EP4022547A1

EP4022547A1 - Energy provision

Info

Publication number: EP4022547A1
Application number: EP19789589.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus KUHNLA
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-08-02
Filing date: 2019-08-02
Publication date: 2022-07-06
Also published as: WO2021023359A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical sub-distribution unit or electrical plant (1) for providing at least one electrical supply, in particular a supply for an air-conditioning system, a charging device for electric means of transport or for similar cost-intensive consumers, wherein the sub-distribution unit or or plant (1) is assigned a controlling hardware unit (2; 6), via which an energy output from the sub-distribution unit or plant (1) can be controlled. The sub-distribution unit or plant is designed such that, by means of the hardware unit (2), measurement of the energy output, switching on or off of the energy output, and Internet-based communication to the account balance of an energy receiver (EE) are made possible.

Description

Description:

Ready for energy position

The invention relates to an electrical sub-distribution or electrical system for providing at least one electrical supply, in particular a supply of an air conditioning system, a charging device for electric vehicles or for similar cost-intensive consumers, the sub-distribution or system being assigned a controlling hardware unit via which an energy output from the sub-distribution or system is controllable, according to the preamble of claim 1.

When hotel rooms, apartments, flats, camping sites, boat berths, AirBnB flats and the like are often used for a relatively short period of time, the problem arises of charging customers who use energy a suitable fee. In the case of long-term rentals, the tenant, as the energy receiver, is usually the customer of the local energy supply company, so that the billing is direct

CONFIRMATION COPY done with him. However, this is not the case for short-term rentals, for example in the above areas. Since the customer is usually away after the stay, it is also problematic and labor-intensive to read off the electrical energy consumption at the end of the stay and then to invoice it afterwards. For example, if you leave early in the morning, appropriate staff must always be on site, or a separate invoice must be issued afterwards, which often means a disproportionately high expense for often small amounts.

Therefore, a flat rate electricity fee is often required from the customer as the energy recipient. Especially when using air conditioning or when charging an electric car that is now increasing in its distribution or other high-consumption devices, the need for electrical energy can also be very high, so that flat-rate prices appear less and less satisfactory as the devices mentioned become more widespread.

In hotels there is often a solution in which the electrical power supply is only activated when a guest is present in the room. However, this is unsatisfactory with regard to charging cycles for electric vehicles, for example.

If you are permanently present, this approach does not work either, since air conditioning is then used continuously and generates disproportionately high costs.

In addition, the unexplained calculation of energy is an obstacle with regard to the private installation of charging devices for electric vehicles, for example in front of houses or in underground garages. The invention is based on the problem of finding an improvement here.

The invention solves this problem by a device with the features of claim 1 as well as by a method with the features of claim 12 and an individual or integrated hardware unit according to claim 16. With regard to further advantageous embodiments, reference is made to claims 2 to 11 and 13 to 15 referenced.

Characterized in that according to claim 1 an electrical sub-distribution or electrical system is assigned a controlling hardware unit, via which an energy output from the sub-distribution or system can be controlled and via which a measurement of the energy output, switching on or off the energy output and internet-based communication to a credit of an energy receiver, a billing of the energy actually required by this (which can be measured or extrapolated, for example if a single outdoor air conditioning system is connected to several internal outlets) is made possible so that reading is not necessary. At the same time, by comparing the energy consumption with a credit balance of the energy receiver, a prepaid model is possible in which a landlord or similar no longer has to chase after the customer, but the (short-term) tenant can only consume the energy that he has paid for in advance Has. This considerably simplifies the handling between the landlord and the energy recipient. The hardware unit acts as a sensor as a measuring instrument for the electrical energy (accumulated, possibly also instantaneous consumption), with the activation or blocking of the further energy supply it also acts as an actuator. In addition, additional costs for maintenance or C02 neutralization, for example, can be allocated and billed according to usage.

All of these processes can take place fully automatically, so that no discussions can arise, which significantly reduces the administrative effort.

If a connection between the hardware unit and an energy provider, for example a customer of an energy supply company, can be established and initialized, this can be used to reliably log in and enable an energy flow for the energy receiver so that the latter can use energy-intensive devices. Discrepancies in billing and the risk of cash being stolen are minimized.

It goes without saying that the system or sub-distribution does not have to relate to the entire rented unit, but for example only an air conditioning system and / or a sauna cabin and / or a charging device. Even after using up a credit, the light or a kettle in the apartment or the like can continue to work.

In particular, the hardware unit can switch the energy output on and off depending on the current balance of the energy receiver, for example on a virtual account. Refilling the virtual account in the meantime can be particularly advantageous, which is possible in real time if a virtual account of an energy recipient can be refilled in advance via electronic money allocation, in particular via a smartphone or other electronic device of the energy recipient, and during the Operation of the system or sub-distribution is refillable. At the same time, there is a strong incentive for the energy recipient to use the energy economically and ecologically. Control with a view to optimized network utilization is also possible.

A warning signal can be given by the hardware unit 2; 6 optically, acoustically and / or by vibration if the credit on the virtual account falls below a minimum credit and it makes sense to pay later so that, for example, the air conditioning does not switch off within the next hour . A notification to the device G of the energy receiver EE can also be output. The hardware unit is particularly advantageously arranged in the vicinity of a sub-distribution or system that is to be switched, for example in a hotel room or a rented flat or apartment. Each (energy-intensive) sub-distribution or system can be equipped with its own hardware unit of this type, so that the credit of a single virtual account can be used for several sub-distributions or systems, for example an air-conditioning system, a sauna cabin, a charging device for an electric vehicle, a pool heater , a freezer .... If the physical proximity is not easily possible, the hardware can be divided. For example, part of the hardware can be placed in the vicinity of an interior part of the air conditioning system in order to enable the air conditioning system to be released by the energy receiver, and another part of the hardware in the vicinity of the air conditioning compressor in order to measure the energy used there as precisely as possible and to use it to divide the affected energy receiver. If the hardware unit can communicate particularly favorably with an energy management server on which the virtual account data of an energy receiver are stored in such a way that they can be used for several sub-distributions or systems, even at different locations, the landlord of a unit, for example an apartment or a parking space, completely from the management of the energy flows by individual customers

(Energy receiver) be relieved. This can be done by an external service provider and, in the case of a large number of managed systems, also enable the customer to continue using any remaining credit, for example in another apartment the next night. This allows the customer to overpay for a stay and use the credit elsewhere weeks or months later or have it repaid.

The system or sub-distribution system managed in this way can stop the further supply of energy if the account of the energy recipient no longer has the necessary funds or another

Parameters, such as an energy network optimization, which make a further energy supply appear unsuitable (smart grid), is fulfilled. Any discussions, lost bills or similar discrepancies are therefore prevented from the outset.

In particular, the energy management server can communicate in a data connection with the hardware unit (s) as well as with an electronic device of the energy receiver and with an electronic device of an energy provider (lessor). Then both the billing with the customer and the billing with the landlord can be done completely via the energy management server. The system or sub-distribution can then be operated in such a way that the customer, who is also the energy receiver, first rents a residential unit, for example a room, apartment, apartment or even a parking space or boat berth or the like, which includes a system or sub-distribution . This unit is rented by the energy receiver from an energy provider (landlord), who usually has a contract with an energy supply company, for one or more nights or for a longer, possibly limited period of time.

With a registration option, the customer then starts a separate app, which can be used to deposit a credit into a virtual account of an energy management server. This can coincide with the landlord or it can be a separate third party.

As a result, the customer, as an energy receiver, can then use the system or sub-distribution within the framework of the prepaid credit, with additional payments being possible at any time, even in between.

It is particularly advantageous if any remaining credit remaining after the system or sub-distribution has been used is retained on an energy management server and can then be used on other systems or sub-distributions that are managed in the same way.

For all these systems or sub-distribution, the fact that a credit is used up during operation of the system or sub-distribution is communicated to an electronic device (e.g. smartphone or tablet) of the energy receiver, especially with a timely advance notice in order to ensure an uninterruptible power supply.

Additional security functions can be provided with which an erroneous use of a customer's credit can be avoided.

The invention is explained by way of example using preferred Ausfüh approximately examples with reference to the figures.

It shows schematically:

1 shows a block diagram as an overall view of the electrical system or sub-distribution with the management of the data, financial and energy flows,

FIG. 2 shows a view similar to FIG. 1, but with decentralized energy consumption measurement via a further hardware unit,

3 shows a chronological sequence from top to bottom

Interaction plan between the energy receiver, the energy management server and the hardware unit,

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the structure of a

Hardware unit.

Fig. 1 shows an electrical sub-distribution or electrical system 1 for providing at least one electrical supply, in particular a supply of an air conditioning system, a Ladevor direction for electric vehicles or other means of transport or for similar costly consumers. It can only a single socket 3 can be designed in this way, or an entire unit, for example a room, an apartment, a camping space for a mobile home or a caravan or a boat berth ... can be equipped in this way. Any equipment in between is also possible, for example that the air conditioning, the refrigerator and a charging socket for an electric car are attached to such a sub-distribution, but all other functions of the apartment or similar unit are outside this interconnection and can be freely used. Several separate systems or sub-distributions 1 can also be equipped in an apartment in the manner according to the invention, for example an air conditioning system (possibly also hard-wired) in the apartment and a spatially distant charging socket in the underground car park.

Especially for partially rented apartments, for example only one rented room of the apartment can be equipped according to the invention, while the rest of the apartment can be used electrically.

The or each sub-distribution or installation 1 equipped in this way is assigned at least one controlling hardware unit 2, 6, via which an energy output from this or each sub-distribution or installation 1 can be controlled. The hardware unit 2 thus forms a controller.

This hardware unit 2, which is located in the vicinity of a respective sub-distribution or system 1 and which itself only requires a few centimeters of edge length, can be used to measure the energy output from the respective sub-distribution or system 1, so that precise consumption can be recorded and also documented is. In addition, the energy output can be switched on or off as well as internet-based communication with a credit balance of an energy receiver EE. On Such an energy receiver EE is, for example, a short-term tenant of an apartment or a room, a parking space or a similar unit. The unit is rented by the energy receiver EE from an energy provider EB, for example the owner who is himself a permanent customer of an energy supply company, for example.

Furthermore, by specifying the hardware unit 2, it is possible to establish a connection with the named energy provider EB, often the landlord, so that an initialization for the energy receiver EE is possible.

In addition, a connection with an energy management server EVS is created by the initialization, so that an energy supply from this to the system or sub-distribution 1 can be released or blocked. The system or sub-distribution 1 can therefore be connected to a distribution box 4 via an electrical line 5 for its electrical supply.

Basically, consumers that consist of several units (e.g. multi-split air conditioning systems) or whose energy consumption cannot be predicted (e.g. vehicle that is not charged but only air-conditioned, or vehicle that is not charged linearly) need to be used a device 6 (a further hardware unit), which measures the amount of energy actually consumed. This is transmitted to the EVS, whereupon the hardware unit 2 enables or interrupts the flow of energy.

Like the hardware unit 2, this energy measuring device 6 has an existing data connection to the EVS, a processor for cryptographic encryption of the data and an energy measuring device. The energy measuring device 6 can be integrated in the hardware unit 2 or housed in a separate housing.

Whether the system or the sub-distribution 1 is activated depends on the current balance of the energy receiver EE, for example on a virtual account. If this credit is large enough, the corresponding system or sub-distribution 1 is ready to deliver energy and can be switched by the customer, the energy receiver EE, if necessary.

For example, if there is no need to use energy, for example because it is not warm enough to operate an air conditioning system, the credit of the energy receiver EE is retained.

The credit of the energy receiver EE can be determined via a virtual account assigned to it. This can be refilled in advance as prepaid credit by the energy receiver EE by means of electronic money allocation, in particular via a smartphone or other electronic device. It is also possible that during the operation of the system or sub-distribution 1, the virtual account can be refilled by electronic transfer or also automatically with notification.

In order to know when a refill is required, the energy receiver EE does not need to constantly monitor the credit, but it is possible that a warning signal can be sent to an electronic device of the energy receiver EE or a hardware unit 2 when the credit is on the virtual account falls below a minimum balance and therefore refilling appears advisable. This also prevents, for example, a charging process from being interrupted without the energy receiver EE noticing. The management of the virtual account does not necessarily have to be taken over by the landlord of the respective unit, but a separate energy management server EVS can be provided, which can also be operated by an external service provider. The hardware unit 2 can communicate with this energy management server EVS, on which the virtual account data of an energy receiver EE are also stored independently of the currently rented unit in such a way that they can be used for several sub-distributions or systems 1, even at different locations.

Billing can then take place solely between the energy receiver EE and the energy management server EVS of the separate service provider. The virtual account is also managed there. Any remaining credit can also be repaid, for example as part of a monthly bill. A subscription model with automatic payments to the virtual account of the energy receiver EE is also possible. In addition, the payments between the service provider and the respective energy provider EB can be settled using the data of the server EVS.

The security facilities are also stored on this server EVS. For example, if its electronic device G (for example a smartphone) is at a physical distance, the energy receiver EE can be asked by a hardware device 2 from the server EVS whether the credit should be used there (because the energy receiver EE comes back in the evening, for example, and the air conditioning system should go through) or whether the hardware unit 2 should block the further use of energy there so that a third party does not benefit from it. The EVS then gives the hardware unit 2 a corresponding instruction. In this In connection with this, possibilities can be used which limit the consumption per hardware unit 2.

In order to fulfill all of these tasks, the energy management server EVS can communicate in a data connection both with the hardware unit 2, the measuring device 6 and with an electronic device G of the energy receiver EE and with an electronic device of an energy provider EB. This data communication can be fully automated and encrypted.

The energy receiver EE can log on to the energy management server EVS online via an app and set up a virtual account there.

The virtual account at EVS can then be topped up via electronic transfer. The customer, as energy receiver EE, can then use the system or sub-distribution 1 within the framework of this prepaid credit, with the account being refilled at any time, even in between. Such a time sequence is plotted from top to bottom in FIG.

With a separate energy management server, residual goods that have existed after the system or sub-distribution 1 has been used can be retained on the EVS energy management server and can therefore also be used on other systems or sub-distributions of the service provider that are managed by this service provider. A repayment is of course also possible. The service provider who operates the server EVS also calculates the energy sales reported by the hardware unit 2 and the measuring device 6 as well as the credit deposited into the virtual account with the energy provider EB if a own fee. This can also be done automatically and, for example, monthly. The energy provider EB then receives a payment for the energy requested by the various energy receivers EE in the accounting period.

Intentional or unintentional misuse is avoided in that the hardware unit 2 and the measuring device 6 communicate with the EVS in a cryptographically secured manner. This ensures that only the authorized energy management server EVS is allowed to release the energy via the assigned hardware unit 2 and that the actual consumption is recorded. The same applies to the communication between the energy provider EB and the energy management service EVS.

An unintentional flow of energy is avoided in that the energy receiver EE and the energy provider EB have to register with a code or another access authorization, such as a biometric access authorization.

Furthermore, the energy receiver EE can define upper value limits for each hardware unit 2, after which a renewed confirmation by the energy receiver is necessary. This upper value limit can be ensured for each hardware unit 2 or depending on the category of the hardware unit 2. One such category is, for example, charging devices for electric cars (very high consumption), another category is air conditioning (significantly lower consumption).

As is clear from Figure 4, a hardware unit 2 includes both a switch 7 for enabling or disabling the voltage allocation of the respective system or sub-distribution 1 from a distribution box 4. It can be seen that the hardware unit 2 or 6 itself sensors, for example for measuring the Consumption, as well as actuators for active switching as well as means for secure communication (cryptoprocessing, host communication) includes. The type of communication (WLAN, Bluetooth, cellular ...) can vary depending on the requirements.

List of reference symbols: System or 15 EE energy receiver sub-distribution, (tenant), hardware unit, EB energy provider socket, (landlord), distribution box, EVS energy management line to the electrical 20 server, supply, G electronic device of the hardware energy receiver (to the measuring device (second example smartphone ) Hardware unit), switch

Claims

Expectations:

1. Electrical sub-distribution or electrical system (1) for providing at least one electrical supply, in particular a supply of an air conditioning system, a charging device for electric vehicles or for similar energy-intensive consumers, the sub-distribution or system (1) at least one controlling hardware unit (2; 6) is assigned, via which an energy output from the sub-distribution or system (1) can be controlled, characterized in that the hardware unit (2; 6) is used to measure and / or estimate the energy output, switch the energy output on or off, and a automated communication to a server (EVS) managing the credit of an energy receiver (EE) are enabled.

2. Sub-distribution or system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a connection between the hardware unit (2; 6) and an energy provider (EB), for example a customer of an energy supply company, can be produced and initialized.

3. Sub-distribution or system (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the hardware unit (2) switches the energy output on and off depending, for example, on Electricity prices or network loads or from the current balance of the energy receiver (EE), for example on a virtual account, can be carried out.

4. sub-distribution or system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a virtual account of an energy receiver (EE) by electronic money allocation, in particular via a smartphone or other electronic device (G) of the energy receiver (EE), refillable in advance and during of the operation of the system or sub-distribution is refillable.

5. sub-distribution or system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hardware unit (2; 6) is arranged in the power supply of a sub-distribution or system (1) to be switched in each case.

6. sub-distribution or system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the hardware unit (2) can communicate with an energy management server (EVS) on which the virtual account data of an energy receiver (EE) are stored in such a way that they can be used for several sub-distributions or systems (1), even at different locations.

7. sub-distribution or system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a warning signal can be sent from the energy management server (EVS) to an electronic device (G) of the energy receiver (EE) when the credit on the virtual account falls below a minimum credit.

8. sub-distribution or system (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the energy management server (EVS) in a data connection both with the hardware unit (2; 6) and with an electronic device (G) of the energy receiver ( EE) as well as with an electronic device of an energy provider (EB) can communicate.

9. sub-distribution or system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is arranged in a hotel room or a rented apartment or apartment, boat mooring or camping space or rental office or a warehouse or on a charging device for an electric vehicle .

10. sub-distribution or system (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the energy provider (EB) is the landlord of the hotel room or a rented apartment or apartment, a boat mooring or camping space or rental office or a charging device.

1 1. sub-distribution or system (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the energy provider (EB) is a service unit commissioned by the landlord, which carries out the management of electrical energy via an energy management server.

12. A method for operating a system or sub-distribution (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising:

(i) Renting a unit, for example a room,

Apartments or an apartment that includes a system or sub-distribution (1) by a

Energy receiver (EE) from an energy provider (EB),

(ii) Payment of a credit to a real account which is assigned to a virtual account of the energy receiver (EE) on an energy management server (EVS).

(iii) Use of the sub-distribution or system (1) within the framework of the prepaid credit.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that after the use of the system or sub-distribution (1) existing remaining credit on an energy management Server (EVS) is retained and can be used on other systems or sub-distributions.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that a credit is used up during the operation of the system or sub-distribution (1) to an electronic device (G) of the energy receiver (EE) is notified, in particular with timely advance notice.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the energy provider (EB), the billable costs for an energy unit can be freely determined.

16. Hardware unit for use in a method according to one of claims 13 to 15.