in momentary power consumption of the dialysis system during HDP caused by step 206 is constrained to result in an ED that allows the dialysis therapy to start at the anticipated or predefined start time. Such a constraint is applicable whether or not the dialysis system is capable of forced cooling.

[0090] FIG. 4A is a flow chart of an example procedure that may be performed in step 204a of the method 200 in FIG. 2C. In step 401, an operational schedule for the HDP is obtained, denoted "HDP schedule" or HDPS in the following. The HDPS may be a master schedule used by the controller of the dialysis system to perform the HDP, or a data structure derived from the master schedule. The HDPS may be obtained in step 401 by accessing a memory (cf. 151 in FIG. 4C). Step 401 need not be performed for every execution of step 204a. For example, the HDPS may be read into working memory by step 401, where it is available for several subsequent executions of step 402. In some embodiments, step 401 may be performed whenever the HDPS has been updated (step 419, below).

[0091] In some embodiments, the HDPS defines a temporal order of the sub-procedures that are to be performed during the HDP, as well as operation data for the dialysis system during the sub-procedures. Reverting to the example in FIG. 3C, the HDPS may define that the sub-procedures SP1-SP6 are to be executed sequentially, one after the other. As noted above, the ordering of sub-procedures may be more complex, for example with sub-procedures being executed partly in parallel. The HDPS defines the order of sub-procedures irrespective of complexity.

[0092] The operation data may define settings of the dialysis system during the respective sub-procedure. Below follows a list of example parameters that may be included in the operation data for a sub-procedure. All of the listed parameters need not be included in the operation data. Further, the list of parameters is not intended to be exhaustive.

[0093] Examples of parameters include:

[0094] 1) a target temperature of the heated fluid that is distributed in the dialysis system (cf. signal value 301 in FIG. 3E),

[0095] 2) a rate of increase in fluid temperature (cf. signal inclination 302 in FIG. 3E),

[0096] 3) start and / or end values for the momentary power consumption for electrical heating (cf. signal values 303, 304 in FIG. 3E),

[0097] 4) a rate of increase in power consumption for electrical heating (cf. signal inclination 305 in FIG. 3E),

[0098] 5) one or more fluid paths to be exposed to the heated fluid (cf. thicker lines in FIG. 3D),

[0099] 6) a duration of exposure of the one or more fluid paths to the heated fluid at the target temperature (cf. AT2 in FIG. 3E), 7) a composition or type of the heated fluid (for example, SW, PW or TF in FIG. 3A), or

[0100] 8) the electrical heater(s) to be activated (for example, identified by a unique identifier assigned to the respective heater).

[0101] In step 402, the projected power consumption of the dialysis system is determined based on the HPDS. Step 402 presumes that the progression of the HDP is tracked so that the controller, when step 402 is to be executed, is capable of determining, at the current time point and from the HPDS, how the dialysis system is to be operated at one or more future time points. The upcoming operation of the dialysis system at the future time point(s) is given by the temporal order of sub-procedures and the operation data. The skilled person understands that the projected power consumption at the future time point(s) can be determined based on data from the HDPS that defines the upcoming operation of the dialysis system, for example by use of a predefined calculation model or a predefined look-up table.

[0102] FIG. 4B is a flow chart of an example procedure that may be performed in step 206 of the method 200 in FIG. 2C. The procedure in FIG. 4B is directed to modifying the HDP to counteract an upcoming power shortage detected by step 205. This is achieved by performing at least one action to reduce the power consumption of the HDP.

[0103] In step 411, the available actions to reduce the power consumption are identified. It is realized that the available actions may differ depending on the current stage of the HDP. In step 411, the available actions may be identified based on the sub-procedure(s) that are currently being executed, and possibly based on the progression of the respective on-going sub-procedure(s), i.e., how far the on-going sub-procedure has progressed. The available actions may be identified by use of a predefined mapping, for example a look-up table, that lists available action(s) for each sub-procedure, or part of a sub-procedure. In some embodiments, the available actions involve changing one or more of the parameters l)-8) listed hereinabove.

[0104] In step 412, the available actions from step 411 are evaluated to determine if the upcoming power shortage (step 205) can be overcome by these actions. Step 412 presumes that the result of the respective action in terms of power reduction is quantified. In one example, a power reduction value for each action may be retrieved from the predefined mapping, which may associate each available action with an expected power reduction. In another example, a power reduction value for an action may be determined by a predefined evaluation function or model, which yields the power reduction value as a function of the parameters that may be changed by the different actions. In some embodiments, step 412 involves comparing an aggregation of the power reduction values for the available actions to the upcoming power shortage.

[0105] If the power shortage cannot be overcome, step 413 is performed to initiate an interaction with the user, via a user interface (cf. UI device 155 in FIG. 4C), for example to issue a warning message to the user that a power shortage may occur. The warning message may also request the user to turn off one or more appliances to reduce the power consumption in the residential space. In some embodiments, the warning message is provided to a mobile or wearable device of the user, for example a phone.

[0106] In an alternative embodiment, in the example of FIG. 2B, step 413 may involve causing one or more selected appliances among the appliances Al -An to reduce its power consumption, via the corresponding signal PCSl-PCSn. The selected appliances may be determined based on power consumption values given by signals PCDl-PCDn.

[0107] If the power shortage is overcomeable, step 414 is performed to select one or more actions among the available actions, in view of the upcoming power shortage. Specifically, the selected actions should overcome the power shortage. In some embodiments, the actions are selected in an order given by the magnitude of the power reduction for the respective action, for example given by the above-mentioned power reduction value. For example, actions may be selected by decreasing power consumption value. In another example, actions are selected according to a priority order, which defines a preferred order of selection among the available actions. The priority order may be predefined and, for example, included in the predefined mapping. The priority order may also be set based on power reduction values but, if so, other characterizing data for the respective available action is also used for determining the priority order. Such other characterizing data may include one or more of: resulting time extension (step 415), consumption of fluid, energy consumption, impact on subsequent sub-procedures, etc.

[0108] In step 415, the extended duration of the HDP caused by the selected actions from step 414 is determined. As described hereinabove, some actions may result in an extended duration. For example, a decreased fluid temperature will require an increased exposure time, which will result in an extended duration. The extended duration as a result of a change in temperature may be determined in accordance with the AO concept, or any equivalent methodology.

[0109] In step 416, the extended duration from step 415 is evaluated in view of a predefined or anticipated time point for start of dialysis therapy ("start time"). A predefined start time may be pre-programmed into the controller of the dialysis system or entered by the patient. An anticipated start time may be given by historic data about the habits of the patient. Step 416 may involve checking if the start time falls after completion of the extended HDP according to step 415. Step 416 may also take a cooling time period into account, as described with reference to FIG. 3G. Step 416 may also evaluate if the start time is rendered acceptable by forced cooling of the dialysis system. If so, step 416 may cause forced cooling to be started at completion of the HDP, as indicated by step 420. The duration of the cooling period, with or without forced cooling, may be given by predefined values, for example for different fluid temperatures at the end of the HDP. In some embodiments, the duration of the cooling period may be estimated based on the ambient temperature in the residential space, given by a dedicated temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the duration of the cooling period is estimated by use of a calculation model for estimating the thermal loss from the dialysis system over time, taking the fluid temperature at the end of the HDP as well as the ambient temperature into account. The calculation model may be derived analytically and / or empirically.

[0110] If step 416 finds that the dialysis therapy cannot be started as planned, step 417 is performed to initiate an interaction with the user, via the above-mentioned user interface, for example to issue a corresponding warning message to the user. The warning message may request the user to change the starting time and / or shut down one or more electrical appliances in the home (cf. Al -An in FIGS 2A-2B).

[0111] Generally, step 416 may be seen to determine a projected end time of HDP as a result of the selected action(s) from step 414, and decide to proceed to perform the selected action(s) if the projected end time precedes a start time (predefined or anticipated) of the dialysis therapy or precedes the start time by more than a cooling time period.

[0112] If step 416 confirms that dialysis therapy can start as planned, the procedure proceeds to step 418, in which the respective selected action from step 414 is performed. If there are several selected actions, they may be performed in sequence and / or in parallel. In FIG. 4B, some non-limiting examples of actions are represented by steps 418a-418d.

[0113] Step 418a represents a first action, which operates by reducing the power that is supplied to at least one electrical heater for heating the fluid that is distributed in the dialysis system during the HDP. As discussed with reference to FIG. 3B, some examples of reducing the supplied power include: reducing the target fluid temperature, increasing the time to reach the target fluid temperature, or decreasing the supplied power to the electrical heater(s).

[0114] Step 418b represents a second action, which operates by reducing the fluid flow rate through the at least one electrical heater. As discussed with reference to FIG. 3B, this action is primarily applicable to single-pass. Step 418c represents a third action, which operates by switching from a current (on-going) sub-procedure to another sub-procedure with a lower power consumption than the current sub-procedure.

[0115] Step 418d represents a fourth action, which operates by providing additional power to the dialysis system from a supplementary power source included in the dialysis system. The power source 40 in FIGS 2A-2B may be used in the fourth action, by being selectively connected to supply power to the dialysis system 20. The effect of the fourth action is to temporarily increase the maximum limit Pmax (FIG. IB), to thereby counteract the power shortage. The controller of the dialysis system may be configured to charge the supplementary power source whenever there is a power surplus to have extra power available at all times during the HDP. The charging strategy may account for the electrical energy cost and charge the power source only when the cost is low. This may help decrease the patient's utility cost as well as supporting the society's strive towards a smaller environmental impact.

[0116] In step 419, the HDPS is updated if the existing HDPS is affected by the action(s) performed in step 418. Step 419 may be performed concurrently with step 418 or even earlier, for example concurrently with step 416. By step 419, it is ensured that step 204a, if using the HDPS (cf. FIG. 4A), is capable of accurately determining the projected power consumption of the dialysis system.

[0117] FIG. 4C is a block diagram of a computer device 150, which may implement the local controller 27 in FIGS 2A-2B or the central controller 50 in FIG. 2B. The computer device 150 is configured to receive one or more input signals 153 and generate one or more control signals 154. For the local controller 27 in FIGS 2A-2B, the input signals 153 may correspond to [IS] and PCD (FIG. 2A) or [IS] (FIG. 2B), and the output signals 154 may correspond to [CS] (FIGS 2A-2B). For the central controller 50 in FIG. 2B, the input signals 153 may correspond to PCDl-PCDn and PCDi, and the output signals 154 may correspond to PCSl-PCSn and PCSi. The computer device 150 comprises computer memory 151 and processor circuitry 152. The processor circuitry 152 may include one or more of a CPU ("Central Processing Unit"), a DSP ("Digital Signal Processor"), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an ASIC ("Application- Specific Integrated Circuit"), a combination of discrete analog and / or digital components, or some other programmable logical device, such as an FPGA ("Field Programmable Gate Array"). A control program (CTRL) 151c comprising computer instructions is stored in the memory 151 and executed by the processor circuitry 152 to perform any of the methods, operations, procedures, functions, or steps described herein. As indicated in FIG. 4C, the memory 151 may also store control data for use by the processor circuitry 152, for example 151a and the HDPS 151b. The control program 151c may be supplied to the computer device 150 on a computer-readable medium, which may be a tangible (non-transitory) product (e.g., magnetic medium, optical disk, read-only memory, flash memory, etc.) or a propagating signal. In the illustrated example, the computer device 150 is connected for wired or wireless communication with a user interface (UI) device 155, for example a mobile phone, a wearable device, a smart speaker, a tablet, etc. In a variant, the UI device 155 is integrated in the dialysis system 20.

[0118] FIG. 5 shows a further example of sub-processes that may be performed as part of an HDP. In the illustrated example, the HDP is performed on SSI and SS2 of the dialysis system 20 in FIG. 3 A and comprises four sub-procedures SP1-SP4. Each of SSI and SS2 is shown to include a main flow path 501, 511, which contains temperature sensors, an electrical heater Hl, H2 and a pump in correspondence with the apparatus in FIG. 3B, and a recirculation path 502, 512, which extends from a downstream end of the main flow path to an upstream end of the main flow path.

[0119] The purpose of SP1 is to disinfect the drain line 24b of SS2. To this end, incoming fluid is pumped through the main flow path 501 and via transfer line 28a into SS2, while Hl is operated to heat the passing fluid. In SS2, the incoming fluid from SSI is pumped through the main flow path 511, while being heated by H2. The heated fluid is directed into the drain line 24b. The fluid temperature in the drain line 24b is set to cause heat disinfection.

[0120] The purpose of SP2 is to disinfect the main flow path 511 and the recirculation path 512 of SS2. Therefore, incoming fluid is heated by Hl and pumped into SS2, in which the heated fluid is circulated through the main flow path 511 and the recirculation path 512, while H2 is operated to maintain a target fluid temperature of the fluid to heat disinfect paths 511, 512. At completion of SP2, SS2 is disinfected.

[0121] The purpose of SP3 is to disinfect the drain line 24a of SSI. To this end, incoming fluid is pumped through the main flow path 501 while Hl is operated to heat the passing fluid. The heated fluid is directed into the drain line 24a. The fluid temperature in the drain line 24a is set to cause heat disinfection.

[0122] The purpose of SP4 is to disinfect the main flow path 501 and the recirculation path 502 of SSI. Therefore, incoming fluid is heated by Hl and circulated through the main flow path 501 and the recirculation path 502, while Hl is operated to maintain a target fluid temperature of the fluid to heat disinfect paths 501, 502. At completion of SP4, SSI is disinfected.

[0123] FIG. 5 shows that a sub-procedure may affect more than one sub-system even if the purpose of the sub-procedure is to perform a heat disinfection of a single subsystem. It is thus conceivable to reduce the power consumption in another sub-system than the one that is being heat disinfected. It is also clear from FIG. 5 that the available actions may differ between sub-procedures. For example, in SP1 and SP3, it is possible to reduce power consumption significantly by reducing the fluid flow rate, whereas this has little effect on the power consumption in SP2 and SP4. FIG. 5 further shows that plural heaters may be operated to jointly heat a fluid for heat disinfection. It may also be noted that even if the sequence SP1-SP4 may be a desired order of sub-procedures, it is possible to change the order if this is deemed necessary in view of an upcoming power shortage.

[0124] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example method 600 of determining an HDP schedule for an HDP to be performed by a dialysis system. The method 600 may be performed in advance of a first HDP to be performed after a dialysis system has been installed in a residential space, and it may be repeated whenever the reference data (below) is updated. The method 600 may be performed by any computer device.

[0125] In step 601, reference data for the use of electricity in one or more residential spaces is obtained. The reference data may at least represent the current residential space where the HDP is to be performed. The reference data may reflect the habits of the residents, the type and power rating of electric equipment in the residential space(s), as well as predefined settings of the electrical equipment. The habits may include when the dishwasher, wash machine or tumble dryer is used, when food is cooked, when a vacuum cleaner is used, when the shower or bathtub is used, etc. The predefined settings may include temperature and timing settings for a heating system, a temperature setting for a water heater, a temperature and timing settings for an air conditioner, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the reference data may include a measured power consumption as a function of time in the residential space(s) for an extended time period, for example one or more days, weeks or months.

[0126] In step 602, a prediction model is operated on the reference data to generate a predicted power consumption over time in the current residential space. The prediction model may be a statistical model and may or may not involve machine-learning or artificial intelligence. The predicted power consumption excludes the power consumption of the dialysis system during the HDP.

[0127] In step 603, one or more candidate HDP schedules are evaluated in relation to the predicted power consumption from step 602, and Pmax of the current residential space. Step 603 may involve estimating the power consumption for the respective candidate HPD schedule over time and checking if sufficient power is available in the residential space. Step 603 may also apply one or more constraints, for example that the candidate HPD schedule needs to be performed within a limited time period. If none of the candidate HPD schedules pass the evaluation in step 603, step 604 may proceed to step 605, in which the one or more candidate HDP schedules are reevaluated under the premise that additional power is available from a supplementary power source.

[0128] If none of the candidate HPD schedules pass the re-evaluation in step 605, step 606 may proceed to terminate the method.

[0129] If at least one candidate HDP schedule ("available HDP schedule") passes the evaluation in step 603 or the re-evaluation in step 605, the method proceeds to step 607, in which the user is allowed to enter a start time for the next dialysis therapy session ("scheduled time"). Optionally, the user may be given a limited selection of start times, if the available HDP schedule(s) can only be performed during a limited time period.

[0130] In step 608, one HDP schedule is selected for use in performing the HDP of the dialysis system in advance of dialysis therapy. Any criterion may be applied for selecting the HDP schedule if there are several available HDP schedules, for example minimum total consumption of fluid, minimum total energy consumption, etc. The selection in step 608 may also be based on the scheduled time in step 607. Step 608 may also involve determining a start time for the HDP in view of the scheduled time in step 607, so that the scheduled time falls within the therapy start window, TSW (cf. FIG. 3F). For example, the duration of the HDP may be estimated based on the selected HDP schedule, and the HDP start time may be set so that the HDP is terminated and the cooling phase CP (cf. FIG. 3G) is completed before the scheduled time (cf. THs in FIGS 3F-3G).

[0131] In some embodiments, the method 600 is performed by the controller of the dialysis machine 20 as part of the user setting a start time for the next dialysis therapy session. Here, it is conceivable that the reference data is updated between dialysis therapy sessions to contain or factor in ("account for") the latest power consumption of the appliances in the residential space as a function of time, for example given by the data from step 204b (FIG. 2C). Further, the candidate HDP schedule(s) to be evaluated in step 603 may be determined based on historically used HDP schedules.

[0132] The present disclosure also relates to a localized technique of controlling the power consumption of a group of apparatuses or machines in a dialysis system. In the following, the group of apparatuses is denoted DSG. The DSG includes at least two apparatuses of a dialysis system. The apparatuses in the DSG may or may not be fluidly connected in series. In a first example, the DSG includes an apparatus for generating purified water and generating treatment fluid from the purified water ("compound fluid generation apparatus"), and an apparatus for performing the dialysis therapy by use of the treatment fluid ("therapy apparatus"). The purified water may, for example, meet requirements for "water for dialysis" or "water for infusion". In FIG. 3A, the compound fluid generation apparatus may correspond to a combination of SSI and SS2, and the therapy apparatus may correspond to SS3. In a second example, the DSG includes an apparatus for generating the purified water ("water purification apparatus"), and an apparatus for generating the treatment fluid from the purified water and performing the dialysis therapy by use of the treatment fluid ("compound therapy apparatus"). In FIG. 3 A, the water purification apparatus may correspond to SSI, and the compound therapy apparatus may correspond to a combination of SS2 and SS3. In a third example, the DSG includes an apparatus for generating the purified water ("water purification apparatus"), an apparatus for generating the treatment fluid ("fluid generation apparatus"), and an apparatus for performing the dialysis therapy ("therapy apparatus"). In FIG. 3 A, the water purification apparatus may correspond to SSI, the fluid generation apparatus may correspond to SS2, and the therapy apparatus may correspond to SS3.

[0133] FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an example DSG that includes a first apparatus 130 and a second apparatus 140. In some embodiments, the first apparatus 130 is configured to supply a fluid to the second apparatus 140, but this is not a requirement for the localized technique. The first apparatus 130 comprises a functional unit 131 that performs a first function of the dialysis system. A power input line 132 extends between the functional unit 131 and a first electrical connector or power plug 133, which is configured for connection to a power socket. A power control device ("power controller") 134 is interposed in the input power line 132 and configured to generate an operational control signal OCS for the functional unit 131. A power output line 135 extends from the input power line 132 to a second electrical connector 136. The input and output lines 132, 135 are part of a power line arrangement for distribution of electrical power from the connector 133 to the functional unit 131 and to the connector 136.

[0134] The second apparatus 140 includes a functional unit 141 that performs a second function of the dialysis system. A power input line 142 extends between the functional unit 141 and an electrical connector 143, which is configured for connection to the second connector 136 of the first apparatus 130. The connectors 136, 143 may be configured as plug and socket. Although not shown in FIG. 7A, the second apparatus 140 may be connected to supply power to a further downstream apparatus.

[0135] During operation of the DSG, the first apparatus 130 receives a total amount of input power TPC via the connector 133. A first portion Pl of the TPC is received by the functional unit 131, and a second portion P2 is received by the second apparatus 140 via the connector 136. Electrically, the first apparatus 130 is located upstream of the second apparatus 140. Hence, the first apparatus 130 may be denoted "upstream apparatus", and the second apparatus 140 may be denoted "downstream apparatus".

[0136] FIG. 7D is a flow chart of an example method 700 of operating the first (upstream) apparatus 130 in FIG. 7A. In step 701, the upstream apparatus 130 is operated to transfer power to the downstream apparatus 140. Step 701 may be inherent to the power line arrangement 132, 135, so that power is inherently made available to the downstream apparatus 140 when the upstream apparatus 130 receives power via the connector 133. Alternatively, step 701 may be actively performed by the power controller 134. In step 702, the power controller 134 obtains a maximum allowable power consumption MPC of the DSG. The MPC may be prestored in an internal memory of the upstream apparatus 130, or manually entered in the upstream apparatus 130 via an input interface (not shown), for example when the DSG is first installed at its premises. Alternatively, the MPC may be given by an external device that monitors the available power for the DSG in the premises. For example, the MPC may correspond to Pavailable in FIG. IB and may thus vary over time. In step 703, the power controller 134 determines the momentary supplied power to the DSG, corresponding to TPC in FIG. 7A. In step 704, the power controller 134 operates the upstream apparatus 130 to prevent the momentary supply power, TPC, from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption, MPC. The operation of the functional unit 131 may be directly adjusted by the power controller 134 or via a sub-controller (not shown) within the functional unit 131.

[0137] In the example of FIG. 7A, the power controller 134 selectively causes the functional unit 131, via the control signal OCS, to adjust its operation, and thereby its power consumption Pl, to avoid that TPC exceeds MPC. By step 704, the downstream apparatus 140 is allowed to operate without power restrictions up to a power limit, by the upstream apparatus 130 reducing its own power consumption as needed. In other words, the controller 134 is configured to allow the output power P2 at the connector 143 to vary freely within a power range. The power range may extend from 0 to the power limit, which may be equal to MPC.

[0138] The risk that TPC exceeds MPC is elevated when the upstream apparatus 130 performs the above-mentioned heat disinfection procedure, HDP. During an on-going HDP in the apparatus 130, step 704 may involve any of the counter-measures discussed with reference to FIG. 3E and FIGS 4A-4B. However, the method 700 is not limited to any specific on-going operation in the upstream apparatus 130. Step 704 may thus be performed during regular operation of the apparatus 130 and cause a change in speed of one or more fluid pumps, a change in target temperature for one or more electrical heaters, a deactivation of one or more sub-modules of the functional unit 131, etc. The utility of the method 700 is demonstrated in FIG. 7E, which shows an example of TPC, Pl and P2 as a function of time for a DSG. In FIG. 7E, P2 corresponds to the difference between the curves for TPC and Pl. When the power consumption P2 of the downstream apparatus 140 rapidly increases, the power consumption Pl of the upstream apparatus 130 is automatically decreased so that the total power consumption TPC does not exceed MPC. In the absence of the method 700, the total power consumption would have followed the dotted curve TPC, potentially causing a fuse or a circuit breaker to break the supply of power to the DSG. When P2 decreases again, the upstream apparatus 130 may regain regular operation, causing Pl to increase without TPC exceeding MPC.

[0139] Another example is shown in FIG. 7F. Filled dots represent Pl and open dots represent TPC at a sequence of times tl-t9. P2 corresponds to the difference between TPC and Pl at the respective time. At time tl, TPC reaches MPC. The controller 134 therefore reduces Pl to bring TPC below MPC, as seen at time t2. At time t3, TPC again reaches MPC, and the controller 134 further reduces Pl to bring TPC below MPC, as seen at time t4. At time t5, TPC is below MPC and Pl is unchanged. At time t6, since TPC has been below MPC for a while, the controller 134 increases Pl to bring TPC to MPC. The increase in Pl may allow the functional unit 131 to resume regular operation. At time t7, TPC falls drastically. It is therefore deemed possible to start a heat disinfection, HDP, of the upstream apparatus 130, and the controller 134 allows Pl to increase at times t8, t9, while ensuring that TPC does not exceed MPC.

[0140] Returning to FIG. 7A, the upstream apparatus 130 may be fitted with a power storage device (supplementary power source) 40, for example a battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, etc. In some embodiments of step 704, the controller 134 selectively causes the storage device 40 to supply additional power Px to the functional unit 131 to prevent TPC from exceeding MPC. The supply of additional power Px may be performed before or concurrent with an adjustment of the operation of the functional unit 131 to decrease Pl. This will reduce the impact of the method 700 on the operation of the upstream apparatus 130. In some embodiments, the controller 134 selectively directs power from the power input line 132 to the storage device 40 when TPC is below MPC, to thereby re-charge the storage device 40.

[0141] FIG. 7B is a block diagram of the power controller 134 in accordance with a first example. The power controller 134 comprises a power meter 137 for measuring the TPC. In the illustrated example, the power output line 135 is connected to the power input line 132 at a junction 132', and the power meter 137 is arranged in the power input line 132 between the connector 133 and the junction 132'. The power controller 134 further comprises a logic device 139, which is configured to compare the measured TPC with the MPC and generate the OCS for controlling the functional unit 131. Here, the power controller 134 is unaware of the distribution of power between the upstream and downstream apparatuses 130, 140 but merely reacts to the TPC. FIG. 7B is an example of a power controller 134 that operates by "reactive control".

[0142] FIG. 7C is a block diagram of the power controller 134 in accordance with a second example. The power controller 134 comprises a first power meter 137a for measuring Pl, a second power meter 137b for measuring P2, and a logic device 139 for generating the OCS. In the illustrated example, the first power meter 137a is arranged in the power input line 132 between the junction 132' and the functional unit 131, and the second power meter 137b is arranged in the power output line 135 between the junction 132' and the connector 136. Other arrangements of the power meters 137a, 137b are possible. In the second example, the power controller 134 is aware of the distribution of power between the upstream and downstream apparatuses 130, 140, which enables "proactive control". In this proactive control, the logic device 139 determines a target value for Pl based on Pl, P2 and MPC and generates OCS so that Pl meets the target value. The proactive control has the technical advantage of enabling more precise control of the power consumption Pl of the functional unit 131. It also enables faster adjustment of Pl and thereby reduces the risk that TPC momentarily exceeds MPC.

[0143] The localized technique is particularly useful when a dialysis system is installed in a residential space. All machines / apparatuses of the dialysis system are typically installed in the same room, and therefore receive power on the same subsidiary circuit. The localized technique provides a simple way of avoiding that the fuse or circuit breaker for the subsidiary circuit is tripped as a result of the operation of the dialysis system.

[0144] As outlined above, the localized technique is applicable to many different combinations of upstream and downstream apparatuses 130, 140. For example, the upstream apparatus 130 may be arranged to supply treatment fluid for use in dialysis therapy. Its functional unit 131 may thus be configured to supply the treatment fluid, and possibly also generate the treatment fluid by mixing purified water with one or more concentrates (cf. SS2 in FIG. 3A). Additionally or alternatively, the functional unit 131 may be configured to generate the purified water from source water, for example tap water (cf. SSI in FIG. 3A). In a non-limiting example, the downstream apparatus 140 is a therapy device, for example a cycler or an HC machine (cf. SS3 in FIG. 3A), which is configured to receive the treatment fluid from the upstream apparatus 130 and perform dialysis therapy by use of the treatment fluid. In all examples of the localized technique described above, the upstream apparatus 130 is arranged to transfer electrical power to the downstream apparatus 140. This renders the power control of the DSG simple and user-friendly.

[0145] In a variant, not shown, the power inlet lines 132, 135 are separately connected to a subsidiary circuit in the residential space. In this variant, each of the apparatuses 130, 140 includes a power meter, and the power meter of the downstream apparatus 140 communicates its momentary power consumption P2 to a power controller 134, which includes the power meter of the upstream apparatus 130 and is operable to perform the method 700.

[0146] It may be noted that the localized technique may be combined with the technique described with reference to FIGS 1-6. For example, step 703 may be added to the method 200 in FIG. 2C, and steps 702, 704 may be performed as part of step 205 and step 206, respectively.

[0147] While the subject of the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject of the present disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0148] Further, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

[0149] In the following, clauses are recited to summarize some aspects and embodiments as disclosed in the foregoing.

[0150] Cl. A computer-implemented method of power management in relation to a dialysis system (20) installed in a residential space, which comprises one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An) other than the dialysis system (20), said method comprising: operating (202) the dialysis system (20) to perform a heat disinfection procedure in preparation of dialysis therapy; obtaining (203), during the heat disinfection procedure, power measurement data representing a momentary power consumption in the residential space by the dialysis system and the one or more additional electrical devices; determining (204) a projected power consumption in the residential space at one or more future time points based on the power measurement data; evaluating (205) the projected power consumption in relation to a maximum limit of power consumption in the residential space, for detection of an upcoming power shortage; and modifying (206) the heat disinfection procedure and / or an operation of at least one of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An) in the residential space to counteract the upcoming power shortage.

[0151] C2. The method of Cl, further comprising: repeatedly performing, during the heat disinfection procedure, said obtaining (203) the power measurement data, said determining (204) the projected power consumption, said evaluating (205) the projected power consumption, and said modifying (206) the heat disinfection procedure and / or the operation of the at least one of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al- An).

[0152] C3. The method of Cl or C2, wherein the upcoming power shortage is detected when the projected power consumption exceeds the maximum limit at at least one of the one or more future time points.

[0153] C4. The method of any preceding clause, wherein said modifying (206) comprises: performing (418) at least one action to reduce the power consumption of the heat disinfection procedure.

[0154] C5. The method of C4, wherein said modifying (206) comprises: determining (411, 414) the at least one action based on a current stage of the heat disinfection procedure.

[0155] C6. The method of C4 or C5, wherein said modifying (206) comprises: determining (411, 414) the at least one action based on a priority order among a set of available actions and / or based on a power reduction value for a respective available action among the set of available actions.

[0156] C7. The method of any one of C4-C6, wherein said modifying (206) comprises: determining (411, 414) the at least one action based on a magnitude of the upcoming power shortage.

[0157] C8. The method of any one of C4-C7, wherein the at least one action comprises one or more of: a first action of reducing power supplied to at least one electrical heater (Hl, H2), which is included in the dialysis system (20) and operated during the heat disinfection procedure to heat a fluid that is distributed in the dialysis system (20); a second action of reducing a flow rate of the fluid through the at least one electrical heater (Hl, H2); a third action of switching to a sub-procedure of the heat disinfection procedure with a lower power consumption than a current sub-procedure of the heat disinfection procedure; a fourth action of providing additional power to the dialysis system (20) from a supplementary power source (40) included in the dialysis system (20).

[0158] C9. The method of any one of C4-C8, further comprising: determining (412), before said performing (418) the at least one action, a power reduction associated with the at least one action when performed by the dialysis system (20); and providing (413), if the upcoming power shortage exceeds the power reduction, a first warning message.

[0159] CIO. The method of any one of C4-C9, further comprising: determining (415) a projected end time of the heat disinfection procedure as a result of the at least one action being performed; and performing (417, 420) a further action if the projected end time succeeds a start time of the dialysis therapy or precedes the start time by less than a cooling time period.

[0160] Cl 1. The method of CIO, wherein the further action comprises at least one of: providing (417) a second warning message; or operating (420), at completion of the heat disinfection procedure, the dialysis system (20) to initiate an accelerated cooling of the dialysis system (20).

[0161] C12. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: obtaining (401) an operational schedule for the heat disinfection procedure, wherein the heat disinfection procedure comprises a plurality of sub-procedures, wherein the operational schedule comprises a temporal order of the sub-procedures and operation data for the dialysis system (20) during the sub-procedures, and wherein said determining (204) a projected power consumption comprises: determining (402) the projected power consumption based on the operational schedule.

[0162] C13. The method of C12, further comprising: updating (419) the operational schedule when said modifying (206) is deemed to change the operational schedule.

[0163] C14. The method of C12 or C13, further comprising, before the heat disinfection procedure: obtaining (601) reference data indicative of electricity use in the residential space or another residential space; operating (602) a prediction model on the reference data to determine a predicted power consumption in the residential space over time; and determining (603-608) the operational schedule for the heat disinfection procedure based on the predicted power consumption.

[0164] C15. The method of Cl 4, further comprising, before the heat disinfection procedure: obtaining (607) a first start time for starting the dialysis therapy; and determining (608) a second start time for starting the heat disinfection procedure based on the first start time.

[0165] Cl 6. The method of any one of C12-C15, wherein the operation data of a subprocedure defines one or more of: a target temperature of heated fluid that is distributed in the dialysis system (20) during the sub-procedure; a rate of increase in fluid temperature during the sub-procedure; a momentary power consumption for electrical heating during the sub-procedure; a rate of increase in power consumption for electrical heating during the sub-procedure; one or more fluid paths to be exposed to the heated fluid when the heated fluid is distributed in the dialysis system (20) during the sub- procedure; a duration of exposure of the one or more fluid paths to the heated fluid at the target temperature; a composition of the heated fluid; or one or more electrical heaters (Hl, H2) in the dialysis system (20) to be activated during the sub-procedure.

[0166] C17. The method of any preceding clause, wherein said determining (204) the projected power consumption comprises: determining (204a) a projected power consumption of the dialysis system (20) based on a scheduled operation of the dialysis system during the heat disinfection procedure; determining (204b), at a current time, a current power consumption of one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An) in the residential space than the dialysis system (20); and determining (204b) a projected power consumption of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An) based on the current power consumption of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al- An).

[0167] C18. The method of any preceding clause, further comprising: determining (703) a momentary supplied power to a group of apparatuses (DSG) in the dialysis system (20), wherein said evaluating (205) comprises determining (702) a maximum allowable power consumption for the group of apparatuses (DSG), and wherein said modifying (206) the heat disinfection procedure comprises operating (704) an apparatus (130) among the group of apparatuses (DSG) to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0168] Cl 9. The method of Cl 8, wherein the maximum allowable power consumption is determined to counteract the upcoming power shortage.

[0169] C20. The method of C18 or C19, wherein the group of apparatuses (DSG) comprises said apparatus (130) and at least one additional apparatus (140), wherein said method further comprises operating (701) said apparatus (130) to transfer electrical power to said at least one additional apparatus (140), wherein said determining (703) the momentary supplied power comprises measuring electrical power supplied to said apparatus (130), and wherein said apparatus (130) is operated to adjust its power consumption to prevent the electrical power supplied to said apparatus (130) from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0170] C21. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by processor circuitry (152) in a computer device (150), causes the computer device (150) to perform the method of any one of C1-C20.

[0171] C22. A control device, which is configured for operative connection to a dialysis system (20) installed in a residential space and for connection to a power meter arrangement (PM; PCUl-PCUn, PCUi) configured to measure a momentary power consumption in the residential space, wherein the control device is configured to perform the method of any one of C1-C20. C23. An apparatus for use in a dialysis system together with at least one additional apparatus (140), said apparatus comprising: a functional unit (131) for performing a function of the dialysis system; a first electrical connector (133) for receiving input power; a second electrical connector (136) for providing output power to the at least one additional apparatus (140); a power line arrangement (132, 135) for distributing electrical power from the first electrical connector (133) to the functional unit (131) and to the second electrical connector (136); and a control device (134) which is configured to: obtain a maximum allowable power consumption for a combination of the apparatus (130) and the at least one additional apparatus (140); determine a momentary supplied power to the combination of the apparatus (130) and the at least one additional apparatus (140) via the first electrical connector (133); and operate the functional unit (131) to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0172] C24. The apparatus of C23, wherein the control device (134) is configured to allow the output power at the second electrical connector (136) to vary freely within a power range.

[0173] C25. The apparatus of C24, wherein the power range extends to the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0174] C26. The apparatus of any one of C23-C25, further comprising at least one power meter (137; 137a, 137b) for measuring the momentary supplied power.

[0175] C27. The apparatus of C26, wherein said at least one power meter (137) is arranged to measure the electrical power supplied to the apparatus via the first electrical connector (133).

[0176] C28. The apparatus of C26 or C27, wherein said at least one power meter comprises a first power meter (137a) that is arranged to measure a first electrical power (Pl) supplied to the functional unit (131), and a second power meter (137b) arranged to measure a second electrical power (P2) supplied to the second electrical connector (136).

[0177] C29. The apparatus of C28, wherein the control device (134) is configured to determine a target value for the first electrical power based on the first electrical power, the second electrical power, and the maximum allowable power consumption, and operate the functional unit (131) to achieve the target value, so as to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0178] C30. The apparatus of any one of C23-C29, further comprising a power storage (40), wherein the control device (134) is further configured to selectively cause the power storage (40) to supply power (Px) to the functional unit (131) to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0179] C31. The apparatus of C30, wherein the control device (134) is further configured to selectively direct power (Px) from the first electrical connector (133) to the power storage when the momentary supplied power is below the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0180] C32. The apparatus of any one of C23-C31, which is configured to, by the functional unit (131), supply treatment fluid for use in dialysis therapy.

[0181] C33. The apparatus of C32, wherein the at least one additional apparatus (140) includes a therapy device, which is configured to receive the treatment fluid from the apparatus (130) and perform dialysis therapy by use of the treatment fluid.

[0182] C34. The apparatus of C32 or C33, which is further configured to, by the functional unit (131), generate the treatment fluid by mixing purified water with one or more concentrates.

[0183] C35. The apparatus of C34, which is further configured to, by the functional unit (131), generate the purified water by purification of source water.

[0184] C36. A computer-implemented method of operating an apparatus (130) among a group of apparatuses (DSG) in a dialysis system, said method comprising: obtaining (702) a maximum allowable power consumption for the group of apparatuses (DSG); determining (703) a momentary supplied power to the group of apparatuses (DSG); and operating (704) the apparatus to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

[0185] C37. A control device, which is configured for operative connection to an apparatus (130) among a group of apparatuses (DSG) in a dialysis system and for connection to at least one power meter (137; 137a, 137b) configured to measure a momentary supplied power to the group of apparatuses (DSG), wherein the control device is configured to perform the method of C36.

[0186] C38. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by processor circuitry in a computer device, causes the computer device to perform the method of C36.

Claims

38CLAIMS1. A computer-implemented method of power management in relation to a dialysis system (20) installed in a residential space, which comprises one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An) other than the dialysis system (20), said method comprising: operating (202) the dialysis system (20) to perform a heat disinfection procedure in preparation of dialysis therapy, obtaining (203), during the heat disinfection procedure, power measurement data representing a momentary power consumption in the residential space by the dialysis system (20) and the one or more electrical devices (Al -An), determining (204) a projected power consumption in the residential space at one or more future time points based on the power measurement data, evaluating (205) the projected power consumption in relation to a maximum limit of power consumption in the residential space, for detection of an upcoming power shortage, and modifying (206) the heat disinfection procedure and / or an operation of at least one of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An) (20) in the residential space to counteract the upcoming power shortage.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: repeatedly performing, during the heat disinfection procedure, said obtaining (203) the power measurement data, said determining (204) the projected power consumption, said evaluating (205) the projected power consumption, and said modifying (206) the heat disinfection procedure and / or the operation of the at least one of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al- An).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upcoming power shortage is detected when the projected power consumption exceeds the maximum limit at at least one of the one or more future time points.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein said modifying (206) comprises: performing (418) at least one action to reduce the power consumption of the heat disinfection procedure.

395. The method of claim 4, wherein said modifying (206) comprises: determining (411, 414) the at least one action based on a current stage of the heat disinfection procedure.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein said modifying (206) comprises: determining (411, 414) the at least one action based on a priority order among a set of available actions and / or based on a power reduction value for a respective available action among the set of available actions.

7. The method of any one of claims 4-6, wherein said modifying (206) comprises: determining (411, 414) the at least one action based on a magnitude of the upcoming power shortage.

8. The method of any one of claims 4-7, wherein the at least one action comprises one or more of: a first action of reducing power supplied to at least one electrical heater (Hl, H2), which is included in the dialysis system (20) and operated during the heat disinfection procedure to heat a fluid that is distributed in the dialysis system (20); a second action of reducing a flow rate of the fluid through the at least one electrical heater (Hl, H2); a third action of switching to a sub-procedure of the heat disinfection procedure with a lower power consumption than a current sub-procedure of the heat disinfection procedure; a fourth action of providing additional power to the dialysis system (20) from a supplementary power source (40) included in the dialysis system (20).

9. The method of any one of claims 4-8, further comprising: determining (412), before said performing (418) the at least one action, a power reduction associated with the at least one action when performed by the dialysis system (20); and providing (413), if the upcoming power shortage exceeds the power reduction, a first warning message.

10. The method of any one of claims 4-9, further comprising: determining (415) a projected end time of the heat disinfection procedure as a result of the at least one action being performed; and performing (417, 420) a further action if the projected end time succeeds a start time of the dialysis therapy or precedes the start time by less than a cooling time period.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the further action comprises at least one of: providing (417) a second warning message; or operating (420), at completion of the40 heat disinfection procedure, the dialysis system (20) to initiate an accelerated cooling of the dialysis system (20).

12. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: obtaining (401) an operational schedule for the heat disinfection procedure, wherein the heat disinfection procedure comprises a plurality of sub-procedures, wherein the operational schedule comprises a temporal order of the sub-procedures and operation data for the dialysis system (20) during the sub-procedures, and wherein said determining (204) a projected power consumption comprises: determining (402) the projected power consumption based on the operational schedule.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: updating (419) the operational schedule when said modifying (206) is deemed to change the operational schedule.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising, before the heat disinfection procedure: obtaining (601) reference data indicative of electricity use in the residential space or another residential space; operating (602) a prediction model on the reference data to determine a predicted power consumption in the residential space over time; and determining (603-608) the operational schedule for the heat disinfection procedure based on the predicted power consumption.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, before the heat disinfection procedure: obtaining (607) a first start time for starting the dialysis therapy; and determining (608) a second start time for starting the heat disinfection procedure based on the first start time.

16. The method of any one of claims 12-15, wherein the operation data of a subprocedure defines one or more of: a target temperature of heated fluid that is distributed in the dialysis system (20) during the sub-procedure; a rate of increase in fluid temperature during the sub-procedure; a momentary power consumption for electrical heating during the sub-procedure; a rate of increase in power consumption for electrical heating during the sub-procedure; one or more fluid paths to be exposed to the heated fluid when the heated fluid is distributed in the dialysis system (20) during the subprocedure; a duration of exposure of the one or more fluid paths to the heated fluid at the target temperature; a composition of the heated fluid; or one or more electrical heaters (Hl, H2) in the dialysis system (20) to be activated during the sub-procedure.

17. The method of any preceding claim, wherein said determining (204) the projected power consumption comprises: determining (204a) a projected power consumption of the dialysis system (20) based on a scheduled operation of the dialysis system during the heat disinfection procedure; determining (204b), at a current time, a current power consumption of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An) in the residential space; and determining (204b) a projected power consumption of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An) based on the current power consumption of the one or more additional electrical devices (Al -An).

18. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: determining (703) a momentary supplied power to a group of apparatuses (DSG) in the dialysis system (20), wherein said evaluating (205) comprises determining (702) a maximum allowable power consumption for the group of apparatuses (DSG), and wherein said modifying (206) the heat disinfection procedure comprises operating (704) an apparatus (130) among the group of apparatuses (DSG) to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the maximum allowable power consumption is determined to counteract the upcoming power shortage.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the group of apparatuses (DSG) comprises said apparatus (130) and at least one additional apparatus (140), wherein said method further comprises operating (701) said apparatus (130) to transfer electrical power to said at least one additional apparatus (140), wherein said determining (703) the momentary supplied power comprises measuring electrical power supplied to said apparatus (130), and wherein said apparatus (130) is operated to adjust its power consumption to prevent the electrical power supplied to said apparatus (130) from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

21. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by processor circuitry (152) in a computer device (150), causes the computer device (150) to perform the method of any one of claims 1-20.

22. A control device, which is configured for operative connection to a dialysis system (20) installed in a residential space and for connection to a power meter arrangement (PM; PCUl-PCUn, PCUi) configured to measure a momentary powerconsumption in the residential space, wherein the control device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-20.

23. An apparatus for use in a dialysis system together with at least one additional apparatus (140), said apparatus comprising: a functional unit (131) for performing a function of the dialysis system; a first electrical connector (133) for receiving input power; a second electrical connector (136) for providing output power to the at least one additional apparatus (140); a power line arrangement (132, 135) for distributing electrical power from the first electrical connector (133) to the functional unit (131) and to the second electrical connector (136); and a control device (134) which is configured to: obtain a maximum allowable power consumption for a combination of the apparatus (130) and the at least one additional apparatus (140); determine a momentary supplied power to the combination of the apparatus (130) and the at least one additional apparatus (140) via the first electrical connector (133); and operate the functional unit (131) to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the control device (134) is configured to allow the output power at the second electrical connector (136) to vary freely within a power range.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the power range extends to the maximum allowable power consumption.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-25, further comprising at least one power meter (137; 137a, 137b) for measuring the momentary supplied power.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said at least one power meter (137) is arranged to measure the electrical power supplied to the apparatus via the first electrical connector (133).

28. The apparatus of claims 26 or 27, wherein said at least one power meter comprises a first power meter (137a) that is arranged to measure a first electrical power43(Pl) supplied to the functional unit (131), and a second power meter (137b) arranged to measure a second electrical power (P2) supplied to the second electrical connector (136).

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the control device (134) is configured to determine a target value for the first electrical power based on the first electrical power, the second electrical power, and the maximum allowable power consumption, and operate the functional unit (131) to achieve the target value, so as to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-29, further comprising a power storage (40), wherein the control device (134) is further configured to selectively cause the power storage (40) to supply power (Px) to the functional unit (131) to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the control device (134) is further configured to selectively direct power (Px) from the first electrical connector (133) to the power storage when the momentary supplied power is below the maximum allowable power consumption.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-31, which is configured to, by the functional unit (131), supply treatment fluid for use in dialysis therapy.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the at least one additional apparatus (140) includes a therapy device, which is configured to receive the treatment fluid from the apparatus (130) and perform dialysis therapy by use of the treatment fluid.

34. The apparatus of claim 32 or 33, which is further configured to, by the functional unit (131), generate the treatment fluid by mixing purified water with one or more concentrates.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, which is further configured to, by the functional unit (131), generate the purified water by purification of source water.4436. A computer-implemented method of operating an apparatus (130) among a group of apparatuses (DSG) in a dialysis system, said method comprising: obtaining (702) a maximum allowable power consumption for the group of apparatuses (DSG); determining (703) a momentary supplied power to the group of apparatuses (DSG); and operating (704) the apparatus to prevent the momentary supplied power from exceeding the maximum allowable power consumption.

37. A control device, which is configured for operative connection to an apparatus (130) among a group of apparatuses (DSG) in a dialysis system and for connection to at least one power meter (137; 137a, 137b) configured to measure a momentary supplied power to the group of apparatuses (DSG), wherein the control device is configured to perform the method of claim 36.

38. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by processor circuitry in a computer device, causes the computer device to perform the method of claim 36.

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