NZ615460B2

NZ615460B2 - Energy consumption management

Info

Publication number: NZ615460B2
Application number: NZ615460A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Marc Borrett; Heikki Huomo
Original assignee: Reactive Technologies Limited
Priority date: 2011-03-24
Filing date: 2012-03-26
Publication date: 2015-11-03

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for controlling electrical energy consumption in an electricity distribution network, so as to reduce net energy consumption in a given area during a given time period, are described. In particular, a method of controlling electrical energy consumption within an electricity distribution network is described. The method comprises maintaining a database of information about electric devices, and identifying a future time period during which consumption of electrical energy is to be controlled. The method further comprises dividing the future time period into a plurality of time intervals. Each the time interval is a time interval of the future time period during which net electrical energy consumption of an associated group is to be controlled. The method further comprises selecting, based on device profile information stored in the database, groups of electric devices, and associating one or more time intervals with each of the selected groups. Requests are sent to the electric devices of the selected groups to control electrical energy consumption and/or provision by the electric devices. This enables a reduction in net consumption of electrical energy during a respective time interval. city distribution network is described. The method comprises maintaining a database of information about electric devices, and identifying a future time period during which consumption of electrical energy is to be controlled. The method further comprises dividing the future time period into a plurality of time intervals. Each the time interval is a time interval of the future time period during which net electrical energy consumption of an associated group is to be controlled. The method further comprises selecting, based on device profile information stored in the database, groups of electric devices, and associating one or more time intervals with each of the selected groups. Requests are sent to the electric devices of the selected groups to control electrical energy consumption and/or provision by the electric devices. This enables a reduction in net consumption of electrical energy during a respective time interval.

Description

Energy Consumption Management Field of the Invention The present invention relates to management of energy consumption in an electricity distribution network. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to management of energy consumption and ion by groups of electric devices connected to the network.

Background of the Invention Supply of electricity from power generators such as power stations, to consumers, such as domestic households and businesses, typically takes place via an electricity distribution network. Figure 1 shows an exemplary distribution network comprising a transmission grid 100 and a distribution grid 102. The transmission grid is connected to generating plants 104, which may be nuclear plants or gas-fired plants, for example, from which it transmits large quantities of ical energy at very high voltages (in the UK, for example, this is typically of the order of 204kV; r this varies by y), using power lines such as ad power lines, to the distribution grid 102; although, for conciseness, only one distribution grid 102 is shown here, in practice a typical transmission grid supplies power to multiple distribution grids. The ission grid 100 is linked to the bution grid 102 via a transformer node 106, which includes a transformer 106 which converts the electric supply to a lower voltage (in the UK, for example, this is typically of the order of 50kV; however, this varies by country) for distribution in the distribution grid 102. The distribution grid in turn links, via substations 108 comprising further transformers for converting to still lower voltages, to local networks such as a city k 112 supplying domestic users 114, and to industrial consumers such as a factory 110. Smaller power generators such as wind farms 116 may also be connected to the distribution grid 102, and provide power thereto.

The total power consumption associated with a given network varies considerably from time to time; for example, peak consumption periods may 2321981v1 occur during the hottest part of the day during summer, when many consumers use their air conditioning units. Since it is expensive to store electricity in large quantities, it is usually generated when it is required, which can place a burden on power generators as they t to meet demand at peak times.

Furthermore, in recent years, a greater proportion of icity is being generated by intermittent ble energy forms, such as solar or wind power, whose ability to generate power is dependent on environmental conditions that are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of the operator of the power generator. There may also be erable variation in demand for electrical energy between different geographical areas; it may be difficult to supply the required amount of electric energy to areas of high demand, known as “hot spots”, resulting in potential power cuts in these areas, and/or an inefficient distribution of network resources.

Accordingly, there is an increased demand for more efficient ways of managing energy consumption in electricity networks. Approaches to this problem having included providing users with pricing and other information, with the user being required to monitor an energy tariff on e.g. a smart meter, and respond to price signals from an electricity supplier. However, this places considerable burden on the user performing the monitoring. Other approaches have ed methods of remotely monitoring electricity consumption devices in the k at a central location, and sending commands to disable the devices during times of high demand. However, this approach can cause erable inconvenience to users, who may be unable to use their devices for extended periods of time.

It is an object of the present invention to at least mitigate some of the problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling electrical energy consumption within an electricity distribution k, the electricity bution network supplying 2321981v1 electrical energy to a phical area, a plurality of electric devices being distributed within said geographical area, wherein each of the electric devices is connectable to the electricity distribution network to consume electrical energy ed therefrom, thereby increasing a net amount of ical energy consumption in said geographical area, and/or to provide electrical energy to the electricity distribution network, thereby decreasing a net amount of electric energy consumption in said geographical area, the method comprising: maintaining a device database comprising profile information relating to said ic devices in said geographical area; identifying time period during which consumption of electrical energy supplied by the electricity distribution network is to be controlled; selecting, based on said profile ation, a plurality of groups of said electric devices located within said geographical area, each said group comprising a plurality of said electric devices; associating one or more time intervals with each of the selected groups, the one or more time intervals associated with a given ed group being different to the one or more time intervals associated with the other selected groups, each said time interval being a time interval of said time period during which net electrical energy consumption of an associated group is to be controlled; sending one or more ts, for receipt at the electric devices of the selected groups, to control electrical energy consumption and/or provision by the electric devices, y reducing a net consumption of electrical energy in said geographical area, during a respective associated time interval.

In some embodiments, for at least one of the selected groups, the one or more requests results in a reduction of electrical energy ption associated with said at least one group.

In some ments, for at least one of the selected , the one or more requests results in an increase of electrical energy ion associated with said at least one group. 2321981v1 By controlling energy consumption in different groups of electric devices at different times, a control node within a distribution network can reduce net energy consumption in the given time period. By splitting the time period into different time intervals and controlling different groups in each time al, a net ion in energy consumption can be achieved t causing significant inconvenience to any individual user of an ic device or to users of any group of devices. Further, by controlling different groups in each time interval, energy consumption can be shaped such that there is less variation in overall electrical energy consumed in the distribution network at different time periods. The groups, and control thereof, can be coordinated to control energy consumption patterns to an extent which would not be possible by controlling individual devices in an un-coordinated way.

In some embodiments, the method comprises reducing an amount of electric energy consumed by the electric device, in the case of an electric device arranged to consume ic energy, and increasing an amount of electric energy provided by the ic device, in the case of an electric device arranged to provide electric energy, during the associated time al.

In some embodiments, the method comprises disconnecting electric s arranged to consume electric energy and connecting electric devices arranged to provide electric energy during the associated time interval.

In some embodiments, the one or more selected ic devices comprises an electric energy generator, and the one or more requests result in an increase in electric energy generation by the ic energy generator.

In some ments, the associated one or more time intervals are arranged such that the group whose net energy consumption is reduced is varied sequentially hout said time period.

In some embodiments the profile information for a given said electric device relates to an availability for l of the given electric device, and the allocation of the given electric device is performed on the basis of whether the given electric device is available for control during a given said time interval. 2321981v1 In some embodiments, the profile information comprises energy recovery information relating to an energy recovery property of at least some of said electric devices, and said selection of a plurality of groups is performed on the basis of the energy recovery information.

In some embodiments, the profile information comprises ownership information relating to at least some of said electric devices, and said selection of a ity of groups is med on the basis of the ownership information.

In some embodiments, the profile information comprises operating characteristic ation relating to at least some of said electric devices, and said selection of a ity of groups is performed on the basis of the operating characteristic information.

In some embodiments, the profile information ses information relating to the device type of at least some of said electric devices, and said selection of a plurality of groups is performed on the basis of the device type information.

In some embodiments, the profile information includes an indication of whether a given electric device is arranged to consume electric energy or whether the given electric device is arranged to provide electric .

In some embodiments, the profile ation comprises energy amount indicators indicating an amount of energy consumption and/or provision associated with the electric devices, and the method ses: identifying a net amount of energy consumption to be reduced during said time period; and allocating electric devices to groups on the basis of the energy amount indicators.

In some ments, the profile information comprises location indicators indicating a location of a given electrical device, and method ses: identifying a given area in which electrical energy consumption is to be controlled, the given area being an area of said geographical area supplied by the electricity distribution network; and 2321981v1 selecting, based on said location indicators, a plurality of said groups of said electric devices d within said geographical area.

In some embodiments, the method comprises ining said device database at a control node associated with the given area.

In some embodiments, the method comprises sending one or more requests from said control node.

In some embodiments, the device database comprises device identifiers identifying electric devices located in said given area. In some embodiments, the method comprises using the device identifiers to monitor, at the l node, electric energy consumption and/or provision patterns of the electric devices, to compile statistical information relating to electric energy consumption/provision patterns associated with the electric devices; providing the statistical information to the central node to be recorded in the device se; and allocating electric devices to groups on the basis of the statistical information. By providing statistical information back to the central node for each identifiable electric device, an accurate and date statistical model of the behaviour of all electric devices operating within the electrical distribution network can be maintained, thus improving the reliability, and effectiveness of decisions made by the control nodes.

In some embodiments, the control node is arranged to communicate with a central node, the l node comprising a user se, the user database identifying a user associated with each of the electric devices. The device database may be arranged to store r identifiers, ent to said device fiers, the further identifiers each identifying a corresponding electric device, the user database comprising said further identifiers. These features allow data ng to individual devices to be shared between the user database and the device se, so that e.g. changes made at the user database can be reflected in the device database, without any necessity for personal data relating to the user to be stored locally at a control node. 2321981v1 In some embodiments, the method comprises varying the further identifiers. This is may be done e.g. on a daily basis and provides an increased degree of anonymity for the users.

In some embodiments, the plurality of electric devices are distributed amongst a plurality of premises in said geographical area. Each of the plurality of premises may be connected to the electricity distribution network via a distribution feeder.

In some embodiments, the method comprises sending one or more said requests for receipt at electric devices via a y in an energy management system associated with a given said premises, said energy management system being ed to control electrical energy consumption and/or provision by electric devices at the given premises according to defined rules for controlling s associated with the gateway.

In some ments, the method comprises determining, at the gateway, whether to pass the ts to the electric device on the basis of a determination of whether the requests are compatible with the defined rules.

In some embodiments, the method comprises buffering one or more said ts for execution at one or more predetermined times.

In some embodiments, the method comprises ng the device database when one or more of the requests is not compatible with said defined rules.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: ting electric devices to generate a plurality of models on the basis of said profile information; evaluating the plurality of models against one or more energy management criteria; determining one or more teristics of a preferred model on the basis of said evaluation; and performing said selection of groups at least partly on the basis of the determined characteristics. 2321981v1 In some embodiments, the determination comprises interpolating and/or extrapolating said generated plurality of models to determine said one or more characteristics.

In some embodiments, the energy ment criteria include financial data, the financial data relating to at least one of a time dependent electrical energy market value, a balancing management service and a constraint ment service.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control node for controlling electrical energy consumption within an electricity distribution network, the electricity distribution network supplying ical energy to a geographical area, a plurality of electric devices being distributed within said geographical area, wherein each of the electric devices is connectable to the electricity distribution network to consume electrical energy provided therefrom, thereby increasing a net amount of electrical energy consumption in said geographical area, and/or to provide ical energy to the electricity distribution network, thereby decreasing a net amount of electric energy consumption in said geographical area, the control node comprising: a communications means, the communications means being for g requests for receipt at the electric devices, and for icating with a central node, the l node comprising a device database arranged to store e information relating to each of said electric s; input means arranged to receive an indication of a time period during which, electrical energy consumption in the electricity distribution network is to be controlled; and processing means arranged to: select, based on said profile information, a plurality of groups of said electric s, each said group comprising a plurality of said electric devices; associate one or more time intervals with each of the selected groups, the one or more time intervals associated with a given selected group being different to the one or more time intervals ated with the other 2321981v1 selected groups, each said time interval being a time interval of said time period during which net electrical energy consumption of an associated group is to be controlled; and send one or more requests, via the communications means, for receipt at the electric devices of the selected groups, to control electrical energy consumption and/or provision by the electric devices, thereby reducing a net consumption of electrical energy in said geographical area, during a respective associated time interval.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system controlling electrical energy consumption within an electricity distribution network, the electricity distribution k supplying electrical energy to a geographical area, a plurality of electric devices being distributed within said phical area, n each of the electric devices is connectable to the electricity distribution network to e electrical energy provided therefrom, thereby increasing a net amount of electrical energy consumption in said phical area, and/or to provide electrical energy to the electricity distribution network, thereby decreasing a net amount of electric energy consumption in said phical area, the system comprising: a plurality of control nodes, each of which is associated with a ent area of the geographical area; and a said central node.

In some embodiments, the electric s whose profile information is stored in the device database are associated with different user accounts, and the central node comprises a user interface for a said user to access a said account and to alter information stored in the device database. This feature allows users to amend d operating characteristics of the electric devices they own in real time, so as to prevent the system restricting use of devices inconveniently.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become nt from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying 2321981v1 Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a prior art electricity distribution network; Figure 2 shows a system comprising a central node, a plurality of control nodes and a plurality of electric devices, for implementing an ment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows an exemplary electric device and an electric device control unit in accordance with an ment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows an exemplary central node in accordance with an ment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an exemplary user database in accordance with an embodiment of the present ion; Figure 6 shows a control node in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows an exemplary device database in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a process for controlling energy consumption in a distribution network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows net energy consumption patterns of groups of electric devices under the control of a control node in accordance with an ment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of energy consumption being offset in accordance with an embodiment of the present ion; Figure 11a shows energy consumption of an exemplary group of electric devices under the control of a l node in accordance with an embodiment of the t invention Figure 11b is a graph showing energy consumption patterns of multiple groups being controlled in accordance with an embodiment of the t invention; 2321981v1 Figure 12a shows an aggregate energy consumption pattern of le groups of electric devices being controlled to form a group in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12b shows energy ption patterns of groups of electric devices for use in an embodiment of the t invention; Figure 13 shows an energy recovery e of an electric device for use in embodiments of the present invention; Figure 14a shows a system in which the control node interfaces with an energy management system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14b shows an interface manager in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the ion Figure 2 illustrates an electricity distribution network in which an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented. The network comprises a central node 200 connected to one or more l nodes 202 that each cover a geographical area, for example a y, region, state, postal-code, or icity market region, or any other area comprising multiple user premises (i.e. multiple residences or workplaces). Each of the control nodes 202 are connected by power lines 206, via substations and/or distribution feeders, to energy consumption/provision devices 208a to 208l, hereinafter referred to as ic devices 208. Each of the electric devices 208a to 208l es and/or provides electric energy. Examples of electric devices 208 consuming electric energy include domestic appliances such as electric water heaters, ditioning units and washing machines, as well as industrial devices, such as factory machinery. Examples of providers of electric energy include generators of electric energy such solar panels and wind-turbines, and electricity storage devices such as batteries. Still other electric devices 208 may consume electric energy at some times but provide it at others, such as personal electric es 2321981v1 (PEVs); PEVs typically have the capacity to store a large amount of electricity, and may be connected to the electricity network when they are stationary, ng them to be used as a source of power for the network at times of high , with electricity stored in the battery of the PEV being fed back to the network at such times.

The term “electric device” is used herein to include individual nces or devices, as well as collections of such appliances and devices, such as a particular business premises or house. Each electric device 208a to 208l is registered to a control scheme, in which the owner of the device gives permission to the control scheme operator to control energy transfer m the ic device 208a to 208l.

Although, for the sake of simplicity, only twelve electric devices 208a to 208l are shown in Figure 2, it will be understood that, in practice, the network will typically se many hundreds or thousands of such devices.

Each registered electric device 208a to 208l has an associated electric device control unit 210a to 2101 which controls transfer (i.e. provision and/or consumption) of energy m the electric device 208a to 208l. Figure 3 shows an exemplary arrangement of an electric device 208 and an electric device control unit 210. The electric device control unit 210 includes a l element 304 for reducing/increasing the energy consumption/provision of the electric device 208 to/from the electricity distribution network 102, as well as a measuring device in the form of a smart meter 302. The control element 304 may comprise a switch for ting/disconnecting the electric device 208 to/from the electricity distribution network 102 and/or any ical or electronic means allowing functional set points of an electric device 208 to alter the electrical ption/provision by the electric device 208 (for example, a thermostat or humidity sensor, illumination sensor, pressure sensor and infra-red sensor etc.). The electric device control unit 210 is ed to receive instructions from, and send meter measurements to, the control node 202 via a communications interface 306. The electric device control unit 210 comprises a processor 308 arranged to control the functions of the smart meter 302, the 2321981v1 control element 304, and the communications interface 306. Although, the electric device l unit 210 is here shown as a separate device to the electric devices 208, in some embodiments, the electric device control units 210 are integral to the electric devices 208. ary components of a central node 200 are shown in Figure 4.

The central node 200 comprises a clock 402, a processing means in the form of a processor 404, a user database 406, a communications means in the form of a communications interface 408, and an input means in the form of a user interface 410.

The user se 406 stores user accounts that contain user information.

An exemplary record structure for the user database 406 is shown in Figure 5.

The user database 406 includes a user identifier 502, a name 504, an address 506, a password 508, and a device field 510 comprising a list of electric devices 208 owned by each user. For each electric device 208 recorded in the user database 406, there is stored an associated device identifier 512 for identifying the electric device 208, a further identifier 514, herein ed to as a “pseudoidentifier” , which also identifies the electric device 208, a location identifier 516 identifying a location associated with the electric device 208, device operating characteristics, such as user defined availability 518 and device energy recovery properties 520, and a tical profile 522. The device ing characteristics may also define a device type (i.e. whether the device is an air conditioning unit, a refrigerator, or an immersion heater, for example) for the electric device 208.

The user database 406 may also include bank s and/or contact details, such as an address or a telephone number of the user. Uses of the information stored in the user se 406 will be described in more detail below.

The user ace 410 is arranged to transmit and receive information to/from the user via a fixed or wireless communications means, such as ADSL, GSM, and/or 3G. The user database 406 can be accessed and updated by a user via the user interface 410 using authentication means and access control mechanisms, such as by correctly entering the rd stored in the user database 406. The user is able to register one or more electric devices 208 to 2321981v1 r user account, via the user interface 410 and/or update information stored in the user database 406 associated with the electric devices.

Exemplary components of a control node 202 are shown in Figure 6.

The control node 202 comprises a clock 602, a processing means in the form of a processor 604, a device database 606, a communications means in the form of a communications interface 608, and an input means in the form of a network interface 610.

The device database 606 contains a portion of the user database 406 that may be communicated to the control node 202 via a communications link that may be established between the communications interfaces 408, 608. An exemplary record structure for the device database 606 is shown in Figure 7.

The device database 606 includes profile information relating to the electric devices 208, such as a device identifier 702, a -identifier 704, a device on 706, device operating characteristics, such as user defined availability 708 and device energy recovery properties 710, and a field for ing device statistics 712 relating to the energy consumption/provision of each electric device 208. Typically, the device database 606 does not contain any information relating to the user.

The network interface 610 is arranged to receive instructions from a party, such as a control scheme operator, to control energy consumption in a given area for a given time . The network ace 610 is arranged to receive these instructions via a fixed or wireless ications means, such as ADSL, GSM, and/or 3G.

In response to receipt of these instructions, the control node 202 is arranged to send requests to the electric s 208 in the area associated with the control node via the ication interface 608, as is described in more detail below. These requests may be sent using the device identifiers 702 stored in the device se 606; the device identifiers 702 may comprise a k address, such as an IP address enabling the electric devices 208 to be identified for the purposes of sending these requests. The electric devices 208 and/or their associated electric device control units 210, include a communications interface 2321981v1 306 for receiving ts and other information from, and sending information to, the control node 202. Herein, for conciseness, reference is made to electric devices 208 receiving and/or sending information, without reference being made to the electric device control units 210; however, where such reference is made, it will be understood that this also includes information being sent to and/or from to an associated electric device control unit 210.

The control node 202 may be arranged to collect statistical data relating to energy usage of individual electric devices 208 under its control. As mentioned above, the electric flow control units 210 may include a smart meter 302; data relating to energy consumption of the associated electric device 208 may be communicated to the control node 202, allowing it to build up statistical data relating to, for e, times of the day that the electric device 208 is frequently used (and ore consumes and/or provides electric ), how much energy it es or provides, and so on. This statistical ation may be stored in the “recorded statistics” field 712 of the device database 606.

It may also be communicated to the central node 200 for storage in the statistical profile field 522 of the user database 406.

Some of the data stored in the device database 606 is received from user database 406 at the central node 200, having being provided by a user; for example, the location indicators 516, and user defined device availability 518 are typically provided to the device database 606 in this way. The pseudo identifiers 514 mentioned above are used for this purpose. The pseudo identifiers 704 for a given electric device 208 stored in the device database 606 are the same as, or correspond to, the pseudo identifiers 514 for said given ic device 208 in the user se 406. When a change in the information stored in the user database 406 occurs, for example, due to the user changing information, such as an availability associated with one or more of r devices, via the user interface 410, the processor 404 of the l node 200 may communicate this change to the control node 202 via the communications interface 408. The change of data is communicated using the pseudo identifier of the corresponding electric device 208, enabling the processor 604 of the 2321981v1 l node 202, to identify the relevant electric device 208 in the device database 606, and to make the necessary changes to the corresponding entry in the device se 606. Similarly, any data relating to a specific electric device 208 that is sent from the control node 202 to the l node 200 can be sent using the pseudo identifier to identify the nt electric device.

Using the pseudo identifiers in this way improves data ty, for the following reasons. Firstly, since the pseudo identifiers are different to the device identifiers which are used for communications between the control node 202 and the individual electric devices 208, it is more difficult for a nefarious third party monitoring communications to determine the location, or any other characteristic, of the electric devices 208 to which the communications relate.

Secondly, the pseudo identifiers, in contrast to the device identifiers, do not themselves provide any information regarding e.g. a network location of the electric device in question. This is advantageous in situations in which, for example, availability information of an electric device 208 is being communicated, since it is clearly undesirable to reveal to a third party who may be “listening in” on any communications both a on of an electric , and a time when it is available to be controlled, since the latter may indicate that the property at which the ic device is located will be unoccupied at that time. The pseudo identifiers may be varied regularly, for example daily, in order to further improve data security.

Communication between the central node 200 and the control nodes 202 are typically via the communication interfaces 408, 608.

Figure 8 illustrates a method by which the control node 202 controls energy consumption in a given area for a given time period. In the following discussion, reference is made to the control node 202 performing various actions. Although d for conciseness, it will be understood that the s are typically med by the processor 604, in ction with the clock 602, where appropriate.

At step 800, the control node 202 identifies a given area, within the geographical area associated with the control node 202, in which energy 2321981v1 consumption is to be controlled; typically, this identification is performed on the basis of instructions received via the network interface 610. For example, if a control node is associated with a y, the l scheme operator may send instructions to the control node 202 to control energy consumption in a particular geographic region, such as a city, street, postcode, or any other area comprising multiple user es (i.e. multiple residences or workplaces). At step 802, the l node 202 identifies a time period (e.g. a time of day) during which energy consumption is to be controlled; again, this information may be included in the instructions received via the network ace 610.

At step 804, the control node 202 selects a plurality of groups of electric devices 208 based on the fied area and time period. The electric devices 208 are selected based on the location indicators stored in the device database 606, so that only electric devices located in the identified area are selected. The control node 202 may also use information about user defined availability and/or energy recovery properties stored in the device database 606 to allocate groups.

In some embodiments, the statistical information from previous time periods is used by the control node 202 to determine the availability of a given electric device 208. At step 806, the control node 202 s the time period into a plurality of time intervals. At step 808, the control node associates each of the selected groups with one or more time intervals, with different time intervals being associated with different groups. The time interval associated with a given group is the time interval, of the time period, during which ical energy consumption/provision is to be controlled for that group.

At step 810, in each time interval the control node 202 sends one or more requests to control energy consumption to the electric devices 208 of each of the groups associated with that time interval in a given area. These requests are received by the electric devices 208, and result in a reduction of net consumption of ical energy and/or an increase in ion of electrical energy, by a respective group in a tive time interval by, for e, causing the electric device control unit 210 to operate the control element 304, thereby resulting in a reduction of electrical energy consumption or an increase 2321981v1 of electrical energy provision by the electric device 208. The net energy consumption of a given group of energy devices 208 is here defined as the difference between the total amount of energy consumed by, and the amount of energy provided by, the electric devices 208 of the given group; in other words, energy provided (e.g. generated) by an electric device 208 is defined as “negative consumption” of an equivalent amount of energy. A reduction in net electrical energy consumption may thus be achieved by disconnecting electric devices 208 from the icity bution network 102, or otherwise reducing an amount of electric energy consumption of the electric device 208, in the case of ic devices 208 arranged to consume electric energy and/or by connecting electric s 208 to the electricity distribution network 102, or otherwise increasing an amount of electric energy ion of the electric device 208, in the case of electric devices 208 arranged to e electric Although in the above-described exemplary method, the electric devices were selected, at step 804 based on location tors, in some embodiments, the selection may atively or additionally be made based on other profile information relating to the electric devices, such as the profile information stored in the device database 606, as described above. In such embodiments, the step of identifying an area in which energy consumption is to be controlled (step 804) may be omitted.

By controlling the energy consumption and/or provision of multiple groups of electric devices 208 as described above with reference to Figure 8, a net amount of energy consumption in the given area identified at step 800 can be reduced during the time period identified at step 802.

The control node 202 may generate heuristic models of the groups and assess their suitability t energy management criteria. The energy management criteria may include financial data. The financial data may relate to one or more of a time dependent energy market value, a balancing management e, and a constraint management service. The energy management criteria may be sive to balancing requirements of the 2321981v1 transmission and/or distribution grids and/or an emergency capacity requirement of the grids, and may include a required reduction in transmission grid congestion, or a required reduction in distribution grid congestion. The assessment may e determining which model provides the largest increase or decrease in energy consumption in a given time interval, which model provides a required time shift of a peak in energy , or which model provides the largest saving in energy cost. The heuristic models may include time dependent energy prices, determined based on current and/or predicted market values of electrical energy. The control node 202 may ine which electric devices 208, or groups of electric s 208 to control in each time interval on the basis of the ment of the generated heuristic models; in this way the control node 202 can optimise the ment and control of the groups of electric devices 208 to manage energy demand in the required way.

In some embodiments, the control node 202 may, for a given control start time, create a limited set of heuristic models, ng a wide range of implementation strategies, by varying the parameters of the model. For example, the assignment of electric devices 208 to groups, the time intervals in which each l group is controlled, and the degree to which each group is controlled in different time intervals may all be varied. Since the parameter space for such a multivariable model is relatively large, the control node 202 may select parameter values randomly or may select parameters based on historically successful models. The control node 202 may then determine one or more characteristics or values of electric devices in each of the heuristic models, and may ine characteristics of a preferred model, based on an evaluation of the effectiveness of the model as assessed against the energy management criteria. The characteristics may relate to operating characteristics, energy recovery characteristics or other characteristics of electric devices 208 that are available for control by the control node 202. The control node 202 may also te a set of ial sts for the set of heuristic models, including the preferred model. The control node 202 may then select groups at least partly on the basis of the characteristics of the preferred model. 2321981v1 In some embodiments, the control node 202 may interpolate between, or extrapolate from, the results of the assessment of the tic models (or the generated financial or energy consumption data) and may determine the characteristics of a preferred model on the basis of olated and/or extrapolated characteristics to establish an optimal strategy for assigning and controlling groups of electric devices 208. This reduces the computational burden on the control node 202 by reducing the number of calculations that must be performed to determine the optimal strategy to be implemented. This in turn increases the speed at which the control node 202 can react to changing energy demand and/or energy market conditions, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the control node 202. Furthermore, the computational burden on the control node 202, and therefore the cost of implementing the control node 202 can be reduced.

Figure 9 is a graphical representation of an example in which there are six groups defined, namely Group 1 to Group 6, with each group having a default level of energy consumption of one unit i.e. in the absence of any control, each group es one unit of energy per hour throughout the period shown. In this example, energy consumption is controlled (i.e. the energy ption of at least one group is reduced) during the time period from time interval 1 to time al 5. Each group is controlled, by means of the aforementioned requests from the control node 202 to reduce net energy consumption during the ponding one or more associated time intervals. In the example of Figure 9, each of the time als are d to have a one hour duration; however, it will be understood that the duration of the time intervals can be varied according to requirements.

In the example shown in Figure 9, group 1 is turned off (i.e. the energy consumption of same is reduced to zero) during the first time interval; groups 2 and 3 are turned off during the second time interval, groups 4 and 5 are turned off during the third time interval; groups 6 and 1 are turned off during the fourth time al and group time intervals. Immediately after each time interval during which the electric devices 208 of a given group are turned off, the latter 2321981v1 are turned back on; this may be the result of further requests sent from the control node 202, for example.

By reducing (i.e. inhibiting) energy consumption associated with the electric devices 208 in each of the groups sequentially, the total amount of energy consumed in a given area during the first, second and third time intervals can be reduced without requiring that any single ic device 208, or group thereof, is turned off for any consecutive period longer than a single time interval, g that the inconvenience to users of electric devices can be reduced.

As shown in Figure 9, the net consumption of each group typically ses after each time interval when the group has been turned off. This is due to factors such as individual electric devices 208 having to work harder to recover energy lost during periods of inactivity; for example, in the case of an air conditioning unit, the room which the latter cools may have heated significantly during the “off” time interval, resulting in the air conditioning unit consuming a greater amount of energy when it is turned back on. A further factor is that users may be statistically more likely to use electric devices 208 in periods after they have been unavailable. The extent to which an electric device 208 recovers energy, on average, following “off” intervals, and the average length of time it takes to recover this energy are ed to herein as the “energy recovery properties” of the electric device 208.

Each of the ic s 208 in each group in the example of Figure 9 are assumed to have the same energy recovery properties; after 1 hour of being turned off, the devices recover 2/3 unit of energy in the first subsequent hour and 1/3 unit of energy in the second subsequent hour. The dark shaded regions in the figure ent energy consumption of groups in an rolled state.

The lightly shaded regions represent energy usage that ses due to the energy recovery described above. The net result in this example is that a total energy of 3 unit hours is shifted by an average of 4 hours forward. This shift in energy consumption is greater in magnitude and time than if each group had 2321981v1 acted ndently of each other, and/or if individual devices are controlled in an un-aggregated manner.

Although in the example of Figure 9 all of the reduction in energy consumption during time intervals 1 to 3 is offset by a subsequent increase in energy consumption during time intervals 5 to 7, it will be appreciated that, in practice, the subsequent increase in energy consumption is typically not 100% of the initial reduction in energy consumption, since the electric devices 208 will not necessarily be used during the subsequent periods, and, for example, an air conditioning unit may not need to use all of the energy it would have used during an off period to cool a room back to the desired temperature.

Further, it can be seen that even where there is significant subsequent se in uent energy consumption, sequentially controlling net energy consumption of multiple groups enables the overall load on the electricity distribution network 102 to be dynamically . The method described above with reference to Figures 8 and 9 can be used to alter the timing and/or size of a peak in energy consumption. For example, if a peak of energy consumption in a given geographical area is expected to occur during time intervals 1 to 3 of Figure 9, controlling energy consumption as described with reference to Figure 9 may have the effect of shifting the timing of the peak, and/or reducing its magnitude, which may avoid or rate the “hot spots” described above. Since not all electric devices 208 in the given geographical area are necessarily controlled, the peak in consumption of these uncontrolled electric devices 208 will occur during time intervals 1 to 3, whereas the peak due to the controlled electric devices 208 is shifted to time intervals 5 to 7, as shown; this has the effect of smoothing out the peak (i.e. spreading it over a longer time ), and reducing its ude. The amount of energy that is shifted, and the length of time by which it is shifted may be determined by the processor 604 of control node 202, using the profile information relating to the electric s 208 which is stored in the device database 606.

If the control node 202 es instructions (for e as part of the instructions described with reference to steps 800 and 802 above) to shift a 2321981v1 given amount (e.g. 3MWh) of energy consumption in a given geographical area by a given average time length, step 804 described above may comprise the control node 202 selecting groups containing electric devices 208 whose expected average power consumption totals the given amount (i.e. 3MWh), and whose energy recovery ties are such that the length of time by which the energy consumption is shifted averages the given average time length. The control node 202 may then send requests via the communications interface 608 to the electric devices 208 of the groups to turn off during associated time intervals. The electric devices 208 in a given group may be polled after sending to the requests to confirm the actual reduction in energy consumption. In the case that the actual reduction in energy consumption is determined to be either above or below the required amount, the group allocations may be adjusted, and the process repeated until the correct energy reduction is achieved.

In the above example, the time intervals during which individual groups are controlled are did not overlap. However, in some embodiments, the control node 202 may overlap the time intervals during which different groups are controlled, for example, to allow the time intervals to coincide with the user defined availability preferences. In some ments, the duration of the different time als may be varied, for example, as the availability of electric devices 208 in a given group changes during the given time period.

As described above, after a group has been used to reduce net energy consumption it will typically recover that energy (or a tion thereof) in uent time intervals. In some embodiments of the invention, the control node 202 s this recovery, based on, for example, ts ed from the network operator, by using different groups to reduce energy consumption in subsequent time als. In this way, the control node can shape the energy consumption e during the time period and significantly push back net consumption of electric energy in the given geographical area as necessary. As mentioned above, instructions may be issued to the control node 202 to reduce energy consumption by a given amount in a given time period. For example, it may be desired to reduce energy consumption in time al 0 and arrange so 2321981v1 that there is no net recovery in energy consumption until after time interval 3. A target energy consumption graph representing these requirements is shown in Figure 10. In response to such instructions, the control node 202 uses an algorithm to assign appropriate groups to meet the target energy consumption.

An exemplary method for determining the properties of these groups is now described with reference to Figures 11a and 11b.

As can be seen from Figure 11a, an amount of energy, A, has been saved in time interval 0 by, for example, turning off a ular group, which we refer to as “group 1”, of electric devices 208. Each electric device 208 of group 1 is chosen to have the same energy recovery properties as shown by the dashed line. In this example, group 1 recovers amounts of energy B1 in time interval 1, B2 in time interval 2, and B3 in time interval 3, respectively. These amounts of energy are each a fraction bi of A that is recovered in time interval i such that In this example, as mentioned above, the control node 202, is operating under a requirement that that the overall energy consumption in the given area does not exceed a given level (that ented by line 0.0 in Figure 10) until after interval 3. To achieve this, additional groups 2, 3, and 4, each having similar group bility and recovery properties are controlled in subsequent time slots in order to offset the additional energy consumed by group 1 when recovering in time intervals 1, 2, and 3, as bed below. Additionally, energy consumption reduced for group 2 in time interval 1, which is wholly or partially recovered during time intervals 2, 3 and 4 is also offset by reducing energy ption of further groups, and so on. In the ing description, A refers to a decrease in energy consumption below the level represented by line 0.0 in Figure 10 in time interval 0 and Bxy refers to an increase in energy above the normal level in time interval x as a result of using a group in time interval y. 2321981v1 As illustrated in Figure 11b, the amount of energy, E(t), required to offset energy consumption recovery in time interval 1 is the amount of energy that group 1 recovers during that time interval, given by: 1 = .

The control node 202 therefore selects a further group, group 2, and reduces the energy consumption of group 2 by amount E(1) during time interval 1. The amount of energy required to offset energy ry in time interval 2 is the amount of energy that group 1 rs during time interval 2 plus the amount of energy that group 2 recovers during time interval 1, given by: 2 = + = . + . . = + The control node 202 therefore selects a further group, group 3, and reduces the energy consumption of group 3 by amount E(2) during time interval 2. Accordingly, the energy ed to offset energy ry in time interval 3 is the amount of energy that groups 1, 2, and 3 recover during time interval 3, given by: 3 = + + = +2 + The control node 202 therefore selects a further group, group 4, and reduces the energy consumption of group 4 by amount E(3) during time interval 3. Energy consumption offsets in subsequent time intervals can be calculated in the same manner, if required. Using this approach the control node 202 can determine the amount of energy consumption that must be reduced in each time interval in order to push back recovery of energy to a later time interval. In on, the control node 202 can use these calculations to determine the energy ption pattern when all groups are finally allowed to recover their energy. 2321981v1 Thus, by selecting groups of ic devices 208 based on their energy recover properties, and by controlling energy ption of the selected groups so that the total energy recovery of the groups in a given time interval is offset by a reduction in energy consumption, it is possible to shift a desired amount of energy consumption by a desired length of time. The amount of energy consumption that is reduced by a given group during a given time interval may be varied by varying the number and/or the properties of electric devices 208 in the group. Similarly, the shape of the energy recovery can be controlled by selecting electric devices 208 according to their energy recovery properties. In the examples described above in relation to Figures 9 to 11b, all electric devices 208 in the groups were assumed to be available for control during the whole of each ated time interval. However, it is also possible to form groups including electric devices 208 having availability profiles which do not allow the electric device 208 to be turned off during the whole of a given time interval, as is now described with reference to Figures 12a and 12b.

In this example, the control node 202 requires a group to be controlled for one hour, as shown in Figure 12a. As device availability is defined by user preferences and thus may not match the requirements of the network operator (i.e. some users may prefer not to have their devices controlled for the whole time interval), the control node 202 can ate groups to build a net ion in energy consumption during a given time period. In this example, there are three groups of electric devices 208 available for control, namely group 1, group 2, and group 3. Each of the groups is assumed to comprise electric s 208 having average energy recovery properties such that half of the energy saved when the group is controlled off (or its net consumption reduced) is claimed back in 45 minutes. For y, the behaviour of the groups is represented as an approximated square-wave response; in practice, the energy recovery typically follows an exponential pattern. Each group has a ent availability, d by user ences, and shown in Figure 12b. Group 1 comprises electric devices 208 having an availability profile ng them to be turned off (or have their energy consumption reduced) for 1 full hour; group 2 2321981v1 comprises electric devices 208 having availability profiles such that they may be turned off (or have their energy consumption reduced) for 45 minutes; and group 3 comprises electric s 208 having availability profiles such that they may only be turned off (or have their energy ption reduced) for 30 minutes.

A group of electric devices 208 whose consumption is controlled during a first time interval can be formed by the processor 604 of the control node 202 as follows. The control node 202 sends requests, via the communications interface 608, to the electric devices 208 of group 1 to turn off (or to reduce energy consumption) for all of the first time interval, to the electric devices 208 of group 2 to turn off (or to reduce energy consumption) during only the first 30 minutes (of its available 45 minutes) of the first time interval; and to the electric devices 208 of group 3 to turn off (or to reduce energy consumption) for the period from 30 minutes to one hour of the first time interval. Typically, the groups consist of large numbers of electric devices 208, meaning that the number of electric devices 208 that are turned off (or have their energy consumption d) in a given group can be varied to vary the size of the ion in net consumption associated with the group, so that, for example, the amount of reduction in energy consumption is substantially constant across the whole of the first time interval, as shown in the combined graph of Figure 12b, in which the contribution from group 1 is shown by the solid line, the contribution from group 2 is shown by the dotted line and the contribution from the group 3 is shown by the dashed line.

In some embodiments, reclamation of energy saved in the first time al takes place over more than the two time intervals shown in the example of Figure 9. The energy ation of a given electric device is stored in the ‘energy recovery properties’ field of the device database 606 at the control node 202. The control node 202 uses the energy reclamation characteristics of each of the electric devices 208 under its control to develop strategies for g the l profile of energy consumption in the electricity distribution network. 2321981v1 Figure 13 shows an example where the electric device 208, which may be, for example, a water heater, has a long period of energy recovery relative to the time interval (1 hour). The dashed line of Figure 13 shows the energy reclamation characteristic of this electric device 208. As can be seen, the time taken to reclaim energy covers many time intervals and importantly the amount of energy reclaimed by the electric device 208 in each of the subsequent time intervals is considerably less than the amount of energy saved during time interval 1. It is therefore much easier to push saved energy reclamation to future time intervals, by lling other groups off in the subsequent time als, if the electric devices 208 used do not reclaim energy quickly but rather over an extended period of time. This is shown by the solid line in Figure 13, which represents desired energy consumption. Thus by ng electric devices 208 riately, and by selecting electric devices 208 having riate characteristics, such as electric recovery properties, it is possible to manipulate the shape of power consumption in a given area.

As shown in figure 14a, in some embodiments, one or more electric devices 208 may operate under the control of a computer-based energy management system (EMS) 1400, which may be a building management system (BMS), for e. The EMS 1400 typically monitors, controls, and optimises energy demand and/or consumption (or provision) of one or more electric devices 208 according to energy management rules (EMS rules), which may be defined locally. lly, the EMS 1400 is located at a particular premises (site, or building), and es local energy management. In some arrangements, the EMS 1400 may control distributed electric devices 208 that share a common ownership (for example, distributed electric devices 208 all owned by a particular business).

Types of electric devices 208 under the control of the EMS 1400 may e one or more of heating, eration, ventilation, lighting, power supply, fire, and security devices. Each EMS 1400 may comprise re and software components for controlling the power usage of electric devices 208 within, for example, a large building to manage the energy usage within the 2321981v1 building. Typically, the EMS 1400 is configured to optimise the energy efficiency of a building while not disrupting or inconveniencing the users of the building (by, for example, ng off power during ss hours).

The control node 202 is arranged to interface with the EMS 1400 via an interface manager 1402 acting as a gateway. The ace manager 1402 enables the EMS 1400 to interface with other networks that use different protocols. The interface manager 1402 may include protocol translators, impedance matching devices, rate converters, fault isolators, and signal ators that provide the necessary interfaces for enabling the interface manager 1402 to transfer data to/from the EMS 1400, for e.

The interface manager 1402 may be capable of handling ts to control electric devices 208 from ent types of energy management systems, including systems different to that described above.

Exemplary components of an interface manager 1402 are shown in figure 14b. The interface manager 1402 comprises an input/output interface 1404 arranged to interface with the control node 202, a EMS ace 1406 arranged to interface with the EMS 1400, a processor 1408, and a storage device 1410.

The input/output interface 1404 is arranged to receive data (including control requests) from, and send data to the control node 202. The EMS interface 1400 is arranged to send data to and receive data from the EMS 1400.

The processor 1408 is arranged to process data passing through the ace manager 1402, as described in greater detail below.

The processor 1408 processes requests ed from the control node 202 to control electric devices 208 under the l of the EMS 1400. The processor 1408 uses logic (which may be in the form of a program stored in the storage 1410) for determining which of the received requests are compatible with the EMS rules. Requests that are determined to be compatible with the EMS rules are passed via the EMS interface 1406 to the EMS 1400 to be implemented, and requests that ct with the EMS rules are returned to the control node 202 without being passed to the EMS 1400. Upon receiving a 2321981v1 returned request, the control node 202 may then update the device database 606 to indicate that electric devices 208 under the control of the EMS 1400 are unavailable for control, and may reassign groups and issue new requests accordingly.

The EMS rules may relate to a device availability defined by the user in addition to the availability defined in the user database. In an exemplary arrangement, the EMS 1400 may a control refrigeration unit in a business, such as a supermarket. The business may define EMS rules for controlling power to the refrigeration unit; for e, the business rules may dictate that the refrigeration unit is controlled off for no more than 1 hour in a r period.

Upon receiving a request from the control node 202 to control off the refrigeration unit, the interface manager 1402 would compare the request with the EMS rules for the refrigeration unit to determine whether a conflict exists.

For example, the request may be to control off the refrigeration unit for 2 hours, which would exceed the maximum time specified by the EMS rule. Or the request may be to l off the refrigeration unit for 30 minutes, but the interface manager 1402 may determine, by consulting the EMS 1400 that the refrigeration unit has y been controlled off for 45 minutes in the previous 24 hours, and so controlling the refrigeration unit off for 30 s would breach the EMS rules. In each of these exemplary cases, the interface manager 1402 may return the request to the control node 202 without passing the request to the EMS 1400.

The EMS rules may be time dependent rules that the user intends to take ence over the user defined availability 708 of the electric devices 208 stored in the device se 606, or the EMS rules may be applied by the user on a temporary basis to override requests ed from the control node 202 in response to a local event, such as a unexpected need to use a particular electric device 208. For e, the EMS 1400 may be operating in a particular supermarket store that is one of a chain of stores whose ic devices 208 are ordinarily available for control by the l node 202 according to user defined availability defined by the business. However, in response to a local 2321981v1 event in a particular store, such as the e of one or more of the electric devices 208 in that store, the store manager may want to override the normal availability of electric devices 208 in the store to meet the needs of the business.

In some ments, the interface manager 1402 may include an override function, perhaps ed by an override switch or button, which when selected ts the interface manager 1402 from passing any requests from the control node 202 to the EMS 1400. The override function may be provided in hardware or software, and may be remotely accessible to the user. This enables the user to override the control of the control node 202 quickly in an emergency.

In order to determine the compatibility of requests sent by the control node 202, the processor 1408 may interrogate the EMS 1400 via the EMS interface 1406 to determine r there are any existing EMS rules for devices specified in the request sent by the control node 202. The sor 1408 may then compare the request with the EMS rules to determine if they are in conflict. The additional logic stored in the interface manager 1402 prevents requests sent by the control node 202 that conflict with the EMS rules from being passed to the EMS 1400 and disrupting the operation of electric s 208 under the control of the EMS 1400. This prevents enience being caused to the users of the building without requiring the owner of the EMS 1400 to update their user defined availability 518 in the user database 406 each time a EMS rule is updated.

Multiple requests for lling ic devices 208 under the control of a EMS 1400 over an extended period (i.e. several hours) may be sent via the interface manager 1402 to the EMS 1400 in a single transmission. The interface manager 1402 may then compare the multiple requests with the EMS rules for the corresponding period, and pass the requests to the EMS 1400 if no conflict arises. If one or more conflicts arise, the interface manager 1402 may return all of the requests to the control node 202, or may pass the compatible requests to the BMS 1400 and return the conflicting requests to the control node 202. The interface manager 1402 may then cache, or buffer, the commands locally for implementation at scheduled times. 2321981v1 Transmitting all the requests for an extended period in one transmission has the advantage of enabling the EMS 1400 to control its electric devices 208 in line with the requests from the control node 202 in the event of a failure of the communication link n the control node 202 and the EMS 1400.

Furthermore, electric devices 208 under the control of the EMS 1400, for which no particular EMS rules are defined (i.e. that are directly available for control by the control node 202), are protected from failure of the communication link. For example, if the communication link between the control node 202 and the EMS 1400 fails before a desired operation is te, the electric device 208 under control will not be left in an unwanted state, because the interface manager 1402 has cached a te set of requests. Furthermore, by sending multiple requests at the same time, the interface manager 1402 has an opportunity to determine the compatibility of the requests with the EMS rules in advance of time interval in which the t is scheduled for; therefore, the control node 202 receives returned requests much earlier than if the requests are sent at the time the control node 202 needs to control the electric device 208, and so the control node 202 has more time in which to gn and l groups of electric devices 208. This reduces the computational burden on the control node 202, and enables the control node 202 to react to changes in availability of the ic devices 208 more quickly.

In some embodiments, the interface manager 1402 or the EMS 1400 may be able to detect a failure of the communication link between the control node 202 and the EMS 1400, and may, in response to the failure, generate ts locally to return the ic devices being controlled by the control node 202 to a state defined only by the EMS 1400. A communication e may be detected, for example, by recognising that an ed control request has not been received. This prevents electric devices remaining in an inappropriate state, following a ication link failure, and minimises disruption and inconvenience caused to the users of the electric devices 208 under the control of the EMS 1400. 2321981v1 The techniques and methods described herein may be implemented by various means. For e, these techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or combinations thereof. Hardware implementation may be implemented within one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, rocessors, other electronic units designed to m the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, the implementation can be carried out through modules of at least one chip set (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that m the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in a data store unit and executed by processors. The data store unit may be implemented within the processor or externally to the processor. In the latter case it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means, as is known in the art. Additionally, the components of the systems described herein may be rearranged and/or complemented by additional components in order to facilitate the achieving of the various s, etc., described with regard o, and they are not limited to the precise urations set forth in the given figures, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative es of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. For e, it is described above that a user may interact with, and provide ation to, the central node 200 via the user interface 310 of the central node 200. In some ements, the user may instead interact with the central node 200 using a user interface located elsewhere, or use an internet browser to communicate with the central node 200 via the internet. In some arrangements, the communication described as being performed by a user could instead be performed automatically, for example using a er algorithm which could 2321981v1 be adapted to access the users calendar, and/or other personal information to determine available times of devices associated with the user, for e.

Further, it was mentioned above that a control node 202 may store address data ting a network address, such as IP address, of one or more ic devices 208 with which it communicates. In some embodiments, the electric devices 208 may have a unique identifier incorporated such as a subscriber identity module SIM card, for example, in which case the address data comprises an ty number of the given SIM card, such as an MSISDN number. In some cases communications between electric devices 208 and the control nodes 202 may take place by transmission of data along the power lines, known as Power Line Communication (PLC).

The central node 200 and the control node 202 are described above as being implemented in discrete structures. However, the components and functions of these nodes, for example the user and device databases, may be implemented in a distributed manner, using a plurality of distributed physical structures.

In many of the above examples, energy flow to and/or from the electric device 208 was varied between two values (e.g. energy rgy off).

However, in some embodiments the energy consumption/provision may not simply be controlled by turning the devices on or off, but rather the control node 202 may control devices to operate at less than full capacity.

In many of the above examples described with reference to figures 8 to 13, reduction of the net consumption of electrical energy is described in terms of controlling ical energy consumption of groups of electric devices 208 in a given time interval. However, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, the selected groups se electric devices 208 which provide electrical energy to the electricity distribution network 102.

In this case, the control of the electric energy ption in the given area identified at step 800 of Figure 8 may include increasing an amount of energy provision by these providers of electrical . Thus, in the example of Figure 9, a given group may comprise multiple energy providers who receive 2321981v1 requests to provide energy during ated time als, rather than to cease or reduce consumption thereof, so that the reduction in consumption that results from the requests comprises an increase in energy provision.

Some energy providers may exhibit energy recovery patterns the same or similar to those described above in on to energy consumers. For example, if the provider of electrical energy comprises an electric energy storage device, such as a PEV storing energy in its battery, it may be requested by the control node 202 to provide energy from its y during a given time interval; during subsequent time intervals, the PEV may recover the provided energy as its y recharges.

Energy providers which generate electrical energy, such as wind turbines, may not exhibit any energy recovery, since there is no requirement to “recharge” or otherwise recover electrical energy provided.

In some embodiments, the control node 202 selects a combination of groups comprising one or more groups that consume electrical energy and one or more groups that provide electrical energy. In some arrangements, one or more of the selected groups comprises a combination of electric devices 208 that consume electrical energy and electric s that provide electrical energy.

It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any ation of any other of the embodiments.

Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed t departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the anying claims. 2321981v1

Claims

1. A method of controlling electrical energy consumption within an 5 electricity distribution network, the electricity distribution network supplying electrical energy to a geographical area, a plurality of electric s being distributed within said geographical area, wherein each of the electric devices is connectable to the electricity distribution network to e electrical energy provided therefrom, thereby increasing a net amount of electrical energy 10 consumption in said geographical area, and/or to provide electrical energy to the electricity distribution k, thereby decreasing a net amount of electric energy ption in said geographical area, the method sing: maintaining a device database comprising profile information relating to said electric devices in said geographical area; 15 identifying a future time period during which consumption of electrical energy supplied by the electricity distribution network is to be lled; selecting, based on said e information, a plurality of groups of said electric devices located within said geographical area, each said group comprising a plurality of said electric s; 20 dividing said future time period into a plurality of time intervals, each said time interval being a time interval of said future time period during which net electrical energy consumption of an associated group is to be controlled; associating one or more time als with each of the selected groups, the one or more time intervals associated with a given selected group being 25 different to the one or more time intervals associated with the other selected groups; and sending one or more ts, for receipt at the electric devices of the selected groups, to control electrical energy ption and/or provision by the electric devices, thereby reducing a net consumption of electrical energy in 30 said geographical area, during a respective associated time interval. 2321981v1

2. A method according to claim 1, in which, for at least one of the selected groups, the one or more requests results in a reduction of electrical energy consumption associated with said at least one group. 5

3. A method according to claim 1, in which, for at least one of the selected groups, the one or more requests results in an increase of ical energy provision associated with said at least one group.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, in which, in the case 10 of an electric device ed to consume electric energy, the one or more ts result in an amount of electric energy consumed by the electric device from said electricity distribution network being reduced during the associated time interval, and in the case of an electric device arranged to provide electric energy, the one or more requests results in an amount of electric energy 15 provided by the ic device to the electricity distribution network being increased during the associated time interval.

5. A method according to claim 4, in which, in the case of an electric device arranged to consume electric energy, the one or more requests 20 result in the electric device being disconnected from said electricity distribution network during the associated time al, and in the case of an electric device arranged to provide electric energy, the one or more ts results in the electric device being ted to the electricity distribution network during the associated time al.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the one or more selected electric devices comprises an electric energy generator, and the one or more requests result in an increase in electric energy generation by the ic energy generator. 2321981v1

7. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the associated one or more time als are arranged such that the group whose net energy consumption is reduced is varied tially throughout said future time period.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the profile information for a given said electric device relates to an availability for control of the given electric device, and allocation of the given electric device to one of the plurality of groups is performed on the basis of whether the given electric 10 device is available for control during a given said time interval.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the e information comprises energy recovery information relating to an energy recovery property of at least some of said electric devices, and said selection of 15 a plurality of groups is performed on the basis of the energy recovery information.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the profile information comprises hip information ng to at least some of said 20 electric devices, and said selection of a plurality of groups is performed on the basis of the ownership information.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the profile information ses operating characteristic information relating to at least 25 some of said electric devices, and said selection of a plurality of groups is performed on the basis of the operating characteristic information.

12. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the profile information ses information relating to the device type of at least some of 30 said electric devices, and said selection of a plurality of groups is med on the basis of the device type information. 2321981v1

13. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the profile information includes an indication of whether a given electric device is arranged to consume electric energy or r the given electric device is arranged to 5 provide ic energy.

14. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the profile information comprises energy amount indicators indicating an amount of energy consumption and/or provision associated with the electric devices, and the 10 method ses: identifying a net amount of electrical energy ption to be reduced during said future time period; and allocating electric devices to groups on the basis of the energy amount indicators.

15. A method according to any preceding claim, in which the profile information comprises location indicators ting a location of a given electrical device, and method comprises: identifying a given area in which electrical energy consumption is to be 20 controlled, the given area being an area of said geographical area supplied by the electricity distribution k; and selecting, based on said location indicators, a plurality of said groups of said electric devices located within said geographical area. 25

16. A method according to claim 15, comprising maintaining said device database at a control node associated with the given area.

17. A method ing to claim 16, sing sending said one or more requests from said control node. 2321981v1

18. A method according to either of claim 16 and claim 17, in which the device se comprises device identifiers identifying electric devices located in said given area. 5

19. A method according to claim 18, comprising: using the device identifiers to monitor, at the l node, electric energy ption and/or provision patterns of the electric devices, to compile statistical information relating to electric energy consumption/provision patterns associated with the electric devices; 10 storing the statistical information in the device database; and allocating electric devices to groups on the basis of the tical information.

20. A method according to either of claim 18 and claim 19, in which 15 the control node is arranged to communicate with a l node, the central node comprising a user database, the user database identifying a user associated with each of the electric devices.

21. A method according to claim 20, in which the device database is 20 arranged to store further identifiers, different to said device identifiers, the further identifiers each identifying a corresponding electric , the user database comprising said further identifiers.

22. A method ing to claim 21, comprising varying the further 25 identifier identifying a given electric device.

23. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said plurality of electric devices are distributed amongst a plurality of premises in said geographical area. 2321981v1

24. A method according to claim 23, in which the each said premises is connected to the electricity distribution network via a bution feeder.

25. A method according to either of claim 23 and claim 24, 5 comprising sending one or more said requests for receipt at electric devices via a gateway in a energy management system associated with a given said premises, said energy management system being arranged to control electrical energy consumption and/or provision by ic devices at the given premises according to defined rules for controlling devices associated with the gateway.

26. A method according to claim 25, comprising determining, at the gateway, whether to pass the requests to the electric device on the basis of a determination of whether the requests are compatible with said defined rules. 15

27. A method ing to either of claim 25 and 26 comprising buffering one or more said requests for execution at one or more predetermined times.

28. A method ing to any of claim 25 to claim 27 comprising 20 updating the device database when one or more of the requests is not ible with said defined rules.

29. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising: allocating electric devices to generate a plurality of models on the basis 25 of said e information; evaluating the plurality of models against one or more energy management criteria; determining one or more characteristics of a preferred model on the basis of said evaluation; and 30 ming said selection of groups at least partly on the basis of the determined characteristics. 2321981v1

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein said determination comprises interpolating and/or olating said generated plurality of models to determine said one or more teristics.

31. A method according to either of claim 29 and claim 30, in which the energy ment criteria include financial data, the financial data ng to at least one of a time dependent electrical energy market value, a balancing management service and a constraint management service.

32. A control node for controlling electrical energy consumption within an electricity distribution network, the electricity distribution network supplying electrical energy to a geographical area, a plurality of electric devices being distributed within said geographical area, wherein each of the electric 15 s is connectable to the electricity distribution network to consume electrical energy provided therefrom, thereby increasing a net amount of electrical energy consumption in said geographical area, and/or to provide electrical energy to the electricity distribution network, thereby decreasing a net amount of electric energy consumption in said geographical area, the l 20 node comprising: a communications means, the communications means being for sending requests for receipt at the electric devices, and for communicating with a central node, the central node sing a device se arranged to store profile information relating to each of said ic devices; 25 input means arranged to receive an indication of a future time period during which electrical energy consumption in icity distribution network is to be controlled; and processing means arranged to: select, based on said profile information, a plurality of groups of 30 said electric devices, each said group comprising a ity of said electric devices; 2321981v1 divide said future time period into a ity of time als, each said time interval being a time interval of said future time period during which net electrical energy consumption of an associated group is to be controlled; 5 ate one or more time intervals with each of the selected groups, the one or more time intervals associated with a given selected group being different to the one or more time intervals associated with the other selected groups; and send one or more requests, via the communications means, for 10 receipt at the electric devices of the selected groups, to control electrical energy consumption and/or provision by the electric devices, thereby reducing a net consumption of electrical energy in said geographical area, during a respective associated time interval. 15

33. A system for controlling electrical energy consumption within an electricity distribution network, the electricity distribution network supplying electrical energy to a phical area, a plurality of electric devices being distributed within said geographical area, wherein each of the electric devices is connectable to the electricity distribution network to consume ical energy 20 provided therefrom, thereby increasing a net amount of electrical energy consumption in said geographical area, and/or to provide electrical energy to the electricity distribution network, thereby decreasing a net amount of electric energy consumption in said phical area, the system comprising: a plurality of control nodes according to claim 32, each of which is 25 associated with a different area of the geographical area; and a said central node.

34. A system according to claim 33, n the electric devices whose profile information is stored in the device database are associated with 30 different user accounts, and the l node comprises a user interface for a said 2321981v1 user to access a said account and to alter information stored in the device 2321981v1 WO 27065