JP2002099834A - Method and system for introducing energy-saving equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for introducing energy-saving equipment capable of promoting the introduction of energy-saving equipment into multiple homes 3a. SOLUTION: This system for promoting the introduction of a hot water apparatus 14 as an energy-saving equipment into multiple homes 3a is provided with a fixed charge deciding unit 24 and a real energy cost computing unit 25. The fixed charge deciding unit 24 decides a fixed charge of the apparatus introduction cost and the fluctuation energy cost for installment in the predetermined period. The apparatus introduction cost means a cost for introducing the hot water apparatus 14. The fluctuation energy cost means a cost to be required for operation of the hot water apparatus 14 in the home 3a. The real energy computing unit 25 computes the real energy cost to be paid for an electricity company on the basis of the energy quantity really used for the operation of the hot water apparatus 14 by the home 3a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an energy-saving equipment introduction method and an energy-saving equipment introduction system for promoting introduction of energy-saving equipment to a large number of customers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art From the viewpoint of energy saving, home appliances and industrial appliances which use less energy have been developed. From this, there are also devices that can significantly reduce energy consumption (hereinafter referred to as energy-saving devices).

[0003]

However, energy saving equipment has been recognized to reduce the amount of energy used, but the introduction cost of energy saving equipment is high, so the introduction of energy saving equipment has not penetrated. In other words, even if households and businesses are aware that in the long term they will have the effect of reducing energy consumption by simply canceling out installation costs, they will first need to apply installation costs (necessary initial investment). In many cases, it is difficult to introduce energy-saving equipment.

In order to reduce the introduction cost, it is conceivable to use a lease / rental. In this case, the payment for the equipment is repaid in a divided manner. Since it is not possible to confirm that the energy cost has been reduced due to the energy-saving effect until a predetermined period has elapsed, the customers who introduce the product will pay the same amount of energy that is not clear to be reduced as before. If you think about it, you may want to avoid having to carry it back in part. That is, the effect of promoting the introduction of energy-saving equipment cannot be expected even by using the lease / rental.

An object of the present invention is to provide an energy-saving equipment introduction method and an energy-saving equipment introduction system that can promote the introduction of energy-saving equipment to a large number of customers.

[0006]

A method for introducing energy-saving equipment according to claim 1 is a method for promoting the introduction of energy-saving equipment to a large number of customers. It has. In the fixed amount setting step, at least the equipment introduction cost and the variable energy cost are set as a fixed amount of the installment paid by the customer every predetermined period. The equipment introduction cost is the equipment introduction cost of energy saving equipment. Variable energy costs are
It is the cost required for the customer to operate the energy-saving equipment. In the actual energy cost payment step, the actual energy cost actually used by the customer by operating the energy saving device is paid to the energy supplier based on the accumulation of the fixed amount paid by the customer.

[0007] The companies that carry out this method of introducing energy-saving equipment include energy suppliers, sellers who sell energy-saving equipment to customers, manufacturers of energy-saving equipment, financial companies, and finance companies.

Here, first, the business operator sets a fixed amount in a fixed amount setting step. This fixed amount is calculated based on the total amount including the estimated amount of the equipment introduction cost and the variable energy cost, and is an installment amount set so that the customer may pay a fixed amount every predetermined period. Then, in the actual energy cost payment step, the business operator pays the energy supplier the actual energy cost actually used by the customer by operating the energy saving device based on the integration of the fixed amount paid by the customer. Here, when the actual energy cost exceeding the fixed amount paid by the customer occurs at the initial stage of equipment introduction, the operator temporarily compensates for the cost, and the integrated amount of the fixed amount paid by the customer becomes temporarily negative. .

[0009] In this way, if the business operator adopts the energy-saving equipment introduction method, the customer does not need to pay the equipment introduction cost first, and pays the fixed amount in the form of the divided repayment of the equipment introduction cost and the future variable energy cost. You just have to pay. Then, if this fixed amount is kept lower than the current customer's average paid energy cost for each predetermined period based on the long-term variable energy cost reduction effect, the customer can use energy saving equipment without increasing the burden. An introduction can be made.

[0010] In addition, if the number of customers who introduce energy-saving equipment by this energy-saving equipment introduction method increases,
Energy conservation can be promoted from a global perspective.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the energy saving equipment introduction method according to the first aspect, wherein in the fixed amount setting step, in addition to the equipment introduction cost and the variable energy cost, the maintenance cost of the energy saving equipment is included. A fixed amount of installment paid by the customer every predetermined period is set.

In this case, since the maintenance cost of the energy-saving device is also included in the fixed amount, from the viewpoint of the customer, the introduction of the energy-saving device is started without much concern about the reliability of the energy-saving device and the repair cost at the time of failure. Will be able to do it.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy-saving equipment introduction method according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a remote control step. In the remote control step, the energy saving device introduced to the customer is remotely controlled to reduce the actual energy cost due to the operation of the energy saving device.

Here, in addition to introducing the energy-saving equipment to each customer, since the energy-saving equipment is remotely controlled without leaving it to the customer, the actual energy cost due to the operation of the energy-saving equipment can be further reduced. Become like In other words, remote control allows energy-saving equipment at many customers to operate optimally, improving energy-saving effects from a global perspective and contributing to environmental protection and reduction of carbon dioxide. Become.

In the remote control step, the energy-saving device may be directly remotely controlled, or control information may be sent from the business operator to the energy-saving device to indirectly remotely control the energy-saving device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for introducing an energy-saving device, comprising the steps of:
When the actual energy cost is smaller than the cost assumed at the time of setting the fixed amount in the fixed amount setting step, at least a part of the difference is returned to the customer.

According to the present invention, the customer only has to pay a fixed amount every predetermined period regardless of the actual energy cost generated by actually using the energy-saving device. For this reason, even if a customer contributes to energy saving independently by suppressing useless use of energy saving equipment, in principle, the energy saving effort will not be rewarded financially.

In order to avoid this and make the customer himself aware of energy saving, according to the present invention, when the actual energy cost is smaller than the estimated value, a part (or all) of the difference is reduced. We use a method of giving back to customers. As a result, customers can be expected to use energy-saving devices with energy-saving consciousness, and energy saving from a global perspective will be promoted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for introducing an energy-saving device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the usage status of the energy-saving device is monitored by the customer and the usage status of the energy-saving device is indicated to the customer.

Here, the business operator monitors the usage status of the energy-saving device by the customer and shows the result to the customer, so that the customer can be expected to use the energy-saving device with more energy-saving consciousness.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the energy-saving equipment introduction method according to the fifth aspect, wherein the status of use of the energy-saving equipment is indicated to a customer through a communication line. Here, it is possible to promptly and easily notify the customer of the status of use of the energy-saving device, for example, by posting it on a homepage on the Internet or notifying the customer by e-mail.

A method for introducing an energy-saving device according to claim 7 is the method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein
The difference is returned to the customer every predetermined period. Here, the difference caused by the energy saving efforts of the customer is returned to the customer at predetermined intervals, for example, at the end of each fiscal year.

An energy-saving equipment introduction method according to claim 8 is the method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein
The difference is returned to the customer in accordance with the ratio of the actual energy cost to the cost assumed when the fixed amount is set for each predetermined period.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for introducing an energy-saving device, comprising the steps of:
The customer can save and freely withdraw the difference to be returned to the customer.

Here, the difference to be returned to the customer can be freely withdrawn according to the convenience of the customer. As a result, the customer feels easier to use the method, and the customer can be further encouraged to introduce energy-saving equipment.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the energy saving equipment introducing method according to any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, wherein if the actual energy cost is larger than the cost assumed at the time of setting the fixed amount, the difference is calculated. From customers.

Here, when the actual energy cost exceeds the fixed amount, the excess amount is collected from the customer, thereby preventing the business operator from suffering unexpected damage due to excessive use of the customer.

An energy-saving equipment introduction method according to claim 11 is the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the fixed amount setting step, a first fixed amount and a second fixed amount can be set. . The first fixed amount is a fixed amount during the repayment period of the equipment introduction cost of the energy-saving equipment. The second fixed amount is a fixed amount after the repayment of the equipment introduction cost of the energy-saving equipment is completed.

In the present invention, the fixed amount is calculated based on the total amount including the equipment introduction cost and the estimated amount of the variable energy cost. However, if the equipment introduction cost is paid for a predetermined period, the equipment introduction cost is paid off. Therefore, in this case, in addition to the first fixed amount during the repayment period of the equipment introduction cost, a second fixed amount after the repayment of the equipment introduction cost can be set. Therefore,
After the repayment of the equipment introduction cost is completed, the customer only has to pay a cheap second fixed amount not including the equipment introduction cost.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the energy saving equipment introduction method according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the repayment period is
Customer choice is possible. Here, since the customer can select the repayment period, the first fixed amount suitable for each customer is set.

An energy-saving equipment introduction system according to claim 13 is an energy-saving equipment introduction system for promoting introduction of energy-saving equipment to a large number of customers,
It is provided with fixed amount determining means and actual energy cost calculating means. The fixed amount determining means determines at least the equipment introduction cost and the variable energy cost as a fixed amount of the installment paid by the customer every predetermined period. The equipment introduction cost is the equipment introduction cost of energy saving equipment. Variable energy costs are the costs required for customers to operate energy saving equipment. The actual energy cost calculating means calculates the actual energy cost to be paid to the energy supplier from the actual energy amount actually used by the customer by operating the energy saving device.

An energy-saving equipment introduction system according to a thirteenth aspect is the system according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising remote control means for remotely controlling the energy-saving equipment.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment <A: Overview of System of Present Embodiment> FIGS. 1 and 2 show an overview of a system using a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this system, a management center 2 is provided,
A large number of homes (customers) 3a that use various devices by receiving electric energy from an electric power company 4a, which is an energy supplier, are required to introduce an electric water heater 14 with high energy saving effect, and to supply each hot water. This is a system aiming to further enhance the energy saving effect by optimally controlling the heater 14. As a company that operates the management center 2 which is the core of the system, here, the water heater 1
Although it is assumed that the equipment maker has the ability to supply, install, and perform maintenance of the management center 4, an energy supplier such as an electric power company, a financial company, or a finance company can also be an entity that operates the management center 2.

In this system, the following processes are performed. (A-1: Water heater introduction process) First, in the present system, the water heater 14 is introduced into each home 3a without taking an initial cost.
Here, it is possible to introduce a new water heater 14 having a high energy saving effect by paying a fixed monthly fee equal to or lower than the gas fee (or electricity fee) paid for using the conventional water heater. Advertise to the homes 3a, which are customers, the fact that the water heater 14 is available.
Is introduced. The determination of the fixed fee will be described later in detail.

(A-2: Water Heater Connection Process) The water heater 14 introduced into each home 3a is provided with a transmitter 14d and a receiver 14e so as to be able to communicate with the management computer 12 of the management center 2. (See FIG. 2). Further, for the water heater 14, other devices 5 are provided so that the amount of electric energy consumed by the water heater 14 can be grasped.
A power meter M2 dedicated to the water heater 14 is installed separately from the power meter M1 for one.

(A-3: Money processing) Then, the management center 2 collects a fixed fee from the home 3a every month and pays the power company 4a an electricity bill based on the power meter M2.

(A-4: Data Collection and Water Heater Optimum Operation Processing) The management center 2 has the water heater 1 of each home 3a.
The management computer 12 stores various data collected from 4 etc.
, And remote control considered optimal for each water heater 14 is performed. This remote control may be performed by a method in which the water heater 14 is directly remote-controlled by the management computer 12, or the management computer 1 may be controlled based on collected data.
The optimal control program created in step 2 may be downloaded to the water heater 14 as needed. In the description of the present embodiment, remote control is performed by the latter method.

<B: Determination of Flat Rate> In order to introduce the water heater 14 to a large number of homes 3a, it is necessary to set a reasonable flat rate.

As shown in FIG. 3, the breakdown of the fixed fee is an installment portion of a repayment cost such as an energy cost for use by the household 3a using the water heater 14, an equipment cost for installation of the equipment and an installation cost. Service installation and maintenance fees for periodic inspections and repairs in the event of a breakdown, vendor profits that are profits of the operator operating the management center 2, and other expenses. Of the above breakdown, the energy cost varies depending on the usage condition of the water heater 14 in each home 3a every month, and the repayment of the equipment introduction fee, the service / maintenance fee, and the vendor profit can be determined as a substantially fixed portion. Things. Therefore, the other portion of the cost also fluctuates every month with the fluctuation of the energy cost. The other expenses are accumulated for one year, for example, at the management center 2 side, and are returned to the home 3a as a user, or invested in the development of a new energy-saving operation of the water heater 14. In addition, the water heater 14
The installation cost of the dedicated power meter M2 may be included in the repayment of the equipment introduction fee, or may be borne by the management center 2.

As described above, the flat rate includes a variable energy cost. The energy cost for use greatly differs for each home 3a depending on the number of people constituting the home 3a, differences in seasons, usage conditions, and the like. Therefore, the management center 2 uses the following two fixed fee determining methods in combination.

(B-1: Price Determination Based on Estimation of Conventional Equipment from Last Year's Performance) At the beginning of operation of the system, since there is no accumulation of past operation performance, the home 3 is mainly a customer.
The method of determining the fee based on the energy cost of the conventional water heater of the last year of a is used.

FIG. 4 shows an example of this determination method. Here, a case is shown in which a water heater 14 which is an electric energy saving device is introduced instead of a conventional gas water heater. First, calculate the energy cost (gas usage fee for water heaters) for the last fiscal year, and set a flat fee that is equal to or lower than the monthly average. It is estimated that 80% of all gas charges, excluding the basic charge, are required for hot water supply (assuming that 20% is required for the kitchen). Next, using the equipment efficiencies of the conventional gas water heater and the electric water heater 14 to be introduced, the amount of electric power used, which is expected from the gas consumption in the previous fiscal year, is converted into a calorific value to estimate the electricity rate. Then, subtract the electricity rate from the flat rate and get the equipment installation repayment, service and maintenance fee, and vendor profit,
Determine the contract years.

(B-2: Determination of Charges Based on Lifestyle Statistical Data) After the operation of the system has been started, as shown in FIG. Operational information is collected. Each home 3a is assigned a user ID, and information such as the amount of energy used and the family structure is collected by the management computer 12 for each user ID. Such information is subjected to statistical processing in the management computer 12. This allows
Statistical values of energy usage for each lifestyle are calculated.

Based on such statistical data, a fixed charge for a new customer can be set. For example, a fixed fee such as 8000 yen for a family of five families of two adults and three children for a new customer, and 7000 yen for a family of three residents in Osaka can be set.

Information such as the amount of energy used and the family structure is sent from the water heater 14 to the management computer 12 via the communication network 9 as described later (see FIG. 6). Data input such as a family configuration by the operation status input unit 14c shown in FIG. 6 may use an installation controller attached to the water heater 14, or establish a personal homepage for each home 3a on the Internet. You may make it input.

<C: Configuration of Management Computer> The management computer 12 is provided mainly for the purpose of reducing the electric energy consumption of the water heater 14 installed and installed in each home 3a. As shown in FIG. 2, a communication unit 21, an information management unit 22, and a device control unit 23
And The management computer 12 also includes a fixed amount determining unit 24 for determining a fixed amount charge in the above-described manner.
And water heater 14 based on the meter reading of power meter M2.
Is provided with a real energy cost calculator 25 for calculating the electricity bill generated by the use of.

(C-1: Communication Unit) The communication unit 21 includes a receiving unit 21a and a transmitting unit 21b. The receiving unit 21a is connected to the water heater 1 via the communication network 9 such as the Internet.
The information management unit 2 receives various information sent from the
2 and the actual energy cost calculation unit 25. The transmission unit 21b distributes a control program created by the device control unit 23 to each water heater 14 via the communication network 9 in order to operate each water heater 14 optimally. Each water heater 14 downloads this control program and operates under optimal control according to the individual use situation.

(C-2: Information Management Unit) Information Management Unit 22
Stores various information from each water heater 14 etc. in the database 22.
a, and performs information management and statistical processing. The information managed here includes a user ID set for each home 3a,
There are initial costs, which are the costs of equipment and construction, monthly and total energy consumption, maintenance and service costs, user benefits, basic electricity and gas charges, and the like.

(C-3: Device control unit) Device control unit 23
Is based on the information held by the information management unit 22,
An optimal control program (control pattern) is created for each water heater 14. This control program is transmitted by the transmission unit 21b
Is distributed to the water heater 14. The creation and distribution of the control program is performed when the underlying predetermined information is changed and at predetermined intervals.

<D: Characteristics and configuration of water heater> Water heater 14
Is developed as an energy-saving device that uses electric energy, and consumes considerably less energy than conventional water heaters. Therefore, it is clear that the water heater 14 benefits the introducer by reducing the energy consumption (electricity bill) from a long-term perspective. However, from the point of view of the home 3a to be introduced, the effect of reducing the electricity bill is uncertain and, in principle, the initial cost is also required, so that it is difficult to easily determine the introduction.

In view of this, in the present system, as described above, there is no need to collectively pay the initial cost, and a method of paying a fixed fee in which the operator of the management center 2 indirectly guarantees the reduction effect is adopted. Each home 3a has a water heater 14
It is easy to decide the introduction of.

In addition, in order to confirm the energy saving effect of the water heater 14, and to achieve further energy saving,
Water heater 14 has the following configuration. Water heater 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a household water heater provided with a storage tank, as shown in FIG. 2, a controller 14a for controlling hot water supply, an energy data collection unit 14b, an operation status input unit 14c, a transmission unit 14d, a reception unit 14e, and the like. It is composed of

The controller 14a controls hot water supply such as boiling and storing hot water in a tank according to a control program sent from the device control unit 23 of the management computer 12.

The energy data collecting unit 14b collects data such as energy consumption, use time, use time zone, use capacity setting, change in outside air temperature, humidity for each time period, and a management computer from the transmission unit 14d. The data is sent to 12 (see FIG. 6). This data transmission is performed several times a day.

The operation status input unit 14c is provided for inputting the family structure of the home 3a, regional information, and the like when the water heater 14 is installed in each home 3a. The information input here is also stored in the database 2 of the management computer 12.
2a. When there is a change in the input information, the input is performed as needed. As described above, the input may be made by using the installation controller or by using the personal homepage of each home 3a established on the Internet. <E: Use of Information of Information Management Unit of Management Computer> The water heater 1 is stored in the database 22a of the information management unit 22.
4, information about the installation environment, information about the electric energy supply state of the power company 4a, information about the tank capacity, information about the estimated hot water consumption for each time zone, information about each home 3a, and the like.

(E-1: Use of Information on Installation Environment) Information on the installation environment of the water heater 14 includes:
The change in the outside temperature for each time zone, the season, the weather, the region, the humidity, and the like are included. In consideration of such information on the installation environment of the water heater 14, the device control unit 23 creates a control program that is considered to be optimal for each water heater 14.

For example, by combining the information on the temperature and humidity around the water heater 14 with the information on the weather and the season, it is estimated at what time of day the boiling is most appropriate to achieve energy saving. Create a control program.

It should be noted that such information on the installation environment of the water heater 14 is sent from the energy data collection unit 14b and the operation status input unit 14c of the water heater 14 as shown in FIG. 6, and is also shown in FIG. It is also taken in from such an external institution 60. Weather information such as weather is obtained from a specialized external organization 60 via the communication network 9.

(E-2: Use of Information on Energy Supply State) The information on the electric energy supply state of the electric power company 4a includes the setting of the electricity bill for each time zone and the peak of the total electric energy consumption. Information and the like. By using such information, it is possible to create a control program that supplies hot water during a time period when the setting of the electricity bill is as low as possible, or a control program that supplies hot water during off-peak hours of total electric energy consumption. it can. As for this information, as shown in FIG.
0 available.

(E-3: Use of Information on Tank Capacity and Estimated Hot Water Amount by Time Zone) The information on the tank capacity can be obtained from the specification of the water heater 14, and the information on the estimated hot water usage by the time zone is provided. Can be obtained by processing information such as energy consumption and usage time sent from the energy data collection unit 14b to the information management unit 22.

The water heater 14 is capable of boiling water at a timing at which energy consumption is suppressed, storing hot water in a tank, or performing heating in advance according to the estimated amount of hot water to be used for each time zone. To do this optimally,
The equipment control unit 23 creates a control program for each water heater 14 based on the information on the tank capacity and the information on the estimated hot water consumption for each time zone.

(E-4: Information on Each Home) Examples of the information on each home 3a, which is a customer, include the lifestyle of each home 3a, the composition of the home 3a, the gender and age of each person, and the like. In view of the fact that the use time and the use time zone of the water heater 14 are affected by such information, the device control unit 23 particularly stores the information on each home 3a in the creation of the control program in the early stage of device introduction with less data accumulation. Use.

Further, as described above, these pieces of information are used in determining a fixed fee for the new customer 3b. (E-5: Example of Creating Control Program Using Information of Information Management Unit) An example of a procedure of creating a control program by the device control unit 23 using some of the above information will be described below.

First, as data to be referred to, the date of the past week, the outside air temperature every hour, the hot water supply time, the amount of hot water used, and the hot water temperature are used, and the current date and season and the outside temperature for one week are used. From the temperature change, the weather of the next day will be fine, cloudy,
The prediction is made by dividing into three patterns of rain. Then, from the corresponding weather pattern and the outside air temperature condition, it is estimated at which time zone the boiling is optimal.

In this estimation, an outside air temperature condition at which the capacity of the water heater 14 such as a heat pump type outdoor unit is increased is obtained. Further, the boiling time zone is corrected so that additional cooking and running out of hot water do not occur as much as possible with respect to the estimated hot water usage. Further, if there is a time zone in which low-priced power such as midnight power can be used, the correction is made.

When additional cooking or running out of hot water occurs,
The number of occurrences is counted. If it exceeds a certain value, it is determined that the equipment capacity is insufficient, and the customer 3
It is recommended to switch the contract course to a.

<F: Accumulation of Information by Information Management Unit> The information management unit 22 accumulates various information sent from each water heater 14 in a data group for each water heater 14 in the database 22a. . The accumulated data group is used for developing more effective energy saving control, and is used for creating a further optimum control program for each water heater 14 based on past performance data.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, even in the same use condition, the energy consumption in the second year and thereafter is smaller than the energy consumption in the first year when the water heater 14 is introduced. Can be expected to be reduced.

<G: Features of the System of the Present Embodiment> (G-1) In this system, the management center 2 detects the installation of the water heater 14 in each home 3a and the amount of electric energy consumed by the water heater 14. The installation of the power meter M2, the setting of the flat rate, the collection of the flat rate from the home 3a, and the payment of the electricity bill by the water heater 14 to the power company 4a are all performed. Then, the home 3a, which is a customer, is made to pay only a fixed fee for the water heater 14, including the equipment introduction cost and the monthly energy cost, and the energy saving effect of the water heater 14 at the management center 2 side. The risk of not achieving energy cost reductions. For this reason, the number of homes 3a introducing the water heater 14 increases,
Energy conservation from a global perspective will be promoted, which will contribute to environmental protection and carbon dioxide reduction.

(G-2) In the present system, the control of the water heater 14 which is an energy saving device is not entrusted to the home 3a alone, but is transmitted from the management computer 12 as needed to perform remote control. In addition to the energy saving effect of the introduction of the water heater 14, the energy saving effect of the proper operation of the water heater 14 is produced. Therefore, the energy cost (electricity cost) can be suppressed lower. As a result, the setting of the flat rate can be suppressed lower, and it is assumed that more customers (home 3a) will decide to introduce the water heater 14 as an energy saving device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the current customer (home 3a) is determined based on the long-term energy cost reduction effect.
Since the flat rate is kept lower than the monthly energy cost, each household 3a can introduce the water heater 14 as an energy-saving device without increasing the burden.

(G-3) In the present system, as shown in FIG. 3, since the maintenance fee of the water heater 14 is also included in the fixed fee, the reliability of the water heater 14 is seen from the home 3a as a customer. It is possible to start introducing the water heater 14, which is an energy-saving device, without having to worry too much about repair costs in the event of a failure.

(G-4) In this system, many homes 3
The management computer 12 of the management center 2 performs optimal remote control for each of the water heaters 14 installed under the condition (a) by utilizing a wealth of knowledge and information. Specifically, in consideration of data such as the usage status of each water heater 14 and various other data, a control program that is considered to be optimal is created and distributed to the water heater 14 side. Therefore, it can be expected that the energy saving effect will be significantly improved as compared with the case where each home 3a operates the water heater 14 independently. And since the water heater 14 located in many homes 3a is centrally managed and the remote control for energy saving is performed by the management center 2, the scale of the energy saving effect as a whole is large, It is expected to contribute to protection and reduction of carbon dioxide.

(G-5) In this system, each water heater 14
Are stored in a data group for each water heater 14 in the database 22a. And
The accumulated data group is used for developing more effective energy saving control, and is used for creating a further optimum control program for each water heater 14 based on past performance data. In particular, when data is accumulated, an optimal operation method of the water heater 14 suitable for each home 3a is established, so that the energy saving effect is further enhanced.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, even in the same usage state, the energy consumption in the second year and thereafter is smaller than the energy consumption in the first year when the water heater 14 is introduced. Can be kept low.

In FIG. 8, the energy consumption in the second year is smaller than the energy consumption in the first year, but this is only due to the effect of the optimization of the control by the accumulation of the data. The present invention is not limited to this, and there may be a case where the deviation from the actual situation in the setting of the first flat rate and the energy saving efforts of the home 3a after the introduction of the water heater 14 have contributed. In consideration of such factors, surplus profits after one year have passed
It is desirable to return to a, or to reset the flat rate after the second year. By doing so, the customer can receive a payback when the home 3a suppresses the use of the water heater 14 and independently contributes to energy saving. Thereby, each home 3
a can be expected to use the water heater 14 with energy saving awareness, and energy saving from a global viewpoint will be further promoted.

(G-6) Further, by accumulating various information sent from each water heater 14 in the database 22a and monitoring it at the management center 2 side, failure diagnosis of the water heater 14 and specification of maintenance time can be performed. It becomes possible. For example, it is possible to confirm the deterioration of the water heater 14 by collecting the abnormal information and comparing the current information with the initial information. By specifying such a defect and repairing or replacing the water heater 14, energy saving is indirectly achieved.

(G-7) In this system, the status of each home 3a and the water heater 14 is collected as data, and a flat rate is set for each home 3a based on these data. For this reason, the setting of the flat rate is rational, the reliability of the customer (each home 3a) with respect to the business operator that operates the management center 2 is improved, and the water heater 14 as an energy saving device is introduced to more homes 3a. You will be able to get it.

(G-8) In the present system, the information management unit 22 of the management computer 12 operates the water heater 1 in each home 3a.
In addition to the data on the usage record of No. 4, data on each home 3a is collected. In addition, by performing statistical processing by linking information on the home 3a such as the area, the staff composition of the home 3a, the gender and age of each person with information on the actual use of the water heater 14, the energy consumption for each lifestyle is performed. Is calculated, and a flat rate is set for the new customer 3b based on the statistical data. As described above, it is possible to set an appropriate flat rate for the new customer 3b, which is supported by the results, and therefore, it becomes easy for the new customer to introduce the water heater 14, which is an energy-saving device.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the merits of introducing the water heater 14 are directly applied to each home 3a.
However, the home 3a may be notified of the merit every month as a guide for payback of the surplus profit every year or to improve awareness of energy saving.

FIG. 9 shows an example. Here, the flow of the merit calculation when the conventional gas water heater is changed to the electric water heater 14 is shown. Management Center 2
The merit calculation execution unit 26 is provided in the management computer 12 of this company, and the profit of the company and the merits of the user are calculated using the merit calculation engine provided here.

The flow of the merit calculation is as follows: input of electricity usage time, conversion to gas price, deduction of electricity cost, equipment repayment cost, service cost, etc., calculation of business profit and user merit. In the input of the electricity use time, for example, the input is performed separately at night and during the day by using information on the charge system of the electric power company. The conversion to gas cost uses a merit calculation engine that incorporates an appropriate conversion method.

Then, the calculated user merit is notified to each home 3a every month. This notification method may be performed by the display unit of the controller 14a of the water heater 14, may be performed by the personal homepage of each home 3a on the Internet, or may be performed by means such as mailing or e-mail. Is also good.

[Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The management center 2 pays for the initial cost of introducing the water heater 14 to each household 3a. However, if the initial investment becomes large and it is difficult for the company that operates the management center 2 to bear the cost, As shown in FIG. 10, it is also possible to adopt a method in which the finance company 5 pays for the cost of introducing the equipment, and the lease cost is paid from the management center 2 to the finance company 5 every month.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Electric power meter M2 for water heater 14 and other equipment 5
1 is installed in each home 3a (see FIG. 1). Instead of this configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, a power meter M0 for the entire equipment in the home 3a including the water heater 14, and a power meter M dedicated to the water heater 14
2 can be installed in each home 3a.

In this case, the management center 2 collects meter readings of the power meter M2 and reports the meter readings to the power supplier (power company) 4a. And the power supplier 4a
From the power supply 4a to the home 3a.
, The user is required to be charged an amount obtained by subtracting the charge based on the power meter M2 from the charge based on the power meter M0.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the management center 2 collects a flat fee from each home 3a, a system in which the power company 4a is the main entity for setting a flat fee and collecting the fee may be considered in order to unify the payee of each home 3a.

FIG. 12 shows an outline of the system. Here, the power company 4a collects a flat rate for the entire electricity bill in the home 3a including the energy cost of the water heater 14. The fixed fee includes an introduction cost of the water heater 14 and a maintenance cost. Then, the power company 4a requests the management center 102 operated by a device maker or the like to provide or maintain the water heater 14, and causes the water heater 14 to be optimally operated.

Also in this case, the water heater 1 is viewed from the home 3a.
4 is easily introduced, and the water heater 14 of each home 3a is optimally controlled in the management center 102, so that energy saving is achieved.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Although the management center 2 collects a fixed fee from each home 3a, a system in which the power company 4a collects the fee for the home 3a in order to unify the payee of each home 3a is also conceivable.

FIG. 13 shows an outline of the system. Here, each household 3a pays a power rate including the use of the water heater 14, a repayment installment cost of the installation cost of the water heater 14, a maintenance cost, and the like at the time of monthly payment of the normal power rate to the power company 4a. pay. That is, each household 3a receives a request only from the electric power company 4a and pays the electric power charge plus α. The power company 4a remits to the management center 202 the repayment installment cost and maintenance cost of the introduction cost of the water heater 14 collected from each household 3a in exchange for a proxy fee (proxy fee).

The management center 202 collects information on the water heaters 14 and the like of each household 3a, performs operations for optimally controlling the water heaters 14, and promotes energy saving. Here, the electric power company 4a collects the fee on behalf of the electric power company 4a, but it may be performed by another company such as a gas company or a water company that collects public utilities. Even in that case, each home 3a can introduce the water heater 14 as an energy-saving device without increasing the number of payees.

[Seventh Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Upon receiving a request from the power company 4a for the electricity bill for the use of the water heater 14 in each household 3a, the management center 2 pays the energy usage fee of the water heater 14 to the power company 4a (see FIG. 1). . Instead, as shown in FIG. 14, the electricity bill is paid directly from each home 3a to the power company 4a, and the repayment cost of the equipment introduction cost and the service / maintenance fee are divided from each home 3a to the management center 302. It is also possible to make a system that pays by paying.

Here, the water heater 14 is installed in the home 3a without an initial cost, and the management center 302 is paid as a monthly fixed fee by installing the equipment introduction cost and the maintenance cost as installment. This payment imposes a new burden on the home 3a, but this clearly shows the benefits of the home 3a by showing the home 3a the amount of energy cost reduction by replacing the conventional water heater with the water heater 14. I just need.

Specifically, the gas price when it is assumed that the conventional gas water heater is continuously used is converted from the equipment efficiency and the like, and the difference from the actual electricity cost of the water heater 14 is calculated. The difference between the difference and the monthly fixed fee is a user advantage. By showing this to the user (home 3a), the user can confirm the merits of introducing the water heater 14.

[0097] Also in this case, the operation information is transmitted from each water heater 14 to the management center 302, and the management center 3
On the 02 side, optimal remote control for each water heater 14 is performed. [Eighth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example in which the conventional gas water heater is replaced with the electric water heater 14 is shown. However, in the present invention, the conventional water heater is an electric water heater. Well,
The water heater 14 may be an energy-saving gas water heater. That is, a system in which the energy supplier is not a power company but a gas company is also assumed.

In the first embodiment, the home water heater is described as an example of the energy-saving device. However, the present invention can be applied to a system for promoting the introduction of other energy-saving devices. . For example, examples of energy-saving devices include a fuel cell system and a cogeneration system. The present invention can also be applied to remotely monitor and control a fuel cell system or a cogeneration system introduced to a customer to reduce gas consumption.

[Ninth Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment,
Electricity company 4a to unify the payee of each home 3a
Charge collection on behalf of the management center 2
The 02 side can also collect on behalf of the electric power company 4a all power charges of a plurality of devices (including the water heater 14) used in the home 3a. For example, 2
One system is conceivable.

(1) Each home 3a pays the management center 202 as a flat rate a power rate for all the equipment including the use of the water heater 14, a repayment installment cost of the introduction cost of the water heater 14, a maintenance fee, and the like. . That is, each home 3
a receives a request only from the management center 202 and pays a fixed fee. Then, the management center 202 remits the electricity bill to the power company 4a.

The electric power company 4a here is not limited to a company that mainly sells electric power, but may be any person who performs a business of supplying electric power. (2) Each home 3a pays the repayment installment cost for the introduction of the water heater 14 and the maintenance cost, etc., to the management center 202 as a fixed fee, and manages the power charges for all the equipment including the amount of use of the water heater 14. Pay to the center 202. That is, each home 3a receives a bill only from the management center 202, and pays a fixed fee and an electricity fee. Then, the management center 202 calculates the surcharged electricity bill,
Remittance to power company 4a.

[Tenth Embodiment] In the first embodiment described above, the refund for the equipment introduction fee (see FIG. 3) is included in the set flat rate, and the cost for the equipment introduction of the water heater 14 is repaid by installment. The method is adopted. However, when viewed from the home 3a, which is a customer, the system is such that paying a flat-rate fee covers the cost of hot water supply, and does not pay attention to the installment repayment of the equipment introduction cost. That is, in this system, the customer is conscious of the merit that the conventional hot water can be obtained only by paying a reasonable fixed fee, but the fixed price includes the equipment introduction cost of the water heater 14. I have little or no awareness of whether or not there is.

As described above, in the first embodiment, since the management center 2 pays for equipment introduction costs, inspection and repair costs, etc., the water heater 14 is owned by the management center 2 and is a customer. It is assumed that the home 3a is provided with a hot water supply service at a reasonable flat rate.

On the other hand, a system may be considered in which the home 3a, which is a customer, is conscious of the purchase of the water heater 14 and the repayment period of the equipment introduction cost can be determined by the home 3a as described below.

In the present embodiment, the period for repayment of the equipment introduction cost (hereinafter referred to as the equipment repayment period) is determined by the home 3a, the fixed rate during the equipment repayment period is set higher, and the fixed rate thereafter. To make it cheaper. In other words, only the fixed fee during the equipment repayment period includes the equipment installation fee repayment (see FIG. 3). This allows the customer to pay for the introduction of the water heater 14 during the equipment repayment period and acquire ownership of the water heater 14, and thereafter receive the service and maintenance of the remote energy saving control at a low flat rate. Become like

In this embodiment, when the household 3a cancels the contract with the management center 2, the household water heater 14 itself is withdrawn from the household 3a, or the household 3a is asked to pay the remaining balance of the equipment introduction cost. It is conceivable that the container 14 is delivered.

[Eleventh Embodiment] Here, in the second embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG. 15, the management center 2 uses the water heater 14 in which each customer 3a is conscious of energy saving. A case of monitoring (energy saving monitoring) will be described.

The management center 2 is provided with the water heater 14 of the customer 3a.
Monitor the usage of, and calculate the energy saving index,
This is shown to the customer 3a. As shown in FIG. 16, the energy saving index is a ratio of the total of the electric power charges generated by using the water heater 14 of the customer 3 a to the contract charge, and the smaller the value is, the more the household 3 a becomes. Indicates that the amount of used is small.

Then, the management center 2 returns a part of the difference between the contract fee and the power usage fee of each home 3a to each home 3a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a predetermined amount determined according to the value of the energy saving index is paid. This payment may be made periodically (at the end of the year) or may be made available. If the energy-saving index exceeds 100, it means that the amount of energy used by the water heater 14 in each home 3a exceeds the contract fee. Collect.

The management center 2 notifies the household 3a of the calculated energy saving index, the amount of reserve, and the like every month. As this notification method, similarly to the second embodiment, the water heater 1
4 may be displayed on the display unit, or may be posted on a homepage on the Internet or notified to each home 3a by e-mail or the like.

In addition, in the case where the reserve is enabled, the management center 2 allows the household 3a to freely withdraw the reserve, or if the household 3a has not withdrawn the reserve for a predetermined period (for example, 10 years), the management center 2 may use the reserve. It is possible to set, for example, to increase the amount. Thereby, introduction of the water heater 14 to each home 3a can be further promoted.

[0112]

According to the present invention, there is no need for the customer to pay the equipment introduction cost at first, and the customer only has to pay a fixed amount in a form in which the repayment of the equipment introduction cost and the future variable energy cost are summarized. , If you keep the fixed amount low based on the effect of reducing long-term variable energy costs,
Customers will introduce energy-saving equipment. And by increasing the number of customers who introduce energy-saving equipment, energy saving from a global perspective is promoted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system using a method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial block configuration diagram of the system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a breakdown of a fixed fee.

FIG. 4 is a comparison diagram of last year's energy costs and fixed charges.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method of determining a fixed amount.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of information transmission from the water heater to the management center.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the loading of information by an external organization.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing required costs for each year after introduction.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a merit calculation according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of an energy saving index.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Management Center 3a Home (Customer) 4a Electric Power Company (Energy Supplier) 9 Communication Network 12 Management Computer 14 Water Heater (Energy Saving Equipment) 23 Equipment Control Unit (Remote Control Means) 24 Fixed Price Determination Unit (Fixed Price Determination Means) 25 Real Energy Cost calculation unit (actual energy cost calculation means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Junichiro Tanaka 1000 Oya, Okamotocho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 2 Daiga Industries Co., Ltd.Shiga Works (72) Inventor Tadashi Sakaguchi 1000 Oya, Okamotocho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga No. 2 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Shiga Works (72) Inventor Masaji Fukatsu 1000-2 Oya, Okamotocho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture Daikin Industries, Ltd. Shiga Works (72) Inventor Kenji Nagashima Oya, Okamotocho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture 1000-2, Daikin Industries, Ltd., Shiga Works (72) Inventor Hidetaka Nakane Oya, Okamoto-cho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 1000-2, Daikin Industries, Ltd., Shiga Works F-term (reference) 5B049 BB00 CC08 CC36 EE00 GG00 5G066 AA20 AE09

Claims (14)

[Claims] An energy-saving equipment introduction method for promoting the introduction of energy-saving equipment (14) to a large number of customers (3a), wherein at least the equipment introduction cost of the energy-saving equipment (14) and the customer (3a) A fixed amount setting step of setting the variable energy cost required for the operation of the energy saving device (14) according to 3a) as a fixed amount of an installment paid by the customer (3a) every predetermined period; and a fixed amount paid by the customer (3a) From the integration of the energy supplier (4a), the actual energy cost actually used by the customer (3a) by operating the energy
a) a step of paying actual energy costs to be paid in a). 2. In the fixed amount setting step, in addition to the equipment introduction cost and the variable energy cost, a maintenance cost of the energy saving device (14) is included, and the installment paid by the customer (3a) every predetermined period is included. The method for introducing energy-saving equipment according to claim 1, wherein a fixed amount is set. 3. A remote control step of remotely controlling the energy saving device (14) introduced to the customer (3a) to suppress the actual energy cost due to the operation of the energy saving device (14). Claim 1 provided with
Or the method for introducing an energy-saving device according to 2. 4. When the actual energy cost is smaller than the cost assumed at the time of setting the fixed amount in the fixed amount setting step, at least a part of the difference is returned to the customer (3a). 4. The method for introducing an energy-saving device according to any one of items 1 to 3. 5. The energy saving device according to claim 4, wherein the usage status of the energy saving device (14) is monitored by the customer (3a), and the usage status of the energy saving device (14) is indicated to the customer (3a). Equipment introduction method. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the status of use of the energy-saving device (14) is indicated to the customer (3a) through a communication line. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the difference is provided to the customer (3a) every predetermined period.
The method for introducing an energy-saving device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the method is reduced to: 8. The method according to claim 4, wherein the difference is returned to the customer (3a) in accordance with a ratio of the actual energy cost to the cost assumed at the time of setting the fixed amount for each predetermined period. Method of introducing energy-saving equipment described in. 9. The energy-saving equipment installation according to claim 4, wherein the customer (3a) can save and pay out the difference to be returned to the customer (3a) freely. Method. 10. The energy saving device according to claim 4, wherein the difference is collected from the customer (3a) when the actual energy cost is larger than the cost assumed at the time of setting the fixed amount. Introduction method. 11. The fixed-amount setting step includes: setting a first time during a repayment period of the equipment introduction cost of the energy-saving equipment (14).
The energy-saving equipment introduction method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a fixed amount and a second fixed amount after repayment of the equipment introduction cost of the energy-saving device (14) can be set. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the repayment period is selectable by the customer (3a). 13. An energy-saving equipment introduction system for promoting introduction of energy-saving equipment (14) to a large number of customers (3a), wherein at least equipment introduction cost of said energy-saving equipment (14) and said customer (3). A fixed amount determining means (24) for determining the variable energy cost required for the operation of the energy saving device (14) according to 3a) as a fixed amount of installment paid by the customer (3a) every predetermined period; and the customer (3a). Means for calculating an actual energy cost for paying the energy supplier (4a) from the actual energy amount actually used by the operation of the energy saving device (14). system. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising remote control means for remotely controlling said energy saving device.
2. The energy-saving equipment introduction system according to 2.