JP2003503997A - How to manage the energy consumption of household appliances - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This is a method for managing the power consumption of a user system. The user system includes a set of users (U) including a set of smart users (UI) with a control system (SC). The set of users (U) are operatively connected to a power supply network (RE). The user system further includes power measurement means (CE, NM) capable of transmitting information on power consumption (PD) to the control system (SC). The control system (SC) controls the power consumption of the associated smart user (UI) based on the information on the power consumption (PD) transmitted by the power measuring means (CE, NM). According to the present invention, each control system (SC) is based on information about power consumption (PD) and information about the state of the associated smart user (UI) obtained from the control system itself (SC). , Perform control of the power consumption of the associated smart user (UI). The information on the power consumption (PD) and the status information (PriorEff) of the smart user (UI) are processed to determine a priority (PriorEff), and power can be received from the power supply network (RE). The associated smart user (UI) right is set for consumption of the power packet (ΔP).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for managing power consumption of a user (device used) system.
The user system is: a set of smart users (collection of smart users) with a control system.
Including a set of users (aggregation of users), the set of users being operatively connected to (by the operation of) a power supply network, information about power consumption can be transmitted to the control system. Further included is power measuring means. Here, the control system performs the power consumption control of the associated smart user based on the power consumption information transmitted by the power measuring means.

Practically used for simultaneous or parallel operation of many users in a given environment (
When more resource availability (quantity) than required can be requested, limit the number of users operating at the same time and / or impose a temporarily reduced activity on all or only a few of them. For this, it may be appropriate to carry out an automatic organization. Such requirements are particularly due to the above-mentioned
Feeling about household appliances that receive electricity when it is power that can be obtained (used, received) from the tricity board). Its automatic organization either selects users who will sometimes benefit based on fully accepted procedures (first come first served) or, in a more or less complex manner, selects users during their execution. Any principle that refers to the priority level assigned to must be adopted.

Limiting the peak (maximum) of consumption is an appropriate measure, resulting in significant savings. In fact, the power supply configuration must be oversized (capacity) due to peak absorption (consumption). For the person who uses the appliance (hereinafter referred to as "consumer"), such a limitation can save money when the over-consumption causes an increase in the power rate (rate, charge rate), or the over-consumption cuts off the current. In the case of causing, the overall operation performance (global performance) is improved.

Of course, whatever automatic organization, more or less smart users (intelligent-use equipment, intelligent-use equipment), ie send and / or receive signals and modify their state according to the received signals. Suppose there is a user who can at least do that. However, in general, there is inevitably a dummy user, that is, a user without the interactive function of the smart user.

In the known system, for example, the organization of the system is obtained through a properly programmed central unit which has received information about the requested data, the unit being at maximum power energization or partial load. About users (devices used)
Coordinate between users either by giving or giving consent or denying approval. Some of them, the most evolved central units, know how to manage priority requests for services assigned to users.

Such a control principle is disclosed in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,324,987, US Pat. No. 4,418,333, US Pat. No. 5,544,036, US Pat.
6,510, US Pat. No. 5,625,236, US Pat. No. 5,598,349.
And U.S. Pat. No. 5,543,667. In any case,
Centralized power management through a coordinating central unit (or power manager) has several drawbacks, especially when the user changes the device configuration (eg by removing, replacing or adding equipment). ) In the above-mentioned US Pat. No. 5,436,5
As in the case of No. 10, the central unit also has to be reconfigured, and furthermore, a certain part of the allocated power is always left for use by uncontrollable or dummy users, thus However, the power consumption allowed is actually always low.

Moreover, the level of global reliability of such a system is at most equal to that of the central unit, and in the event of a failure or failure of the central unit, the overall system operation is compromised and in certain environments , Especially in the home environment, it is unacceptable that the reliability of the user (device used) is reduced simply by integrating it into a complex service system.

Significant improvements have been made by the system described in Italian Patent IT 012979545, filed in the name of the Applicant. Although it has a central unit, it does not have the ability to coordinate and control the user, and it has important (essential) information: maximum available power, actual power used (measured in real time). However, if a special timetable tariff is provided, it is limited to supplying the current expected electricity rate (rate). The patents mentioned above describe smart users who interact with each other about their requirements and priority levels, among the smart users whose priority is not available due to insufficient power availability. If not the best, each smart user either records (writes down) the other user's requests to either reduce their absorption (consumption) or stop (cancel) the other user. smart·
Give power (way) to the user. Of course, the prospective dummy user is able to process or trade, i.e. to secure himself the highest priority, but the dummy user
The user does not have to reserve the power portion of the dummy user at all times because the user only uses power while it is in operation.

Such power consumption organization is a major advance. The reason is that the system is 1
This is because the adjustment is voluntarily performed regardless of the change in the configuration of the users of the group. As a matter of fact, the organization is not centralized, but it is
This is the result of "mediation".

Nevertheless, the above procedure has some drawbacks in that a great deal of information is communicated between users and each smart unit requires complex elaboration.

An object of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks and to realize a method for managing power consumption of a user (apparatus used) system having more efficient and improved performance.

In this framework, the main object of the present invention is to avoid the situation where the power that is globally (globally) absorbed (consumed) by a set of smart users exceeds a predetermined power threshold. The power of the user system such that it controls the consumption of the smart user based on the smart user's own rules and internal information and on the regular (regular) information provided by the central unit. It is to realize a method of managing consumption.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a central unit or one or more of the plurality of “smart” users mentioned above in a fault or fault condition, in the absence of said central unit. Compared to the operational reliability of the remaining users that will be obtained,
It is to realize a method for managing the power consumption of a user system so as to guarantee the remaining users a no less operational reliability.

Another object of the present invention is to guarantee a stable system, without jeopardizing performance or increasing global consumption, allowing the user to perform a predetermined duty within a reasonable time.
), And implement a method of managing power consumption of the user system such that oscillation is prevented from occurring.

Another object of the invention is to realize a method for managing the power consumption of a user system incorporating the features of the claims to achieve the above mentioned objects.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description by way of non-limiting example and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a power consumption system in a domestic environment, in which the power is drawn from an external network (network) RE via a power meter CE and defined by a power limiter LP in the power supply contract (in the example above, 3 kW).

Four current sockets indicated by PR have an equal number of users (apparatuses) U, that is, a Landry washing machine LB with a power of 2 kW, a dishwasher LS with a power of 2.4 kW, 2
． Power a bread baking oven FO with a power of 8 kW and an iron FS with a power of 2 kW. Electricity meter CE, Landry washing machine LB, dishwasher LS, and oven FO
Are all powered from the electrical network via a suitable electronic interface IN. The electronic interface IN is provided for transmitting and receiving information via the electric network by using the carrier modulated wave. Any other known communication means may be used to implement the present invention.

The power meter CE may send a usable value of power PD to the user (equipment) at regular time intervals, for example every minute, and / or according to the relevant change in power consumption. In the following, the general information means obtained by the technique of such a known state and which can be confirmed (identified) by the associated power meter CE is referred to as a measuring node, which is referred to as Italian Patent No. 012795
It is described in detail in No. 45.

The landry washing machine LB, the dishwasher LS and the oven FO are each provided with corresponding control systems called SC1, SC2 and SC3 which communicate with an electronic interface IN. According to the invention, such a control system, which is hereinafter generally referred to as an SC, can manage the power consumption of the user with which it is associated in a completely autonomous manner (in an independent manner). On the other hand, Italian Patent No. 0
The control system described in 1279545 allows users to exchange mutually useful information such as water hardness, humidity, and room temperature in a collaborative manner.

In the following, the term smart user UI refers to all users U who are able to perform the functions given in the present invention, ie users with a control system SC in general, other users being dummy. -User UNI.

The power required by the control system SC of each user UI is obtained according to the operation (behavior, behavior) closely related to the request at that moment for executing or not executing its assigned service (service). By so instructing, the optimal consumption amount allocation is realized. In other words, each user's behavior (behavior) is uniquely (exclusively) adjusted at that moment, at a moment, by the priority level at which it performs its service and the actual available amount of power it needs. It

This is simply dependent on the decisions regarding the value of the current available power value PD and the parameter called the effective priority PriorEff calculated by the control system SC itself, all smart user UIs. Control system SC is provided to make decisions about the behavior of the smart user UI itself.

According to the invention, in most control system SC states, the effective priority PriorE
ff is equal to a quantity called dynamic priority PRD. Also, this dynamic priority PRD is related to the state of the smart user UI itself (program steps, monitored temperature, etc.) based on specific predetermined instructions for each smart user UI. Calculated by each control system SC on the basis of the internal information and finally on the external information supplied by the measurement node NM.

In summary, the state of the control system SC depends on the available (acquirable) power PD transmitted by the measurement node NM and the effective priority PriorEff calculated by the control system SC itself, which effective priority PriorEff. , Is not necessarily required, but takes a value based on the information received from the measurement node NM.

Next, as will become apparent later, the measurement node NM does not give any commands to the smart user UIs at all, but supplies all smart user UIs with the same information to supply these smart user UIs with the same information. -Limit itself to only indirectly dictate the behavior of the user UI. The reason is that the smart user UI itself takes into account the received information to change its state, if requested. Furthermore, the state of the control system SC of each user UI is Italian Patent 01279.
Unlike the state that occurs in the system described in No. 54, it is conditioned by a transaction (association) with another user UI.

In accordance with the present invention, each smart user UI is actually another smart user U.
It operates completely autonomously regardless of the request of I or the dummy user UN1.

The overall behavior of the smart user UI and dummy user is very similar to that of an individual collective or cellular automaton. In this case, a substantially stable and constant overall result is a predetermined plan (
It is not based on design), but rather as a result of non-identical individual actions sharing only common action rules.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the control system SC for each smart user UI
Is “Competition for Incremen:
It uses the first principle (principle) to obtain the power required for the operation called "t".

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the control system SC for each smart user UI
Is "Competition for Decrement"
A second principle (principle) is used to draw the power required for the operation referred to as "."

According to the present invention, the power consumption PA, that is, the power actually consumed by the user U is constantly measured, and the contracted (reserved) power PC, that is, the maximum power that can be used according to the power supply contract is known. , A measurement node NM for transmitting information about the available power PD at sufficiently close time intervals to the smart user UI.

FIG. 5 shows the trend of information about the available power PD as a function of time t. The magneto-thermal switch allows the power supply PC to exceed the contract supply power PC to some extent before the power is cut off.
Such contract power value will not be exceeded immediately but will be exceeded later. The less the power consumption is exceeded, the longer the above delay is. Therefore, the measurement node NM determines that the negative usable power (negative A
vailable power) PD message is not always sent. Therefore, the value of the available power PD was reprocessed by the measurement node and the over-consumed PC-PA and over-consumed period as well as the function of the tolerance set by the switchboard for operating the magneto-thermal switch ( Reprocessed) signal.

FIG. 5 shows an example with a practically constant negative overconsumption PC-PA, the function f (
The available power PD as PC, PA, t) decreases over time (in tune) as the over-consumption state continues until a negative value is reached.

According to the invention, when this situation occurs and the measurement node NM sends a message of negative available power PD, the active smart user UI receives the information of said negative available power PD. , Execute a competing process between smart users. At the end of the competing process, some smart user UIs, which usually, but not necessarily, have the highest dynamic priority PRD values, will get all or most of the power they need, and Gets only the minimum amount of power required for operation, and other users do not even get enough power for operation, and they enter a hibernation state (quiesce state: QUIESCENT State), and the first user does nothing. The program ends without any interference (interference) with. With respect to the minimum amount of power required for the above operation, the technique of the present invention will eventually result in reduced consumption by some users.
umption) or reduced load (reduced load)
It is clear that the fact of determining

According to the reduced consumption method (plan), it is possible to reduce the consumption by supplying the user with the same power consumption as in the normal operation period for a short time. For example,
The washing machine LS can compensate for the same performance by extending the mechanical washing time, so that the washing machine LS can be washed at a temperature slightly lower than the temperature normally required. Therefore, when the washing machine is informed by the information indicating the low available power PD that another user is requesting the electric power, the washing machine is the basic of the alternative selection methods. The method is chosen to determine low wash temperatures and long wash times. This uses power for a shorter time and allows other users to operate faster.

On the other hand, according to the reduced load method (plan), the user is guaranteed substantially the same energy consumption as during the normal operation period, and the small power consumption is used, resulting in the long consumption time. To do. For example, an electric buffer water heater or electric stove with two or more electric heaters throttles the load and slows down the heating operation, thus using a small amount of power for a long period of time, thereby compromising other users. Allows parallel use.

In summary, some smart user UIs can operate at different consumption levels, using the same power for longer or shorter times, or one or more power “packets”. It can operate with a reduced load method using any of ΔP, and when the time required for power is shortened, other users switch on (start operation) earlier and the power used decreases. Other users can be switched (operated) at the same time. Of course, such a method comes at some cost in terms of quality of service or energy costs, but may improve the coexistence of some users.

From the following description, it will be apparent that, according to the present invention, it is very simple to utilize such a method for reducing contention between users.

Winning user U in the competition state, who has the right to obtain power consumption during the competition period
The principle (principle) of setting I is given as a result of the condition being set by the effective priority PriorEff assigned to each smart user UI. The effective priority PriorEff of the user UI is temporally variable and reflects the work difficulty of the user UI at the time of evaluation, and the difficulty is represented by the dynamic priority PRD. The dynamic priority PRD is 0 as the zero priority PRN value and the highest priority P.
It is an integer value comprised between RM and 2 ⁿ −1. Here, n is the above priority P
A dynamic priority PRD, which is a number used to represent an RD, represents that each user immediately performs a determined service.

[0040]   Competition for Increment   An operation procedure based on contention for increment will be described with reference to FIG.

With reference to FIG. 5, the available power PD in the following means the function f (PC, PA, t). Therefore, the available power PD is said to be either negative or positive to indicate over-consumption or otherwise. This is the corresponding function f (PC, PA, t)
Means take either negative or positive.

The arrows T.1 to T.8 represent possible state transitions, which states are identified by S.1 to S.4. The states associated with the transitions are shown in bold for each transition. The description below is the operation performed by the control system SC. In FIG. 2 as well as in FIG. 3 below, the quantity designated by the symbol “[i]” represents a particular value associated with the user “i”. On the other hand, other quantities have values common to all control systems SC. In particular, the following quantities are indicated and their meanings are explained below. The actual power consumed Pot [i]: the power consumed by the smart user UI, evaluated by the associated control system SC by known means. -Power packet [Delta] P [i]: This is separate from the amount of power that changes over time, which the smart user UI can win in the event of contention for increments (execute). . -Minimum power PMin [i]: This is the minimum power that the smart user UI can use to perform a service or function. -Maximum power PMax [i]: This is the maximum power required for the smart user UI to perform the same service or function. The user's effective priority PriorEff. -A variable power PD as defined above. -Power thresholds K0 and K1. -Priority thresholds PriorMin and PriorMax.

In all the states that the control system SC takes, the effective priority PriorEff is saved to the dynamic priority PRD, the QUIESCENT state S.3, and the wait (WAIT) state S.4. equal.

It is assumed that a typical smart user UI is operating normally at normal times. When said smart user UI is switched on, its control system SC is in the ON state S.1, and the selected operating method (plan) requires the standard method, ie the total power or energy required. The control system SC is provided with information about the power PD available for a given period. During such a state S.1, the control system SC receives an overload signal, ie available power PD <0, together with other user UIs.

Transition from ON state S.1 to contention state S.2 for increments T.1 Upon reception of an overload signal, the control system SC transitions to contention state S.2 for increments. Prior to the transition T.1, the control system SC de-energizes the load on the smart user UI and the minimum consumption (control, control) required for the "standby" state.
Alarm lamp, etc.), its effective priority PriorEff is set to the value of the dynamic priority PRD at that time, and a timer called the priority timer TP is set to the effective priority P.
Set to the value of rioorEff and reduce consumption method for that user format (plan)
If is installed, the reduced-consumption operating method is executed. Also, another smart user U having the same received active power value PD and equipped with the same control system SC
I perform the same transition T.1 and, at virtually the same time, compete for increments (C
OMPETITION FOR INCREMENT) Reach state S.2. Of course, dummy user UN
Since all users U except 1 are deactivated, the active power P at the same time point
D probably has positive power.

Once the race-to-increment state S.2 is reached, the control system SC of each smart user UI associates its own priority timer TP with each user properly determined based on empirical data. Increase at increment speed. Four possible transitions are available to output this state.

Transition from race state S.2 for increment to race state S. for increment 2 T.2 The priority timer TP has finished counting, ie all smart
Of the available power PD reaching a value of maximum priority PrioMax equal to 2 ^n-1 which is the same for the user UI and having a preset sufficient safety margin (safety limit) limited by the power threshold K0. The value (current value) at that time is the power packet ΔP.
Make sure that [iI] = higher than a first value called PMin [i]. This allows it to operate at the first reduced consumption level, pulls out such an amount of power or packet ΔP [i], sets the priority timer TP again to the latest value of its dynamic priority PRD, Return to race condition S.2 for increment. This transition T.2 is performed several times, if various reduced-consumption operating methods are used for the above users, each characterized by a generally different power packet ΔP [i].

If the smart user UI does not receive any interference at the end of the transition T.2 several times, it depends on the operation according to the reduced consumption method. Total maximum power Pot provided by the control system SC
Max is assigned for the full load operating method.

Transition from competition state S.2 to increment state S.3 for increment T.3 As in the previous state, the priority timer TP reaches the end of counting, and the power actually consumed POT [i] Confirming that is lower than the minimum power PMin [i] enables execution of any reduced consumption operating method. That is, the (latest) power consumption P at that time
The OT [i] is able to operate with the minimum power required by the user due to the user's standby state (alarm light, control system SC, etc.). It is clear that the user UI did not make it in time to obtain the power packet ΔP [i] and will not be able to obtain it in the future. This is because the power packet ΔP [i] has been distributed to other users having the high dynamic priority PRD. In such a state, the control system SC is in the quiesced state S.3.
, The effective priority PriorEff is reset and slowly incremented. Neither of its loads can be activated until the smart user UI has reached a minimum value. As a result, oscillation can be prevented and stability can be guaranteed. In fact, the user UI that was unable to obtain the power packet ΔP [i] after the conflict is re-energized as soon as there is available power PD, and the user UI identifies itself to, for example, the oven FO. Introduced during the heating step, creating a new race condition that prevents any other user from working effectively,
It causes the direction (trend) of the cycle. On the other hand, in order to guarantee its effectiveness, the user who started the function must be able to finish the function in a short time, so that the function should not be disturbed.

The value of the effective priority PriorEff reset at the transition T.3 is the priority threshold P
It is incremented so as to exceed riorMin. Based on experience, such a value must be high enough to eliminate any interference to other users with the current priority, and as mentioned above, such a value will be exceeded. Prior to that, the user would not be able to draw (use) any power, even if the active power PD was not high enough.

Transition from race state S.2 for increment to race state S.2 for increment T.4 Similar to the state of starting the transition T.1, when available power becomes negative at any time,
During one or more transitions T.2, the load that has won the competition is de-energized and stops fetching the power packet ΔP [i] and the priority timer TP again sets the value of the effective priority PriorEff. , And the race condition S.2 for increment is returned.

Transition T from race state S.2 for increment to on state S.1
.5, at any time, but surely at least when the priority timer TP finishes counting, the control system determines that the actual consumed power Pot [i] equal to PotMax [i] required for full load operation. ] Has been assigned, the control system SC can return to the ON state S.1 without delay.

Transition from dormant state S.3 to standby state S.4 T.6 This occurs when the effective priority PriorEff exceeds the priority threshold PriorMin and transitions to the wait (WAIT) state S.4. To enable. From now on, the race condition can be restored. This is done via two routes:

Transition from standby state S.4 to contention state S.2 for increments T.7 This occurs when the active power PD exceeds the safety limit by the value PMin [i] plus the power threshold K1, and the reduced load operating method Can be executed. Effective priority Pri
orEff is set equal to the dynamic priority PRD and the user has a reduced load (
Starting with Pot [i] = PMin [i], the priority timer PT is set.

Transition from Standby State to On State S.1 T.8 If the effective priority PriorEff exceeds the value of the maximum priority PriorMax, which is provocatively (triggered) equal to 2 ⁿ⁻¹ , the maximum load or on Go to state S.1 and then another state transition of another valid smart user UI to COMPETITION FOR INCREMENT S.2. At this time,
Since the value of the dynamic priority PRD is certainly increasing, the smart
The user UI will have a greater chance of becoming a winner.

It will be recalled how in the first transition T.1 the user UI reaches the reduced load method and then the control system SC produces an output by not changing. In fact, when this selection is made, it instructs (recommends) that the service (service) (for example, a laundry program) is completed and is maintained until it is finally deactivated. In any case, before returning to the ON state S.1, the control system SC
Does not prevent the user UI from returning to the standard consumption method (plan).

Principle of Competition for Decrement (Reduction) (Principle) An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This shows a diagram for explaining an operation (behavior) called "competition for decrement (decrease)".

The states given to the control system SC are simple “race for increment” except that they add another “race for decrement” state S.6.
Is substantially the same as the state of. In this case, users with a lower dynamic priority PRD are kept in the power acquisition contention state.

As mentioned above, a “contention for increment” is a power allocation race for the user UI, and when the available power PD becomes negative, all user UIs will de-energize their load and all power will be correct. It is gradually re-energized until it is assigned in a manner. The advantage of this method is that it deactivates all user UIs at the same time, so the magnetic-thermal switch does not work. However, there is a drawback in that during the lapse of time lasting 30 to 60 seconds, the operation of the higher priority user is also disturbed (interfered).

This problem can be solved according to the principle of “competition for decrement”. That is, the user is not immediately de-energized, the priority timer TP counts in the opposite direction and upon reset the user releases the power packet ΔP [i]. User U
When the required minimum power PMin is deprived of I, it will be in a quiescent state (QUIESCENT Stat
e) Going to S.8, if the available power PD is positive and there is no need to release the power packet ΔP, the user UI returns to the ON state S.5. In addition, unless any one of these states occurs, it remains in the race state. With respect to FIG. 2, the operational diagram is modified as follows.

A race condition S.7 for increments is always provided and, although not described in detail here for the sake of simplicity, its output transitions are similar to those represented in FIG. The contention S.7 state transitions for increments and the contention S.6 state transitions for decrement follow "hysteresis" to prevent oscillation between both these states. The output (exit) for the wait state is similar to "contention for increment", the energy packet ΔP is assigned to the user UI as soon as it is available.

The states of the control system SC are as follows. S.5: ON STATE Operation: Operates according to the program at that time. S.6: Race condition against decrement Action: Decrease the timer priority TP, the action level is allowed by the available load. S.7: Race condition for increment Action: Increase the priority of the timer and the action level is limited to the level allowed by the available load. S.8: Dormant state Action: Increase effective priority PriorEff. S.9: Standby state Action: Decrease effective priority PriorEff.

The above state transitions, the conditions for causing the transitions, and the operations incidental thereto are represented by the following list. Most transitions are conditioned on whether the available power PD exceeds power thresholds K2, K3, and K4 that define a power usage range as shown graphically in FIG.

In practice, the tolerance (permissible error) threshold value for the available power PD, that is, the threshold value K
It is possible to set 2. This threshold value K2 is higher than the threshold value K3. As shown in FIG. 4, the threshold value K3 is a minimum threshold value, that is, an invalid (blank) or negative threshold value, below which the user system U reaches overload. When the power consumption falls below the available power PD below the threshold K2, the smart user UI with low priority immediately deactivates some loads in order to bring the consumption level back within safe limits. Such an action (event) is more convenient than an immediate de-energization of all loads, the latter being more suitable for emergency situations. Further, emergency action can be similarly reduced by proactively disabling some loads when PD> K2.

If the consumption level drops too much (PD> K4), the user will have a chance to go into contention for increments and win the power packet again. Therefore, the consumption is kept at the optimum level such that K2 <PD <K4.

T.9: Transition from ON state S.1 to race state S.6 for decrement Condition: Measurement node NM reports message of available power PD, PD <K2 (poor available power PD or user system U Is approaching an over-consumption state). Action: Set priority timer TP to latest value of dynamic priority PRD and execute reduced consumption method if feasible.

T.10: Transition from ON state S.5 to race state S.7 for increments Condition: Measurement node NM has K3 <K2 (negative available power PD or system in over-consumption state) Send the available power PD <K3 message. Operation: deactivate the load, set the priority timer TP to the latest value of the dynamic priority PRD (the value at that time) and execute the reduced consumption method if feasible. K3 <K2
Therefore, it is clear that this state is more important in determining the transition T.9 (event) and requires the momentary de-energization of all loads.

T.11: Transition from Race State S.6 to Decrement State to On State S.5 Condition: Measurement node NM sends a message of available power PD> K2 (available power PD exceeds the safety threshold) To send. On the other hand, the user UI is still using all of the maximum power PotMax provided by the program. Behavior: Not specified.

T.12: Transition from race state S.6 for decrement to race state S.7 for increment Condition: The measurement node NM sends a message with available power PD> K2 (some without danger of over consumption). The available power PD) sufficient to re-energize the load. Behavior: Not specified. Transition T.12 does not need to reset the priority timer TP.

T.13: Transition from race state S.6 for decrement to race state S.7 for increment Condition: The measurement node NM sends a message of available power PD> K32 (insufficient available power PD, ie System in excess consumption state PD <0). Action: Deactivate the load and set the priority timer TP to the current value of the dynamic priority PRD.

As is clear from state S.6, both the available power PD and the excessive consumption make a transition to state S.7, in some cases the user maintains a valid (operational) load state and consumes more power. You can get rid of everything else.

T.14: Transition from Race State S.6 to Decrement to Race State S.6 to Decrement Condition: Priority timer TP is in counting end state, PD <K2 (system is approaching excessive consumption state ). The user UI releases the power packet ΔP. In a possible embodiment, the user UI deactivates only one load if the released power packet (parcel) ΔP is the majority of the contracted power supply PC. This solution helps protect lower priority and low-consumption smart user UIs without causing any significant impact when disabling themselves. Of course, in race condition S.7 for increments, they reach the end of counting later, so they are protected (safeguarded) and left unused by other users, for example requiring 1kW or 2kW. The effect of lower power levels can be obtained. Operation: The user UI does not change its state, releases the power packet ΔP [i], and sets the priority timer TP to the latest value (the value at that time) of the dynamic priority PRD. The following example relating to the use of the priority timer TP gives two events at different moments, both the release of the power packet ΔP [i] and the set of the priority timer TP, which are logically Should be considered the only transition part.

T.15: Transition from Race State S.6 to Decrement State to Dormant State S.8 Condition: Priority timer TP is in counting end state, Pot [i] <PMin [i] + K
2 and the user UI has lost the race condition. Operation: The value of the effective priority PriorEff is reset to (PriorityEff [i] = 0).

T.16: Transition from race state S.7 for increment to race state S.6 for decrement Condition: The measurement node NM sends a message PD <K2 (inadequate available power P
D, or the system is approaching overconsumption).
K2 <K4 is assumed to prevent oscillations between states S.6 and S.7. Action: None.

[0075]   T.17: Transition from dormant state S.8 to standby state S.9   Condition: PriorEff [i]> PriorMin   Action: None.

T.18: Transition from Standby State S.9 to Conflict State S.7 for Increment Condition: PD> PMin [i] + K2 and PD> K4 Operation: Set priority timer TP. Pot [i] = PMin [i]. P
The condition of D> K4 guarantees that no other user will go into a race for increments as long as the other users are still in a race for decrements.

[0077]   T.19: Transition from standby state S.9 to ON state S.5   Condition: PriorEff [i]> PriorMax   Action: Energize all provided loads.

The next transition is similar to the transition already described in FIG. 2 for the corresponding corresponding state, and both the conditions and actions referenced in the illustration of FIG. 3 have been omitted to simplify the drawing. .

T.20: Transition from race state S.7 to increment state S.5 for increment Condition: Measurement node NM sends a message PD> K2 (available power PD exceeds safety threshold). Send, the user is already using the total power set by the program. Action: Not given (not set).

T.21: Transition from Race State S.7 to Increment to Race State S.7 to Increment Condition: The measurement node NM has a message PD> K3 (negative available power PD or in excessive consumption state). System). Operation: Deactivate the load and set the priority timer TP to the latest value (the value at that time) of the dynamic priority PRD.

T.22: Transition from race condition S.7 for increment to race condition S.7 for increment Condition: The timer is in the count end state and PD> ΔP [i] + K2. Operation: Pot [i] = Pot [i] + ΔP [i]

T.23: Transition from Race State S.7 to Decrement to Dormant State S.8 Condition: Timer is in counting end state, Pot [i] <PMin [i] + K2, user is in race state Lose. Operation: The value of the dynamic priority PRD is reset.

According to one embodiment, the control system SC in the principle of competition for decrements (principles) can also work without the transitions T.10 and T.13, but the reaction to overconsumption conditions is electromagnetic-thermal. Danger of possible switch (
Risk) slows down.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the threshold power values K0, K1, K2, K3 and K4 can be modified at any time if there is a need to modify the behavior (behavior) of the smart user UI, Thereby they are transmitted by the measurement node NM to all control systems SC, which makes it very easy to modify the overall behavior of the smart user UI.

As already described with reference to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the present invention considers that the electromagnetic-thermal switch is not instantaneously tripped during power over-consumption with delay. Thus, the larger this delay, the smaller the overconsumption. Transition based on the evaluation of the available power PD, for example, T.9, T.10, T.11, T.12, T.13 in FIG.
It is possible that T.16 does not occur instantly, but with delay. The larger this is, the smaller the over-limit value becomes. This is obtained by transmitting by the measurement node NM the available power PD which is not simply equal to the difference PC-PA but always a more complex function f of PC and PA and the overconsumption period t. The function f is calculated very accurately (good) in fuzzy mode or based on the values listed in the table. A system that responds to the actual over-consumption value and its duration can take advantage of the low-pass characteristics of electromagnetic-thermal switches to make the system more stable and free of shocking (impulse) consumption loads.

As is clear from the above description, the overall behavior of the set U of users (by simply modifying the principle used by the measurement node NM to calculate the transmitted usable power value PD Behavior) more or less excessive (alar
mist) is also possible. This can be done at any time without changing the commands to the control system SC of the user UI. 2 and 3 show in detail the operation (behavior) of the control system SC in order to prove the feasibility of the technique contained therein, which is referred to as "race for increment" and "race for decrement". It is also possible to make more complex modifications to the basic diagram that is shown.

As an example, the third embodiment is possible, and in this third embodiment, the contract supply power P
When C is exceeded, only user UIs with priorities below the threshold are deactivated.
If the power consumption PA becomes smaller than the contract power supply power PC after the deenergization, the smart user UI remains in the ON state, and the deactivated user shifts to a race condition for incrementing. On the contrary, if the power consumption PA is still higher than the limit value, the active (active) user UI goes into a race condition for decrement and the deactivated user goes into hibernation. This method will reach the balance state sooner, but because of the pre-priority-based exclusion, the low-priority and low-consumption smart user UI is meaningless, i.e., has sufficient power for any other user. It may be depressed without being released.

Finally, a fourth example is obtained if the cutoff priority threshold depends on the excess consumption value. In summary, four actions are taken depending on which race condition follows the available power PD, as shown in the following list.

1. Competition for Increment As shown in Figure 2, when the timer within each user expires, all the load is de-energized, each user gets a power packet and there is more available power PD. The process ends immediately when there is no more.

2. Increment or Decrement (Competition for Incr
ement or Decrement) As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, all the user UIs enter a competition state for increment or decrement based on the power consumption PA that exceeds the limit of the contract power supply.

3. All user UIs whose priority is below a fixed threshold are instantly deactivated. a) After the power is turned off, if the instantaneous power consumption PA is smaller than the contract power supply PC, the user UI that is still valid (active) at that time is turned on, and the other users are in a race condition for increment. b) If the instantaneous power consumption PA is higher than the contract power supply PC after deactivation, then the still valid (active) user UI is in race for increments and the other users are dormant.

4. All user UIs whose priority is below the threshold associated with the overconsumption value are instantly deactivated. a) After the power is turned off, if the instantaneous power consumption PA is smaller than the contract power supply PC, the user UI that is still valid (active) at that time is turned on, and the other users are in a race condition for increment. b) If the instantaneous power consumption PA is higher than the contract power supply PC after deactivation, then the active (active) user UI is in a race condition for decrement and the other users are in a dormant state.

Solutions 3) and 4) are more complex, but can have the advantage of ensuring that balance is achieved in a short time. In fact, some user UIs are instantly de-energized and some users remain active (enabled),
Only power for user UI with medium priority should be allocated. However, if this process is adopted, one of the effects obtained by the competition for increments, that is, the optimum power allocation is lost. In fact, when competing for an increment, the low priority and low user UI may return to the active state if the power it uses is too low to energize any other user. Furthermore, in order to reach the allocation of available power PD,
These solutions must go through race conditions. In the absence of a central controller, the process selected for optimal allocation may be a fixed threshold, or an overconsumption threshold, to predetermine which users should or should not be deactivated. Contract supply power P without requiring a priority threshold that is not based on either
It is to introduce each user UI in one direction to continue the operation until the contract for C is executed.

The rules that determine the state transitions prevent possible (possible) coexistence with users in contention for increments and other users in contention for decrements. Such an operation is not a mode having a close relationship with each other, and is not rational when generating a subset of users who reach the balance autonomously (voluntarily). The priority constraint is then relevant only within such a subset and is not absolute. Since the race condition for increment and the race condition for decrement are activated with equal conditions for all users, these two states cannot coexist in the system. As a result, if a user is not in a dormant or standby state, when one user transitions to one of two states, all other users also transition. It should be noted that as long as there are users in a race condition for decrement, there is no confirmation of a state that will enter (enter) a user in a race condition for increment.

Dynamic Priority PRD Next, an elaboration (elaborate) method of the dynamic priority PRD will be described with reference to each control system SC in a competitive state.

All valid information for determining the latest dynamic priority PRD of each smart user UI is directly processed by the smart user UI itself. Some variables are contained in only one piece of information, the dynamic priority PRD, and thus without overloading the system and without the need for a central command.
Complexity can be eliminated at a physical level. The dynamic priority PRD contains high level information about itself, ie how high or low power is guaranteed for each user.

In order to represent “valuable” information and prevent possible conflicts between users, the dynamic priority PRD is a continuous “variable” or more precisely 0 to 255.
, Or generally any integer value between 0 and 2 ⁿ . Here,
n is the possible number of bits for storing (accumulating) and transmitting such information.
Furthermore, the dynamic priority PRD is exactly "dynamic", that is to say that the fuzzy, contained in the control system SC as a function of the following parameters:
Calculated in real time by the system. -User service (service) period.・ Program in progress. -Program steps.・ Remaining time to complete the step. Reconfiguring possible programs to require less power.・ Consumer habits. -The time required to complete the service (service). • A unique rate of current.

It is not preferable to estimate the value of the dynamic priority PRD by mathematical calculation,
Rather, it is specified by the processing expert (expert) of each one user, and thus the dynamic priority PRD is calculated by the fuzzy system representing the expert's knowledge. This method makes it possible to use the motor (motive force, motion) by fuzzy estimation already available in the microprocessor of the control system SC of the user UI,
This allows both memory occupancy and performance to be optimized.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 represent non-limiting examples showing some directions of the principle for assigning values to dynamic priority PRDs using fuzzy systems. is there. In particular, FIG. 6 shows a table TB6 representing an example of assigning a value to a dynamic priority PRD that damages other users and helps some user UIs.

FIG. 8 shows a table TB8 representing an example of the assignment of values to the dynamic priority PRD, which avoids interruption of delicate washing processes such as the washing cycle of woolen fabrics (wool products). In FIG. 7, table TB7 shows two examples of logical reconciliation for the washing process in which the value of the dynamic priority PRD depends on both the fabric type and the progress of the heating step. FIG. 9 shows the trend of the dynamic priority PRD of the Landry washing machine during the heating step period. As is clear from this figure, the dynamic priority PR
D is the tolerance for load de-energization at the beginning and end of the heating step (
Tolerance), but does not correspond (does not correspond) to the main step where the deenergization may dissipate the energy used during the heating step.

The dynamic priority PRD calculated as described above is used by the effective priority PriorEff whenever the counting of the priority timer TP is performed.

On the other hand, in the hibernate and standby states, the effective priority PriorEff is a fictitious (temporary) value away from the above-mentioned parameters and is incremented in time according to the empirical principle for each of the smart user UIs. Not exactly the same as the format. The simplest solution is to give each user a fixed increment, but a better solution is a function of the dynamic priority PRD that the smart user UI would have if it were not on. Is to calculate the increment. For example, the increment may be equal to the fraction (part) of the dynamic priority PRD.

Priority Timer TP Sometimes two smart user UIs may have equal dynamic priority PRD. In this case, two smart user UIs should avoid trying to reserve power packets at the same time, as this may create a new overload condition and bring the system into an oscillating state. To represent the dynamic priority PRD, 256 =
Is sufficient with a value of 2 ^8, it is necessary to point out that the invention is not strictly required. The case where 8 bits are used will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and this method can generally be used for a smaller number of bits.

A first method for resolving conflicts between two user UIs with equal dynamic priority PRD is to prohibit smart user UIs with equal priority PRD. , To limit values between various users. That is, if the number of smart users is m (where m is an integer), the i-th user UI should take only the integer value (i-1) + m ^* k as the value of the dynamic priority PRD. You can Here, k is an integer comprised between 0 and a specific integer part (2 ⁿ −1) / m reduced by 1 unit, and the maximum value of k is k = INT [(2 ⁿ − 1) / m] -1. Here, n is the number of bits.

For example, if n = 8 and the number of user UIs is m = 7, the first user UI has the next 36 dynamic priority PRD values, that is, 0, 7, 14, etc. maximum. Values up to 245, the second user has 36 other values, ie values up to 246 such as 1, 8, 15, etc.,
The same value can be used hereinafter.

If the set of user UIs is large and thus the value of m is large, there is a drawback that the number of values representing different dynamic priority PRD values is significantly decremented (eg, 10). Decrement to 25 for smart user UI.

A second method for resolving a conflict (conflict) between two user UIs having the same dynamic priority PRD is m periods in which each period is designated (reserved) in the user UI. Allocating a time period within which the user UI can acquire energy packets.

In both methods, each user UI is assigned a continuous (progressive) order I. This can be done manually during the installation (installation, insertion) period, but it can also be done more easily automatically. That is, during the first installation period each new user UI transmits its presence to the measurement node NM. Measurement node N
M is consecutive (equal to the number of smart user UIs already present plus one) (
Assign a progressive degree to the newly added user.

With reference to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, it will become clear how how these two methods can be optimized and combined with each other to develop into a third method. At this time, the means (resources) of the microprocessor included in the control system SC are used without being limited to the 256 priority values and without complicating the control program.

Similar to the effective priority PriorEff, the dynamic priority PRD is represented by 8 bits,
The priority timer TP is a 16-bit counter. The 8 lower bits are then used to distinguish each user UI by its address, which is uniquely assigned during the installation period.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when contention starts, the priority timer T
8 most significant bits P of P8, P7, ... P1 (hereinafter “priority bit”)
Is initialized with the latest value (value at that time) of the effective priority PriorEff, and the value of the priority timer TP substantially depends on the effective priority PriorEff. As is apparent from FIG. 10, the eight lower bits (hereinafter referred to as "address bits") are set to zero. In a non-restrictive way of indicating directionality, the effective address is represented by only 3 bits, namely I3 I2 I1 (which value will be taken by the remaining "address bits" will become apparent below). I assume. This initial setting of priority timer TP occurs at the same time that all users pull out of the low available power PD state.

During the counting period of the priority timer TP, 8 address bits are from 0000.0000 to 1111.111 for each increment of 8 priority bits.
Analyze (inspect, scan) all values up to 1. This is because they start at the same value (0000.0000 in the particular example) at the same time and they always keep the same value during the counting period. Therefore, 8 address bits are configured I3 I2
At the moment when I1 1.1111 is taken, each has its own address and they are always different for every user. When the 8 high-order bits are 1 and the 8 low-order bits are in the configuration I3 I2 I1 1.1111 (see FIG. 11), that is, the power packets are assigned at different times for each user. .

When the priority timer TP reaches the configuration 1111.11111.11111.111, in the meantime it has a new value P8 ′ taken by the effective priority PriorEff.
, P7 '... P1'. On the other hand, the address bits are shown in FIG.
It is reset as shown in. At the same time, 8 addresses of other priority timers TP
It is clear that the bit will be 1111.1111 and will be reset at a subsequent point. Therefore, the address bits of all priority timers TP are always maintained at the same value after reset.

The above-mentioned processing shows the direction, and is not limited thereto. That is, the basic idea is implemented using various values for setting and the final address bit configuration. It is essential that the 8 most significant bits represent the effective priority PriorEff and that the 8 lower bits remain in sync with each other. As a result, when they have a typical (representative) configuration (instantaneous), this inevitably becomes different and the time (instantaneous) for allocating power packets, the second time adjustment. It is used as a time (moment) for an examination (analysis, scanning). When the priority timer TP is set to the synchronized state (instantaneous), this is necessarily clearly different from the time (instantaneous) at which the power packets are allocated, as described in transition T.14 (predicted). As such) is different for each user.

The 16-bit example is generally valid for any number of bits, as long as it can represent both a sufficient number of priority values and a sufficient number of user addresses. .

A fourth process for preventing the system from oscillating is that two or more user UIs have the same dynamic priority PR for an unspecified number of subsequent race conditions.
Includes preventing taking D. This race condition may occur in various forms, each one race condition not excluding another race condition (multiple race conditions occur simultaneously).

First of all, the maximum value achievable by the dynamic priority PRD can be limited to the users whose service (service) is definitely the minimum in a certain time, so that for example an electric oven To operate with priority over other users.

According to a more general solution, the curve of the dynamic priority PRD may have different slopes as a function of time, like the curve shown in FIG. 9 in relation to each user UI. . For at least these operating steps of a smart user UI requiring proper power consumption, "significant consumption" means a value of consumption determined by experience. Thus, for example, two "significant consumer" users with equal dynamic priority PD, which together execute the transition T.4 at a given point in time, will be in race. This race condition does not occur at a subsequent time point (instantaneous time) such as a time when a difference (variation) occurs between the values of the dynamic priorities PRD.

Within the framework of the method for managing the power consumption of a user system according to the invention,
Adjustment (programming) knobs for starting the operation of household equipment (electrical equipment) represent a new meaning.

Currently, the consumer of the device (user) sets the operation start time with the above knob. In addition, some plans in European standards
It is specified that the user (electrical device) is set to the low power consumption operation during the period of the low power rate timetable. All of these methods are esoteric (complex) for consumers and unsatisfactory.

Instead of setting the start time, the consumer can set the end time of the program (plan, plan). This is a method that is closer to the actual consumer demand needed to operate the user optimally. In practice, if the low power rate time is available before the program reaches completion, the user will automatically wait until the low power rate time before starting operation. On the other hand, if the end of the program is predicted before the low power rate time starts, the user simply waits for the available power PD and the dynamic priority so that the user's service (service) ends in time. PRD
Is increasingly close to the user's operating time. In this way, the user
If possible, adapting the power consumption timetable to the consumer's requirements automatically selects the best principle of using a lower timetable.

Furthermore, for a Landry washing machine, before it is ready to be washed (limiting the folds of clothes), it is energized, for example, with a final drainage and a short spinning cycle.

In the refrigerator case, it is important for the refrigerator to learn how to operate according to consumer habits. In fact, the refrigerator must accumulate cold before opening the door more often or adding more room temperature food. The opening of the door can be detected directly by the microprocessor, while the loading of food (thermal load) can be detected by an increase in temperature in the freezer. Furthermore, the refrigerator defrosts at night. Even if the temperature rises after the defrosting operation, there is not much problem (annoying)
Not so, night defrost is more appropriate. Such a procedure can be successfully implemented by lowering the refrigerator's dynamic priority during the day and raising it at night. Such a procedure is correct. The reason is that it makes daytime defrosting less suitable but not impossible. However, in order to limit defrosting, it is necessary to artificially reduce the power that can be used by the refrigerator if it is mostly available during the day. It will be appreciated that the dynamic priority function PRD can also be used to force some users to take desirable action, apart from the possible competition for procuring (securing) available power PD. That is, the dynamic priority PRD generally serves as a guide for proper operation of a user who is placed (position is specified).

The power meter CE or measurement node NM may also be used for individual energy rate measurements, such as overall energy rate, daytime, date, or other useful information common to all users. The user can send information about environmental conditions that cannot be detected. In practice, it may be variable depending on the rate as well as the contracted power rate (rate), eg higher at night and / or during the summer months. The electricity meter CE should be able to know it in real time or from communication with the Distribution Board or by looking up stored tables associated with clocks and / or calendars.

Overload Indication As mentioned above, the user system U can comply with an overload (keep an overload condition), ie prevent the magnetic-thermal switch from operating and the available power P
Optimal distribution of D is performed, and each user UI is ready to be activated again as soon as the required power is available. However, some user UIs in any case have to limit their consumption at certain times and do not benefit from them. Therefore, it is appropriate to provide means to advise (notify) the consumer of such situations. If one or more users are provided with an audio and / or light emission signal (LED or indicator) activated in an overloaded condition, ie PD <K2 or PD <K3, the system will Can inform the consumer.

Alternatively, the signal may be provided by a user entering a dormant state or by a user who has already spent a long time (long time) in the waiting state. Two or three different signals may be provided depending on the severity of the situation. Give examples of orientations that are not meant to be limiting. First signal: PD <K2 Second signal: PD <K3 Third signal: The user was in a standby state for 1 hour. Thus, consumers can be alerted to consumption issues and can also act on human factors to improve the control of home consumption.

Failure in the communication system from the measurement node NM to the user system. If no signal is received from the measurement node NM due to some disturbance or obstruction, the user not receiving the message can take the maximum value as the available power PD. Therefore, its system performance is not worse than that of a normal user set, and also in the case of faulty components.

From the above description, the features of the present invention are clear, and the advantages thereof are also clear.

In fact, the method for managing the power consumption of the user system according to the present invention can prevent the situation where the power absorbed (consumed) globally by the smart user exceeds the predetermined power threshold. To avoid. The smart user adjusts his consumption based on his own rules and internal information, as well as on the basis of the periodic information provided by the measurement node.

Such a rule advantageously excludes situations where a significant power value exceeds the contracted power limit for a very long time. On the other hand, if required by the user, according to the priority principle, all available power can be practically used and shared in an optimal manner.

However, as an advantage, the activation (activation) of the low-priority home appliance is not delayed by an unlimited time (unlimited in time), and the low-priority user
The system can be activated as long as its power requirements are not full (reserved, engaged) at that time.

Such a system is stable. Once the user system has acquired power, it does not sacrifice (degrade) its performance or increase its global consumption, and it does current operation (work) within a reasonable time period. It can be terminated and oscillations by user systems of equal priority are eliminated.

Moreover, the system has the advantage that under worst case operating conditions (eg noisy transmission means, faulty components) the user is forbidden without being affected by improper use. It is a strong system, at least in the sense that it behaves like a conventional system with no rules of behavior.

The device may be of the so-called plug-and-play type, ie it does not require a control system configuration of the user and the measurement node. Moreover, the system is open and the control algorithm is virtually independent of the number of connected smart users. Each user can install and / or remove without reprogramming the measurement node NM or any other user.

A smart user is compatible (compatible) with a regular “dummy” user (eg ironing) or other smart users (which may have been developed later).

The method described above is very flexible with respect to the general behavioral modifications or changes that will be made later, and it has available power PD functions and / or threshold power values K0, K1.
, K2, K3 and K4 are simply modified.

The behavior (behavior) of each user is flexible, and programs, program steps (courses such as washing of cotton or wool products (wool fabrics)) in the course (eg, washing).
For example, heating start, heating end), and program reconfiguration to end it with lower power or energy consumption. Moreover, access to power during low rate periods benefits (advantageously).

The behavior of each user is conditioned by simple rules. The rule does not require a complicated program, does not interfere with the complicated operation of the user itself,
Determined exclusively by the dynamic priority function, that particular computational procedure for each user type defines the contours of that nature.

The improvement (advancement) of the behavior of the individual user does not have any influence or requires (suggestion) a logical processing (process) reprogramming of the control system SC or the measurement node NM, It can be improved in time with respect to later user occurrence.

As a result of such flexibility, system users may learn consumer habits to obtain customized (customized) consumption management practices, nevertheless later. Unpredictable and undesired global behavior does not occur due to behavior modification.

It is possible to make many changes to the method of managing the power consumption of the user system described above by way of example without departing from the novel spirit of the novel idea. It will be obvious to experts in the field. It will also be apparent that in the practice of the invention, the components may often differ in form and size from those described above and may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

It is also possible to make modifications (corrections) to the operation diagrams and effective transitions of the control system SC of all smart user UIs. In other words, each smart user UI is assumed to perform the same operation, apart from its functional characteristics. On the other hand, it is also possible to make modifications to the state transitions within the framework of the invention, where the application is constrained for some specific smart users.

For example, hibernation is appropriate to ensure system stability, but can be eliminated in some cases or some smart users. Refrigerator is 1
It may absorb 10 to 12 A (amps) in less than a second, but generally very low consumption (about 200 W). Since this consumption is of very short duration in time, energizing the refrigerator during the heating step of the oven or any temporal window with the available power required will not cause any problems. Absent. A similar situation occurs for a Landry or dishwasher, which requires power to raise the temperature from 27 ° C to 40 ° C in a very short time, about 1 minute. In these cases, the hibernation state can be avoided, and the user who loses in the competition stage directly shifts to the waiting state.

In another example, a Landry washing machine may have a very low dynamic priority when it starts operating. If it is overloaded, the washing machine may not be able to start heating and there may be a situation where the tub (tub) remains in a stopped (dormant) state with laundry and soapy water in it. . Such a situation may increase wear on the garment if extended in time. Therefore, it would be appropriate for the washing machine to verify whether the available power PD is sufficient to energize the heater before pumping water. Otherwise, the washing machine will go directly to the standby state without going through the race condition.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a household electrical installation with a set of users according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a first method for managing power consumption of a user system according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state related to the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a second method for managing power consumption of a user system according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state related to the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram representing a range of consumed power associated with a method for managing power consumption of a user system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a qualitative trend of quantities used in a method for managing power consumption of a user system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a quantity allocation table of a second quantity used in the method for managing the power consumption of the user system according to the present invention.

[Figure 7]   FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second table related to the quantity in FIG.

[Figure 8]   FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a third table relating to the quantity in FIG.

[Figure 9]   FIG. 9 shows the quantitative trend of FIG. 6 as a function of time.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one possible configuration of an apparatus used in connection with a power method for managing power consumption of a user system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating one possible configuration of an apparatus used in connection with a power method for managing power consumption of a user system according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing one possible configuration of an apparatus used in connection with a power method for managing power consumption of a user system according to the present invention.

[Procedure for Amendment] Submission for translation of Article 34 Amendment of Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] August 11, 2001 (2001.08.11)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW ), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, C R, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI , GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, K Z, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA , MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, S K, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG , US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW [Continued summary] For consumption of power packet (ΔP) that can be received from (RE) To the above related smart user (UI) rights Is set.

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A method of managing power consumption of a user (equipment used) system, said user system comprising: a set of smart users (UI) with a control system (SC). User (U), the set of users (U) being operatively connected to a power supply network (RE), the user system further comprises: -information on power consumption (PD). It includes a power measuring means (CE, NM) that can be transmitted to the control system (SC), the control system (SC) relating to the power consumption (PD) transmitted by the power measuring means (CE, NM). Information related smart user (UI
) Is performed, and each control system (SC) is characterized by information about power consumption (PD) and the related smart user (SC) obtained from the control system itself (SC). The power consumption of the related smart user (UI) is controlled based on the information about the state of the UI, and the information about the power consumption (PD) and the state information of the smart user (UI) (PriorityEff). ) Is processed to determine the priority (PriorityEff), and the power packet (ΔP) that can be obtained (utilized) from the power supply network (RE).
) The associated smart user (UI) right to consumption is set. 2. A competitive procedure (S.2) within the set of smart users (UI).
, S. 6, S. The power consumption of the user system according to claim 1, wherein the priority (PriorityEff) is used as a starting value (initial value) assigned to each smart user (UI) in 7). How to manage. 3. User according to claim 2, characterized in that the priority (PriorEff) is variable in time as a function of the state information (PRD).
How to manage system power consumption. 4. The priority (PriorityEff) is a smart user (U).
The method for managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 3, wherein the method is obtained based on a dynamic priority (PRD) value that is part of the state information of I). 5. The priority for controlling the time counting means (YP) for changing the value of the priority (PR) so as to execute the competition procedure (S.2, S.6, S.7). Method for managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 4, characterized in that (PriorityEff) is used. 6. The race condition for the increment (increase) by the control system (SC) according to the determined value obtained by the information on the power consumption (PD).
S. 2, S. Characterized in that it shifts to 6) and at the same time reduces energy consumption,
A method of managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 5. 7. In the race condition for increment (S.2, S.6), the control system (SC) supplies power at the end of the priority change (PriorityEff) instructed by the time counting means (TP). The consumption (PD) information is evaluated and subsequent transitions (T.2, T.3, T.4, T.16, T.20, T.2).
1, T.I. 22, T.I. 23) The method of managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 6, characterized in that the setting of (23) is performed. 8. The subsequent transition (T.2, T.3, T.4, T.16, T
． 20, T.W. 21, T.I. 22, T.I. 23) is characterized in that 23) is also set based on power thresholds (K0, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5) stored in the control system (SC). To manage power consumption of your user system. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the power thresholds (K0, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5) are adjustable. 10. User according to claim 8, characterized in that the power thresholds (K0, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5) are individually adjustable for each smart user (UI). • How to manage system power consumption. 11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the subsequent transition comprises obtaining (T.2, T.22) a packet (ΔP) of available power from the supply network (RE). To manage power consumption of your user system. 12. Managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 7, characterized in that the subsequent transitions comprise a transition (T.3) in (from) a dormant state (S.4). Method. 13. The priority (PriorityEf) in the hibernate state (S.4).
13. The method of managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 12, characterized in that f) is reset and then incremented at a constant rate. 14. The method of managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 2, wherein the power consumption of a smart user (UI) is reduced by deactivation. 15. The control system (SC) transitions to a race state (S.2) for decrement (decrease) according to a second (separate) decision value obtained from the information on power consumption (PD <K2). 7. The method of managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 6, characterized in that the energy consumption is reduced. 16. In the race condition (S.6) for decrement,
16. The time counting means (TP) changes the priority (PriorEff) in the opposite direction of the change in the race condition (S.7) with respect to the decrement.
A method of managing power consumption of a user system as described in. 17. In the race condition for decrement (S.6),
A user (UI) whose self-time counting means (TP) has reached the end of counting, which can be selected to perform a transition (T.14) such that the power packet (ΔP) is released. 15. A method of managing power consumption of a user system according to 15. 18. A user (UI) having a priority (PriorEff) lower than a fixed threshold according to a determined information value regarding available power (PD).
6. The method of managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 5, characterized in that) is deactivated immediately. 19. Priority lower than a threshold (PriorityE) associated with the available power (PD) information according to the determined information value for the available power (PD).
Method for managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 5, characterized in that the user (UI) with ff) is immediately deactivated. 20. User system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control system (SC) of each smart user (UI) is allowed to use the reduced load method and / or the reduced consumption method. To manage your power consumption. 21. Each smart user (UI) takes a dynamic priority value (PRD) that is different from the value of each other smart user (UI) and the set of users (U).
21. Method for managing power consumption of a user system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that I) prevents the oscillation state. 22. Each smart user (UI) pulls in a power packet (ΔP) at different moments to prevent the set of users (UI) from oscillating. A method for managing power consumption of a user system according to any one of claims 1 to 21. 23. A method of managing power consumption of a user system, wherein each user has an associated priority (PriorityEff) for accessing (consuming) energy consumption, characterized in that Using the priority (PriorityEff), this priority (PriorityEff)
A method of initializing a timer (TP) in a mode (mode) proportional to and allowing a user (UI) whose associated timer (TP) first terminates its counting to access energy consumption. 24. The priority timer (T) is provided by a counter that uses a number of bits greater than the number of bits used to define the priority (PriorityEff).
Method for managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 23, characterized in that P) is formed. 25. A plurality of most significant bits (P8 ... P1) of the priority timer (TP) for representing a priority (PriorityEff) and a second (separate) temporal analysis (scanning). 25. The method of managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 24, characterized by using the lower bits (I3, I2, I1) of the. 26. A method of managing power consumption of a user system, wherein each user (UI) has a priority (PriorityE) for accessing energy consumption.
ff, PRD), and as a feature, each smart user (UI) autonomously determines its dynamic priority (PRD) as a function of its operating state and environmental information. A method that is configured to. 27. Dynamic priority (PRD) is a user service duration and / or a medium (running) program and / or program step and / or time remaining until completion of a step and / or It is defined as a function of information such as timetables for possible program reconfigurations and / or consumer habits and / or service terminations requiring less power and / or electrical low rate timetables. 27. A method of managing power consumption of a user system as claimed in claim 26. 28. Elaboration operating according to fuzzy logic principles (el
28. A method of managing power consumption of a user system according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the dynamic priority (PRD) is determined by an aboration circuit. 29. A set of smart users () having a control system (SC).
A user system including a set of users (U) including a UI, the set of users (U) being operatively connected to an energy supply network (RE) and further related to energy consumption (PD). It comprises energy measuring means (CE, NM) capable of transmitting information to the control system (SC), the control means (SC) comprising the energy transmitted by the energy measuring means (CE, NM). It autonomously controls the energy consumption of the associated smart user (UI) based on the information on the consumption (PD), characterized in that the control system (SC) determines the priority value (PRD). Means for processing (TB6,
User system, which comprises a TB7, TB8). 30. The control system (SC) comprises time counting means (TP) for performing counting based on priority (PRD) values.
6. The user system according to item 6. 31. User system according to claim 30, characterized in that the control system (SC) comprises a logic fuzzy elaboration circuit for determining a dynamic priority (PRD) value. 32. User according to claim 26, characterized in that the control system (SC) is associated with audio and / or visual display means for signaling information about energy consumption (PD). system.