Dynamic electricity rates offer a simple way to give end customers immediate access to the benefits of smart metering systems (iMSys). However, transmitting meter readings relevant to billing is only part of what the iMSys can do. PPC and Solar Manager have now successfully demonstrated that tariff and pricing information can also be transmitted to the property and used there for local optimization. This adds another important use case to the existing ecosystem surrounding the iMSys.
The industry-standard EEBUS protocol is used for on-site communication. Specifically, the TOUT (Time-of-Use Tariffs) use case is employed here. This enables the transmission of time-dependent tariff information, such as dynamic electricity prices based on spot market prices and dynamic grid fees.
Upstream, both suppliers and grid operators can provide the relevant tariff information. This information is then transmitted to the local energy management system via the smart meter gateway. There, the tariff information can be used, for example, to optimize wallboxes, battery storage systems, or other flexible consumers. The combination of market and grid signals is particularly relevant here: In the future, a home energy management system will thus be able to base its optimization not only on low electricity prices but also on dynamic grid fees. This ensures that the grid’s perspective is also taken into account and utilized in price-based optimization.
This is a crucial point for the energy sector of tomorrow, because market prices and local grid conditions do not necessarily align. A low electricity price on the spot market says nothing about how heavily the local distribution grid is loaded at that moment. If dynamic grid fees or grid-side price signals are taken into account, energy management can combine both perspectives and thus proactively control the grid in a way that benefits it.
The Benefits for Network Operators
For grid operators, this provides practical proof that the infrastructure of their metering point operators (MPOs) can be used for more than just meter readings and direct control. Through this infrastructure, (dynamic) price signals can be transmitted to individual properties, local grids, regions, or grid areas. This creates an additional mechanism for incorporating local grid conditions into the optimization of flexible consumers before direct control intervention becomes necessary.
Looking ahead, this initial implementation of TOUT demonstrates that it is practically feasible to optimize electricity consumption, generation, and storage based on dynamic rates. EEBUS ensures interoperability among the participating stakeholders, thereby laying the groundwork for rolling out the concept across the industry.
Joint Project Development
Specifically, as part of the collaboration, the implementation of the TOUT between the CLS adapter control system from PPC and the Solar Manager energy management system was tested.
PPC is providing the test equipment, including the firmware prototype, as well as the MSB test systems. Solar Manager handles data acquisition and processing. The first practical implementation of this use case has so far taken place in the laboratory. Field testing is also planned. A particularly noteworthy aspect of this collaboration is the rapid and agile development of the project by both partners.
