Control Unit for Energy Feed-in via Price Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of maintaining network stability in electrical supply networks is exacerbated by the lack of direct communication and information exchange between local energy producers, such as photovoltaic systems, and grid operators, leading to potential fluctuations in electricity supply and demand, which can disrupt grid frequency and voltage, compromising power supply reliability.
Innovation Solution
A control unit is introduced that communicates with external energy consumers via a communication network to receive and compare electricity prices, determining whether to feed electrical energy into the network based on these prices, prioritizing network stability over energy storage, and incorporating authentication and security measures to prevent falsified data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If local energy producers feed electrical energy into the public supply network without direct communication with grid operators, then energy autonomy and simplicity are maintained, but network stability deteriorates due to lack of coordination and information exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that mediates between local energy producers and the public supply network. This intermediary layer enables information exchange about energy generation, consumption, and grid status without requiring direct complex communication between all parties, thus maintaining relative system simplicity while improving network stability through coordinated energy feeding decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where information about grid status, energy prices, and consumption patterns is communicated back to local energy producers. This feedback enables producers to adjust their energy feeding decisions dynamically, contributing to network stability while maintaining autonomous operation without requiring complex direct communication infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If electrical energy is fed into the supply network based on local decisions without price comparison, then operational simplicity is maintained, but economic efficiency deteriorates due to potential unfair billing and missed optimization opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary actions by allowing local energy producers to compare energy prices and make informed feeding decisions before actually feeding energy into the network. This preliminary price comparison and decision-making process optimizes economic efficiency and prevents unfair billing, while the automated nature of the system maintains operational simplicity without requiring complex manual interventions.
3Reliability
If communication interfaces are added to enable price comparison and authentication, then network stability and economic efficiency improve, but device complexity increases due to additional communication and security components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal communication interfaces that serve multiple functions: energy price comparison, authentication, and coordination with grid operators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving network stability and economic efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity through consolidated communication infrastructure.
4Loss of information
If authentication mechanisms are implemented to prevent falsified data, then data integrity improves, but system complexity increases due to additional security measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication mechanisms where the communication interfaces automatically verify data integrity and authenticate partners without requiring complex external security infrastructure. This automated authentication process prevents falsified data and maintains data integrity while minimizing the increase in system complexity through self-verification capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a control unit for a power feed-in unit for feeding electrical energy into an electrical supply network, wherein the power feed-in unit is electrically connected to the electrical supply network and an energy generator. The control unit comprises a first communication interface configured to receive a first value from an external energy consumer connected to the power feed-in unit via the electrical supply network, and a first data storage unit configured to store a second value. The control unit is configured to compare the first value with the second value and, depending on the result of the comparison, to control the feed-in of electrical energy into the electrical supply network.Furthermore, an energy feed-in unit, an energy feed-in system and a network infrastructure are revealed.