DE19940900A1 - Method and system for energy supply via an energy supply network - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy supply system and a method for operating the same, in particular a power, district heating or gas supply network, with a transmission network and a distribution network, wherein a distribution network operator obtains energy from a generator, in particular a power generator, via the transmission network and via the distribution network and provides a meter to end users. Here, the end user acquires a predetermined amount of energy in a retail store and in return receives an authorization key, which is loaded into the end consumer's meter, this authorization key being evaluated by the meter in such a way that, based on the authorization key, an amount of energy counted by the meter is sent to the distribution system operator or is contracted to a third party supplier.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating an energy supplier supply network, in particular a power, district heating or gas supplier supply network, with a transmission network and a distribution network, wherein a distribution system operator from a producer, in particular electricity producers energy, via the transmission network and via the distribution network and supplies a meter to end users, according to the preamble of  Claim 1. The invention further relates to an energy supply system to supply energy, for example in the form of electricity, gas or District heating, to an end user, the energy supply system comprising a transmission network for transmitting Energy from a producer to a distribution system operator, a distribution network to distribute energy from the distribution system operator to the end user consumer and a meter for measuring of an amount of energy delivered to the end user, according to the preamble of claim 8.

So far, the energy supply network has been monopolized locally or regionally, d. H. there is only one local or regional distribution network operator and an end user can only use this energy, for example in Form of electricity. Accordingly, there are sometimes high ones Prices for the energy supplied but also large regional fluctuations in the calculation of a basic amount by the distribution network operator about.

With the increasing liberalization of the energy supply market however, this system must be changed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for Energy supply of the above type and an improved energy power supply system of the above-mentioned Kind of providing which one allows easy and safe selection of a third party energy provider.

This task is accomplished by a method of the above. Kind with the in claim 1 characterized features and by an energy supply system the above Kind with the features characterized in claim 8 solved.  

For this, it is in a method of the above. Type vorese according to the invention hen that the end user a predetermined amount of energy in one Acquires a store and in return an authorization key holds, which is loaded into the meter of the end user, whereby this Authorization key is evaluated by the counter in such a way that on the Based on the authorization key an energy counted by the meter amount to the distribution system operator or a third party supplier is slammed.

This has the advantage that an end user without additional distribution networks energy from a third party in a simple and transparent manner can obtain providers.

Further developments of the method are preferred in the claims 2 to 7 described.

An automated and quickly authorized purchase of energy from the third party is achieved by the authorization key via an external data connection, for example a connection to Internet or direct connection with the third party provider.

For a safe verification and to ensure information of the each local distribution system operator via an energy supply contract between The end consumer receives the end consumer and the third party in the retail store a first part of the authorization key, which is subsequently transmitted to the distribution system operator by the end user is, which in turn a second part of the Be authorization key transmitted, with the end user the complete authorization key comprising the first and second part in enters the counter manually.  

For information to the end user, the meter uses a current, valid authorization key one by the end user amount of energy purchased by the third party that is still to be consumed displayed.

To limit the purchase of energy from a third party is one of the meter by the end user from the third party purchased and still to be consumed energy set to zero, so soon a calendar date contained in the authorization key is taken.

In that a total of the meter, via the distribution network from the Ver Sub-network operator transferred amount of energy and a share of the total transferred amount of energy, which a third party to the final consumption cher sold, is displayed is simply from the difference of the displayed data is one supplied by the distribution system operator Energy quantity can be determined.

In a preferred development of the invention, the authorization key, for example, manually using an input device Counter entered in this.

Furthermore, it is in a power supply system of the above. Art invented According to the invention provided that the counter is an input device for egg has an authorization key, the counter being designed in this way is that this is based on the authorization key counted the amount of energy to the distribution system operator or a third party as Suppliers strikes.  

This has the advantage that an end user without additional distribution networks energy from a third party in a simple and transparent manner can refer to the provider.

Further developments of the energy supply system are preferably shown in claims 9 to 17.

In a preferred embodiment, the input device comprises a Device control with an internal data connection to the meter and egg ner external data connection, the device control being so is that they receive a via the external data connection or Authorization key entered manually in the device control in Counter stores. Here, the internal data connection is, for example PCL data connection (PCL = Power Line Carrier) and the external data connection, for example, a telecommunications, a TV cable network, a satellite or a cellular connection, the external data connection, for example, a connection to the Internet or a direct one Is connected to a third party.

A use of devices that may already be available to the end user can be achieved in that the device control a house or building control for home and building technology, for example a staff Computer, a television with internet connection or an adapter for Connect a home automation system to the Internet.

For manual entry of the authorization key in the counter at Electrical installations that may not be connected to a device control are, the counter comprises a corresponding input device in the form a keyboard.  

For separating amounts of energy, which from the third party and which supplied by the local distribution system operator, includes the meter Total, one up and one down counter, the backwards counter according to the current authorization key from a third party provider displays purchased and still to be consumed energy, whereby furthermore a difference between total and forward counter one from the distribution network operator displays the amount of energy supplied.

To limit the purchase of energy from the third party the counter has a date evaluation device for an in the authorization key contained in the calendar date, the counter being the Set the down counter to zero and the up counter stops as soon as the calendar date contained in the current authorization key is exceeded.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing explained.

This shows in Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a modern power system Invent.

In the following, the invention will only be exemplified on the basis of a current supply network described. However, the invention is applicable to every ener Power supply network applicable, regardless of whether the energy source Electricity, gas, natural gas or a heated medium such as air or water. Furthermore, the term third-party provider or direct seller refers to below triebs-EVU an energy supply company (EVU), which electricity End customers or tariff customers sold, but neither producers nor distributors themselves  is network operator for this end or tariff customer. Of course you can the direct sales RU in another regional or local area as a producer and / or distribution network operator for other end or tariff customers to be active.

In the energy supply system according to the invention shown in the single figure, a power generator 10 supplies electricity via a transmission network 12 as energy source to a distribution network operator 14 , which in turn forwards this current to end users 18 via a distribution network 16 via a meter 20 . The meter 20 is connected via a line 22 , which exceeds a property limit 24 between the distribution network operator 14 and the end user 18 , to a “normal” electrical installation 26 on site or in the house of the end user 18 .

End-user side is a control, such as a house control, see for example, which has, for example, at least one of the following components, a workstation 28 , such as a personal computer PC or a successor to the same, a television 30 with a control 31 and an input device 32 , which for example, a data link 34 by means of radio or infrared, and / or an adapter or "home information terminal" 36 for connecting the building services or electrical installation 26 with an external data connection, such as a connection to the Internet. A dashed line 38 indicates a data connection between the respective control 28 , 30 or 36 and the electrical installation 26 and the counter 20 . This data connection 38 is based, for example, on a PLC technology (PLC = Power Line Carrier).

With dashed line 40 , a respective communication connection of the controller 28 , 30 or 36 to the Internet 42 is indicated, this communication connection 40 crossing a boundary 44 between the end user 18 and an external telecommunications network or an external TV cable network. The communication link 40 is implemented via cable, a satellite link or a mobile radio link, for example with the GSM standard (GSM = Global System for Mobile Communications). The distribution network operator 14 is connected via a communication link 46 to the Internet 42 .

Furthermore, a third-party provider or direct sales power supply company (EVU = energy supply company) 48 is provided, which does not operate a distribution network itself, but has a certain transmission or transmission or network capacity at the distribution system operator 14 via the distribution network 16 or at the generator 10 via the transmission network 12 as well as a certain amount of energy from the producer 10 and even sold electricity to the end consumer 18 . Here, however, the direct sales power supply company 48 does not have to build its own lines to the end customer 18 , but can use existing networks 12 or 16 . In this way, the end consumer 18 has the choice between two or more providers and may choose the less expensive one. In this case, the direct sales power supply company 48 can offer electricity at a lower cost because it purchases, for example, large quantities and therefore inexpensive transmission capacity or energy or transmission capacity. Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the distribution network operator 14 to sell electricity via direct sales power supply companies 48 , since the distribution network operator 14 saves at least some of the corresponding expenses and costs for advertising and direct customer care and completely relies on the operation, maintenance and repair of the distribution network 16 can concentrate. Furthermore, the distribution network operator 14 or generator 10 can also deliver electricity to customers outside of its regional distribution network 16 via the direct sales RU 48 , if the direct sales RU 48 has, for example, made corresponding agreements with other, neighboring distribution network operators and the local power generation or Pipe capacities may not be sufficient to meet demand or the electricity costs there may be higher.

The direct sales power supply company 48 therefore purchases network capacity or energy or transmission capacity from the distribution network operator 14 and / or generator 10 and sells an amount of electricity supplied via this to the end consumer 18 , who, however, still only works at the distribution network 16 of his distribution network operator 14 , which is then different from the direct sales EVU 48, is connected. According to the invention, the direct sales EVU 48 offers the electricity in retail stores.

A corresponding purchase of electricity by the end user 18 from the direct sales power supply company 48 is then as follows:
In daily advertising or on the Internet 42 , the current electricity prices for a so-called. "Power by Call" pointed out and the direct sales EVU 48 presents itself as the cheapest provider. The offer is then, for example, as follows:
Minimum purchase: 50 kWh, maximum purchase: 500 kWh,
Price: 12 Pf / kWh, duration of withdrawal: 4 weeks.

In addition to the amount of electricity purchased, the withdrawal time is also be limits, as will be explained in more detail later.  

The end customer 18 decides to accept the offer and buys in a shop, such as a supermarket, gas station or department store, at the beginning of the week KW 13 250 kWh of energy in the form of electricity from the direct sales power supply company 48 . In return, the end user 18 either later on Internet 42 and connection 40 receives a full authorization key, which is then loaded via line 38 into the counter 20 , or alternatively a card on which part A of an authorization key is printed. This alternative is particularly advantageous if the end user 18 does not have an internet connection 40 or, where possible, not even a device control 28 , 30 , 36 with a data connection 38 . In this case, the end consumer goes home after purchasing the energy in the retail store and calls his distribution network operator 14 , who asks for the corresponding information contained on the card. These include in particular the amount of energy purchased and the direct sales power supply company 48 from which the energy is obtained. In return, the distribution network operator 14 transmits to the end user a two th part B of the authorization key, so that the end user now holds a complete authorization key comprising part A and part B in his hands. This complete authorization key is then entered manually by the end user 18, for example via a keyboard 60 connected to the counter, into the counter 20 .

If a device control 28 , 30 , 36 is present, the end user 18 can also enter the authorization key in this, the device control 28 , 30 , 36 then loading the authorization key via data line 38 into the counter 20 .

If part A of the authorization key is already present on the card in electronic form, for example in a chip or on a magnet, a card reader can be provided on the device control which reads part A of the authorization key directly. In this case, only the part B of the authorization key transmitted end-to-end by the distribution network operator 14 must be entered manually by the end user 18 .

If the end user also has the Internet connection 42 , then the distribution network operator 14 can transfer part B of the authorization key via the Internet 42 to the device control 28 , 30 , 36 , for example by email, so that the end user does not have to enter the authorization key manually got to.

The counter 20 itself has a total counter, a downward counter and an upward counter. Alternatively, a conventional counter 20 can only be connected to a total counter, the down counter and the up counter then being provided as a separate unit or units, which may then be the property of the end user 18 . For example, these separate units and, if applicable, the external keyboard 60 of the meter 20 are then also delivered to the end customer by the direct sales power supply company 48 in conjunction with a power supply contract, which is accordingly tied over a longer period of time, the selling price for this separate unit is then partially subsidized by the electricity contract and the end consumer then has to pay a correspondingly lower purchase price for this separate unit.

After entering or loading the complete authorization key into the counter 20, the latter checks the authenticity or validity of this key and, if necessary, sets the downward counter to the amount of electricity purchased, in this case to 250 kWh, and activates the upward counter. As soon as the purchased amount of electricity is used up, i.e. the down counter is at zero, the up counter is stopped. In addition to the amount of electricity purchased (250 kWh), the full authorization key also contains a calendar date or a reference period. As soon as the current calendar date is after the calendar date contained in the authorization key or as soon as the period contained in the authorization key has expired, the downward counter, which may not yet be zero at this time, is set to zero and the upward counter is stopped. Any remaining credit expires.

Any energy transport is therefore registered for the period KW 13 to the end of KW 16 or to the zero reading of the down counter by "counting down" the down counter and "counting up" the up counter. The up-counter registers the actual purchase quantity. In addition, the total counter continues to count up as usual. As a result, any time the difference between the Zäh coupler tandes of Totalzählwerkes and the count of the Vorwärtszähl a work supplied from the distribution network operator 14 amount of current to be determined, with only this difference is 18 calculates the end user from the network operator Ver part fourteenth The amount of electricity according to the up-counter is calculated by the direct sales power supply company 48 directly to the end user 18 . Possibly. the end user 18 draws electricity from various direct sales power supply companies 48 one after the other in the course of a billing period, so that the amount of electricity supplied according to the up-counter is then distributed to the various direct sales power supply companies 48 according to the respective power supply contracts. Possibly. For each direct sales power supply company 48 there is a separate up-counter and optionally also down-counter.

The functions of the various parties involved in the above-described energy supply network according to the invention can be summarized as follows: The generator or transmission system operator 10 generates electricity for energy transmission, transports this electricity or energy to the distribution system operator 14 via the transmission network 12 he operates and bills a corresponding forwarding with the direct sales EVU 48 and the distribution network operator 14 . The distribution network operator 14 transports the electricity or energy to the end customer 18 , guarantees a basic supply, settles this with the end customer 18 and settles a transmission with the respective direct sales power supply company 48 concerned. The direct sales power supply company 48 offers "power by call" or electricity via the Internet 42 , organizes the transmission from the generator 10 via the distribution network operator 14 to the end user 18 and bills the end customer 18 via e-commerce.

This results in a financial flow 52 from the end customer 18 to the direct sales EVU 48 for "power by call" according to the contract concluded via the internet 42 for short-term electricity deliveries as an effect of this business via the internet 42 and a financial flow 53 to the distribution network operator 14 for the basic supply in accordance with the grid connection contract and electricity supply contract. A direct flow EVU 48 results in a financial flow 54 to the producer 10 in accordance with supply and transmission contracts and a financial flow 56 to the distribution system operator 14 in accordance with the transmission contract. From the distribution network operator 14 there is a financial flow 58 to the producer 10 in accordance with supply and transit contracts.

The distribution network operator 14 can determine for each end user or tariff customer 18 the pass-through quantity that has occurred per billing period from the respective meter reading of the forward and reverse counters by forming a difference. The distribution system operator 14 knows the individual, temporary electricity supply contracts for billing the transmission with the individual direct sales power supply companies 48 , since he was informed accordingly by the creation of the second part (part B) of the complete authorization key. Without this part B of the authorization key, the counter would not accept the authorization key as valid and refuse to increment the downward counter and start the upward counter.

In the case of the direct sales EVU 48 , a data center may be provided, which ensures fully automatic processing of the order via boarding school 42 and the collection activities to be derived therefrom. A call center is also provided for customer support. From the data obtained with the respective orders, the "energy transport timetables" are also automatically generated by the data center, since the time period, quantity and location of the power consumption by the end user 18 are part of the order information. On the basis of these timetables, the direct sales power supply company 48 coordinates its requirements with regard to the quantity and destinations of the transmission with the producers or transmission system operators 10 and the distribution system operators 14 . For the generation of the required authorization key, partial information in the authorization key of the respective distribution network operator 14 is built into the system as mandatory, that is, the counter 20 is designed such that it only verifies an authorization key as genuine if it also the second generated by the distribution network operator Part (part B) contains. This forces the exchange of information between the direct sales power supply company 48 and the respective distribution network operator 14 .

The possible integration of the data connection 38 in the form of a PLC at the location of the end user 18 saves complex installations in transformer stations of the distribution network operator 14 . The same applies to the alternative of telephonic transmission of part B of the authorization key with manual entry into the counter 20 by the end user 18 .

Furthermore, less effort is required with regard to data security, since either only a distribution network tree from the counter 20 to the electrical installation 26 of the end customer 18 is necessary, or manual entry does not involve transmission of the authorization key via security-sensitive electronic data networks. The end user 18 can create his own keys for private data protection for his device control 28 , 30 , 36 if necessary. The administration at the level of the distribution network operator 14 is omitted. On the one hand, the system according to the invention is open to the market of rapidly increasing "home automation", but does not absolutely need such "home automation". The full transmission bandwidth of the PLC technology may be available to the end customer 18 . He can also use this for applications in the SOHO environment (SOHO = Small Office Home Office).

The keyboard 60 as an input device on the counter 20 can be provided in addition or as an alternative to "home automation" with the components device control 28 , 30 , 36 , internal data connection 38 and external data connection 40 .

It goes without saying that the distribution network operator 14 and the generator 10 can also be identical.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

10th

Power generator

12th

Transmission network

14

Distribution network operator

16

Distribution network

18th

Consumer

20th

counter

22

Line for house installation

24th

Property boundary between distribution system operator and end user

26

Electrical installation on site or in the house of the end consumer

28

Workstation

30th

TV

31

control

32

Input device

34

Data Connection

36

adapter

38

Data connection between the respective control, the electrical installation and the meter

40

Communication link between the controller and the Internet

42

Internet

44

Border between the end user and an external telecommunications network or an external TV cable network

46

Communication link between distribution network operator and the Internet

48

Third party providers or direct sales power supply companies (EVU = energy supply company)

50

Communication link between direct sales RU and the Internet

52

Financial flow from the end customer to the direct sales RU

53

Financial flow from the end customer to the distribution system operator

54

Financial flow from direct sales RU to producer

56

Financial flow from direct sales RU to distribution network operator

58

Financial flow from the distribution system operator to the producer

60

keyboard

Claims (17)

1. A method for operating an energy supply network, in particular a particular electricity, district heating or gas supply network, with a transmission network and a distribution network, wherein a distribution network operator receives energy from a producer, in particular a power generator, via the transmission network and via the distribution network and a meter supplies to end users, characterized in that the end user acquires a predetermined amount of energy in a retail store and in return receives an authorization key which is loaded into the end consumer's meter, this authorization key being evaluated by the meter in such a way that on the basis of the Authorization key, an amount of energy counted by the meter is added to the distribution system operator or a third party supplier. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized, that the authorization key via an external data connection extension, for example a connection to the Internet or direct Connection with the third party provider. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized, that the end user in the retail store a first part of the authorization key, which is subsequently received by the end user user is transmitted to the distribution system operator, which in turn  the end user a second part of the authorization key transmitted, with the end user the complete Authorization keys comprising part one and part two in the Enter the counter manually. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized, that from the meter based on a current, valid authorization key from the third party the amount of energy purchased, which is still to be consumed becomes. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized, that of the meter one by the end user of the third provider purchased and still to be consumed energy Is set to zero as soon as one in the authorization key tenes calendar date is exceeded. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized, that from the meter a total, from the distribution network from the distribution network operators transferred amount of energy as well as a share of the total transferred amount of energy, which a third party to the end consumer has sold is displayed. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized, that the authorization key is entered manually using an input direction on the meter is entered in this.   8. An energy supply system for supplying energy, for example in the form of electricity, gas or district heating, to an end user ( 18 ), the energy supply system comprising: a transmission network ( 12 ) for transmitting energy from a generator ( 10 ) to a distribution system operator ( 14 ), a distribution network ( 16 ) for distributing energy from the distribution network operator ( 14 ) to the end users ( 18 ) and a counter ( 20 ) arranged on the end user side for measuring an amount of energy delivered to the end user ( 18 ), characterized in that that the counter ( 20 ) has an input device for an authorization key, the counter ( 20 ) being designed in such a way that, based on the authorization key, the distribution system operator ( 14 ) or a third-party provider ( 48 ) strikes as a supplier as a supplier. 9. Power supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that the input device comprises a device control ( 28 ; 30 ; 36 ) with an internal data connection ( 38 ) to the meter ( 20 ) and an external data connection ( 40 ), the device control ( 28 ; 30 ; 36 ) is designed such that it stores an authorization key received via the external data connection ( 40 ) or entered manually into the device control ( 28 ; 30 ; 36 ) in the counter ( 20 ). 10. Power supply system according to claim 9, characterized in that the internal data connection ( 38 ) is a PCL data connection (PCL = Power Line Carrier). 11. Power supply system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the external data connection ( 40 ) is a telecommunications, a TV cable network, a satellite or a mobile radio connection. 12. Power supply system according to claim 11, characterized in that the external data connection ( 40 ) is a connection to the Internet ( 42 ) or a direct connection to a third party provider ( 48 ). 13. Energy supply system according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the device control ( 28 ; 30 ; 36 ) is a house or building control for house or building technology. 14. Power supply system according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the device control is a personal computer ( 28 ), a television set ( 30 ) with an Internet connection and / or an adapter ( 36 ) for connecting a domestic technology to the Internet. 15. Power supply system according to claim 8, characterized in that the counter ( 20 ) comprises a keyboard for manual entry of the authorization key. 16. Power supply system according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the counter ( 20 ) comprises a total, a forward and a backward counter, the downward counter being bought according to a current authorization key from a third party provider ( 48 ) and still Indicates the amount of energy to be consumed, and furthermore, a difference from the total and forward counter indicates an amount of energy supplied by the distribution network operator ( 14 ). 17. Power supply system according to claim 16, characterized in that the counter ( 20 ) has a date evaluation device for a calendar date contained in the authorization key, wherein the counter sets the down counter to zero and the forward counter stops as soon as the calendar date contained in the current authorization key has been exceeded .