JP2001211547A - Power feeding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically increase allowable power consumption in a zone as far as power is not exceeding the allowable power consumption in an area even though exceeding in the zone when power is newly fed to a power consumption terminal. SOLUTION: A server, comprising a means that cumulatively controls an information of the allowable power consumption or an information of a power consumption terminal by transmitting and receiving data to and from each breaker 2, 3 with the power consumption terminal 5 using a power cable network, a demand means that varies the allowable power consumption of the sub-breaker 3 so as not to exceed the allowable power consumption based on a proper information, and a means that demands on/off of a power source at the power consumption terminal 5, is arranged. The power consumption terminal 5 comprises a means that inquires a start to the server 1 and a means that decides whether to start or not to start corresponding to the response from the server. The sub-breaker 3 comprises a means that suitably varies the allowable power consumption in accordance with the demand of the server 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data communication technology using a home power line network, and more particularly to a technology for effectively utilizing power and avoiding unnecessary power supply interruption.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in an office building, a general residence, and the like that are supplied with electric power from an electric power company, an upper limit value of electric power supplied from the electric power company is predetermined. For example, when the entire building is regarded as one area, the upper limit (area upper limit) of the allowable amount of power consumption in the area is predetermined. A breaker is provided and managed so that the power consumed in each area does not exceed the upper limit of the area.

In many cases, each area is divided into a plurality of zones, and an upper limit of the allowable amount of power consumption (zone upper limit) is determined for each zone, and management is often performed for each zone. At that time, the zone upper limit value is determined so that the sum thereof becomes the area upper limit value. Then, a breaker is provided in each zone so that the power consumed in each zone does not exceed the zone upper limit value, similarly to the area. That is, when the total power consumed in each area or zone exceeds the area upper limit or zone upper limit, the corresponding breaker shuts off the power line circuit and stops supplying power.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-92121 discloses a power consuming terminal provided with a service outlet, a function of measuring the power consumption of another power consuming terminal connected to the service outlet, and an output current supplied to a breaker. A technique for controlling the operating state of each power consuming terminal so that the total power consumption falls within a range where the circuit is not interrupted by the breaker by providing a function of measuring the power consumption of the power consuming terminal.

[0005]

In the prior art in which an area is divided into zones and an upper limit of power consumption is set for each zone and managed, a user considers in advance the total power consumption of each power consuming terminal. Had to use a power consuming terminal. In particular, even if the power consumption of the entire area does not exceed the upper limit of the area, if the power consumption of the specific zone exceeds the upper limit of the zone, the power supply to the zone is stopped. was there.

On the other hand, according to the technology disclosed in the above publication, when a new power consuming terminal is to be activated and power is to be supplied, when the entire area is within the range of the allowable power consumption. Even if the power consumption exceeds the allowable power consumption of the zone, power is not supplied to the power consuming terminal. That is, the power consuming terminal that is running in the zone can continue to operate as it is, but it is still inconvenient because the power consuming terminal that the user wants to newly turn on cannot be used.

[0007] Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of groups when the power usage in any one of the terminal groups in which the limit value of the available power is set exceeds the limit value. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for restricting the use of electric power within a range not exceeding a total limit value.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a technique for restricting a power supply from being interrupted when a power use request exceeding a predetermined limit is made in any one of the groups.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide a power distribution device in which the maximum value of a current that can pass is variable.

[0010]

In order to achieve the first object, the present invention performs the following processing. Predict the total power consumption of the terminal group to which the power consuming terminal belongs after starting the power consuming terminal, and supply the power to the terminal group if the predicted value exceeds the limit value of the power supply to the terminal group. The power limit value is increased beyond the predicted value, and the increase in the power supply limit value to the terminal group is subtracted from the power supply limit value to other terminal groups.

In order to achieve the second object, the present invention further performs the following processing. When there is a power-on request from the power consuming terminal, if the total power consumption in the area after the activation of the power consuming terminal exceeds the limit value of the power supplied to the area, the power-on request of the power consuming terminal is issued. not allowed.

In order to achieve the third object, according to the present invention, in a power distribution distribution apparatus in which a maximum value of a passing current is determined, an instruction to change the maximum value is received through a power line, and Change the value.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a power supply service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system according to the present embodiment determines a predetermined area such as a building as an area 30, and within the area 30,
Server 1 and breakers 2 and 3 as power distribution devices
And a power consuming terminal (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a “terminal”) 5 such as a household electrical appliance. The breakers include a main breaker 2 and a plurality of sub-breakers 3.

Power line 9 for receiving power supply from outside area 30 is connected to server 1 and main breaker 2. The main breaker 2 is further connected to each sub-breaker 3 via a power line 9.
One or more power consuming terminals 5 are connected to each sub-breaker 3 via a power line 9. Then, the server 1, the main breaker 2, the sub-breaker 3, and each power consuming terminal 5 can perform data communication using the power line 9. Here, each sub-breaker 3 and the terminal group of the power consuming terminal 5 connected to it are
Call. That is, one area includes a plurality of zones.

When the total power consumed by all the power consuming terminals 5 in the area 30 exceeds a predetermined allowable amount or the line breaks due to a short-circuit and an abnormal current of non-standard flows, the main breaker 2 Is detected, the circuit is cut off, and the power supply is stopped. Here, the predetermined allowable amount is a limit value of power that can be consumed in the area, and is referred to as an “area upper limit value”.

If the total power consumed by all the power consuming terminals 5 in each zone 40 exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, or if the line is short-circuited and an abnormal current that is out of specification flows, the sub-breaker 3 Upon detecting this, the circuit is cut off and the supply of power is stopped. Here, the predetermined allowable amount is a limit value of power that can be consumed in the zone, and is referred to as a “zone upper limit value”. The zone upper limit value is determined so that the sum of the zone upper limit values of each zone becomes the area upper limit value.
Therefore, the zone upper limit can be set arbitrarily as long as the total of the zone upper limit is equal to or less than the area upper limit.

The server 1 manages information about the terminal 5 existing in the area to which the server belongs and the power usage of the terminal 5. That is, in response to a power-on request from the terminal 5, it is determined whether or not the request is permitted according to the power usage status. Further, if necessary, the sub-breaker 3 is instructed to change the zone upper limit value.

Each power consuming terminal 5 makes an inquiry to the server 1 when turning on the power, turns on the power after receiving permission, and notifies the server when the power is turned off.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server 1. The server 1 includes a CPU that performs a predetermined program process.
101, a main storage device 102 and an auxiliary storage device 103 for storing various data such as programs to be processed by the CPU 101 and information necessary for loading the programs.
Input device 1 for inputting various data and the like
04 and a display device 105 for monitoring the server 1
And a communication control unit 106 for controlling communication with a wired network 11 such as a telephone line, and a power line communication control unit 107 for transmitting and receiving various data via the power line network 12.
A wireless communication control processing unit 108 for controlling communication with the wireless network 13 such as a PHS, and an external storage I / O 110
And a power supply unit 120 for supplying power to the server.

The main storage device 102, the auxiliary storage device 103,
The communication control unit 106, the power line communication control unit 107, the wireless communication control unit 109, and the external storage I / O 110
CPU 101 via the internal bus 115
Is controlled by commands and data sent by External memory I
The / O 110 further includes an IC card reader / writer 112 that can read and write information on an IC card, a compact flash slot 113 that can read and write compact flash data, and a P / O that inputs and outputs data to and from a PC card.
The C card slot 114 is connectable. These enable data input / output with various information media.

The IC card reader / writer 112, the compact flash slot 113, and the PC card slot 114 may be built in the server body or may be omitted depending on the size of the device. Also, the display device 1
05 may not be necessary depending on the size of the apparatus. Further, the communication control unit 106 and the wireless communication control unit 108 may be shared.

FIG. 3 shows a power line communication control unit 1 in the server 1.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a 07. The power line communication control unit 107 includes a demultiplexer / multiplexer 171 and a data communication control unit 172.

In the power line network 12, data communication is performed by superimposing a signal for data communication on an alternating current flowing through the power line 9 at a high frequency. Therefore, in order for the server 1 to perform data communication with the power consuming terminal 5 or the breakers 2 and 3, it is necessary to extract a data communication signal superimposed on the current received via the power line 9. The demultiplexer / multiplexer 171 splits the alternating current into a demultiplexer / multiplexer ring,
Extract signals for data communication. Further, the demultiplexer / multiplexer 171 superimposes a signal received from the data communication control unit 172 on a current flowing through the power line 9 and transmits the signal to the power line network 12.

The data communication control section 172 transmits the signal extracted by the demultiplexer / multiplexer 171 to the CPU 101, the main storage device 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 via the internal bus 115, and receives the signal from the CPU 101 or the like. The data communication control for transmitting the obtained signal to the demultiplexer / multiplexer 171 is performed.

When the server 1 is connected to the terminal 5 or the like via a network different from the power line communication network 106, the data communication control unit 172 may be a control unit for transmitting and receiving communication messages to and from the network. Yes, the communication control unit 106 or the wireless communication control unit 1
08 and can be shared.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the power consuming terminal 5 according to the present embodiment. Power consumption terminal 5
Includes a power consuming terminal body 450 and an information processing unit 400.

The power consuming terminal body 450 is a part having the original functions of the terminal, for example, a television, such as a CRT or a tuner, for realizing the functions of the original television. The power consumption terminal main body 450 is
A power supply unit 410 for supplying power to the power supply unit 0 is provided.

The information processing section 400 includes the power line communication control section 1
07, a wireless communication control processing unit 108, a CPU 403 for processing a predetermined program, a ROM 404 for storing a program to be processed by the CPU 403, a program to be loaded, a new program to be stored, and data to be stored. RAM 405, an input device 407,
A display device 408 capable of monitoring communication data processing and the like, a current control unit 409, and a switch operation unit 411 are provided.
ROM 404, RAM 405, power line communication control unit 107
And the wireless communication control processing unit 108 and the display device 40
Reference numeral 8 denotes C by the CPU 403 via the internal bus 406.
It is controlled by commands and data sent by the PU 403. Power line communication control unit 107 and wireless communication processing unit 10
8 is the same as that provided in the server 1, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The power is supplied to the information processing section 400 even when the power of the power consuming terminal body 450 is off. Then, the current control unit 409
03, the power of the power consuming terminal body 450 is turned on /
Control off. That is, the power consuming terminal body 450
When the user operates the switch operation unit 411 to turn on the power while the power of the device is turned off,
The power control unit 409 notifies the CPU 403 of the fact. The CPU 403 inquires of the server 1 via the power line communication control unit 107 whether the power can be turned on. Then, the power line communication control unit 107 extracts a response message from the server 1. If it is a notification to permit power-on, the CPU 403
To start power supply to the power supply unit. Notify not to allow power on, or
If there is no response from the server 1 within a predetermined time, the CPU 4
03 indicates that the power supply cannot be turned on.
08 is displayed.

FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the sub-breaker 3. As shown in FIG.

The sub-breaker 3 includes two power line communication control units 107 and a CPU 50 for executing a predetermined program.
3 and R storing a program to be processed by the CPU 503.
OM 504 and R for loading program processing, storing a new program, and storing data.
It has an AM 505 and a current control unit 507 that determines a zone upper limit value in a zone where the sub-breaker 3 is located. The power line communication control unit 107 is the same as that provided in the server 1.

FIG. 6 shows details of the hardware configuration of the current control unit 507. The current control unit 507 includes a plurality of switches 551 and a switch control device 552. Each switch 551 does not flow a current when the switch is off, and can flow a maximum of 1 amp of current when activated. This switch 551 is installed in parallel with the power line 9. For example, if ten switches 551 are turned on, the current control unit 507 as a whole can flow a maximum of 10 (A) of current. Therefore, the greater the number of switches connected in parallel, the greater the maximum value of the power allowed by this breaker. (Note) How do you limit the upper limit of the current of each switch to 1 amp? Each switch 551 is connected to a switch control device 552 by a line 553 for transmitting a control signal.
The switch control device 552 receives the command transmitted from the CPU 506 and controls on / off of each switch. Thus, the current that can pass through the breaker 3 can be increased or decreased by 1 amp. For example, when the CPU 503 receives an instruction to change the zone upper limit value from the server 1, the switch control unit 5
Instructs 52 to switch on / off.

Here, the allowable current of the switch is not limited to 1 amp. That is, the allowable current of the switch can take various values. For example, by providing a large number of switches having a small allowable current amount, the current amount, that is, the zone upper limit value can be controlled very finely. Also,
The main breaker 2 does not necessarily need to have a configuration like the sub-breaker 3 described here, but may have the same configuration as the sub-breaker 3.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a power supply service system using hardware having the configuration described above.

The server 1 includes a communication control unit 151, a terminal management unit 152, a power consumption terminal information table 160, and a power consumption status table 170.

The communication control unit 151 includes a main breaker 2,
It controls communication with the sub-breaker 3 and the power consuming terminal 5.

The terminal management unit 152 stores the information in the table 16
0, 170 input / output are managed. When the terminal 5 is activated in response to a power-on request from the terminal 5, the total power consumption of the zone 40 to which the terminal 5 belongs is predicted, and it is determined whether or not the request is permitted. Further, when the predicted value exceeds the zone upper limit value of the zone 40, each zone upper limit value is increased or decreased, and the zone upper limit value is redistributed.

Specifically, the power consumption 164 of the requesting terminal is extracted by referring to the terminal information table 160 using the terminal ID 312 of the requesting terminal included in the notification message 310 as a key. Further, with reference to the power consumption status table 170 using the zone No. 316 included in the notification message 310 as a key, the zone margin power is extracted from the zone margin power record 175. The power consumption is compared with the zone surplus power to determine whether the power can be turned on.

When the power consumption is smaller than the zone margin power, the power-on is permitted as it is. When the power consumption exceeds the zone surplus power, the area surplus power is further extracted from the area surplus power record 176 with reference to the power consumption status table 170. Then, the power consumption is compared with the surplus area power to determine whether the power can be turned on.

When the power consumption is smaller than the area surplus power, the upper limit of the zone is changed and the power-on is permitted. That is, when the power of the request source terminal is turned on, the power allocated to the zone becomes insufficient, but when there is room in the entire area, the available power remaining in the other zone is set to the applicable power. By assigning to a zone, the requesting terminal can be used.

When the power consumption of the requesting terminal is larger than the marginal power, the power-on is not permitted because the power consumption of the entire area exceeds the upper limit of the area. In this case, a terminal whose power-off is recommended may be determined and notified to the requesting terminal.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of the power consumption terminal information table 160. That is, the power consumption terminal ID 161 and
The zone No. 162 to which the terminal belongs, the priority 163 of the terminal, and the power consumption 164 of the terminal are stored in association with each other. The priority will be described later.

FIG. 9 shows the structure of the power consumption status table 170. That is, zone No.171, power consumption terminal ID
172, the power 173 consumed by the power consuming terminal is
They are stored in association with each other. Then, for each zone, a zone margin power record 175 indicating a value obtained by subtracting the power currently consumed in the zone from the zone upper limit value, that is, a margin to the zone upper limit value, is stored. In addition, the surplus power of each zone was summed,
Area surplus power record 1 indicating surplus power for the entire area
76 is also stored. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the zone surplus power of zone 1 is 100 watts, and the area surplus power of the entire area is 3800 watts.

The sub-breaker 3 includes a communication control unit 351 and
Zone upper limit value change controller 352 and unique information table 3
53. The communication control unit 351 controls communication with the server 1, the main breaker 2, and the power consuming terminal 5. In particular, when a message transmitted from the power consuming terminal 5 is received, zone information is added to the end of the message and transmitted to the server 1.

Upon receiving the instruction to change the zone upper limit, the zone upper limit change controller 352 controls the current controller 507 to change the zone upper limit. Specific information table 353
Stores the zone number to which the sub-breaker belongs.

The power consuming terminal 5 includes a communication control unit 551 and a power control unit 552 in the information processing unit 400 as shown in FIG.
And a display control unit 553 and a unique information table 560. The communication control unit 551 controls communication with the server 1, the main breaker 2, and the sub breaker 3. The power control unit 552 makes an inquiry about whether the power may be turned on to the server 1, analyzes the response of the server 1, and turns on / off the power of the power consuming terminal body 450 according to the content.
Control off. The unique information table 560 includes a terminal ID 561 of the power consuming terminal, a rated power consumption 562,
The priority 563 is stored. When the communication control unit 551 generates the notification message 310, the information is used. Here, the priority indicates the priority of supplying power to the power consuming terminal. That is, when a power-on request is issued from a certain power-consuming terminal, but when the power of the power-consuming terminal exceeds the area upper limit value when the power of the power-consuming terminal is turned on, the priority of the power-consuming terminal is checked. Is to turn off the power of a power consuming terminal having a lower priority than the power is currently turned on. The priority is registered by the user in advance in the power consuming terminal, or is input by the user when the power consuming terminal is switched on. Alternatively, a default value may be determined in advance and stored according to the type of terminal.

Hereinafter, the flow of processing in the system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing when the power is turned on in the power consuming terminal according to the present embodiment.

When the user uses the power consuming terminal 5,
The switch operation unit 411 is operated to turn on the power of the power consuming terminal 5, and the power control unit 552 receives the operation (S101). The communication control unit 551 transmits a notification message 310 for notifying the server 1 of the power-on request to the server 1 (S102). Notification message 31
0 is a header 311, a power consumption terminal ID 312 indicating the terminal, and a power on / off type 31 indicating whether the request is a power on request or a power off notification, as shown in FIG.
3, the priority 314 of the terminal and the power consumption 315 of the terminal. When the power consumption is already registered in the power consumption terminal information table 160 and when notifying the power-off, the priority 314 and the power consumption 315 are used.
May not be included. The zone No. 316 is added by the sub-breaker 3 when passing through the sub-breaker 3. Details of the processing in the sub-breaker 3 will be described later.

The terminal 5 sends a notification message 31 to the server 1.
0, the response message 320 from the server 1
(S103). When receiving the response message 320 addressed to the terminal itself from the server 1, the power control unit 552 analyzes the content of the message (S104). The response message 320 includes, as shown in FIG. 14, a header 321, a zone number 322 to which the destination terminal belongs, and a power consuming terminal of the destination terminal.
An ID 323 and a power-on OK / NG type 324 indicating whether to permit power-on are included. If the result of the message analysis is that the power supply is OK, the CPU
403 controls the current control unit 409, power is immediately supplied to the power supply unit 410 of the power consuming terminal, and the power is turned on (S105).

If the response is not "power on OK",
It is checked whether the response is “power on NG” (S
111). The response of the power-on NG indicates that the power of the terminal cannot be turned on because the power exceeds the area upper limit value when the power of the terminal is turned on. Upon receiving this response, the display control unit 553 causes the display device 408 to display that the power of the terminal cannot be turned on (S112).

The message may be displayed, for example, "The power cannot be turned on because the capacity is exceeded. Turn off the power of the other terminals." Further, only “NG” may be displayed, or a predetermined error code may be displayed. Further, a speaker (not shown) may be provided separately from the display device to notify the user by voice or electronic sound.

Thus, the user can know that the power of a desired terminal cannot be turned on unless the power of any of the power consuming terminals 5 in the area is turned off.

If the response is neither "power on OK" nor "power on NG", it is further confirmed whether or not the notification is a power off recommendation terminal (S121). The notification of the power-off recommended device means that when the device is turned on,
When the area exceeds the upper limit, the server 1 selects a terminal whose power is recommended to be turned off in order to turn on the terminal, and notifies the user of the terminal. In the case of the notification of the recommended terminal, the power is turned on OK / NG type 324
, Information that can identify the terminal, such as the terminal ID or name of the recommended terminal, is stored. In the power consuming terminal 5 that has received the notification of the power-off recommended terminal, the display control unit 553 displays the recommended terminal on the display device 408 (S122).

For the display, the terminal ID or name of the recommended terminal included in the message may be displayed as it is, or a conversion table (not shown) may be stored in the terminal itself and converted to another expression using the conversion table. May be displayed. Further, a speaker (not shown) may be provided separately from the display device to notify the user by voice or electronic sound.

Thus, the user can not only know that the capacity is exceeded, but also know the terminal whose power-off is recommended.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server according to this embodiment.

When the server 1 performs initialization after startup,
The state is such that a message from the power consuming terminal 5 can be accepted (S201, 202). When the communication control unit 151 receives the notification message 310 from the power consuming terminal 5, the terminal information management unit 152 determines that the requesting power consuming terminal that transmitted the message 310 is registered in the power consuming terminal information table 160. (S20)
3). If the terminal has not been registered, the information of the terminal (terminal ID, power consumption, zone number, priority) is registered (S211). Furthermore, the terminal management unit 152 refers to the power consumption status table 170 and compares the margin power δz of the zone margin power record 175 of the zone where the power consumption terminal is located with the power consumption P of the power consumption terminal (S204). ). Here, for example, it is assumed that the power consumption P of the request source terminal is 1000 watts.

When P <δz, for example, assuming that the zone margin power δz is 1500 watts, the power consumption status table 170 displays the zone number of the requesting terminal, the terminal ID,
The power consumption is registered, and the zone margin power record 175 and the area margin power record 176 are updated (S20).
5). After registration, a response message 320 of “power on OK” is transmitted to the power consuming terminal (S206).

When P <δz is not satisfied, for example, assuming that the zone margin power δz is 800 watts, the margin power δa of the area margin power record 176 is further compared with the power consumption P of the power consuming terminal (S212). .

If P <δa, for example, assuming that the area allowance power δa is 5000 watts, the zone upper limit of the other zone is lowered, the zone upper limit is increased, and the zone upper limit is increased. It is redistributed (S213).
That is, power is allocated to the zone from another zone where the power consumed in the zone has a margin to the zone upper limit value, and the terminal can be turned on.

As a specific procedure, first, (P−δz) is obtained. Here, the shortage of power (P-δz) (200 watts in the above example) caused by turning on the power of the terminal in the zone where the power consuming terminal is located is determined.
By lowering the zone upper limit value of the other zone, this shortage is allocated to the zone, and a new zone upper limit value is determined. Here, the newly determined zone upper limit value is simply (P−δz)
(200 watts in the example above)
It may be increased or decreased by (P−δz + α) with some margin. For example, if α is 300 watts, in the above example, 5
It may be increased or decreased by 00 watts.

The communication control section 151 notifies the corresponding sub-breaker 3 of the new zone upper limit determined by the terminal management section 152. As shown in FIG. 15, the zone upper limit value change message 330 transmitted at that time includes a header 331, a zone number 332, and a zone upper limit value 333.
including. The zone number 332 and the zone upper limit 333 include the number of zones for which the zone upper limit is to be changed. Upon receiving the zone upper limit value change message 330, the zone upper limit value change controller 352 turns on the switch 551 of the current controller 409.
/ Off to change the zone upper limit.

Thus, the user can use the desired terminal by automatically changing the zone upper limit value without being particularly conscious. Further, conventionally, the power that has been allocated to another zone and has not been used can be effectively used.

In S212, if P <δa, the power of the terminal must be turned on in order to turn on the power of any of the power consuming terminals in the area. Will be exceeded. Therefore, it is possible to inform the user of which power consuming terminal 5 can be turned off and the desired terminal can be turned on. That is, the terminal management unit is 1
52, by referring to the priority 163 and the power consumption 164 of the power consumption terminal management information table 160, determine a terminal for which power off is recommended, and notify the requesting terminal as a recommended terminal notification message (S221, S222). In the response message shown in FIG. 13, the recommended terminal notification message includes the terminal of the recommended terminal in the power on / off type 324.
Information that can identify the terminal, such as an ID or name, is stored.

Thus, the user can know the power-off recommended terminal even when the power of the desired terminal cannot be turned on. Then, after powering off the recommended device or other devices, you can try to power on again,
The processing of the above flowchart is repeated.

It should be noted that the recommended terminal need not be notified to the user. In this case, the processing of S221 to S222 is not performed. When the recommended terminal is not notified, when the terminal is turned on, only the fact that the terminal exceeds the area upper limit value may be notified, or no notification is required.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sub-breaker according to this embodiment.

After the initialization processing (S301), the communication control unit 351 of the sub-breaker 3 can receive a message from any of the server 1 and the power consuming terminal 5 (S30).
2). Upon receiving the message, the communication control unit 351 analyzes the header and determines whether the message is from the server 1 or the terminal 5 (S303). If the message is from the server 1, the message is further analyzed (S3
04) If the instruction is to change the zone upper limit value, the zone upper limit value change controller 352 is notified to change to the specified zone upper limit value (S305, 306). When the change is completed, the server 1 is notified to that effect (S307).

In S305, if the message from the server 1 is for the power consuming terminal 5, the message is transmitted to the power consuming terminal 5 as it is (S313).

If the received message is a message from the power consuming terminal 5 in S303, zone information, specifically, a zone number is added to the end of the message (S303).
311), and transmit it to server 1 (S312).

Next, when the power consuming terminal 5 turns off the power, the power on / off type 313 of the notification message 310 is displayed.
The information indicating that the power is off is stored, and the message is transmitted to the server 1. Upon receiving this, the server 1 determines from the power on / off type 313 that this is a power off notification. Then, using the terminal ID as a key, the record of the terminal in the power consumption status table 170 is deleted,
The zone margin power record 175 and the area margin power record 176 are updated.

According to the above-described embodiment, even when the user of the power consuming terminal inadvertently tries to operate the power consuming terminal and exceeds the zone upper limit value, which is the allowable power of the sub-breaker, the server needs to perform the operation in advance. With the control of (1), it is possible to increase or decrease the allowable power amount of the breaker for each zone, to prevent the power consuming terminal from operating without permission from the server, and to prevent an unintended breaker from shutting off the power.

In addition, even if the power consuming terminals in the zone related to the specific breaker are used intensively, it is possible to cope with preventing the power from being cut off, which is effective.

[0076]

According to the present invention, when power is used within a predetermined allowable range, local interruption of power supply can be avoided.

Further, according to the present invention, when there is a power use request exceeding a predetermined allowable range, power use is suppressed so that power supply is not cut off.

Further, according to the present invention, the upper limit value of the power to be supplied can be changed, so that the surplus power can be easily exchanged.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of a power supply service system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a power line communication control unit 107 in the server 1.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a power consuming terminal 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a hardware configuration of a sub-breaker 3;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a current control unit 507.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of a power supply service system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a power consumption terminal information table 160.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a power consumption status table 170.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process when the power is turned on in the power consuming terminal 5 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the server 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process in a sub-breaker 3 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a format of a notification message from the power consuming terminal 5 to the server 1.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a response message format from the server 1.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a format of a zone upper limit value change message from the server 1 to the sub-breaker 3.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... server, 2 ... main breaker, 3 ... sub-breaker,
5 ... power consumption terminal, 9 ... power line, 30 ... area, 40 ...
Zone, 107: power line communication control unit, 171: demultiplexer / multiplexer, 172: data communication control unit, 400: information processing unit, 450: power consumption terminal body, 409, 507: current control unit, 151, 351; 551: Communication control unit, 152
... terminal management unit, 160 ... power consumption terminal information table, 1
70: power consumption status table, 552: power control unit, 5
53 ... Display control unit.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Mano 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside the Hitachi, Ltd.System Development Laboratory (72) Inventor Isao Takida 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture (72) Inventor Shinichi Sawamura 1099 Ozenji Temple, Aso-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term in Hitachi, Ltd. System Development Laboratory 5G066 KA01 KA11 KD01

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A power supply for limiting a supply power to each of a plurality of terminal groups included in a predetermined area and each including one or more power consuming terminals, based on a predetermined allowable power amount for a predetermined area. The method, predicting the total power consumption of the terminal group to which the power consuming terminal belongs after the activation of any of the power consuming terminals, if the predicted value exceeds the limit value of the power supply to the terminal group Is to increase the limit value of the power supply to the terminal group beyond the predicted value, and subtract the increase in the limit value of the power supply to the terminal group from the limit value of the power supply to other terminal groups. A power supply method characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. A power distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply distribution device configured to set a power supply distribution device based on a predetermined supply power limit value for a predetermined area including a plurality of terminal groups including one or more power consumption terminals receiving power supply. A server that manages the limit value of power supply to the terminal group determined by the terminal, to which the power consuming terminal belongs when the power consuming terminal is powered on when a power on request is received from the power consuming terminal First predicting means for predicting the total power consumption of the group, and when the predicted value exceeds the limit value of the power supply to the terminal group, the limit value of the power supply to the terminal group is equal to or more than the predicted value. Determining means for subtracting the increase in the limit value of the power supply to the terminal group from the limit value of the power supply to the other terminal groups, and determining a new limit value of the power supply to each terminal group. The power distribution device To the server, characterized by comprising, an instruction unit that notifies the limiting value of the new power supply, instructs the change of the setting of the power fraction collector delivery device. 3. The server according to claim 2, wherein, when the predicted value does not exceed a limit value of power supply to the terminal group, a notification of permission of the power-on request to the power consuming terminal. A server that further comprises a notification unit that performs the following. 4. The server according to claim 3, further comprising: second prediction means for predicting a total power consumption of the area when the power consuming terminal is turned on, wherein the notifying means comprises: When the predicted value by the second predicting means exceeds the limit value of the power supply in the area, a server is notified that the power-on request is not permitted. 5. An electric power which cuts off the current circuit when a current flowing from a power line on an input side flows through a current circuit and flows out to a power line on an output side, and a current passing through the current circuit exceeds a predetermined maximum value. A power distribution device, comprising: a receiving unit that receives an instruction to change the maximum value through the power line; and a changing unit that changes the maximum value based on the change instruction. Electric distribution equipment. 6. A transmitting means for transmitting a power-on request to a server when receiving a power-on instruction from outside, and when receiving a power-on permission notification from the server,
A power consumption terminal comprising: a power supply unit for turning on a power supply; and a notifying unit for notifying to the outside that the power cannot be turned on when receiving a power-on non-permission notification from the server.