JP2008306835A - Power controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power controller which controls power supply to electric equipment by enabling a user to prioritize the electric equipment, allowing the user to execute power control substantially according to user's use purpose. <P>SOLUTION: In the power controller, a power detector 13 detects a power consumption amount of the connected electric equipment, allowing a main controller 11 to decide the power supply amount to the electric equipment. Then, an electric power varying part 15 varies the power supply to the electric equipment. The main controller 11 controls the power supply to the electric equipment so that the total electric amount becomes not higher than a specified power amount, based on the power consumption information of other electric equipment with regard to other power controllers obtained by a communication part 12 and on the priority held by an attribute setting part 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power control device that manages and controls the power consumption of an electrical device by a device connected to the electrical device.

Generally, when power exceeding the contracted amount of power is consumed by a plurality of electrical devices on a distribution board at home or the like, the power supply is forcibly stopped by a breaker. In this way, excessive power consumption is avoided, but power supply is completely stopped, and all electric devices are suddenly stopped. For this reason, for example, data being edited may disappear on the personal computer, or in the worst case, the HD itself may be damaged and the stored data may be lost, or the personal computer may not start. In order to avoid such a situation, Patent Document 1 describes a technique of inquiring whether or not necessary power can be consumed to an apparatus that manages whether or not power supply is possible, and notifying whether or not power consumption is possible. ing. In addition, the user is encouraged to use with lower power so as not to exceed a predetermined amount of power.
Japanese Patent No. 3402953

  However, in the above technique, the use of the electric device is awaited or restricted, and the desired use is not always possible. In other words, when you want to perform work with priority, for example, when you want to send an e-mail using a personal computer, if the specified amount of power is exceeded when the personal computer starts up, the power of other electrical devices is forcibly turned off. For example, it is necessary to take a countermeasure such as performing desired mail transmission.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to perform power control close to the user's intended use by controlling the power supply to the electrical device so that the user can prioritize the electrical device. An object of the present invention is to provide a power control apparatus that can be used.

  The present invention provides a power control device that controls power supplied to a connected electrical device, a communication means for communicating with another power control device, and a power that detects a power consumption amount of the connected electrical device. The detection means, the power variable means for changing the power supplied to the electrical equipment, and the communication means obtain power consumption information of the other electrical equipment with the other power control device, and the total power amount is a predetermined amount. And a control means for controlling power supply to the electrical equipment so that the amount of power is less than or equal to the amount of power.

  In addition, the control means can set priorities according to electrical equipment connected to the apparatus and electrical equipment connected to other apparatuses, and is connected to the apparatus according to the priorities. It is characterized in that power supply control is performed for the electrical equipment or electrical equipment connected to another device through the communication means.

The control means includes
If the sum of the amount of power of the power control device and the power of the connected electrical device does not exceed the power limit, supply power to the electrical device as is,
When the total amount of power exceeds the power limit, if there is an electrical device with a low priority, the power of the electrical device is limited. If there is no electrical device with a low priority, an electrical device with an equivalent priority is When present, the electric power of the electric device is controlled, and when there is no electric device having the same priority, it is determined and controlled whether or not the electric device connected to the apparatus can be limited in power.

  In addition, the control means may be configured so that the maximum power limit is not exceeded in accordance with the number of electric devices capable of power limitation among the electric devices capable of power limitation connected to the present device and other devices. The power supply amount is determined.

  In addition, the control means recognizes the amount of power that can be used by the apparatus through communication with another apparatus, and power supply to a plurality of electrical devices connected to the apparatus is performed by using the amount of power that can be used. The power supply control is performed so as to be as follows.

  According to the power control apparatus of the present invention, the user can prioritize the electrical equipment, recognize the priority, and control the power supply to the electrical equipment, so that the user can use it. Power control close to the intention can be performed, and convenience is improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration diagram of a power control apparatus of the present invention.
The power control apparatus includes a main control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a power detection unit 13, an attribute setting unit 14, a power variable unit 15, an outlet unit 16, a socket unit 17, and an antenna unit 18.

  The main control unit 11 determines and executes all control of each unit. The communication unit 12 performs communication for performing power control cooperation with other power control devices having the same configuration. The power detection unit 13 detects the amount of power (power consumption) used by the electrical equipment connected to the outlet unit 16.

  The attribute setting unit 14 is a part that can be set by the user. The attribute of the electrical device connected to the outlet unit 16, for example, the amount of power used, the priority order, and the limited power amount managed in the associated power control device It is a part to set etc. The power variable unit 15 is configured by a transformer, a switch, or the like, and limits the amount of power supplied to the electrical device connected to the outlet unit 16.

  The outlet section 16 is for connecting an electric device such as a toaster or an electric pot. The socket part 17 is a part connected to an outlet installed in the home. In the present embodiment, the antenna unit 18 serves as an antenna for radio wave transmission necessary for describing the communication unit 12 as a wireless communication part such as a wireless LAN.

  Here, the communication between the power control apparatuses of the present invention is an example of wireless communication, but may be wired communication. In the case of wired communication, the antenna unit 18 is not provided.

  FIG. 2 shows a usage example of the power control apparatus. The switchboard 20 is a switchboard that is generally configured in a home, and is a device that limits the power used so that the amount of power used by each home does not exceed the amount contracted with the power supplier. The outlets 21 and 22 are installed on an indoor wall or the like, and are connected to the socket portions 17 of the power control devices 23 to 25 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a toaster 26, an electric pot 27, and an electric rice cooker 28 are connected to each of the power control devices 23 to 25, and the limit power amount set below the contracted power usage amount is set. In order not to exceed, the power control devices communicate with each other to control the amount of power supplied to the toaster 26 and the like.

  FIG. 3 shows a state transition diagram of an operation for limiting the amount of power of the connected electrical equipment in the power control apparatus of the present invention. First, it starts from the stop state b1 of the electrical equipment. The power detection unit 13 detects a power change t <b> 1 due to power ON of the connected electrical device. The power control apparatus shifts to the state b2 and performs communication for investigating the amount of power consumed by other power control apparatuses. The response from the other device is completed by receiving a certain period set by a timer or the like. This is to prevent reception at all times when no response is returned, such as when the other device is in a stopped state.

  When the reception is completed, the power consumption state in other power control devices and the priority order of the electrical devices connected to each other are grasped, and the electrical devices connected to the power control device are scheduled to be used from now on The sum total with the power amount is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the limit power amount is exceeded. The amount of power used by each electrical device is determined according to the determination result. The determined power amount is transmitted to the other power control device.

  In this power control apparatus, the supply t3 to the electric device is performed according to the power consumption amount of itself, and the power supply state b4 is obtained. Up to this point, the master device is responsible for determining the power consumption of other devices due to its own device.

  Further, in the power supply state b4, the power detection unit 13 detects a power change t4 (for example, a power change when the electric pot moves from the boiling operation to the heat retaining operation) of the connected electrical device. In that case, the state shifts to the state b2, communicates with another power control device, investigates the power consumption of the other electrical equipment, determines a new power control, performs the power supply t3, and enters the power supply state b4. Transition. Further, if the connected electrical device is in the stopped state, the power supply is stopped as t2 and the state is shifted to the stopped state b1.

  When the power control apparatus is in the power supply state b4 (starting up), another electric device may start up and receive a power amount change notification. At this time, due to the notification t6 from another device, the state shifts to the state b3 where the power control is changed as notified, and the state transitions again to the power supply state b4 by the new power supply t5 by the power change process. Is done.

  In FIG. 4, a detailed sequence regarding processing related to the activation of the electric device will be described. This is a transition from b1 → t1 → b2 → t3 → b4 in the state transition diagram of FIG.

  First, a change in power due to power-on of the electrical device is inspected by the power detection unit 13 (step S1). Based on the detection result of the power detection unit 13, the main control unit 11 determines whether or not a power change has occurred and has been activated (step S <b> 2), and if no change has occurred (step S <b> 2; No), step Returning to S1, the inspection is continued in a so-called standby state.

  When it is determined that the main control unit 11 has been activated when a change occurs (step S2; Yes), the main control unit 11 communicates with another power control device through the communication unit 12 and the antenna unit 18 and investigates the usage state of other electric devices. (Step S3). For example, in FIG. 2, when the power control device 23 confirms the activation of the toaster 26, the power control device 23 communicates with the other power control devices 24 and 25 to use the electric pot 27 and the electric rice cooker 28. Investigate the situation.

  Here, since there is not always a response, the main control unit 11 sets a timer or the like, waits for a response, and causes the communication unit 12 to receive for a certain period (step S4). The main control unit 11 determines that the investigation has been completed after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S5), and proceeds to step S6.

  When the survey is completed, in step S6, the main control unit 11 determines a power control method according to the priority order of the electrical equipment set in the attribute setting unit 14. The determined content is notified to other power control devices (step S7). After notification, a change completion response is waited (steps S8 and S9). Here, since the number of communication partners is known in the previous communication, it is only necessary to wait for the reception.

  The main control unit 11 recognizes that the response by the change notification has been completed by receiving all responses (step S9; Yes), and starts supplying power to the own device through the power variable unit 15 and the outlet unit 16. (Step S10), the electric device connected to the power control apparatus is in a use state.

  In this way, the power control device detects a power change associated with the start-up of the electrical equipment, and controls the power of the entire system as the power increases. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a sudden stop of power supply by the switchboard, which is necessary. It is also possible to supply power to electrical equipment.

  In FIG. 5, a detailed sequence regarding the operation change process of the electric device will be described. This is a transition of b4 → t4 → b2 → t3 → b4 in the state transition diagram of FIG.

  First, a change in electric power due to an operation change of the electric device is inspected by the electric power detection unit 13 (step S11). This may be the case, for example, when the electric pot 27 in FIG. 2 changes from the boiling operation state to the heat retention operation state. The main control unit 11 determines whether there is a power change (step S12). If the change occurs (step S12; Yes), the main control unit 11 determines that the operation state has changed, and the other through the communication unit 12 and the antenna unit 18. To communicate with the other power control device and investigate the use state of the other electrical equipment (step S13).

  Here, since there is not always a response, the main control unit 11 sets a timer or the like, waits for a response, and causes the communication unit 12 to receive for a certain period (step S14). The main control unit 11 determines that the investigation has been completed after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S15), and proceeds to step S16.

  When the survey is completed, in step S16, the main control unit 11 determines a power control method according to the priority order of the electrical equipment set in the attribute setting unit 14. The determined content is notified to other power control devices (step S17). After the notification, a change completion response is waited (steps S18 and S19). Here, since the number of communication partners is known in the previous communication, it is only necessary to wait for the reception.

  The main control unit 11 recognizes that the response by the change notification is completed by receiving all responses (step S19; Yes), and the change in the power supply of the own device through the power variable unit 15 and the outlet unit 16 is recognized. Maintain state.

  In this way, the power control device detects the power change accompanying the operation change of the electrical equipment, and performs power control of the entire system according to the power increase / decrease, so it can prevent a sudden power supply stop by the switchboard, It is also possible to supply power to necessary electrical equipment.

  In FIG. 6, a detailed sequence regarding the process of the end operation of the electric device will be described. In the state transition diagram of FIG. 3, this is a transition of b4 → t6 → b2 → t2 → b1 in the state transition diagram.

  First, a change in power due to the end of the operation of the electric device is inspected by the power detection unit 13 (step S21). This may be the case, for example, when the timer of the toaster 26 in FIG. The main control unit 11 communicates with another power control device through the communication unit 12 and the antenna unit 18 when the power change occurs and confirms the operation end of the electric device (step S22; Yes), and uses the other electric device. The state is investigated (step S23).

  Here, since there is not always a response, the main control unit 11 sets a timer or the like, waits for a response, and causes the communication unit 12 to receive for a certain period (step S24). The main control unit 11 determines that the investigation has been completed after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S25), and proceeds to step S26.

  When the investigation is completed, in step S26, the main control unit 11 determines a power control method according to the priority order of the electrical equipment set in the attribute setting unit 14. The determined content is notified to other power control devices (step S27). After the notification, a change completion response is waited (steps S28 and S29). Here, since the number of communication partners is known in the previous communication, it is only necessary to wait for the reception.

  The main control unit 11 recognizes that the response by the change notification has been completed by receiving all responses (step S29; Yes), and further recognizes that it has been stopped because there is no power consumption of the own device (step S29). S30).

  In this way, the power control device detects a power change associated with the termination of the electrical device, and controls the power of the entire system as the power decreases. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a sudden stop of power supply by the switchboard, which is necessary. It is also possible to supply power to electrical equipment.

  Details of the sequence for determining the power control method in accordance with the priority order of each device, which is a part of the processing of the sequence, will be described with reference to FIG. Here, since communication with other devices has been completed in the previous stage, information necessary for power control is collected.

  First, the main control unit 11 obtains a sum P of the power amount E of the power control device and the power amount U of the own device (step S31). The main control unit 11 determines whether or not the total sum P exceeds the limit power amount MP (step S32). When not exceeding (step S32; No), since normal use is possible, there is no restriction | limiting in the electric power supplied to an own apparatus, but it becomes a normal operation | movement (step S40). When it has exceeded (step S32; Yes), the main control unit 11 investigates how many devices with lower priority than the own device exist (step S33).

  If there is a device having a lower priority than the own device (step S34; Yes), control for limiting the power of other devices is performed (step S41). When there is no device having a lower priority than the own device (step S34; No), the main control unit 11 investigates a device having the same priority as the own device (step S35). When a device having the same priority as the own device exists (step S36; Yes), a process for controlling the power of the other device and the own device is performed (step S42).

  When there is no device having the same priority as the own device (step S36; No), the main control unit 11 determines whether or not power limitation of the own device is possible (step S37). This information is preset in the attribute setting unit 14 by the user. Here, as to whether or not power control is possible, for example, a simple electric device mainly composed of a heating wire such as a toaster operates without any problem even if the supply voltage is 80%. Of course, the ability to bake bread is reduced, but just because the voltage is reduced to 80% is not a device that causes a fatal failure such as failure of the toaster itself. Therefore, it is considered that such an electric device can be limited in power. On the other hand, if the power supply is not guaranteed for a personal computer or the like, it will be fatal to the operation itself, so that it is impossible to control the power of its own device.

  If the power of the own device can be limited (step S38; Yes), a process for limiting the power of the own device is performed (step S43). If it is not possible to limit the power of the device itself (step S38; No), it can be determined that the electrical device having a higher priority than the device itself is currently using most of the power limit. Stops the power supply to the connected device and notifies the user, for example, by sounding a warning sound informing that the device is not currently available (step S39).

  In this way, the power control apparatus performs power control of the electrical device according to the preset priority order, and thus power control close to the user's intended use can be performed.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed sequence of the process for limiting the power of the other device.

  First, the main control unit 11 calculates the number N of electric devices that can limit power (step S51). Next, within a range that does not exceed the power limit, that is, the maximum power that can be used is calculated by (P-MP), and this is divided by N (step S52). As a result, the amount of power supplied to the electric device subject to each restriction is calculated. Here, although divided by N, it does not have to be a calculation method according to the present method. Currently, it is conceivable that the amount of power is not exceeded by reducing the amount of power at the same rate according to the amount of power used by each device. The limited amount of power is transmitted to each device (step S53).

  FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed sequence of processing for limiting the power of other devices and the device itself.

  First, the main controller 11 calculates the number N of devices that can limit power (step S61). Next, within a range that does not exceed the power limit, that is, the maximum power that can be used is calculated by (P-MP), and is divided by (N + 1). As a result, the power supply amount to the electric device subject to each restriction is calculated (step S62). Here, although the division is performed by (N + 1), the calculation method according to the present method is not necessarily required. Currently, it is conceivable that the amount of power is not exceeded by reducing the amount of power at the same rate according to the amount of power used by each device. The amount of power limited by the main control unit 11 is transmitted to each device, and at the same time, the amount of power supplied to the device itself is also recognized (step S63).

  Thus, since the power supply of the own device and other devices is controlled so as to be within the range of the limit power amount, a sudden power supply stop state by the switchboard can be prevented.

  FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed sequence of processing for limiting the power of the own device.

  Here, the amount of power that can be used by the device can be calculated by (power amount U that the device wants to use) − (restricted power amount MP) − (power amount E consumed by another device). Thereby, the amount of power supplied to the own device is recognized (step S71).

  FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed sequence for a power change notification from another device. This is a transition of b4 → t4 → b3 → t5 → b4 in the state transition diagram of FIG.

  The communication unit 12 receives a notification from another power control device (step S81). Next, the main control unit 11 supplies power to the own device through the variable power unit 15 and the outlet unit 16 according to the notified changed power amount (step S82). The power detection unit 13 checks the power consumption of the device itself (step S83), and the communication unit 12 notifies the notification source of the completion of the change (step S84).

  In this way, the power control device controls the power amount of a plurality of own devices so as not to exceed the limit power amount, so it is possible to prevent a sudden stop of power supply by the switchboard, and power control close to the user's intended use Can be performed.

  Note that the power control apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples described above, and it is needless to say that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of the block diagram of the power control apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the usage example of this electric power control apparatus. It is a state transition diagram of the operation | movement which restrict | limits the electric energy of the connected electric equipment in this electric power control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the electric power control process concerning an electric equipment starting. It is a flowchart which shows the electric power control process at the time of operation | movement change of an electric equipment. It is a flowchart which shows the electric power control process regarding the completion | finish operation | movement of an electric equipment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which determines the power control method according to the priority of each apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process which restrict | limits the electric power of another apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process which restrict | limits the electric power of another apparatus and an own apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process which restrict | limits the electric power of an own apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the power control process with respect to the power change notification from another apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Main control part 12 Communication part 13 Electric power detection part 14 Attribute setting part 15 Electric power variable part 16 Outlet part 17 Socket part 18 Antenna part 20 Distribution board 21,22 Outlet 23,24,25 Electric power control apparatus 26 Toaster 27 Electric pot 28 Electric rice cooking vessel

Claims (5)

In a power control device that controls power supplied to connected electrical equipment,
Communication means for communicating with other power control devices;
Power detection means for detecting the power consumption of the connected electrical equipment;
Power varying means for varying the power supplied to the electrical equipment;
Control means for acquiring power consumption information of other electrical devices with the other power control device by the communication means, and controlling power supply to the electrical devices so that the total power amount is equal to or less than a predetermined power amount When,
A power control apparatus comprising:   The control means can set priorities according to electrical equipment connected to the apparatus and electrical equipment connected to other apparatuses, and the electrical equipment connected to the apparatus according to the priorities. The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power supply control is performed for an electrical device connected to another apparatus through the communication unit. The control means includes
If the sum of the amount of power of the power control device and the power of the connected electrical device does not exceed the power limit, supply power to the electrical device as is,
When the total amount of power exceeds the power limit, if there is an electrical device with a low priority, the power of the electrical device is limited. If there is no electrical device with a low priority, an electrical device with an equivalent priority is The power of the electrical device is controlled when it exists, and when there is no electrical device of the same priority, it is determined whether or not the power of the electrical device connected to the apparatus can be controlled. Item 3. The power control apparatus according to Item 2.   The control means supplies power to each electrical device so as not to exceed the maximum power limit according to the number of electrical devices capable of power limitation among the electrical devices capable of power limitation connected to this device and other devices. The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an amount is determined.   The control means recognizes the amount of power that can be used by the device through communication with other devices, and power supply to a plurality of electrical devices connected to the device is less than or equal to the amount of available power. The power control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein power supply control is performed so that

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