Junction box and network for distributing energy

An energy distribution network, comprising:

• a plurality of junction boxes, each junction box including an input, at least one output, an electronic switch, and a mechanical isolator that is connected in series to the electronic switch, wherein the input is connected to the at least one output by the mechanical isolator so as to transmit energy, wherein the junction box comprises an internal evaluating unit having at least one processor, a data storage device, a first control output in communication with the electronic switch for controlling an operational state of the electronic switch, and a second control output in communication with the mechanical isolator for controlling an operational state of the mechanical isolator, and wherein an evaluating program is stored in the data storage device and said evaluating program is provided for being performed by the at least one processor to control the operational state of the mechanical isolator and the transmission of energy to the at least one output;
• means for transmitting data;
• and
• means for evaluating energy consumption, wherein the evaluating means are arranged in a decentralized manner in the junction boxes.

A method for operating an energy distribution network having a plurality of junction boxes, each junction box including an input, at least one output, an electronic switch, and a mechanical isolator that is connected in series to the electronic switch, wherein the input is connected to the at least one output by the mechanical isolator so as to transmit energy, wherein the junction box comprises an internal evaluating unit having at least one processor, a data storage device, a first control output in communication with the electronic switch for controlling an operational state of the electronic switch, and a second control output in communication with the mechanical isolator for controlling an operational state of the mechanical isolator, and wherein an evaluating program is stored in the data storage device and said evaluating program is provided for being performed by the at least one processor to control the operational state of the mechanical isolator and the transmission of energy to the at least one output, the method comprising:

• storing measurement data for a predetermined period of time;
• subsequently evaluating the measurement data;
• and
• comparing a result of the evaluation with up-to-date data.

A method for switching off at least one output of a junction box that includes an input, the at least one output, an electronic switch, and a mechanical isolator that is connected in series to the electronic switch, wherein the input is connected to the at least one output by the mechanical isolator so as to transmit energy, wherein the junction box comprises an internal evaluating unit having at least one processor, a data storage device, a first control output in communication with the electronic switch for controlling an operational state of the electronic switch, and a second control output in communication with the mechanical isolator for controlling an operational state of the mechanical isolator, and wherein an evaluating program is stored in the data storage device and said evaluating program is provided for being performed by the at least one processor to control the operational state of the mechanical isolator and the transmission of energy to the at least one output, the method comprising:

• opening the electronic switch by way of the evaluating unit;
• waiting for a defined period of time;
• measuring a potential at an output of the electronic switch by way of the evaluating unit and an electronic measuring device;
• comparing the measured potential with a predefined value;
• setting a release parameter in dependence upon the measured potential being below the predefined value;
• and
• opening the mechanical isolator in dependence upon the release parameter.