Home storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to a home storage system (1) comprising an electrical store (10) which can be connected to a home power grid (20) by means of a plug (12), in particular a Schuko plug, and comprising a networked current meter (30) which detects the energy flow into the home power grid (20) from a power grid (40) and the energy flow from the home power grid (20) into the power grid (40). According to the invention, the networked current meter (30) and / or a control unit (35) connected to the networked current meter (30) monitors whether the electrical store (10) is connected to the home power grid (20), and the networked current meter (30) and / or the control unit (35), if it determines that the electrical store (10) is connected to the home power grid (20), activates the feedback capability of the electrical store (10).

Description

[0001] R. 414418IP1

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] The present invention relates to a home storage system with an electrical storage device and a method for controlling a home storage system.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Conventional home energy storage systems require costly installation and commissioning by an electrician. Electrical storage systems with standard plugs, especially Schuko plugs, are dangerous because the voltage supplied by the storage system is present at the plug, which is not protected against accidental contact. Furthermore, some systems pose a risk of uncontrolled backfeeding if the storage system does not communicate properly with the smart meter.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a home storage system that enables safe, compliant and efficient feeding of energy back into the home power grid.

[0010] The problem is solved by a home storage system according to claim 1. The system comprises an electrical storage device that can be connected to the home electrical grid by means of a plug, in particular a detachable plug, and a networked electricity meter that records the energy flow between the home electrical grid and the, in particular public, electrical grid. R. 414418IP1

[0011] - 2 -

[0012] Preferably, a connected control unit is configured. A communication link exists between the electricity meter and the control unit. The control unit is configured to control devices, in particular smart home devices, HVAC systems, white goods, or devices for controlling the electrical installation of a building. Specifically, the connected control unit is configured as a smart home controller or an energy manager. Preferably, the control unit is part of an inverter. Examples of devices commonly used in smart home environments today include light sources, blinds, heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, cameras, ovens, and cooktops. Furthermore, modern smart home systems can be controlled remotely, for example, via a mobile input device, in particular a smartphone, tablet, or mobile phone.

[0013] Preferably, the invention also comprises only a corresponding electrical storage device and / or a networked electricity meter. The electrical storage device and the networked electricity meter communicate directly with each other.

[0014] According to a further development of the invention, the connected control unit is part of the electrical storage device.

[0015] The networked electricity meter monitors the connection of the electrical storage system to the home's electrical grid and only activates the power supply capability of the electrical storage system when a connection exists.

[0016] Monitoring the connection prevents uncontrolled backfeeding. The electrical storage unit can only feed energy back into the home's electrical grid if the connection to the networked electricity meter has been confirmed and / or if the networked electricity meter and / or the connected control unit has enabled, in particular activated, the backfeed capability.

[0017] The measures listed in the dependent claims result in advantageous further developments and improvements of the features specified in the main claim. R. 414418IP1

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[0019] A further development of the invention is that the electrical storage device controls the feed-back of electricity into the home power grid depending on its state of charge and the energy flow determined by the networked electricity meter, in particular the amount of energy flow.

[0020] Possible energy flows are from the home electrical grid to the mains electricity grid or from the mains electricity grid to the home electrical grid.

[0021] The level of feedback is preferably proportional to the energy flow from the public grid into the home's electrical system, or vice versa. Preferably, the level of feedback is selected such that the electrical storage system essentially neither feeds electrical energy into the grid nor draws electrical energy from the grid for the electrical storage system or consumers in the home's electrical system. "Essentially" here means that an attempt is made to keep the energy flow into and out of the grid as low as possible. However, delays in the system's response to changes, particularly in PV generation or the addition of a consumer, can always lead to a temporary increase in the energy flow into or out of the grid.

[0022] Another operating mode enables the use of dynamic electricity tariffs. In this mode, the storage system uses an operating strategy to minimize the cost of electricity procurement over a balancing period. Here, the system selects whether to feed energy back into the grid or charge the storage unit based on current electricity costs. Preferably, the control unit has an interface to a system that provides current and / or future costs. This cost information is also used to control the feed-in. When electricity prices are low, the storage system is charged with energy from the grid. Conversely, when electricity prices are high, energy can be fed back into the grid from the storage system. Withdrawal or feed-in is regulated primarily based on prices. Control for grid stabilization is also conceivable. Furthermore, control within the framework of electricity trading is possible. R. 414418IP1

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[0024] A further advantage is that the networked electricity meter regularly provides a feedback signal to the electrical storage system, in particular by generating and / or transmitting or making available for retrieval, which contains the current energy flow or is designed to reflect the energy flow. This signal enables dynamic adjustment of the feed-in to the current grid conditions. This contributes to further optimization of the control system.

[0025] An advantageous further development is that communication between the electrical storage device and the networked electricity meter takes place via the home's electrical grid, in particular by means of up-modulation, preferably harmonics, or powerline communication. Preferably, activation is effected by a signal or a digital data packet according to a defined protocol.

[0026] A beneficial further development is the training of a connected control unit. The connected control unit communicates with the networked electricity meter and the electrical storage system.

[0027] According to an advantageous further development, the control unit performs the calculations based on the information from the networked control unit.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the identification of the storage device by the networked electricity meter is enabled by the electrical storage device providing an initialization signal after establishing a connection to the home power grid, in particular by transmitting or making available for retrieval. This signal can be realized, for example, by generating a load pulse, transmitting a modulated signal, in particular a modulated power signal, or by generating a modulated energy flow to the home power grid or by causing a unique change in the energy flow.

[0029] The identification, or rather the detection, of an electrical storage device being connected to the home's electrical grid can be carried out phase-specifically in multi-phase systems within the home's electrical network, thus enabling the detection of multiple electrical storage devices on one phase or multiple electrical storage devices on R. 414418IP1

[0030] - 5 - different phases can be implemented. Depending on the country configuration, this can enable legally compliant operation (in combination with other measures such as geofencing).

[0031] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a home storage system. The method comprises the following process steps.

[0032] In one process step, it is monitored whether the electrical storage system is connected to the home's electrical grid. Preferably, this process step is performed by the networked electricity meter. Preferably, the networked electricity meter is supported in this by the connected control unit. According to an advantageous embodiment, the process step is performed by the connected control unit, in particular the energy manager or another component of the home storage system, especially an inverter or a smart home controller.

[0033] In one process step, the regenerative capability of the electrical storage device is activated by the networked electricity meter or a control unit connected to the networked electricity meter when monitoring shows that the electrical storage device is connected to the home power grid.

[0034] An advantageous further development of the invention is that the electrical storage device, once connected to the home's electrical grid, provides an initialization signal by generating a load pulse, or sending a modulated signal, in particular a modulated power signal, or generating a modulated energy flow to the home's electrical grid, or causing a unique change in the energy flow that can be determined by the networked electricity meter or the control unit. The networked electricity meter monitors the electrical grid for the presence of such a signal.

[0035] According to further training, the initialization signal is a modulation of the energy flow according to a defined choreography. R. 414418IP1

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[0037] A further advantage is that as soon as the networked electricity meter detects a signal from the electrical storage device during its monitoring, particularly an initialization signal, it informs a control unit. Specifically, it provides information that it has received a signal. "Providing" in this context means generating and transmitting the signal or making it available for retrieval.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the following process steps are carried out in particular after the regenerative capability has been activated.

[0039] In one process step, the energy flow is determined at the networked electricity meter.

[0040] In one process step, a feedback signal is provided, which depends on the energy flow recorded by the networked electricity meter. Preferably, this process step is executed by the networked electricity meter.

[0041] In one process step, the feed-in of electricity from the electrical storage system into the home's electrical grid is controlled, depending on the charge level of the electrical storage system and the provided feed-in signal, provided the feed-in capability is activated. Specifically, the feed-in occurs depending on the energy flow into or out of the home's electrical grid.

[0042] Examples of implementation are shown in the figures and explained in more detail in the following description. They show:

[0043] Figure 1 shows the essential components of the home storage system,

[0044] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of the procedure for controlling the home storage system, and

[0045] Figure 3 shows various operating states of the home storage system. R. 414418IP1

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[0047] The accompanying figures illustrate the invention and its functionality in detail.

[0048] Figure 1 shows the essential components of the home storage system 1 and their interaction.

[0049] The electrical storage device 10 stores electrical energy and can utilize various technologies such as lithium, lead-acid, NiCd, NiMH, NaNiCl2, or redox flow batteries or capacitors, particularly ultracapacitors. Preferably, a lithium-based storage device is used. Examples include lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate batteries.

[0050] Preferably, an electrical storage device 10 includes a (storage) inverter. Preferably, within the scope of the invention, a (storage) inverter performs the conversion of the electrical energy such that it is fed into or drawn from the home electrical grid 20.

[0051] The connection to the home's electrical grid 20 is made via a plug 12, e.g., a Schuko plug (Type F). This allows for easy installation, as no electrician is required. In particular, the plug is a standard, commercially available plug that is compatible with the socket system used in private homes.

[0052] Preferably, the connector 20 is a connecting element for establishing an electrical connection, particularly one that is re-disconnectable. Specifically, the connector parts are aligned by a positive fit and secured by spring force in a force-fit manner, and / or additionally secured against unintentional disconnection by screwing. Preferably, it is a male connector. Examples of connectors include: Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type E, Type F, Type E+F, Type G, Type H, Type I, Type J, Type K, Type L, Type M, CEE, or CeKon connectors. Preferably, special feed-in plugs or feed-in sockets can also be used. R. 414418IP1

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[0054] The home electrical network 20 supplies the electrical appliances 60 in the household with energy. Preferably, the home electrical network is a 110V, 120V, 220V, or 230V AC network. However, it can also be a DC network.

[0055] The networked electricity meter 30, also known as a smart meter, measures the energy flow between the home electricity network 20 and the public electricity network 40 and can serve as a central control unit for the feed-in.

[0056] Preferably, the networked electricity meter 30 is configured and arranged between the two networks 20, 40. Preferably, the networked electricity meter 30 can also have sensors which, attached to the electrical lines, can determine the energy flow, in particular its magnitude and / or direction.

[0057] The public electricity grid 40 supplies the home network 20 with electrical energy.

[0058] Optionally, a PV system 50, especially with an inverter, is installed.

[0059] According to a further development of the invention, the PV system, in particular the PV modules of the PV system, can be directly connected to the electrical storage device 10. "Directly connected" here means that no conversion to AC takes place. The voltage provided by the PV system in DC is not converted to AC. The PV system can therefore do without a DC / AC inverter.

[0060] The bidirectional communication link between electrical storage 10 and networked electricity meter 30 enables data exchange, e.g. via powerline communication or by means of a communication signal modulated into the home power grid 20.

[0061] According to further training, communication between electrical storage 10 and / or control unit 35 and / or networked electricity meter 30 is wired, in particular by means of a bus system, Powerline, M-Bus, R. 414418IP1

[0062] - 9 -

[0063] Ethernet, EIB, CAN, KNX, EMS, 1-Wire, DALI, DMX, OpenTherm or wireless, preferably Bluetooth, NFC, RFID, ANT+, Dash7, GPRS, UMTS, 5G, LTE, WiMAX, LoRaWAN, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread, 868 MHz or Wi-Fi or optical, especially using pulse-modulated light. The interface includes the necessary hardware components, such as processing units, amplifiers, and antennas, as well as the required software for communication using one of the aforementioned technologies or protocols.

[0064] The communication between the electrical storage device 10 and the electricity meter 30, the electricity meter 30 and the control unit 35, and the control unit 35 and the electrical storage device 10 can also be configured differently.

[0065] In particular, the dashed lines in Figure 1 represent communication links. These are optional.

[0066] Communication means are used in particular to establish the communication link. Preferably, the electricity meter 30, the electrical storage device 10, and the control unit 35 each have at least one communication means.

[0067] Figure 1 illustrates energy flows 70, 72, and 74 as examples. Energy flow 70, from the PV system 50 to the storage unit via the home electrical grid 20, is shown as an example; energy flow 72, from the electrical storage unit 10 to the point of consumption 60 via the home electrical grid 20, and energy flow 74, from the electrical storage unit 10 to the power grid 40, are shown as examples. In particular, energy can also flow from the power grid 40 to the electrical storage unit 10, preferably when the cost of electricity from the power grid 40 is low. In particular, energy can also flow from the storage unit 10 to the power grid 40. Reasons for this could be the electricity price or grid stability. Electricity can also flow into or out of the power grid 40 due to energy trading.

[0068] Preferably, the networked electricity meter 30 monitors the energy flows, in particular their magnitude and / or direction, from the home electrical network 20 to the electrical network 40 and from the electrical network 40 to the home electrical network 20. R. 414418IP1

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[0070] If the networked electricity meter 30 detects, particularly during its monitoring, that the electrical storage device 10 is electrically connected to the home power grid 20, i.e., that the electrical plug 12, in particular the connecting plug, has established an electrical connection with the home power grid 20, in particular via a junction box, it releases the feed-back through the electrical storage device 10.

[0071] Preferably, the electrical storage device 10, after being connected to a power grid, in particular the home power grid 20, generates an initialization signal. Specifically, it generates a modulated energy flow, preferably according to a choreography. The electricity meter 30 monitors the home power grid 20 for the presence of a modified energy flow according to the defined choreography and / or an initialization signal.

[0072] The electrical storage device 10 has no voltage applied to the connector as long as the regenerative power supply is not enabled, in particular as long as the regenerative capability is not active. This prevents any hazards from emanating from the electrical connector. Specifically, "no voltage" means that no significant current flow is provided. In particular, the voltage and / or current is so low that it poses no risk of injury or danger. However, a small voltage and / or current may be provided in the form of the initialization signal.

[0073] Preferably, the networked electricity meter 30 sends an activation signal when its monitoring indicates that the electrical storage device 10 is properly connected to the home's electrical grid 20. This activation signal enables the electrical storage device 10 to feed power back into the grid.

[0074] If the electrical storage unit 10 is activated, in particular if the feed-in function is enabled, the networked electricity meter 30 can send a feed-in signal. The feed-in signal depends on the energy flow into or out of the home electrical network 20. R. 414418IP1

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[0076] According to further training, the electrical storage unit 10 is controlled by means of the feed-in signal in such a way that, as far as possible, the energy required in the home electrical network 20 is not drawn from the power grid 40, but is provided by the electrical storage unit 10 or the PV system 50. The feed-in signal thus contains information that allows the electrical storage unit 10 to feed back precisely the amount of electrical energy that is currently needed in the home electrical network 20.

[0077] According to further training, the feed-in signal can also be designed in such a way that electrical energy is fed from the storage unit 10 into the power grid 40.

[0078] The feedback signal from meter 30 to storage 10 contains information about the current energy flow between networks 20, 40 and enables the dynamic adjustment of the feedback.

[0079] According to an advantageous embodiment, an initialization signal is generated, and in particular transmitted, by the electrical storage device 10. The initialization signal is sent from the storage device 10 to the counter 30 as soon as the electrical storage device 10 is connected and serves to identify and signal operational readiness. The initialization signal can be provided or transmitted, in particular, via a communication link, modulation (harmonics), or powerline communication.

[0080] Figure 2 illustrates the steps of the procedure for controlling a home storage system 1 .

[0081] After startup, the networked electricity meter 30 continuously or regularly monitors whether an electrical storage device 10 is electrically connected to the home power grid 20. Alternatively, the electricity meter 30 or the electrical storage device 10 actively requests the initialization routine ("pairing"). This can occur automatically at cyclical intervals when connected to the home power grid 20, or manually by the user. R. 414418IP1

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[0083] Preferably, the electrical storage device 10 generates an initialization signal after being connected to the home power grid 20. In process step 105, the generation / provision of an initialization signal takes place. The initialization signal is, in particular, an energy flow corresponding to a defined, especially predetermined, choreography.

[0084] Preferably, the initialization signal is provided or sent via a communication link, modulation (harmonics), or powerline communication.

[0085] Preferably, the initialization signal is provided, and in particular generated, by the electrical storage device 10 at defined intervals. Specifically, the initialization signal is provided until activation occurs. The electricity meter 30 monitors the home electrical network 20 for the presence of an initialization signal.

[0086] Preferably, an electrical storage device 10 can be identified by its initialization signal. In particular, each electrical storage device 10 has its own initialization signal, especially a choreographed signal.

[0087] The electrical storage device 10 can generate an initialization signal. This initialization signal can be generated by creating a load pulse, sending a modulated signal (in particular a modulated power signal), generating a modulated energy flow to the home's electrical grid, or causing a unique change in the energy flow that can be detected by the networked electricity meter 30. The initialization signal can also be sent to or provided to the electricity meter 30 via a communication link.

[0088] The intelligent electricity meter 30 waits for such a signal when monitoring 110.

[0089] In particular, the electrical storage device 10 can begin charging, resulting in a change in energy flow at the networked electricity meter 30. This R. 414418IP1

[0090] - 13 - A changed energy flow can represent an initialization signal, which is detected by the networked electricity meter 30. In particular, the charging current can follow a choreography and thus represent the initialization signal. Based on this, the networked electricity meter 30 can infer the presence of an electrical storage device 10, which is connected to the home's electrical grid 20.

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, the electrical storage device 10 can execute a specific charging choreography, which is perceived by the networked storage device 10 as an initialization signal.

[0092] If a connection of the electrical storage device 10 with the home power grid 20 is detected, the networked electricity meter 30 activates the backfeed capability of the electrical storage device 10.

[0093] According to an optional configuration, the networked electricity meter 30 informs the control unit 35 when monitoring 110 indicates that the electrical storage device 10 is connected to the home power grid 20. Preferably, the electricity meter 30 transmits information, in particular specific values, preferably measured values, regarding the energy flows to the control unit, which evaluates this information. The control unit 35 evaluates the information from the networked electricity meter 30, in particular monitoring it for the presence of the signal, preferably the initialization signal. The control unit 35 then activates, in particular, the regenerative capability of the electrical storage device 10.

[0094] If the regenerative capability of storage 10 is activated, the electrical storage 10 can feed electrical energy back into the grid.

[0095] Preferably, activation 120 is achieved by sending an unlock signal or a first feedback signal. The first feedback signal can also represent an unlock signal.

[0096] If the electrical storage unit 10 is activated and connected to the home power grid 20, the networked electricity meter 30 determines the energy flow between the grids 20 and 40 in process step 130 and sends the information as R. 414418IP1

[0097] - 14 -

[0098] Feed-back signal to storage unit 10 (140). In process step 130, the energy flow is determined at the networked electricity meter 30.

[0099] In process step 140, a feedback signal is provided, which depends on the energy flow recorded by the networked electricity meter 30.

[0100] In process step 150, the electrical storage device 10 controls the regenerative braking based on the state of charge and the regenerative braking signal.

[0101] Steps 130 to 150 are repeated at regular intervals.

[0102] In step 170, it is checked whether the electrical storage device 10 is still connected to the home power grid 20. If a disconnection is detected, the process continues with step 110 "Monitoring".

[0103] If the electrical storage device 10 is disconnected from the home power grid 20, its ability to feed back into the grid is deactivated.

[0104] Figure 3 shows different operating states and their influence on energy flows. The x-axis represents the time course. The y-axis represents the energy flow.

[0105] Section A illustrates how the home storage system 1 behaves when the storage unit 10 is not connected to the home power grid 20. The electrical energy is drawn from the power grid 40.

[0106] Section B illustrates how the home storage system 1 behaves when the electrical storage unit 10 feeds back into the home's electrical grid 20.

[0107] Between areas A and B, the electrical storage unit 10 has been connected to the home power grid 20. A release 120, in particular an activation of the backfeed capability, has taken place. R. 414418IP1

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[0109] Section C shows how the home storage system 1 behaves when the charge of the electrical storage device 10 decreases. This can be seen from the decrease in the energy fed back into the grid.

[0110] Section D illustrates how the home storage system 1 behaves when the electrical storage unit 10 is empty. The home's electrical grid 20 and its consumption 60 are supplied exclusively by the public grid 40. The storage unit 10 is empty, and no photovoltaic (PV) energy from the PV system 50 is available. Electrical energy can also be supplied by another power source, such as a wind turbine or a generator, instead of the PV system 50.

[0111] Section E illustrates how system 1 behaves when the electrical storage unit 10 is being charged and PV energy is available. It is possible that the PV system 50 generates more electrical energy than the consumers 60 can absorb, and the electrical storage unit 10 can store the excess. In this case, the surplus electrical energy is fed into the power grid 40.

[0112] Area F shows when the electrical storage unit 10 is fully charged and the excess electrical energy provided by the PV system 50 is fed into the power grid 40.

[0113] Instead of energy flow, the terms power flow or current flow can also be used.

Claims

R. 414418IP1 - 16 - Claims 1. Home storage system (1) comprising an electrical storage device (10) which can be connected to a home electrical network (20) by means of a plug (12), in particular a Schuko plug, and a networked electricity meter (30) which records the energy flow into the home electrical network (20) from an electrical network (40) and the energy flow from the home electrical network (20) into the electrical network (40), characterized in that the networked electricity meter (30) and / or a control unit (35) connected to the networked electricity meter (30) monitors whether the electrical storage device (10) is connected to the home electrical network (20), and that the networked electricity meter (30) and / or the control unit (35), when it determines that the electrical storage device (10) is connected to the home electrical network (20), activates the regenerative capability of the electrical storage device (10).

2. Home storage system (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrical storage device (10) controls the feed-in of electrical energy into the home power grid (20) depending on its state of charge and an energy flow determined by the networked electricity meter (30), wherein the amount of feed-in depends on the energy flow from the power grid (40) into the home power grid (20), in particular is designed such that the energy flow from the power grid (40) or into the power grid (40) is close to a defined specification, in particular minimal.

3. Home storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the networked electricity meter (30) or the control unit (35) provides a feedback signal to the electrical storage (10), in particular regularly, wherein the feedback signal is dependent on the energy flow detected at the electricity meter (30).

4. Home storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication between the electrical storage device (10) and the networked electricity meter (30) and / or R. 414418IP1 - 17 - the control unit (35) via the home power grid (20), in particular by means of modulation (harmonics) or powerline communication.

5. Home storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical storage device (10), as soon as it is connected to the home power grid (20), provides an initialization signal by generating a load pulse or sending a modulated signal, in particular a modulated power signal, or by generating a modulated energy flow to the home power grid (20) or by causing a unique change in the energy flow that can be determined by the networked electricity meter (30) or the control unit (35).

6. Method (100) for controlling a home storage system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the method steps: a. Monitoring (110) whether the electrical storage device (10) is connected to the home power grid (20), b. Activating (120) the regenerative capability of the electrical storage device (10) by the networked electricity meter (30) or a control device (35) connected to the networked electricity meter (30), when the monitoring (110) shows that the electrical storage device (10) is connected to the home power grid (20).

7. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrical storage device (10), as soon as it is connected to the home power grid (20), provides an initialization signal by generating a load pulse, or sending a modulated signal, in particular a modulated power signal, or generating a modulated energy flow to the home power grid (20), or causing a unique change in the energy flow that can be determined by the networked electricity meter (30) or the control unit (35), and that the networked electricity meter (30) monitors the home power grid (20) for the presence of such a signal.

8. Method (100) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the networked electricity meter (30), when it is a R. 414418IP1 - 18 - The initialization signal is detected, informing a connected control unit (35), which activates the regenerative capability, in particular by means of a control signal.

9. Method (100) according to claim 6 or 8, characterized by the additional method steps: a. Determining (130) the energy flow at the networked electricity meter (30), b. Providing (140) a feedback signal, which depends on the energy flow detected by the networked electricity meter (30), by means of the networked electricity meter (30) or the connected control unit (35), c. Controlling (150) the feeding back of electrical energy from the electrical storage device (10) into the home power grid (20) depending on the state of charge of the electrical storage device (10) and the provided feedback signal, when the feedback capability is activated.

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