GridSense.
Steering energy with intelligence.
GridSense® is the intelligent technology of the
future on the road to the targeted turnaround
in the energy sector. It controls electrical equipment such as heat pumps, boilers, charging
­stations for electric cars and batteries absolutely
­autonomously in a decentralised way. Using
­artificial intelligence, GridSense learns about
and anticipates user behaviour. It ensures
­optimum integration of photovoltaic systems
and wind turbines, balances out loads within
a building using artificial intelligence, and
thus helps to level out loads on the distribution
­network. ­GridSense can integrate external
­signals from distribution network operators
and ­energy providers, smart meters or weather
­forecasts, ­optimises cost effectiveness, and
uses energy efficiently.
“ It feels good not to have to worry about
home technology or energy prices while
also doing something for the future of
­energy provision. ”
GridSense stabilises the distribution
­network and facilitates new energy services.
Renewable energy sources are the future. The increase in photovoltaic
­systems, the expansion of e-mobility, and the rise in numbers of heat pumps
are all causing increasingly sharp voltage fluctuations in the distribution
network. The solution is GridSense.
GridSense – decentralised intelligence.
GridSense – plug and play with maximum reliability.
GridSense has a self-correcting algorithm. Terminals fitted
The decentralised concept, which does not use central
with G
­ ridSense technology measure and learn about con-
control logic, guarantees secure and stable operation.
sumer behaviour and the load in the power supply through
GridSense is also easy to use, as it can be used and opti-
the voltage being used. Taking account of additional
mised in a single process. GridSense can be implemented
information such as weather forecasts and electricity
with appliances from any manufacturer. A high level of
charges, the operation of the electrical equipment can be
data security is guaranteed.
optimised continually in a manner that is tailored to the
­distribution network.
GridSense – equipped for the future.
With GridSense, information such as weather forecasts,
GridSense – makes sense ecologically and economically.
electricity charges, storage levels, etc., can be integrated
GridSense optimises energy consumption through the
in the optimisation process. This means that GridSense
use of ­locally created renewable energy. GridSense home
is equipped to cope with dynamic energy prices, virtual
appliances always function when it is most economically
power stations and other new energy services.
viable to do so. This reduces network expansion costs
for distribution network operators and reduces energy
costs for end clients. By implementing GridSense, energy
­providers can offer new services for their end clients.
Advantages for distribution network
operators and energy providers:
• Minimises network expansion costs
• Simplified roll-out during ongoing operation
• Central overall control is possible
• Measurements are recorded, forming a basis
for new services
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1
2
4
6
5
1 Medium voltage network
2 Transformer station
3 Wind turbine
4 Low voltage network
5 Building with GridSense technology
6 Photovoltaic system
GridSense applications: from boilers
to home batteries to charging stations.
GridSense optimises the use of all power-intensive appliances, such as ­boilers,
heat pumps, house batteries or charging stations for electric vehicles, while
the GridSense technology communicates with the ­appliance and takes into
consideration the comfort of the end client. User behaviour and the current
cost of power are integrated into the a
­ lgorithm. This intra-appliance integration and the minimal effort required for installation constitute an enormous
financial advantage in comparison to previous smart-grid solutions.
Charging stations for electric vehicles
Charging stations for electric vehicles are the new large-scale
­consumers in households. GridSense charges the vehicle fully automatically, either with internally produced electricity, or with low-cost
power from the network. It is always optimised according to the
current network load. In this way, charging stations can be smoothly
integrated into the distribution network, and the entire charging
process runs in coordination with all other electricity users.
Boilers
Electrical warm-water heaters are often switched on and off ­using
the ripple control signal. In contrast to today, where boilers are
mainly heated up at night, GridSense controls the loads when there
is an excess of renewable energy from photovoltaic systems or wind
turbines, or when energy prices are at their lowest. This means that
the boiler can be optimally implemented as a storage system within
the building.
Photovoltaic systems
Thanks to GridSense, the energy produced will be used to optimum
effect within the building. GridSense predicts energy production
and shares this information with the other GridSense appliances.
In this way, all energy-consuming devices adjust their periods of
­activity to times during which energy is produced. If there is a
­surplus of energy, it can be temporarily stored in the heat pump,
boiler or house battery.
Heat pumps
GridSense controls heat pumps fully automatically according to
the predicted demand for energy. It learns about thermal storage
­capacities and the inertia of the heating/cooling system and uses
this information for energy consumption and to transfer loads.
House batteries
A house battery equipped with GridSense can be used for ­temporary
storage for surplus energy production or made available to the
­balancing market. The result: maximum self-sufficiency, optimum
grid use, and reductions in cost for the consumer. Thanks to the
energy forecast and GridSense communication, the battery always
knows how much energy will be produced in the future and opti­
mises its behaviour accordingly.
GridSense communication
The individual GridSense devices communicate with one another.
The house owner can access the devices via a website or an app.
No ­further installation processes are necessary, and c­ ommunication
takes place using a secure data transfer system via the home gateway inside the building. This means that information can be sent to
and from energy providers. It is therefore also possible to develop a
virtual power plant for the electricity balancing market.
Advantages for appliance manufacturers:
• Minimises electricity costs for the end consumer
• Raises the proportion of energy self-sufficiency
• Low installation costs and easy start-up and commissioning
• High level of data security and reliability
• Optimum utilisation of new renewable energies
04/16 | © Alpiq InTec Gruppe | GridSense® : registered trademark
www.alpiq-intec.ch
www.gridsense.ch