The questions currently landing in our inboxes are similar:
"Do our devices have to be able to use EEBUS?" - "By when?" - "Are proprietary control systems still sufficient?"
Ever since the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) published its decision BK6-22-300, it has been clear that a new phase is beginning for manufacturers of wallboxes, heat pumps, battery storage systems and control boxes. The regulatory requirements are becoming technically tangible - and the course is clearly set for standardization.
§ Section 14a EnWG - The legal mandate
Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) obliges grid operators to integrate controllable consumption devices into the grid - i.e. devices whose power consumption can be temporarily reduced as required. At the same time, the paragraph authorizes the Federal Network Agency to issue binding specifications on how this control is to be implemented technically and organizationally.
This is the first time that the energy transition has been operationalized in a binding manner: a political goal becomes a technical obligation and even if Section 14a formally addresses grid operators, its requirements have an indirect direct effect on manufacturers, whose appliances must be controllable and capable of communication in the future.
Resolution BK6-22-300 - the linchpin for manufacturers
With Resolution BK6-22-300 of November 27, 2023, the Federal Network Agency has implemented the legal mandate from Section 14a EnWG. The specification is entitled: "Integration of controllable consumption devices and controllable grid connections".
Articles 2 to 4 and Article 10 (transitional provisions) are particularly relevant for manufacturers:
- Article 2 defines what is considered controllable consumption equipment - such as wallboxes, heat pumps and battery storage systems.
- Article 3 describes the obligation to participate, i.e. which systems must be controllable in future.
- Article 4 regulates grid-oriented control - how and when grid operators may temporarily reduce power consumption in critical situations.
- Article 10 contains transitional periods and clarifications as to when which requirements apply.
Paragraph 2a and the associated Annex I of the decision are of particular practical interest:
This refers to the technical interface recommendation that was drawn up by the standardization side - specifically the VDE FNN. This mentions EEBUS as the preferred communication standard, which should enable uniform, interoperable control.
Technical implementation - from resolution to standard
The regulatory framework has been established with BK6-22-300. Technical implementation is now taking place in the relevant VDE committees. This is where the specific requirements for controllability, communication and grid integration are defined - from the control box to the communication protocol and safety requirements.
The control box 1.4 specification forms an important basis for the technical control system.
It describes how control commands are received and implemented - regardless of whether via contactor, Modbus or digital communication (EEBUS). As far as the communication standard is concerned, there are currently many indications that EEBUS will establish itself as the minimum standard. However, the decisive factor will be whether the forthcoming version of VDE-AR-N 4100 also declares this standard to be "state of the art".
What does this mean specifically for manufacturers
There are now three key areas of action for manufacturers of controllable consumer devices or control technology:
- Ensure communication capability:
Devices must be able to receive and evaluate commands and adjust power consumption.
- Plan interface strategy:
Proprietary control systems can currently continue to be operated - but interoperability will become mandatory in the long term.
- Monitor the development of standards:
Anyone developing devices today should closely follow the ongoing work on VDE 4100 and the VDE application rules in order to plan for adaptations in good time.
Looking ahead
The regulatory framework is in place. But the crucial question is:
Will EEBUS become mandatory as a minimum standard or will it remain a recommendation?
The answer depends significantly on whether the new VDE-AR-N 4100 EEBUS elevates it to state-of-the-art status.
The final publication is not yet available, but all signs indicate that the communication interface will play a central role in the future. As soon as the new VDE 4100 is published, you will be the first to know here.
Do you have further questions about EEBUS? We will be happy to provide you with even more support. Simply send us an e-mail with your question or use our contact form.
Author's note
This article has been machine translated into English.
TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
VDE FNN: VDE Forum Network Technology/Network Operation (FNN)
EnWG: Energy Industry Act
EEBus: Standardized communication protocol for energy networking
