WO2017168455A1

WO2017168455A1 - Assembly for accumulation, dispensing, controlling and managing flows of electricity

Info

Publication number: WO2017168455A1
Application number: PCT/IT2016/000053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto PETTINARI; Massimo CAGNETTI; Sergio Zanarini
Original assignee: Hg Energy S.R.L. Unipersonale
Priority date: 2016-03-03
Filing date: 2016-03-03
Publication date: 2017-10-05

Abstract

An assembly for accumulation, dispensing, controlling and managing flows of electricity for user sites that can be connected to separate electricity sources, which comprises an electronic board provided with circuitry comprising at least one processor, a memory bank containing stored instructions of the software type which are adapted to be executed by the processor, means for interconnection to a user site, including by way of smart plugs that can be controlled remotely, and to energy sources, and a particular combination of energy conversion systems (inverters) for increasing the overall efficiency of the system; the energy sources comprising one or more renewable energy sources, one or more battery packs, a mains electricity supply and/or an electric power generating set; the instructions being adapted to implement an algorithm for adjusting the flow of electricity between at least one of the sources and the user site or between the energy sources.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR ACCUMULATION, DISPENSING, CONTROLLING AND MANAGING FLOWS OF ELECTRICITY

The present invention relates to an assembly for accumulation, dispensing, controlling and managing flows of electricity, specifically an assembly for the control and management of flows of electricity for user sites that can be connected to separate electricity sources, renewable and non-renewable.

It is increasingly common for many electricity user sites to diversify energy provisioning sources: recently the spread of sources that use renewable sources (such as wind energy, geothermal energy, hydro energy, marine energy, solar energy and/or biomass) has grown appreciably, placing these as an alternative to the mains electricity supply, where it is uneconomic or difficult to provide, or as a valuable adjunct thereto for supplying power to specific electric appliances, while at the same time reducing the use of more pollutant fossil energy sources.

The presence of separate sources, which compete to supply energy to the user site, implies the need to manage the corresponding energy flows optimally, both from a merely technical viewpoint, and from an economic and energy efficiency viewpoint.

In fact some sources are particularly advantageous in specific conditions (environmental and/or temporal), while others, usually less inexpensive, can effectively provide additional energy support at peaks in consumption or in conditions under which the primary sources, which rely on renewable sources, are not able to meet the energy needs of the user site.

Devices that perform control of this type are referred to as Energy Management Systems (EMSs): an energy management system (EMS) is a system of electronic/electromechanical instruments used by electricity grid operators to monitor, control and optimize the performance of generators and of transmission lines.

Energy management systems (EMSs) are often commonly used by individual residential, commercial or industrial bodies to monitor, measure and control the electric appliances of specific user sites, supplementing and improving the performance of home automation systems, if present, and also extending their usability to systems for generating and accumulating energy. EMSs can further be used to centralize the management of devices distributed in several locations.

All conventional EMSs, also known as dispatchers, have a considerable number of technical and management limitations.

Firstly these are usually devices that are directly embedded in the various power components, such as inverters, chargers for electrical batteries and the like.

This characteristic implies a low level of versatility and reduced ability to coordinate with external devices. Furthermore it is usually a very complex task to carry out the programming and/or adjustment thereof, especially remotely.

Generic monitoring apparatuses that are not integrated in other components (i.e. they are separate and independent) can usually only be coordinated with external components of a same "family" (often provided by a single maker), they do not allow easy operations of setting and programming, and they cannot easily be applied to the management of commercial inverters that do not have dedicated communication ports.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) of the type usually used in industry can optionally be used as dispatchers.

It is evident however that, since these are devices created to perform other functions, they frequently exhibit problems in integration with the components normally in use in electrical systems. Since they do not have an interface of their own, they further need to be coupled with devices that do have an interface, for the programming and control thereof, and therefore they must be used by highly-trained persons.

Finally it must be noted that there are actual, real EMSs on the market, which are however usually controlled by specific power components and therefore are not versatile and easily adaptable to different applicative needs.

The principal aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned drawbacks, by providing an assembly for accumulation, dispensing, controlling and managing flows of electricity which is capable of interfacing with power devices and measurement devices of any make, type and model.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide an assembly for control and management of flows of electricity which offers easy programming and configuration with distributed home automation functionalities.

Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly for control and management of flows of electricity which is capable of coordinating the operation of varied and different energy sources according to preset selection parameters with a hardware configuration such as to maximize the energy efficiency of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly for control and management of flows of electricity, of type and structure substantially different with respect to that of conventional devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for control and management of flows of electricity which is low cost, easily and practically implemented and safely applied.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for control and management of flows of electricity which can be easily integrated in existing power supply systems.

Another object of the present invention is to make the dispensing of energy more efficient and that it makes it possible to achieve savings.

This aim and these objects are achieved by an assembly for control and management of flows of electricity according to claim 1 , a power supply system according to claim 10, a process according to claim 11 and a computer program according to claim 12.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the assembly for control and management of flows of electricity in a system powered by separate sources to which at least one user site is connected, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an assembly according to the present invention connected to a power supply system;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the assembly according to the present invention connected to a power supply system according to a first configuration of use;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the assembly according to the present invention connected to a power supply system according to a second configuration of use.

With particular reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an assembly for control and management of flows of electricity (also known as a "dispatcher"). Such control assembly 1 is connected to a power supply system that comprises various components designated with reference numerals according to the following legend:

2: MPPT charge controller

3 : Mechanical bypass

4: Static by-pass

5: Electric Control panel bypass

6: Manual switch

7: AC breaker protection

8: Mechanical bypass

9: Mechanical bypass

10: Master inverter 11 : Secondary inverter

12: Current rectifier

13: Existing system production meter

14: Grid consumption meter

15 : User site appliance meter

16: Smart plugs

17: Battery pack protection switch

18: Battery pack

19: Generator

20: New photovoltaic array

21 : Existing photovoltaic array

22: Existing grid-connected photovoltaic inverter

23 : Existing photovoltaic array production fiscal energy meter

24: Grid energy meter

25: User site appliances served

26: Grid battery charger

The assembly 1 comprises an electronic board provided with circuitry that comprises at least one processor, a memory bank containing stored instructions of the software type which are adapted to be executed by the processor and means for interconnection of the assembly 1 to an electrical system of a user site and energy sources. The electrical system of a user site (hereinafter also called simply "user site") can for example comprise the electrical system of a dwelling ("household user site"). Such energy sources can comprise, in various combinations and configurations, a mains electricity supply (for example the grid connected to an electricity power station of a utility), a renewable energy source (for example photovoltaic, but also wind or the like), a battery pack, an electric power generating set.

In particular, such instructions are adapted to implement an algorithm for modifying the flow of electricity between at least one of such sources and the user site or between said sources. The algorithm comprises the steps of:

a) obtaining a first data item adapted to define a quantity of electricity required by the user site;

b) obtaining a second data item adapted to define the quantity of electricity made available by the renewable source;

c) comparing such first data item with the second data item; and d) if the second data item is substantially equal to the first data item, supply power to the user site by way of the renewable source;

e) if the second data item is greater than the first data item, supply power to the user site with the renewable source and charge the batteries with the residual energy generated by the renewable source; such residual energy being substantially equal to the difference between the energy supplied by the renewable source and the energy absorbed by the user site; f) if the second data item is lower than the first data item, supply power at least partially to the user site by way of the battery pack and/or the mains electricity supply.

The electronic board of the assembly 1 is connected to: a first meter of energy consumption owing to the appliances connected to the user site, the first meter being adapted to provide the first data item; a second meter of the energy produced by the renewable source, the second meter being adapted to provide the second data item. Optionally, the electronic board is also connected to a third meter for calculating a third data item which is adapted to define the energy drawn from the mains electricity supply.

Advantageously, the electronic board of the assembly 1 comprises a module, preferably of the wireless type, which is adapted to receive a data item from a specific electrical socket, termed a smart plug, possibly connected to the electrical system of such user site, or from another adapted system for reading the consumption of electricity; such data item comprising the power required by an appliance connected to the electrical socket; such electronic board being connected to a primary inverter and to a secondary inverter which is adapted to provide less power than the power provided by the first inverter. Advantageously, the first inverter and the second inverter are connected or can be connected to the separate electricity sources.

In an embodiment, the algorithm further comprises: obtaining, from specific electrical sockets applied to the user sites, defined smart plugs capable of being controlled and activatable/deactivatable remotely, or from another reading system, a data item relating to the power required by one or more connected appliances; and activating/deactivating the first inverter and the second inverter as a function of the data item relating to the power required. More specifically, the algorithm comprises the step of checking if the data item relating to the power required is lower than a certain threshold and if so: activating the secondary inverter, which is smaller and therefore consumes less power, and deactivating the primary inverter. If not, the algorithm comprises activating or maintaining active the primary inverter, and optionally deactivating the secondary inverter; and generating a data item destined for one or more of said sockets and commanding the sockets to delay the dispensing of power to the appliances for a period substantially equal to the activation time of the first inverter.

Preferably, the algorithm can further comprise: obtaining a third data item adapted to indicate the quantity of electricity stored in the battery pack; and checking that: i) the second data item is substantially null and ii) that the third data item is null or less than a given threshold; and if the check is positive, supply power to the user site by way of the mains power supply or an additional electric power generating set.

Advantageously, the algorithm makes it possible to privilege, in each instance, the overall efficiency of the system, by making it so that such power is dispensed to the user site directly from the grid or from the electric power generating set, or the quality of the energy dispensed, by keeping the inverter system active and making the mains power transit via the inverter, with a reduction in efficiency linked to a yield factor associated with the electric power generating set, only if the batteries do not have sufficient energy to be dispensed to the appliance.

Preferably, the algorithm comprises the step of activating the power systems that are capable of drawing energy from the batteries for supplying power to such user site, on the basis of the evaluation of a calculated data item that comprises: the maximum rated power obtainable from the renewable source; the power obtained from the renewable source in the period that corresponds to the most recent activation of the renewable source; the quantity of electricity stored in the batteries.

Advantageously, the algorithm further comprises storing a quantity of energy in the batteries which is equal to the difference between the energy obtained from the renewable source and the energy required by the user site.

The operation of the assembly 1 is obtained by way of a computer program ("firmware") stored in a memory bank of the electronic board and adapted to implement an algorithm that enables the control and management of flows of electricity.

Conveniently, the assembly 1 can be connected to a power supply system that comprises separate electricity sources of the type of: battery pack, electric power generating set, photovoltaic array, mains electricity supply.

In particular, Figure 3 is a block diagram of the use of the assembly 1 in a newly-installed renewable source system, in the "off-grid" configuration.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the use of the assembly 1 in a system in the "retrofitting" configuration, i.e. in a configuration obtained following the insertion of the assembly 1 in an existing renewable source system.

Operation of the assembly 1 in a power supply system according to the invention if the assembly is inserted in a system in which there is already a renewable energy source which we assume is a photovoltaic array, Figure 1 , is the following.

During the operation during the hours of photovoltaic production, i.e. during the day, the share of energy produced by the existing photovoltaic plant 21 (connected to the mains through the inverter 22) is equal to the energy consumed by the user site 25. Such share, which is known from the adapted meter 15, is sent directly to the user site. If the production of the photovoltaic array exceeds the absorption of the user site, the surplus of energy (measured as the difference between the readings of 13 and of 15) is: a. sent to charge the battery 18, if this is not completely charged, through the element 26;

b. sent directly to the mains, if the battery is completely charged.

Conveniently, only the energy produced by the photovoltaic array can be optionally routed to the battery, since the assembly 1 avoids, using the adapted meters 13 and 15, energy originating from the mains from being needlessly degraded (by charging the batteries): the battery pack is therefore available to be charged with renewable energy. Preferably, only in extreme cases, upon reaching the minimum battery voltage threshold value (VBATmin; this is configurable, for example indicatively to 50% of rated power, for lead), in order to keep the system operational, it will be possible (but this option can be excluded) to use mains current to maintain the battery voltage above VBATmin.

If a new photovoltaic array is installed, operation of the assembly 1 is the following.

During the hours of photovoltaic production, the share of energy produced by the photovoltaic plant 20, directly managed by the MPPT charge controller 2, is the same as the energy consumed by the user site 25. Such share is known from the meter incorporated in 2 and is sent directly to the user site. If photovoltaic production exceeds the absorption of the user site, the surplus (measured as the difference between the readings of 2 and 1) is:

a. sent to charge the battery 18, if this is not completely charged, through the element 2;

b. not drawn from the photovoltaic array (this cannot be avoided completely, but it can be greatly reduced through good design of the system), if the battery is fully charged.

Conveniently, for systems that are completely isolated (not connected to the mains), and optionally also if the mains is present, in order to overcome the possible problem of the extended absence of the renewable source, to keep the system operational it will be possible to switch on the electric power generating set 19 in order to keep the battery voltage above VBATmin. The electric power generating set can be forced to supply power directly to the battery in order to obtain a considerable improvement in the quality of the outgoing energy, to optimize the working point of the electric power generating set, and to reduce battery stress in order to maximize its lifetime. With respect to operation with only an electric power generating set, the following advantages are apparent:

a. the electric power generating set operates at a fixed point (maximum yield) only to charge the battery and ignoring the appliances; b. the size of the electric power generating set can be smaller;

c. the stability of the voltage supplied to the user sites is optimal, as if the appliances were connected to an efficient mains electricity supply, thanks to the power supply from the inverter.

d. reduction of the number of battery charge-and-discharge cycles, and optimization/adjustment of charge/discharge depth, charge/discharge current levels in order to maximize its performance and lifetime.

The computer program controls the operation of the assembly 1. Advantageously, thanks to such computer program (firmware in the electronic board of the assembly 1), the assembly 1 can control the various charging/production statuses by continuously comparing them with the user site consumption data, so as to use the battery until the lower limit of the set discharge level is reached (configurable set point). Such limit, which can be preset, depends on the type of battery used (lead, lithium etc.). In particular, such evaluations are possible only after the installation technician enters, by way of for example an adapted graphical interface of the assembly 1 , the characteristics of the batteries used (lead, lithium), the optimal limit values for such batteries (Vmax, Vmin, Ah) with the charge and discharge yields at the various speeds of use (1 hour, 2 hours, ...., n hours). Such information is easily sourced since it is provided by the makers of the batteries.

In conditions where photovoltaic production is absent and the batteries are completely discharged (the set maximum threshold i.e. "DOD - Depth Of Discharge" has been reached) the assembly 1 modifies the flow of energy to the user site in one of the following ways (these can be forced by the electronic board as a function of adapted timers or of the reading of the power dispensed by the photovoltaic array):

a. DAY (GRID CONNECTED): PU = PR x n_j„_v x , where PR = power from the mains, ι¾_ην = yield of the inverter 10 and

= yield of the charger 26. Optionally, power (PU = PR) obtained directly from the mains, preferably thanks to actuating an interconnection block.

b. NIGHT (GRID CONNECTED): power (PU = PR) obtained directly from the mains, preferably thanks to actuating an interconnection block. Optionally PU = PG x η,_ην x where PR = mains power, nj_nv = yield of the inverter 11 ,

= yield of the charger 26.

c. (ISOLATED SYSTEM): power (PU = PG) equal to the power of the electric power generating set 19. Optionally PU = PR x nj_nv x r|phg, where PG = power electric power generating set,

yield of the charger 12.

The assembly 1 , therefore, will regulate the output voltage and current from the element 26 for a retrofitted existing photovoltaic plant, or from the element 2 for a newly-installed photovoltaic array, as will be better described below, and using the voltage as an indicator (its value must remain within a defined window between a minimum and a maximum) and adjusting the current so that the power (V x I) is equal to the power consumed by the appliances 25 through the inverter 10 or through the inverter 11.

To evaluate the effective absence of photovoltaic production, the assembly 1 evaluates the deviation between the energy dispensed by the photovoltaic array during the most recent day of full sun, conveniently recorded in the database (known as theoretical power of the photovoltaic array, or TPPA), and the power dispensed by the photovoltaic array the day before the day taken into consideration.

In this manner the assembly 1 predictively calculates, by way of the computer program, on the basis of the effective charge and on the forecasts of recharging by the photovoltaic array, the most probable time to start drawing energy from the batteries, with consequent optimization of the lifetime and of the use of the components 18. These components will have a rated capacity (for lead) equal to approximately double the energy usually used by the user site at night.

Advantageously, by way of the functionalities of the assembly 1, in order to maximize the efficiency of the accumulation system (while minimizing the needless consumption of the power components contained in it): after a certain configurable time (for example 23:00) and/or a certain minimum amount of power absorbed by the user site, for a certain period of duration, both of which are configurable (for example the standby power absorbed by electrical household appliances that remain switched on, e.g. 0.2W for more than 10 minutes), the system can be "switched off (the user site is connected directly to the mains) so that it stops consuming energy if the mains supply is present - such situation, in completely isolated systems or when there is no mains supply (and optionally also when there is a mains supply) is managed with the insertion and operation of a very small inverter 11 (dimensioned for minimum consumption of the user site) connected to the main inverter: in this manner the efficiency of the entire system increases considerably, thanks to the lower consumption of 11. At the first request for power that exceeds a configurable threshold, the system reconnects normally and automatically. To ensure the demands of the user site are met, the assembly 1 communicates through the adapted wireless systems with the smart sockets 16 that are installed at least for the most important appliances (if not for all of them): during "standby" operation (10 switched off while 11 is switched on) when the smart socket detects the demand of the appliance, the assembly 1 delays switching it on until the inverter 10 is operational (a few seconds).

Use of the assembly 1 entails different advantages including the ease of use of the assembly without needing to be expert in energy matters.

Another advantage is constituted by the improvement of the use and of the performance of systems that may already be installed (for example the electric power generating set, standard home automation systems etc.).

Furthermore, when the batteries are fully charged, any additional production of the renewable sources can be automatically used in "virtual accumulations" (electric water-heaters, air conditioning, irrigation, cleaning the swimming pool etc.).

Advantageously, when the renewable source is unavailable for a long period, the batteries can be recharged by the electric power generating set or by another available renewable source (wind power etc.).

Advantageously, the electric power generating set is always made to operate at the maximum yield point.

In the event of anomalies, the system sends an SMS or an email to the maintenance technician and to the user, for continuous control.

The assembly 1 can be programmed to send periodic reports containing information about consumption, production from renewable source, and other parameters useful to the management and better usability and efficiency in consumption of the user system being served. In the event of malfunction, maintenance or other form of unavailability of the assembly 1 , the latter is completely bypassed in order to ensure the customer that the situation will be restored to its status before the outage (directly from the mains, from the electric power generating set, etc.).

Conveniently, using the renewable source always has priority. In the event of consumption by the user site, all the renewable energy produced is sent directly to it.

Conveniently, the optional integration of a small and economic endothermic motor (the case for housing everything will be the size of a normal electrical household appliance) allows an advantageous use in IkW systems so that it can be easily installed, without requiring official permits.

Thus it has been shown that the assembly achieves the intended aim and objects. In particular, it has been seen that the assembly 1 thus conceived makes it possible to overcome the qualitative limitations of the known art by way of an assembly 1 for accumulation systems installed in systems powered by renewable and non-renewable energy (hybrid), both connected to existing electricity distribution grids (with which they can integrate in a completely flexible manner) and completely off-grid (hybrid electrification and ensured continuity of the electricity service). The assembly 1 has been designed to be inserted in a modular system that makes it possible to improve the efficiency, quality, continuity and optimization of the energy supplied to an end user site that uses a plurality of mutually integrated sources (utilities, renewables such as wind or solar, electric power generating sets and accumulation systems).

The assembly 1 makes it possible to manage/adjust the energy flows between the mains and the other sources mentioned above, by way of monitoring and controlling all the electrical values (voltage, current, power) of the user sites and of all the generation/conversion devices that physically allow the exchange, conversion and routing of the various energy flows (inverters, chargers, BMS [Battery Management System] of the accumulation systems, converters, contactors, switches etc.) on the basis of remotely- or locally-configurable criteria in order to optimize: the quality of the electricity service, the usability of the user sites, the energy savings, the use of the available renewable energy sources, the lifetime of the accumulation systems, the balancing of necessary investments and the long- term sustainability of the user sites served.

Furthermore, by way of remote control functions (wireless communication, internet connection), it is possible to monitor, program, optimize and manage the progress of the system and the corresponding generation/consumption flows by setting, also dynamically, the operating parameters through dedicated apps and web portals. Specific reporting systems (sending an email or an SMS), in the event of malfunctions/alarms/opportunities to save (for example linked to favorable weather forecasts etc.), can be implemented and tailored, again by way of wireless management. Using the same communication routes, different appliances can be managed separately (switched off or on according to customized sequences and settings) using adapted smart plugs (intelligent sockets capable of metering consumption and activating/deactivating the power supply to the appliance, on the basis of remote commands).

Some of the functionalities that can be implemented as firmware make it possible to force the traditional functionalities of components used and available on the market (inverters, battery chargers etc.) with various advantages that include: selection of the priority energy source (renewable energy by default); maximization of self-consumption; maximum use of renewable sources; maximum reduction of energy drawn from the mains; use of the accumulation system as a backup system and to condition an isolated small grid; maximum reduction of use of batteries (optimization of the number of cycles, charge/discharge depth, charge/discharge currents); remote monitoring and control (consumption information - forecast - parameters change); reporting (via email/SMS) in the event of malfunctions/alarms; management of electric power generating set as an alternative to the mains or as an emergency system to be connected directly to the user sites, bypassing the utility and the conversion systems; management of lithium battery packs or battery packs of another type.

In the preferred embodiment for insertion in existing renewable source systems (retrofitting), the assembly 1 comprises a circuit of the RC type for charging the battery from the mains 26 and it regulates the voltage and current in output from such RC circuit as explained better below, and also requiring that the voltage remain within a min-max window/range while the current is programmed so that V x I is equal to the power to be sent to the user site through the inverter. To evaluate the effective absence of photovoltaic production, the assembly 1 evaluates the deviation between the power dispensed during the most recent day of full sun (conveniently recorded in the database), known as theoretical power of the photovoltaic array, TPPA), and the power (PFV) dispensed the day before the current day. In this manner the assembly 1 predictively calculates, on the basis of the effective charge and on the forecasts of recharging by the photovoltaic array, the most probable time to start drawing energy from the batteries, with consequent optimization of the lifetime and of the use of accumulations. In this manner it is possible to maximize the efficiency of the accumulation system (while minimizing the needless consumption of the inverter contained in it).

Furthermore, insertion and operation of a relatively small second inverter ("standby") (dimensioned for the minimum consumption of the user site) connected to the main inverter, and interaction with smart plugs make it possible to considerably increase the efficiency of the entire system. After a certain configurable time (for example 23:00) and/or a certain minimum amount of power absorbed by the user site, for a certain period of duration, both of which are configurable (for example the standby power absorbed by electrical household appliances that remain switched on, e.g. 0.2W for more than 10 minutes), the system can be "switched off (the user site is connected directly to the mains) so that it stops consuming energy if the mains supply is present.

The algorithm makes it possible to privilege, in each instance, the overall efficiency of the system, by making it so that such power is dispensed to the user site directly from the grid or from the electric power generating set, or the quality of the energy dispensed, by keeping the inverter system active and making the mains power or the power from the electric power generating set transit via the inverter, with a reduction in efficiency linked to a yield factor associated with the set, only if the batteries do not have sufficient energy to be dispensed to the appliance.

Finally, optionally the electronic board or dispatcher operates according to the methods indicated below.

The dispatcher must be the first component to switch on and the last to switch off. In the event of grid outage and the battery voltage is too low, the dispatcher, before switching itself off, sends an alarm report. In extreme conditions of grid outage and very low battery voltage, the system configuration must not obstruct any possibility of the batteries being recharged by the PV array. In this situation, and in the event of anomalies, the bypass on the mains and/or electric power generating set (interlock), must also be capable of being commanded by the batteries.

Type of use:

Type configuration: Retrofit of three-phase system, with multiple

MPTT (chargers from renewable sources), genset with corresponding charger on battery side, interlock and small inverter.

The software of the dispatcher can have these characteristics:

- When switched on, execute the routine for checking the internal electronics. Wait for configuration to be set (by way of buttons/touch and

PWD) - Entry (by operator) of system data (available from menu) such as type of Inverter - Battery - Sensors - Chargers - Genset - PV array - etc.

- Save data and exit routine

- Start system configuration routine (at installation time, start the guided installation routine)

- Guide to switching on and connecting all the components of the system

- Routine that is completed only with a validated sequence (step by step)

- At the end of the procedure, the system parameters are stored - also stored is the "service" of the installation technician at each intervention (time - errors - other -)

- Using one or more PWD, there must be three levels of interaction with the Dispatcher

a. User: Minimal access to system parameters (read/write).

b. Installer: Limited access to system parameters (read/write). Higher than User

c. Engineering: Full access to the system parameters (read/write).

Macroscopic operation of the software can have two operating modes

(i, ii):

i. INVERTER AS PRIORITY SOURCE - All the renewable and nonrenewable sources converge on the battery node

Advantages:

Inverter always powers the appliances— Better quality of energy (with respect to the mains and Genset) - Genset can operate at the max yield point - Minor stress on battery (cycling optimizations - charge/discharge depth - charge/discharge levels) - Possibility of warranty extension on lifetime of the batteries

Operating method:

a) If there is energy from renewable sources which is greater than or equal to the load (PV energy >=∑ load energies), then it is used directly by the inverter. If it is greater, the surplus is accumulated in the batteries. If it is possible to manage the loads (using smart plugs and/or relays), favor its use as virtual accumulations (PV energy >= ∑ load energies). Overriding priority if the batteries are already charged

b) If PV energy <=∑ load energies, on the basis of:

- Status and type of batteries

- Time and time band

- Period of the year (expected production profile)

- Geo-localization

- Profile of the expected loads

- Engage Utility power

- Genset power

The Dispatcher conveniently manages the non-renewable sources, optimizing the level (and the duration) of power drawn, minimizing the stress on batteries (cycling, charge/discharge depth, charge/discharge values), without affecting the maximum exploitation of renewable energies.

If non-renewable sources are not present, define a final threshold for cutoff due to battery voltage level below that at which the appliances will no longer be served (inverter OFF - no presence of Genset and/or grid).

ii). INVERTER AS SOURCE FOR EXPLOITING ONLY RENEWABLE ENERGIES (ACCUMULATED AND NOT ACCUMULATED) - Activation of bypass when batteries are flat (due to causes that do not depend on the system)

- Advantages

Maximization of yield with power supply from the grid or genset (transition only by way of bypass)

Operating method:

a) With PV energy >=∑ load energies as per point a) above; a) With PV energy <=∑ load energies. In general the bypass is activated on non-renewable sources when the battery level is below a certain configurable threshold. With EPV >=∑ load energies and Vbatt >= Vminreconnect or Vbatt >= Vreconnect, return to the a) case. If nonrenewable sources are not present, define a final threshold for cutoff due to battery voltage level below that at which the appliances will no longer be served (inverter OFF - no presence of Genset and/or grid)

The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and/or signs, those reference numerals and/or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and/or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and/or signs.

Claims

1. An assembly (1) for accumulation, dispensing, controlling and managing flows of electricity for user sites that can be connected to separate electricity sources, characterized in that it comprises an electronic board provided with circuitry comprising at least one processor, a memory bank containing stored instructions of the software type which are adapted to be executed by said processor, means for the interconnection of said assembly (1) to the electrical system of a user site (25) and to energy sources (18, 19, 20, 21), said energy sources comprising one or more renewable energy sources (20, 21), a battery pack (18), a mains electricity supply and/or an electric power generating set (19); said instructions being adapted to implement an algorithm for adjusting the flow of electricity between at least one of said sources (18, 19, 20, 21) and said electrical system of a user site (25) or between said energy sources (18, 19, 20, 21), said algorithm comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a first data item adapted to define a quantity of electricity required by said electrical system of a user site (25);

b) obtaining a second data item adapted to define the quantity of electricity made available by said renewable energy source (20, 21);

c) comparing said first data item with the second data item; and d) if the second data item is substantially equal to the first data item, supply power to said electrical system of a user site (25) by way of said renewable energy source (20, 21);

e) if the second data item is greater than the first data item, supply power to said electrical system of a user site (25) with the renewable source (20, 21) and charge the battery pack (18) with the residual energy generated by said renewable source (20, 21); said residual energy being substantially equal to the difference between the energy supplied by the renewable source (20, 21) and the energy absorbable or absorbed by said electrical system of a user site (25); f) if the second data item is lower than the first data item, supply power at least partially to said electrical system of a user site (25) by way of one or more of the following: battery pack (18), a mains electricity supply, an electric power generating set (19).

2. The assembly (1) for control and management according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic board is connected to:

- a first meter (15), of energy consumption owing to the appliances connected to said electrical system of a user site (25), said first meter (15) being adapted to provide said first data item;

- a second meter (13), of the energy produced by said renewable energy source (21), said second meter (13) being adapted to provide said second data item.

3. The assembly (1) for control and management according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said electronic board comprises a module, preferably wireless, which is adapted to receive a data item from an electrical socket (16), termed a smart plug, connected to the electrical system of a user site (25); said data item comprising the power required by at least one appliance connected to a respective electrical socket (16); said electronic board being connected to a first inverter (10) and to a second inverter which is adapted to provide less power than the power provided by said first inverter (10); said first (10) and said second inverter (11) being connectable to said energy sources (18, 19, 20, 21).

4. The assembly (1) for control and management according to claim 3, characterized in that said algorithm further comprises the steps of:

- obtaining from said electrical sockets (16) a data item relating to the power required by one or more appliances connected to said electrical sockets (16) of said electrical system of a user site (25);

- activating/deactivating said first (10) and said second (11) inverter on the basis of the analysis of said data item relating to the power required.

5. The assembly (1) for control and management according to claim 4, characterized in that said algorithm comprises the step of checking if said data item relating to the power required is lower than a certain threshold; and

- if so: activating said second inverter (11) and deactivating said first inverter (10);

- if not: activating or maintaining active said first inverter (10) and optionally deactivating said second inverter (11); generating a data item destined for one or more of said electrical sockets (16); commanding said electrical sockets (16) to delay the dispensing of power to said appliances for a period substantially equal to the time necessary to activate said first inverter (10).

6. The assembly (1) for control and management according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said step f) further comprises:

- obtaining a third data item adapted to indicate the quantity of electricity stored in said battery pack (18);

- check that: i) said second data item is substantially null and ii) that said third data item is null or less than a given threshold;

- if the check is positive: supply power to said electrical system of a user site (25) by way of said mains electricity supply or an electric power generating set (19).

7. The assembly (1) for control and management according to claim 6, characterized in that said power dispensed to said electrical system of a user site (25) is equal to the power of the mains multiplied by a yield factor associated with said first inverter or with said second inverter.

8. The assembly (1) for control and management according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said algorithm comprises the step of activating said battery pack (18) for supplying power to said electrical system of a user site (25) on the basis of the evaluation of a data item that comprises: the maximum rated power obtainable from said renewable energy source (20, 21); the power obtained from said renewable energy source (20, 21) in the period that corresponds to the most recent activation of said renewable source (20, 21); the quantity of electricity stored in said battery pack (18).

9. The assembly (1) for control and management according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises circuitry adapted to detect malfunctions of the mains and to generate alerts, preferably codified as an email message or as an SMS ("Short Message Service") message or other communication system.

10. A power supply system comprising separate electricity sources of the type: battery pack (18), electric power generating set (19), photovoltaic array (20, 21), mains electricity supply; characterized in that it further comprises an assembly (1) for control and management of the flows of electricity according to at least one of claims from 1 to 9; said assembly for control and management being adapted to interconnect said electricity sources (18, 19, 20, 21) or interconnect one or more of said electricity sources (18, 19, 20, 21) to an electrical system of a user site (25) or to a home automation system that may be present at the user site.

11. A process of control and management of flows of electricity for user sites that can be connected to separate electricity sources, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

a) obtaining a first data item adapted to define a quantity of electricity required by an electrical system of a user site (25);

b) obtaining a second data item adapted to define the quantity of electricity made available by a renewable source (20, 21);

c) comparing said first data item with the second data item; and d) if the second data item is substantially equal to the first data item, supply power to said electrical system of a user site (25) by way of said renewable source (20, 21);

e) if the second data item is greater than the first data item, supply power to said electrical system of a user site (25) with the renewable source (20, 21) and charge a battery pack (18) with the residual energy generated by said renewable energy source (20, 21); said residual energy being substantially equal to the difference between the energy supplied by the renewable source (20, 21) and the energy absorbed by said electrical system of a user site (25);

f) if the second data item is lower than the first data item, supply power at least partially to said electrical system of a user site (25) by way of one or more of the following: a battery pack (18), a mains electricity supply, an electric power generating set (19).

12. A computer program stored in an information technology medium which comprises code of the software type adapted to implement instructions comprised in the assembly (1) for control and management of flows of electricity according to at least one of claims from 1 to 9.