Multi-tariff Meter Control for Dynamic Energy Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recording and billing electricity consumption in apartment buildings, especially when involving both network operator and local renewable energy sources, are complex and prone to errors due to fixed percentage calculations, leading to unfair advantages and disadvantages for tenants based on changing electricity usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A control unit with a PI controller integrates total electricity consumption from multiple sources over time, activating multi-tariff meter registers to accurately separate and distribute costs between network operator and local electricity, ensuring fair billing and quick adjustments to changing consumption patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed percentage calculations are used to allocate electricity consumption between local and grid sources, then billing simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and fairness deteriorate due to rapid changes in consumption patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed percentage allocations to dynamic real-time switching between tariff registers based on actual consumption patterns. The control unit continuously monitors consumption and switches between local and grid electricity tariffs dynamically, ensuring accurate allocation that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining billing simplicity through automated register selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rapid switching between electricity sources occurs, then adaptability to changing conditions improves, but reliability of billing deteriorates due to short-term fluctuations favoring or disadvantaging individual consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuous monitoring and switching of tariff registers without interruption. The control unit continuously tracks consumption from local and grid sources, maintaining uninterrupted accurate billing by seamlessly switching between tariffs based on real-time consumption patterns, ensuring both adaptability and reliability through continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring consumption data from multiple sources and using this information to dynamically switch between tariff registers. The control unit receives consumption feedback, processes it through the algorithm, and adjusts tariff allocation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that ensures both adaptability to changes and reliability through data-driven decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If complex local metering units with data connections are deployed, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing multi-tariff meters multi-functional by enabling them to handle multiple electricity sources (local and grid) through algorithm-controlled register switching. Instead of deploying complex new metering units, the invention utilizes standard multi-tariff meters with added control logic, achieving precise measurement of multiple sources while avoiding the complexity of completely new hardware systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for load-dependent consumption recording of different electricity sources in the end-customer area, particularly in multi-family dwellings, comprising at least one control unit 1 and several multi-tariff consumption meters 2, 3, 4. In order to enable correct billing for the end customers, a method has been selected which is characterized in that a control unit 1 activates the multi-tariff consumption meters 2, 3, 4 depending on the electricity source and distinguishes between electricity consumption from a local electricity producer and electricity consumption from a grid operator.