EP3387594A1

EP3387594A1 - Method for managing a group of electric power consuming devices, and electric power management module

Info

Publication number: EP3387594A1
Application number: EP16825458.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mélaine ROUSSELLE; Philippe FORESTIER; Sawsan Al Zahr
Original assignee: Electricite de France SA; Institut Mines Telecom IMT
Current assignee: Electricite de France SA; Institut Mines Telecom IMT
Priority date: 2015-12-08
Filing date: 2016-12-06
Publication date: 2018-10-17
Also published as: WO2017098137A1; US20180375328A1; FR3044799B1; FR3044799A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing a group of electric power consuming devices (21, 22, 31, 32) which can be used to reduce the power consumption cost for some devices when the power supply for these devices can be deferred. The method is particularly suitable for modular power supply devices (31, 32) and, in particular, when at least one of the devices is an electric vehicle that is connected in order for the vehicle batteries to be charged.

Description

METHOD FOR MANAGING A SET OF DEVICES

CONSUMERS OF ELECTRIC ENERGY, AND MODULE

ELECTRIC POWER MANAGER

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of managing a set of electrical energy consuming devices. It also relates to an electrical energy management module.

PRIOR ART

There are already many methods of managing the power supply of one or more appliances that are connected to the same point of delivery of electrical energy. For example, it can be all electrical appliances in a home, including a domestic hot water system, a washing machine, a kitchen oven, etc. The power supply of these devices is generally subject to two constraints. On the one hand, the instantaneous electrical power that is provided to power some of the devices simultaneously must not exceed a maximum electrical power value that is set for the delivery point. This maximum electrical power value depends on the sizing of the electrical installation downstream and upstream of the delivery point. In particular, the cost of installation of the delivery point varies according to this value of maximum electrical power. Moreover, the price of the subscription to the electric power supply service, for the occupant of the house, is even higher than the subscribed electric power is itself greater. Finally, for values of maximum available electrical power and contract power that are determined, the cost of power consumption is desired as low as possible. But some of the devices have operations that may be imperative, or priority, compared to other devices. For example, the production of domestic hot water by tank water heaters is routinely deferred for periods of time for which the cost of electricity consumption is lower. Then, during the time periods for which the cost of consumption is higher, the power supply can be devoted to priority devices without exceeding the subscribed power value. In the context of the present description, and according to common usage, power supply for an electrical appliance is understood to mean the quantity of energy per unit of time, expressed for example in kilowatts (kW), which is necessary for operation of the device. By electrical consumption is also meant, expressed for example in kilowatt hours (kWh), the amount of electrical energy that is supplied to one or more apparatus (s) to allow its (their) operation. Finally, the expression operation of a device may designate not only the activation of the device to produce in real time the function and / or the effects for which it was designed, but also possibly a charging operation of battery packs. storage of electrical energy which the apparatus can be provided, to enable it to subsequently produce the function and / or effects for which it was designed.

Electric vehicles are a new type of electrical appliance that can be connected to an electrical energy delivery point that is dedicated to a dwelling, a building or an activity site, such as an industrial site for example. However, recharging the electric batteries of such a vehicle can constitute a significant electrical consumption, with a high power supply value. This power supply value, which is significant in relation to the value of the electrical power available from the delivery point, may interfere with the power supply of other appliances if the sum of the power supply values of the appliances to feed simultaneously is greater than the value of the maximum electrical power that is available at the point of delivery. But it is often possible to defer recharging the batteries of an electric vehicle until time periods during which the total need for electrical power is reduced, and / or during which the cost of power consumption is lower.

Moreover, in the near future, some devices such as electric vehicles or domestic hot water production facilities, may have several power supply modes, corresponding to different values of power supply. Such devices are said to supply flexible. Most often, the power consumption of the device is substantially the same for all of its power modes, and variations in power time can compensate for reductions in power supply.

From this situation, an object of the present invention is to manage more efficiently several devices that are supplied with electrical energy from the same point of delivery of electrical energy, to reduce the cost of power consumption of these devices. .

An additional object of the invention is to further improve the management of the electrical power supply of several devices, when at least one of them is flexible supply. Another aim is to reduce the dimensioning that is necessary, and therefore the cost, of the installation of the point of delivery of electrical energy, for the same set of devices to supply electrical energy.

Yet another object of the invention is to reduce the subscribed power value, that is to say the cost of the subscription to the electric power supply service, for the same set of apparatus to be powered.

Finally, a general object of the invention is also to contribute to reducing peaks of electrical power supplied at the scale of an electrical energy distribution network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve at least one of these or other objects, a first aspect of the invention provides a method of managing a set of electrical energy consuming apparatuses for powering these apparatuses. electrical energy from an electric power delivery point that is common to the appliances. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: IM collect values of an electric power which is available at the delivery point according to successive time slots, and collect tariff data for electricity consumption for each time slot;

121 for each device: collect characteristics of a power mode of this device, including a power consumption value, a power supply value and a power duration, the power supply value being set to each moment of the feeding time, and furthermore collect two time limits between which to program its feeding duration; 131 classify the appliances in the set in descending order of their power consumption values;

141 for the first apparatus of the ranking established in step 131, perform the following substeps:

IA-M determine a start time for a power supply of this first device, which satisfies the following conditions:

- allow the first device to be powered according to the characteristics of its mode of supply and to the time limits collected for this first device; - The power supply of the first device is less than or equal to the value of the electric power that is available from the point of delivery for the entire duration of power of the first device from the start time; and - the start time minimizes a power supply cost of the first device, calculated by applying the tariff data; and

14-21 update the values of the electrical power that is available from the delivery point, subtracting the value of the power supply of the first unit for each time slot during the supply period of that first apparatus from the start time, and without changing the values of the electrical power that is available from the delivery point outside the power duration of the first device; then / 5 / repeat step 141 for each apparatus in the set, taken in the order of the rankings established in step 131, and with the updated values of the electrical power that is available from the point of delivery.

Such a method makes it possible to supply power to those appliances with the highest electrical consumption, to ensure that the operation of these devices is fully satisfied within a minimum period.

In addition, such a method ensures that the total power supply required at each instant is less than or equal to the value of the electrical power that is available from the delivery point.

The method also minimizes the cost of power consumption that is caused by the devices.

It also reduces the size of the electrical installation upstream and downstream of the delivery point, since it reduces the instantaneous electrical power that is requested from this point of delivery.

For the same reason, the method of the invention makes it possible to reduce the subscribed power, and therefore the cost of the subscription to the electrical energy supply service, for the user or the occupant of the dwelling, for a same set of electrical appliances.

Finally, such a method is easy to program and implement within a power management module, to be inserted between the delivery point and the power supply connections that connect the devices.

The method of the invention is particularly suitable, in particular, when one of the appliances of the set of appliances comprises an electric vehicle connected to the delivery point for recharging batteries of this type. vehicle, and / or includes a system for producing domestic hot water. Indeed, the operation of these two types of devices can be deferred to a degree compatible with the needs of their use.

A first improvement of the invention makes it possible to take into account appliances whose power supply is a priority, for example when these appliances have a safety function or are used on demand to fulfill a function immediately. In this case, in step IM of the method of the invention, the values of the electrical power that is available at the delivery point can be calculated for each time slot from a maximum electrical power value set for the point. delivery, from which is subtracted a power supply value relative to at least one other electrical energy consuming device, additional to the set of appliances, and which is to supply priority electric energy from the delivery point. Optionally, each device to be supplied as a priority can be indicated to an energy manager implementing the management method. Alternatively, a device to feed primarily can be identified by the energy manager by means of an automatic learning that is based on priority feed indications that are entered repeatedly by a user for a first period of time.

A second improvement of the invention takes advantage of the potential capacity of at least one of the devices of the set of devices to be fed alternately in several different modes. Such a device, said variable power supply, has several power modes that are associated with respective values of different power supply. Steps 131 and 141 are then executed for this flexible power supply device by adopting one of its power modes which has the highest power supply value, said first power mode, to determine the start time. of the power supply. But, if there are time slots later than the start time and during the power supply period of the first power mode, for which the power supply value of the same first power mode is greater than the value of the electric power that is available at the delivery point, then another power supply mode of the modular power supply unit is adopted for these later hours when the power is exceeded. This other power mode is one that has, among the power supply modes of the flexible power supply unit, the largest power supply values less than or equal to the value of available electrical power, among all the modes. power supply of the modular power supply unit. In addition, a power consumption defect is calculated for the flexible feed device, which results from the adoption of a different power mode than the first. A fictitious apparatus is then added to all devices that are processed according to the management method, this dummy apparatus having multiple power modes with the same power supply values as the scalable power device, but using the electrical power consumption error calculated for the power-adjustable device as the power consumption value for the dummy device's power modes, and to determine the respective supply times of the dummy device power modes.

Such a modular power supply apparatus may comprise an electric vehicle which is connected to the delivery point for recharging batteries of this vehicle, or a system for producing domestic hot water.

In addition, the characteristics of each power mode of at least one of the devices can be transmitted to an energy manager who implements the management method, by an operator of the device or by the device itself. -even. Alternatively, these characteristics can be determined by the energy manager by means of automatic learning that is based on power supply characteristics recorded during a second period of time.

In general, the delivery point of electrical energy may be assigned to a dwelling, in particular an apartment or a detached house, at least part of a building, in particular a multi-family residential building or a building. professional activities, or at least part of a site, including an industrial site. Also generally, the management method of the invention can be used to establish forecasts of electric power consumption, or forecasts of the cost of such consumption. Alternatively, the apparatus of the set of apparatuses may be supplied with electrical energy from the delivery point according to the starting times which are determined during the executions of the substep / 4-1 /, and according to the modes of operation. the devices that were used to determine these start-up or adopted times for each time slot. In the case of effective power supply of the devices, at least some of the power mode characteristics, among the power consumption value, the power supply value and the power supply duration, can be updated for the at least one of the appliances while this appliance is supplied with electrical energy in accordance with the management method. This update can be performed from at least one power supply measurement that is performed in real time for the device.

In a still general manner, step 141 of the management method may further comprise the following substep:

/ 4-3 / update a value of total cost of electricity consumption, by adding the cost of the electrical consumption of the appliance for which the starting time of the power supply was determined at the last execution of the sub -step / 4-1 /, to an earlier value of the total cost of power consumption based on the devices for which power start times were determined during previous runs of sub-step / 4- 1 /. A second aspect of the invention proposes an electrical energy management module, which is adapted to implement a management method according to the first aspect of the invention, and which comprises:

a first input adapted to receive the values of the maximum electrical power that is available at the point of delivery of electrical energy shared between several electrical energy consuming appliances; - A second input adapted to receive tariff data of power consumption for successive periods of power consumption;

third inputs adapted to receive characteristics of respective power modes of the apparatus; and

- Power supply outlets adapted to be connected to at least one of the devices, to supply these devices with electrical energy;

Such a module can be adapted to be installed at the point of delivery of electrical energy to a dwelling, at least part of a building or site.

Optionally, the manager module may further comprise a fourth input which is adapted to receive at least one indication designating one of the devices as having priority for being supplied with electrical energy. Optionally, the module may furthermore comprise, or alternatively, first recording means which are adapted to record priority feed indications which are repeatedly inputted by a user during a first period of time. It can then also include first learning means that are adapted to automatically identify at least one of the devices to feed priority. Such learning may be based on the priority feeds entered. In the case of consideration of possibly priority devices, the module may be further adapted to subtract the power supply value of each priority device which is designated by an indication or which is identified by learning, the value of the maximum electrical power that is available at the delivery point. The residual electrical power value is then available to supply at least one of the non-designated appliances with priority for the supply of electrical energy. Optionally also, the manager module may further include second measurement and recording means which are adapted to measure and record power supply characteristics of the devices for a second period of time. It can then also include second learning means which are adapted to automatically determine the characteristics of each power mode of at least one of the devices, according to the recorded power supply characteristics.

BRIEF PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear in the following description of nonlimiting examples of implementation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 illustrates an application of the present invention to a dwelling ;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of steps of a method according to the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a detailed diagram of one of the steps of the method of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An application of the invention to a dwelling 101 is now described with reference to FIG. The reference 100 designates an electrical energy supplier for the dwelling 101, and the reference 1 designates a point of delivery of the electrical energy for the dwelling 101, supposed to be a single point of delivery for simplification. The delivery point 1 usually corresponds to an electricity meter, capable of measuring the instantaneous electric power that is supplied to the dwelling 101, and to produce a total of the electrical consumption that has taken place in the dwelling 101 during a determined period.

Usually, an electrical power value is assigned to the delivery point 1, for example in accordance with a commercial contract that has been subscribed by an occupant of the dwelling 101 from the electric power supplier. This electrical power value is usually called the subscribed power value. It is less than another value, called connection value, which corresponds to the dimensioning of the electrical installation serving dwelling 101. Then, the maximum electrical power value that is available at a given instant for the dwelling 101 is less than the connection value. It may depend in particular on operating constraints of the electricity network, such as the maintenance of a nominal value of electrical voltage for the user.

Also as usual, the electric power supplier 100 establishes a rating scale of the power consumption, with consumption rates that may vary between predetermined time periods. The cost of the electrical consumption for the occupant of the dwelling 101 can then be calculated as the sum for all the successive time slots of the electrical consumption during each time slot multiplied by a kilowatt-hour price for this time slot. In most cases, the kilowatt-hour price to be used may also depend on the maximum electrical power value that is assigned to delivery point 1.

The house 101 contains several devices to supply electrical energy from the delivery point 1, including for example: a connection box to an Internet network 1 1, a vacuum cleaner 12, a kitchen utensil 13, a television set 14, a lighting system 15, a dishwasher 21, a washing machine 22, a battery charger connected to an electric vehicle 31, a domestic hot water production installation 32, etc., in a non-limiting manner and examples titles only.

To implement the invention, an electrical energy management module 2 can be inserted between the delivery point 1 and power supply lines that connect the electrical energy consuming devices of the dwelling 101. Each power supply line is then connected to a power supply output 2s of module 2. The function of module 2 is to manage in time the power supply starts of at least some of the appliances of home 101, to reduce the cost of electricity consumption while respecting the maximum electrical power value of the delivery point 1.

For this, it must be possible to delay, or postpone, the start of the power supply of at least some of the appliances that are powered from the delivery point 1. These devices for which the power supply can be deferred are listed in a list which is communicated to module 2 in step S1 (FIG. 2). They are denoted u ,, where i is a natural integer index that identifies each of these devices, ranging from 1 to N where N is the number of devices whose power supply can be deferred.

In a complementary manner, a list can also be established for the appliances of the home 01 01 whose power can not be deferred, in step S2. The electrical power supply of these devices is therefore prioritized over those of the list of step S1. The electrical consumption of each of these priority devices for the power supply can be predictable or random, and in particular depend on a start command that is actuated by the occupant of the dwelling 101, or be imposed by a security imperative. etc. In particular, among the devices shown in FIG. 1, the connection box to the internet network 1 1, the vacuum cleaner 1 2, the kitchen utensil 1 3, the television set 14 and the lighting system 1 5 are given priority when they are programmed or started by the occupant of dwelling 1 01. They are grouped together in the set 110 that is the subject of the list declared in step S2. The other devices, grouped in the sets 20 and 30, are u devices, whose power supplies can be deferred.

Each device u, or priority, is declared to the module 2 in the form of a vector which defines its mode of supply, and which comprises at least some of the following characteristics: - a value of the power supply power of the apparatus, which is denoted Pi for the apparatus u, at each moment of operation;

- a minimum hour limit for the start of the power supply, which is noted for the device u,;

- a maximum hour limit for the end of the power supply, which is noted η 'for the device u,;

- a power supply duration, for example to produce the function of this device or to ensure a complete recharge of its batteries, noted te, for the apparatus u,; and

- a power consumption value which corresponds to the power and power duration values of the device, and which is denoted Ei for the device u ,. The value P, of the electrical power supply of the apparatus u ,, or of a priority apparatus, may vary during its power supply duration. This variation can be known. In this case, it is recorded in the power supply vector of the apparatus in the form of a succession of power supply power values which are each associated with a period within the duration of the power supply period. power supply. In the following, the value P, of power supply power which is used to predict or perform the power supply of the apparatus u, or priority, is selected according to the period concerned during the power supply period. of the device. The value of the maximum electrical power that is available from the delivery point 1, is collected in step S3 (Figure 2) by the module 2. This value can be transmitted from the electricity meter which is located at delivery point 1, by a dedicated input 2a of module 2, called the first entry in the general part of this description. Depending on the applications of the invention, it is not mandatory that this value of the maximum electrical power that is available is constant over time. Optionally, it may vary according to successive time slots, for example with a daily or weekly periodicity.

Tariff data, for example a price scale per kilowatt hour as a function of the power consumption time periods, is also transmitted to module 2 in step S3, for example by the electrical energy supplier 1 00 via input 2b, called second entry of module 2 in the general part of this description.

The characteristics of the power supply modes of the devices are transmitted to the module 2 by inputs 2c, called third inputs of the module 2 in the general part of this description. These features include u devices, whose start can be delayed. These Characteristics can be entered initially in module 2, or can be transmitted to module 2 by the devices during an automatic initialization sequence. Alternatively, these characteristics of the power supply modes of the devices can be measured and the results of the measurements transmitted to the module 2 by one or more dedicated inputs (see entry 2e presented below). Alternatively, these characteristics of the power supply modes of the devices can be determined by the module 2 itself by implementing an automatic learning sequence, for example based on power supply measurements that are recorded over a period of time. time. The skilled person knows many learning algorithms that can be used here.

A fourth input 2d of the module 2, may be dedicated to indicate to the module 2 the devices that are priority for the power supply, that is to say those of the assembly 10. Alternatively, the priority devices for the power supply Electrical can be identified by the module 2 by implementing another automatic learning sequence, for example based on priority feed indications that are repeatedly entered by the user for a predetermined period of time.

Finally, the module 2 may also have a fifth input 2e dedicated to the transmission of measurement results that are performed in real time during the supply of at least some of the devices. These measurements can relate to the power supply of some of the appliances, their feed times or their electrical consumption, or the total electrical power that is supplied to the house 101 by the delivery point 1. The results of these measurements can be used to update some of the data that is used in the following process of the invention. The necessary measuring means can be integrated in the electricity meter which is located at the delivery point 1, or integrated in the module 2 itself.

Step S4 is to determine the amount of electrical power that is available to power each device u, whose start can be delayed. This value is noted P _av for each time slot, for example on a sliding period of 24 hours, it being understood that the value of P _av can vary between successive time slots. For each time range, it can be obtained by subtracting from the value of the maximum electrical power available from delivery point 1, the sum of the power supply values of all the devices whose power is given priority during this range. time, that is to say the apparatus of the assembly 10.

The characteristics of the power supply modes of the devices u are recovered in the step S5 by the module 2, for example at the inputs 2c or 2e.

The devices u ,, whose power supplies can be deferred, are classified in step S6 in descending order of their respective electrical consumption E ,.

Step S7, a particular implementation of which is detailed in FIG. 3, is dedicated more particularly to the management of the electrical energy supplies of the apparatuses, once the supplies of the priority apparatuses are ensured.

The first apparatus u, in the ranking established in step S6, is first selected in step S71.

In step S72, the cost of the power consumption that is caused by the power supply of this device u can be determined for a series of times of start of its power supply, assuming that this power supply is carried out continuously in accordance with to the values of the power supply P, for each period of its power supply, time limits and ', and the duration of supply te ,. The start times to be tested for the apparatus u, are therefore between η and η '- te ,, and a constant minimum increment can be used between two successive instants which are tested. The calculation of the cost of the power consumption that causes the power supply of the apparatus u, from each hypothesis of start of feeding time, is known to those skilled in the art so that it is not necessary to detail it here. It is based on the tariff data of the consumption time periods concerned, the power supply value P, and the supply duration during each time slot. AT Step S73 determines which of the start times for which this power consumption cost is the lowest, among all the start times tested. This start time which produces the lowest cost is noted td opti in FIG.

It is then verified, in step S74, that the power supply value P, of the apparatus u, does not exceed the available power value P _av for all the time slots which are concerned by the power duration. te, initiated from the time t _d _op ti- In other words, this verification ensures that the total electrical power expected to power the device u, in addition to the priority devices, does not exceed the value of the maximum electrical power which is available at the delivery point 1. If no overshoot is highlighted, the power to the unit u, from the instant t _ _d _op ti is validated, and the supply power value P is subtracted from the power value P _av electric available for time slots that are between ti and td_ td_ _op _op ti + te (step S75).

Optionally, step S76 may consist in updating the already-used cost of electricity consumption, called the total cost of electricity consumption, by adding to the costs of consumption of the priority appliances, that of the electricity consumption which is caused by the power supply of the device u, from the start of power supply t _d _ _op ti-

The steps which have just been described, S71 to S77, are then repeated for all devices whose power supply can be deferred, taken one-to-one in the order of the classification established in step S6, up to exhaustion of the list of this classification (step S77). The values of the available electrical power P _av and the total cost of electrical consumption which thus result from the successive executions of the steps S75 and S76 take into account the power supplies of the apparatuses u, for which the step S7 has been executed previously.

Step S8 is carried out if the management method of the invention is implemented in real time while the apparatuses of the dwelling 101 are supplied with electrical energy in accordance with the management determined by the method. If the appliances are not supplied with electrical energy, or do not are not in accordance with the management determined by the method of the invention, the use of this method provides a forecast management, with a forecast consumption cost which is optimized.

Step S9 takes into account changes in the input data that are taken into account for the process. Such changes may include:

- tariff data for at least some time slots;

- a modification of the value of the maximum electrical power that is available from point of delivery 1; - a modification of at least one power supply mode characteristic of one of the devices, which is a priority or whose power supply may be deferred, among the power consumption of this appliance, its power supply value, its time limits, and feeding, and its feeding time; - for a real-time execution of the process during powering of the electrical energy devices: a new start of a priority device or a stop of a priority device, which can be transmitted to the input 2d of the module 2, values updated power supplies of at least some of the devices, which can be received at the input 2c, a warning of exceeding the value of the maximum electrical power that is available at the delivery point 1, a new measurement result that can be be transmitted to module 2 at input 2e and be used to correct the value of available power

an additional electrical power consuming device which is newly connected to the module 2; and

a fictitious apparatus to be added to the classification of the step S6 as the eventuality will be described later.

The continuation of the process is now described from step S74 when the value of the power supply P appears greater than that of the available electrical power P _av for some of the time slots. between t _d t and t _op _ _of _ _op ti + you ,. Such a situation of exceeding the electrical power can be treated differently depending on whether the apparatus u, has the faculty or not to operate according to several different power modes (step S74_1). A device u, with several modes of supply is said modular supply in the context of the present invention.

When the apparatus u, has only one mode of supply (step S74_1), that is to say that its power supply value P, is unique for each moment during its duration of supply so, as previously envisaged, in other words the apparatus u, is not modulable, the start time td_ _op ti which has been determined at the previous execution of step S73 is introduced in an excluded list of times which is established for this apparatus u, (step S74_2). Initially, for the execution of step S7 for the apparatus u ,, this list is empty. Step S73 is then repeated to perform a new time search for starting the power supply of the apparatus Ui, but outside the list of excluded times which results from previous executions, possibly multiple, of the step S74_2 for the same apparatus Uj. Such devices u, non-modulable supply are for example the dishwasher 21 and the washing machine 22, grouped under the reference 20 in Figure 1.

The improvement of the invention which is now described concerns those u devices, which are flexible supply. Such devices can be, for example, the battery charger connected to the electric vehicle 31, or certain models of domestic hot water production installations 32. These modular power supply units are grouped under the reference 30 in FIG. Such devices each have several power modes, which are characterized by respective rates of reduction of the power supply value P ,. These reduction rates are noted p, for the device u ,. The power supply value of the considered power mode is then p, x P ,, the reduction ratio p, being a real number between zero and unity, specific to the power mode considered. In the case where the apparatus u, is modulatable supply (step S74_1), the instant of start of supply td_ _op ti which was determined in step S73 for the apparatus u, is validated, and for each time slots for which the power supply value P is greater than the electric power value available P _av , one adopts the one of the power supply modes of the apparatus u, which has the power supply value p, x P, the highest, while being less than or equal to the value of available power P _av (Step S74_3). For other time periods, for which the power supply value P is less than or equal to the value of available electrical power P _av , the power supply mode corresponding to the power supply value P is kept, that is, the maximum power supply value for the device u ,. The left branch of the method as appearing in FIG. 3, is then resumed in step S75. Previously, a power consumption defect is calculated in step S74_4 for the apparatus u ,, which results from the electrical energy which has not been supplied to the apparatus u, during the time slots where a mode of Reduced power supply of the power supply has been adopted. This lack of consumption can be determined in various ways, producing varying levels of accuracy. For example, this defect can be calculated for the apparatus u, as the sum, for all the durations where a power mode with reduced power has been adopted, of terms of the type (1 - pi) x Pi x Δΐ, where Δί is the duration during which the mode of supply corresponding to the reduction rate p, has been adopted. This defect of electrical energy can then be treated in the method of the invention in the form of a new fictitious electric power consumer (step S74_5). The value of the electrical energy fault calculated for the device u, is then assigned to the dummy device as a power consumption value, denoted E _fic tif, then the dummy device is inserted in the classification of the devices u, in descending order of their power consumption values. Alternatively, the fictitious device can be inserted in this ranking in the first place, regardless of the E _fic tive power consumption value, so that the power supply of the modular power supply unit u is continued or terminated in priority. compared to other devices of the sets 20 and 30 that have not yet been powered. The number N of the devices u, is simultaneously incremented by one unit for the test of the step S77. The dummy device added may have the same values as the device u, for the power supply P ,, for the power reduction rate p, corresponding to different power modes which are repeated for the dummy apparatus, and for the time limits and '. The power supply duration to be assigned to each power mode of the dummy apparatus can then be calculated from the effective value adopted for the power consumption of the dummy apparatus, the power supply P ,, and possibly also taking into account the reduction rate p, of the feeding mode considered. Without taking into account the reduction rate p ,, the fictitious apparatus powering duration can be taken equal to Efictif / Pj. Furthermore, the times for which the apparatus u, is or will be fed according to the reduction rate p, are introduced into an excluded list of times which is relative to the fictitious apparatus. This list of excluded times will be used during the subsequent execution of step S73 for the dummy device.

It is understood that the invention may be reproduced by adapting or modifying certain details of the description which has just been given, while retaining at least some of the advantages which have been cited. In particular, the data required for the method of the invention can be acquired in multiple ways: by manual input, by automated transmission, by automatic learning, etc. In addition, the invention is compatible with any method of estimating the cost of electrical consumption, and any method for estimating the power consumption defect for an apparatus for which a power mode with reduced power has been adopted. Finally, the method can be applied to provide device management over periods of any duration.

Moreover, the electrical energy management module 2 can itself control the electrical power that is supplied to the devices of the assemblies 20 and 30, at each power supply output 2s depending on the device connected to this output. . This can be the case for the domestic hot water production installation 32. Alternatively, an intermediate module can be arranged between a device and the power supply output 2s which is dedicated to this device. This intermediate module can then produce the regulation of the instantaneous electric power which is delivered to the apparatus, according to instructions that it receives from the electrical energy management module 2. The transmission of such instructions between the module electrical energy manager 2 and the intermediate module can be advantageously wireless, or "wireless". In particular, for recharging the batteries of the electric vehicle 31, such an intermediate module may be included in a recharging terminal of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A method of managing a plurality of electrical energy consuming apparatuses (21, 22, 31, 32) for supplying electrical power to said apparatuses from a delivery point (1) of electrical energy common to said apparatuses the method comprising the following steps:

IM collect values of an electrical power that is available at the delivery point (1) according to successive time slots, and collect tariff data of power consumption for each of said time slots;

121 for each apparatus (21, 22, 31, 32): collecting characteristics of a power supply mode of said apparatus, including a power consumption value, a power supply value and a power duration, the value feeding power being defined for each instant of the feed time, and further collect two time limits between which to program said feed time;

131 classifying the devices of the set (21, 22, 31, 32) in descending order of the power consumption values;

IA-M determine a start time for a power supply of said first device, which satisfies the following conditions:

- powering the first device according to the power mode characteristics and time limits collected for said first device;

the power supply of the first device is less than or equal to the value of the electric power that is available from the delivery point (1) for the entire power duration of said first device from the start time; and

- The start time minimizes a power supply cost of the first device, calculated by applying the tariff data; and

14-21 updating the values of the electrical power that is available from the delivery point (1), subtracting the value of the power supply of said first device for each time slot during the power supply period of the first apparatus from the start time, and without changing the values of the electrical power that is available from the delivery point outside the power duration of the first device; and

/ 5 / repeat step 141 for each apparatus of the set, taken in the order of the ranking established in step 131, and with the updated values of the electrical power that is available from the delivery point (1).

A method according to claim 1, wherein one of the apparatuses (21, 22, 31, 32) of the set comprises an electric vehicle connected to the delivery point (1) for recharging batteries of said vehicle, or a system of hot water production.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in step IM, the values of the electrical power that is available at the delivery point (1) are calculated for each time slot from a maximum electrical power value. fixed for the delivery point, from which is subtracted a supply power value relating to at least one other electrical power consuming device (1 1 -1 5), additional to the set of appliances (21 , 22, 31, 32), and which is to supply primarily electrical energy from the delivery point.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein each apparatus to be supplied with priority (1 1 -1 5) is indicated to an energy manager. implementing the management method, or is identified by the energy manager by means of automatic learning based on priority feed indications that are repeatedly entered by a user for a first period of time.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the appliances of the set of devices, said variable power supply (31, 32), has several power modes associated with respective power values. which are different, and in which steps 131 and 141 are performed for the variable power supply apparatus (31, 32) by adopting the one of the supply modes of said modular power supply apparatus, which has the power value of d. highest power supply, said first power mode, to determine the start time of the power supply, and if there are time slots subsequent to the start time and during the power supply period of the first power mode, for which the power supply value of said first power mode is greater than the value of the electric power that is available at the point of supply ison (1), adopt for said subsequent time slots one of the other power mode of the flexible power supply apparatus, which has among said power supply modes the largest power supply values less than or equal to the value of available electrical power, and according to which a power consumption defect is calculated for the modulable supply apparatus, said consumption fault resulting from the adoption of a different power mode than said first power mode, and a dummy device is added to all the devices processed according to the management method, which has several power modes with the same power supply values as the flexible power supply unit, but using the calculated power consumption defect for the modular power supply as the power consumption value for the fictitious apparatus power modes, and for determining the respective supply times of said fictitious device power modes.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the modulable supply apparatus (31, 32) comprises an electric vehicle connected to the delivery point (1) for recharging batteries of said vehicle, or a domestic hot water production system. .

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the characteristics of each power mode of at least one of the devices are transmitted to an energy manager implementing the management method, by an operator of the apparatus or by said apparatus, or are determined by said energy manager by means of automatic learning based on power supply characteristics which are recorded for a second period of time.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery point (1) of electrical energy is assigned to a dwelling (101), including an apartment or a house, at least part of a building , in particular a residential complex or a building for professional activities, or at least part of a site, including an industrial site.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatuses (21, 22, 31, 32) of the assembly are supplied with electrical energy from the delivery point (1) according to the start times determined during executions of the substep / 4-1 / and the power modes of the devices used to determine said start times, or adopted for each time slot.

The method of claim 9, wherein at least some of the power mode characteristics, among the power consumption value, the power supply value, and the power-on duration, are updated for one at least devices while said apparatus is supplied with electrical energy in accordance with the management method, from at least one power supply measurement which is performed in real time for said apparatus.

1 1. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein step 141 further comprises the following sub-step: / 4-3 / updating a total power cost value, adding the cost of power consumption from the device for which the start of the power supply was determined at the last execution of substep / 4-1 /, to a previous value of the total cost of power consumption determined from the appliances for which start times of power supply were determined during previous executions of the sub-step IA-M.

An electric power management module (2), comprising:

a first input (2a) adapted to receive values of a maximum electrical power which is available at a delivery point (1) of electrical energy shared between several devices (1 1 -

15, 21, 22, 31, 32) consuming electrical energy;

a second input (2b) adapted to receive tariff data for electrical consumption for successive time periods of electricity consumption; third inputs (2c) adapted to receive characteristics of respective power supply modes of the apparatuses; and

- Power supply outputs (2s) adapted to be each connected to at least one of the apparatus, for supplying said apparatus with electrical energy; said module being adapted to implement a management method according to any one of the preceding claims.

The electric power management module (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth input (2d) adapted to receive at least one indication designating a (1 1 -1 5) of the apparatuses as having priority for being powered by electric power, and the module (2) is further adapted to subtract the power supply value of each priority device (1 1 -15) designated by an indication from the maximum electrical power value that is available at the delivery point (1 ), so as to obtain a value of electrical power which is available to supply at least one of the non-designated appliances as a priority for the supply of electrical energy.

The power management module (2) according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising first recording means adapted to record priority feed indications which are repeatedly input by a user during a first period of time. time, and further comprising first learning means adapted to automatically identify at least one of the apparatuses (1 1 -15) as having priority for being supplied with electrical energy, according to said priority supply indications entered, and the module is further adapted to subtract the power supply value of each priority device (1 1 -1 5) identified by learning from the maximum electrical power value that is available at the delivery point (1), so as to obtain an electrical power value that is available to power at least one of the non-designated appliances as a priority for power supply.

The power management module (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising second measuring and recording means adapted to measure and record power supply characteristics of the apparatus (1). -15, 21, 22, 31, 32) for a second period of time, and further comprising second learning means adapted to automatically determine the characteristics of each power mode of at least one of the devices (1 1 -15, 21, 22, 31, 32) according to the recorded power supply characteristics.

16. Power management module (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, adapted to be installed at the delivery point (1) in electrical energy of a dwelling (101), in particular an apartment or a detached house, at least part of a building, in particular a residential complex or a building of a professional activities, or at least part of a site, including an industrial site.