JP2012027697A - Network system and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system and communication method capable of providing a user with useful information based on electricity generated by a photovoltaic unit and electricity sold to a system.SOLUTION: A communication method comprises: a step that a controller 100 acquires the quantity of electricity generated by a photovoltaic unit 200X; a step that the controller 100 acquires the quantity of electricity sold to a power system; a step that the controller 100 sends information on the photovoltaic unit 200X to a server 300; a step that the server 300 sends a message corresponding to a difference or a ratio between the quantity of electricity generated by the photovoltaic unit 200X and the quantity of electricity sold to the power system to the controller 100; and a step that the controller 100 shows the message from the server 300 on a display.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology of a network system including a controller for controlling a photovoltaic power generation apparatus and a server capable of communicating with the controller.

  2. Description of the Related Art A solar power generation device disposed in a house or the like and a controller for controlling the solar power generation device are known. In addition, a technique for supplying (selling power) power from a solar power generation apparatus to a system is known.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-353005 (Patent Document 1) discloses a home network system. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-353005 (Patent Document 1), in a home network system including a home network connected to an external network, a home server connected to the home network, a device, and a controller, the device is a device. The external network has a common rule server in which individual information regarding the power consumption of the device is set corresponding to the code information and the code information. Transmits the code information of the device to the home server, the home server accesses the common rule server based on the received code information, acquires the individual rule of the device, and based on the individual rule, The power consumption of the device connected to the home network is calculated and displayed on the controller.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-163610 (Patent Document 2) discloses a method for encouraging energy saving activities. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-163610 (Patent Document 2), a registered member who is one consumer logs in to a management server of a management center via a communication network line using a communication terminal, and the management server registers Save energy by identifying members, creating energy reduction targets for a certain period in the future based on past energy usage results of registered members, displaying them on the screen of registered members' communication terminals, and trying to achieve energy reduction targets The energy reduction target transmission stage to encourage application for participation in the challenge, the participation application stage in which registered members refer to the energy reduction target displayed on the screen and apply for participation in the saving challenge, and the management server A point granting stage in which points are given to registered members according to the degree of achievement of the energy reduction target, and the registered members are given Comprising the the point use steps points to replace the money and goods or services, the.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-172075 (Patent Document 3) discloses a usage status management device. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-172075 (Patent Document 3), the usage status management device is data indicating a user identifier for identifying a user of the electrical device and a use condition of the electrical device for realizing energy saving. Usage condition data and a device identifier for identifying an electrical device are received via the network, stored in the usage condition storage unit, data indicating the usage status of the electrical device connected via the network, and the electrical device The usage status data, which is data including the device identifier, is received via the network and stored in the usage status storage unit, and the usage status indicated by the usage status data satisfies the usage conditions indicated by the usage status data. Generate points if

JP 2006-353005 A JP 2006-163610 A JP 2006-172075 A

  The amount of power purchased from the grid decreases as the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device increases. That is, as the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device increases, it contributes to energy saving. Of the power generated by the solar power generation device, regarding the power sold to the grid side, the user can receive a sale price from the power company. However, regarding the electric power used in the house among the electric power generated by the solar power generation device, the user cannot enjoy the merit even though it contributes to energy saving.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and the object thereof is to provide useful information to the user based on the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation apparatus and the power sold to the grid. A network system and a communication method are provided.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, a network system including a controller that can communicate with a solar power generation device and a server that can communicate with the controller is provided. The controller includes a terminal communication interface, a display, and a processor. The processor acquires the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device and the amount of power sold to the power system, transmits information about the solar power generation device to the server via the terminal communication interface, and displays a message from the server on the display . The server includes a server communication interface and a server processor for transmitting a message corresponding to a difference or a ratio between the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation apparatus and the amount of power sold to the power system to the controller via the server communication interface. Including.

  Preferably, the processor transmits the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device and the amount of power sold from the solar power generation device to the power system to the server via the terminal communication interface as information on the solar power generation device. The server includes a memory for storing each of the plurality of types of messages in association with points corresponding to the difference or ratio between the power generation amount and the power sale amount. The server processor calculates points corresponding to the difference or ratio between the power generation amount and the power sale amount, accumulates the points in the memory for each controller, and transmits a message corresponding to the points to the controller via the server communication interface.

  Preferably, the processor calculates a point corresponding to a difference or a ratio between the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device and the amount of power sold from the solar power generation device to the power system, and the point is converted to the solar power via the terminal communication interface. It transmits to a server as information regarding a power generator. The server includes a memory for storing each of a plurality of types of messages in association with points. The server processor accumulates the points in the memory for each controller, and transmits a message corresponding to the points to the controller via the server communication interface.

  Preferably, the controller can communicate with at least one home appliance. A processor transmits the household appliance information regarding at least 1 household appliance to a server via a terminal communication interface. The memory stores each of a plurality of types of messages in association with home appliance information. The server processor transmits a message corresponding to the home appliance information to the controller via the server communication interface.

  When another situation of this invention is followed, the communication method in the network system containing the controller which can communicate with a solar power generation device, and the server which can communicate with a controller is provided. In the communication method, the controller acquires the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device, the controller acquires the amount of power sold to the power system, and the controller transmits information about the solar power generation device to the server. A step in which the server sends a message to the controller corresponding to the difference or ratio between the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device and the amount of power sold to the power system, and the controller displays the message from the server on the display. And a step of causing.

  As described above, the present invention provides a network system and a communication method that can provide useful information to the user based on the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation apparatus and the power sold to the grid.

It is an image figure which shows the whole structure of the network system 1 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the home controller 100 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the household appliance information 101A which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the in-home information 101B which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows 101 C of out-of-home information which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the server 300 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the bonus message 301C which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the cumulative message 301D which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the simple model message 301E which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the detailed model message 301F which concerns on this Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the point A table 301A. It is an image figure which shows the point B table 301B. It is an image figure which shows the example of advice. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the simple communication process in the server 300 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the detailed communication process in the server 300 which concerns on this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<Overview of network system operation>
First, an outline of the operation of the network system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing an overall configuration of a network system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, network system 1 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an air conditioner 200A installed in a bedroom, a washing machine 200B installed in a laundry room, a refrigerator 200C installed in a kitchen, for each house. It includes a television 200D installed in the living room, a light 200E installed in the dining room, a solar power generation device 200X, a storage battery 200Y, a power conditioner 151, a power meter 152, and the like.

  The power conditioner 151 accumulates the electric power generated by the solar power generation device 200 </ b> X in the storage battery 200 </ b> Y, supplies it to the home appliances 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> E, and sells it to the system via the power meter 152. The power meter 152 measures the amount of power purchased from the system to the house and the amount of power sold from the house (solar power generation device 200X or storage battery 200Y) to the system. Note that the home appliances 200A to 200E and the home controller 100 acquire power from the solar power generation device 200X, the storage battery 200Y, the power conditioner 151, and the like via the power line 403.

  Thereby, the controller 100 can acquire from the power meter 152 the amount of power purchased from the system to the house and the amount of power sold from the house to the system. Note that the power conditioner 151 may have the function of the power meter 152.

  Network system 1 includes home controller 100 for controlling home appliances 200A to 200Y for each house. For each house, the home controller 100 can perform data communication with the home appliances 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> Y via a wired or wireless network 401. The home controller 100 uses, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a PLC (Power Line Communications), ZigBee (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the network 401.

  The network system 1 includes a server 300 that can perform data communication with the home controller 100. The home controller 100 uses, for example, the Internet, a carrier network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the network 402. Note that the network 401 and the network 402 may use the same standard.

  Server 300 according to the present embodiment includes information on home appliances 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> Y from home controller 100, the amount of power generated by solar power generation device 200 </ b> X, the amount of power sold to the system, etc., for each house via network 402. To get. The server 300 acquires, for each house, the types of home appliances 200A to 200Y connected to the home controller 100, power consumption during a predetermined period, and the like.

  Based on the information from the home controller 100, the server 300 transmits information useful for the user of the home controller 100 to the home controller 100. Here, information useful to the user includes, for example, texts and images for introducing new home appliances with low product power. Providing such information to the user is also beneficial for the company that operates the server 300.

  More specifically, the user of the home controller 100 may not want the above information. Therefore, in this embodiment, the server 300 subtracts the amount of power sold to the grid from the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 200X for each home controller 100 (for each user of the home controller) ( Accumulate points corresponding to (difference). The user of the home controller 100 can purchase an electrical appliance or the like from a company that operates the server 300 directly or indirectly by using the points.

  However, the points are not limited to such numerical values. For example, the point is the ratio of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 200X and the amount of power sold to the grid (for example, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device 200X is divided by the amount of power sold to the grid. (Value) may be a numerical value. Alternatively, the point may be a value that considers the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 200X and other numerical values, or a value that considers the amount of power sold to the grid and other numerical values. There may be.

  For example, the server 300 is operated by the manufacturer of the electrical appliance or a sales company of the electrical appliance. That is, the operator of the server 300 can contact the user based on the information regarding the home appliances 200A to 200Y of the user's house in return for giving the user a point at which the product can be purchased. For example, the server 300 can advertise new home appliances to the user of the home controller 100.

  Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the network system 1 for realizing such a function will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the home appliances 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> Y are collectively referred to as the home appliance 200.

<Hardware configuration of home controller 100>
One aspect of the hardware configuration of home controller 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of home controller 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The home controller 100 includes a memory 101, a display 102, a tablet 103, buttons 104, a first communication interface 105, a second communication interface 107, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110.

  The memory 101 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk, and the like. For example, the memory 101 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), which is used via a reading interface. USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory cards) It is also realized by a medium for storing a program in a nonvolatile manner such as an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM, and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

  The memory 101 stores a control program executed by the CPU 110, states of the home appliances 200A to 200Y, and the like. The memory 101 stores home appliance information 101A, in-home information 101B, and out-of-home information 101C for each home appliance. Hereinafter, data stored in the memory 101 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing home appliance information 101A according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, home appliance information 101A corresponding to one home appliance includes home appliance ID, model information (manufacturer code and model code), operation start date, total accumulated usage time, and accumulated usage time / month. , Cumulative usage time / day, power consumption / month of each home appliance, power consumption / day of each home appliance, and power consumption / hour of each home appliance.

  FIG. 4 is an image diagram showing in-home information 101B according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, in-home information 101B corresponding to one house includes an electricity bill contract type, family composition information, and building information (information indicating a floor plan, total floor area, etc.).

  FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing out-of-home information 101C according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the out-of-home information 101C corresponding to one house includes an electricity charge for each time zone of the next day and a demand response command.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the display 102 displays the states of the home appliances 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> Y by being controlled by the CPU 110. The tablet 103 detects a touch operation with a user's finger and inputs touch coordinates or the like to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 receives a command from the user via the tablet 103.

  In the present embodiment, a tablet 103 is laid on the surface of the display 102. That is, in the present embodiment, display 102 and tablet 103 constitute touch panel 106. However, the home controller 100 does not have to include the tablet 103.

  The button 104 is disposed on the surface of the home controller 100. A plurality of buttons such as a numeric keypad may be arranged on the home controller 100. The button 104 receives various commands from the user. The button 104 inputs a command from the user to the CPU 110.

  The first communication interface 105 transmits / receives data to / from the home appliances 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> Y via the network 401 by being controlled by the CPU 110. As described above, the first communication interface 105 transmits and receives data to and from the home appliances 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> Y by using a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, a PLC, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

  The second communication interface 107 transmits / receives data to / from the server 300 via the network 402 under the control of the CPU 110. As described above, the second communication interface 107 transmits / receives data to / from the server 300 by using the Internet, carrier network, WAN, LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

  However, the first communication interface 105 and the second communication interface 107 may be one communication interface (one device).

  The CPU 110 executes various programs stored in the memory 101. The processing in the home controller 100 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 110. Such software may be stored in the memory 101 in advance. The software may be stored in a storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet.

  Such software is read from the storage medium by using a reading device (not shown), or downloaded by using the first communication interface 105 or the second communication interface 107 and stored in the memory 101. Once stored. The CPU 110 stores the software in the form of an executable program in the memory 101 and then executes the program.

  As storage media, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk , Magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) And the like, for example, a medium for storing the program in a nonvolatile manner.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  CPU 110 receives home appliance information 101A from home appliances 200A to 200Y via first communication interface 105. In other words, the home appliances 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> Y transmit the home appliance information 101 </ b> A to the home controller 100 in response to a request from the home controller 100, every predetermined period, or when performing a predetermined operation.

  The communication device different from the home appliance 200 may have the function of the home appliance 200 described here. The communication device is installed between the home appliance 200 and an outlet. That is, the communication device only needs to be able to detect the power consumption of the home appliance 200, transmit data to the home controller 100, and acquire the identification information of the server 300 in the vicinity of the communication device.

  CPU 110 receives in-house information 101B and out-of-home information 101C from the user via touch panel 106 or button 104. CPU 110 transmits home appliance information 101A, in-home information 101B, and out-of-home information 101C to server 300 via second communication interface 307.

  Note that the CPU 110 may acquire the in-home information 101B and the out-of-home information 101C from an external server via the second communication interface 307. Further, the CPU 310 of the server 300 described later may acquire the in-home information 101B and the out-of-home information 101C from an external server via the communication interface 305.

  The CPU 110 acquires the amount of power generation from the solar power generation device 200X via the first communication interface 105. The CPU 110 acquires the amount of power sold to the system (the amount of power sold) from the photovoltaic power conditioner 151, the power meter 152, the distribution board of the house, and the like via the first communication interface 105. Note that the CPU 110 acquires the amount of power purchased from the system (the amount of power purchased) from the photovoltaic power conditioner 151, the power meter 152, the distribution board of the house, and the like via the first communication interface 105. The CPU 110 may acquire the amount of power stored from the storage battery 200Y via the first communication interface 105.

  In the present embodiment, CPU 110 transmits the power generation amount, the power sale amount, the power purchase amount, and the stored power amount to server 300 through second communication interface 107. The CPU 110 receives a message corresponding to the power generation amount, the power sale amount, the power purchase amount, the stored power amount, and the like from the server 300 via the second communication interface 107. CPU 110 causes display 102 to display the received message.

  In addition, CPU110 may calculate the point A corresponding to the electric power used in the house among the electric power which the solar power generation device 200X produced | generated based on the following formula | equation (1). The point may be a numerical value indicating a value (ratio) obtained by dividing the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 200X by the amount of power sold to the system. That is, it is preferable that this point A indicates the degree to which the target house has contributed to CO2 reduction and energy saving.

Point A = Power generation amount-Power sales amount (1)
In this case, the CPU 110 transmits the point A to the server 300 via the second communication interface 107. The server 300 accumulates points A for each home controller 100 or each user of the home controller 100. In the present embodiment, for example, the user can use the accumulated points T like cash when purchasing an electrical appliance.

  More specifically, regarding the amount of power sold, the user of the target house can obtain a sale price of electric power as a reward for reducing CO2 and contributing to energy saving. In other words, the user can obtain not only a price corresponding to the sold power but also a reward for reducing CO2 and contributing to energy saving.

  Or CPU110 may calculate the point B based on the following formula | equation (2).

Point B = Amount of electricity generated-Amount of electricity sold-Amount of electricity purchased (2)
In this case, the CPU 110 transmits the point B to the server 300 via the second communication interface 107. The server 300 accumulates points B for each home controller 100 or each user of the home controller 100. In the present embodiment, for example, the user can use the accumulated points T like cash when purchasing an electrical appliance.

  The point B is preferably higher as the user of the home controller 100 saves power. However, the CPU 110 may calculate points (bonus points C) step by step based on the value of power generation amount−power sales amount−power purchase amount with reference to the point table.

  More specifically, regarding the amount of power sold, the user of the target house can obtain a sale price of electric power as a reward for reducing CO2 and contributing to energy saving. In other words, the user can obtain not only a price corresponding to the sold power but also a reward for reducing CO2 and contributing to energy saving.

<Hardware configuration of server 300>
One aspect of the hardware configuration of the server 300 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of server 300 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 6, server 300 includes a memory 301, a display 302, a tablet 303, a button 304, a communication interface 305, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 310.

  The memory 301 can be realized in the same manner as the memory 101 of the home controller 100. The memory 301 stores a control program executed by the CPU 310, data from the home controller 100, a bonus message 301C, a cumulative message 301D, and a simple model message 301E (detailed model message 301F). The memory 301 may store a point A table 301A, a point B table 301B, and an advice table 301X.

  FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing a bonus message 301C according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, bonus message 301 </ b> C stores a message indicating that bonus points are added to accumulated points for each point A, point B, or accumulated point T. The bonus message 301C preferably stores bonus points to be added for each message. By transmitting such a message to the home controller 100, it is possible to increase the motivation for the user to accumulate points.

  FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing a cumulative message 301D according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, cumulative message 301 </ b> D stores, for each cumulative point T, a message indicating that the cumulative point has been accumulated. By transmitting such a message to the home controller 100, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that points have accumulated in stages.

  FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing a simplified model message 301E according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, simple model message 301 </ b> E stores a message corresponding to a target home appliance in association with home appliance ID and total usage time. By transmitting such a message to the home controller 100, the user can easily recognize information suitable for the home appliance being used and the total usage time.

  The simple model message 301E preferably associates the message with the cumulative point T. That is, by transmitting such a message to the home controller 100, the user can easily recognize information suitable for the home appliance being used, the total usage time, and the accumulated point T.

  FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a detailed model message 301F according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, detailed model message 301F stores a message corresponding to a target home appliance in association with home appliance ID, usage time, and power consumption. By transmitting such a message to the home controller 100, the user can easily recognize information on the home appliance, the usage time, and the power consumption.

  The detailed model message 301F preferably associates the message with the cumulative point T as well. That is, by transmitting such a message to the home controller 100, the user can easily recognize information suitable for the home appliances used, the total usage time, the power consumption, and the accumulated point T.

  Returning to FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, a tablet 303 is laid on the surface of the display 302. That is, in the present embodiment, display 302 and tablet 303 constitute touch panel 306. However, the server 300 may not have the tablet 303.

  The button 304 is disposed on the surface of the server 300. A plurality of buttons such as a numeric keypad may be arranged on the server 300. The button 304 receives a command from the user. The button 304 inputs a command from the user to the CPU 310.

  The communication interface 305 transmits and receives data to and from the home controller 100 via the network 402 under the control of the CPU 310. As described above, the communication interface 305 transmits and receives data to and from the home controller 100 by using the Internet, a carrier network, a wireless LAN, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

  The CPU 310 executes various programs stored in the memory 301. The processing in the server 300 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 310. Such software may be stored in the memory 301 in advance. The software may be stored in a storage medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet.

  Such software is read from the storage medium by using a reading device (not shown) or downloaded by using the communication interface 305 and temporarily stored in the memory 301. The CPU 310 stores the software in the form of an executable program in the memory 301 and then executes the program.

  As storage media, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), hard disk , Magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) And the like, for example, a medium for storing the program in a nonvolatile manner.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, CPU 310 receives home appliance information 101A, in-home information 101B, and out-of-home information 101C from home controller 100 via communication interface 305. The CPU 310 receives the power generation amount, the power sale amount, the power purchase amount, and the stored power amount from the home controller 100 via the communication interface 305.

  CPU310 calculates the electric power (point A) used in the house among the electric power which the solar power generation device 200X produced | generated based on the above-mentioned Formula (1). This point A indicates the degree to which the target house has contributed to CO2 reduction and energy saving.

  The server 300 accumulates points A for each home controller 100 or each user of the home controller 100. For example, the user can use the accumulated points T like cash when purchasing an electrical appliance.

  More specifically, regarding the amount of power sold, the user of the target house can obtain a sale price of electric power as a reward for reducing CO2 and contributing to energy saving. In other words, the user can obtain rewards for reducing CO2 and contributing to energy saving, for which no corresponding reward has been obtained.

  Or CPU310 may calculate point B based on the above-mentioned formula (2). And CPU310 may calculate a point (bonus point C) in steps based on the value of electric power generation amount-electric power sales amount-electric power purchase amount with reference to a point table.

  Also in this case, the server 300 accumulates points B for each home controller 100 or each user of the home controller 100. For example, the user can use the accumulated points T like cash when purchasing an electrical appliance.

  More specifically, the point B becomes higher as the user of the home controller 100 saves power. Regarding the amount of power sold, the user of the target house can obtain a sale price of electric power as a reward for reducing CO2 and contributing to energy saving. In other words, the user can obtain rewards for reducing CO2 and contributing to energy saving, for which no corresponding reward has been obtained.

  CPU 310 reads a message corresponding to point A (or point B or point C) from memory 301. CPU 310 transmits the message to home controller 100 via communication interface 305.

  More specifically, the CPU 310 reads the message corresponding to the point A, the point B, or the accumulated point T with reference to the bonus message 301C in the memory 301. CPU 310 transmits the message to home controller 100 via communication interface 305. The CPU 310 adds bonus points to the accumulated points T.

  The CPU 310 reads a message corresponding to the accumulation point T with reference to the accumulation message 301D in the memory 301. CPU 310 transmits the message to home controller 100 via communication interface 305.

  Further, the CPU 310 refers to the simple model message 301E in the memory 301 and reads a message corresponding to the acquired point A (or point B or accumulated point T), home appliance ID, and total usage time. CPU 310 transmits the message to home controller 100 via communication interface 305.

  Further, the CPU 310 refers to the detailed model message 301F in the memory 301 and reads a message corresponding to the acquired point A (or point B or accumulated point T), home appliance ID, total usage time, and power consumption. CPU 310 transmits the message to home controller 100 via communication interface 305.

  Note that the CPU 310 may acquire the point A based on the point A table 301A as shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing the point A table 301A. Referring to FIG. 11, the point A table 301 </ b> A stores the value of point A in association with the value of power generation amount−power sales amount. Here, the point A is proportional to the value of power generation amount−power sales amount in a stepwise manner.

  Or CPU310 may acquire point B based on the point B table 301B as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is an image diagram showing the point B table 301B. Referring to FIG. 12, the point A table 301 </ b> B stores the value of point B in association with the value of power generation amount−power sales amount. Note that the value of the power generation amount-the amount of power sales and the value of the point B are not in a linear relationship. Even when the value of the power generation amount-the amount of power sales is negative, the value of the point B takes a positive value.

  The CPU 310 may receive point A, point B, bonus point C or accumulated point T from the home controller 100 via the communication interface 305.

  In addition to the above message, the server 300 preferably transmits various messages as shown in FIG. 13 to the home controller 100. FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of advice (advice table 301X).

  Referring to FIG. 13, CPU 310 proposes replacement of old home appliances based on home appliance information 1, 2, 3, 4 from home controller 100, that is, based on the home appliance model, age, and accumulated usage time. A message may be sent. The CPU 310 is based on home appliance information 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 from the home controller 100, that is, based on the accumulated usage time per month and the amount of power consumption. A message for presenting the amount of CO2 reduction and the amount of electricity cost reduction may be transmitted.

  The CPU 310 sends a message for encouraging energy saving regarding home appliances that use excessive power based on home appliance information 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 from the home controller 100, that is, based on the power consumption of home appliances. You may send it. The CPU 310 is based on the home appliance information 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, II, III from the home controller 100, that is, the home appliances of the household in which the target home controller 100 is installed and the household structure. Based on the average value of power consumption, a message for encouraging energy saving regarding home appliances that are using too much power may be transmitted.

  The CPU 310 proposes a home appliance usage schedule for the purpose of peak cut of power consumption based on the home appliance information 1, 2, 9 from the home controller 100, that is, based on the power consumption per hour of each home appliance ( A message may be transmitted to propose a new usage schedule for home appliances that can be shifted in usage time so that home appliances are not used in a concentrated manner. CPU 310 may transmit a message for proposing an operation schedule of home appliances based on home appliance information 1, 2, 9, b from home controller 100, that is, based on a demand response command. CPU 310 is a home appliance for reducing power cost based on home appliance information 1, 2, 9, I, a from home controller 100, that is, based on the contract type of the electricity charge or the electricity charge by time zone of the next day. A message for proposing the use schedule of the user may be transmitted.

<Simple communication processing in server 300>
Next, a simple communication process in the server 300 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of simple communication processing in server 300 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 14, CPU 310 receives a power generation amount, a power sale amount, a power purchase amount, and a power storage amount from home controller 100 via communication interface 305 (step S <b> 102). CPU310 calculates point A based on said Formula (1) (step S104). Or CPU310 calculates the point B based on the said Formula (2). The CPU 310 adds point A or point B to the accumulated point T in the memory 301.

  CPU 310 refers to memory 301 and obtains a message corresponding to point A, point B, or accumulated point T (step S106). CPU 310 transmits the message to home controller 100 via communication interface 305 (step S108).

  Thereby, the home controller 100 can display a message from the server 300 based on the point A or the point B.

<Detailed Communication Processing in Server 300>
Next, detailed communication processing in the server 300 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of detailed communication processing in server 300 according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 15, the CPU 310 receives, from the home controller 100 via the communication interface 305, the power generation amount, the power sale amount, the power purchase amount, the power storage amount, the home appliance information 101 </ b> A, the home information 101 </ b> B, and the outside home Information 101C is received (step S202). Note that the CPU 310 may have already acquired any of the home appliance information 101A, the in-home information 101B, and the out-of-home information 101C.

  CPU310 calculates point A based on said Formula (1) (step S204). Or CPU310 calculates the point B based on the said Formula (2). The CPU 310 adds point A or point B to the accumulated point T in the memory 301.

  CPU310 substitutes the number of household appliances to the variable N (step S206). CPU 310 initializes variable i (step S208). Based on the point A or the point B or the accumulated point T and the home appliance information 101A relating to the home appliance corresponding to the variable i, the CPU 310 determines whether or not a message suitable for them is prepared in the memory 301 (step S100). S210).

  If a suitable message has not been prepared (NO in step S210), the processing from step S214 is executed. If a suitable message is prepared (YES in step S210), CPU 310 reads the message from memory 301 (step S212).

  CPU 310 determines whether or not variable i = N (step S214). If variable i is not N = N (NO in step S214), CPU 310 increments variable i (step S216). CPU 310 repeats the processing from step S210. If variable i = N (YES in step S214), CPU 310 transmits all the above-mentioned adapted messages to home controller 100 via communication interface 305 (step S218).

  Thereby, the home controller 100 displays a message from the server 300 based on (corresponding to) the point A or the point B or the accumulated point T and the home appliance information 101A related to the home appliance connected to the home controller 100. be able to.

<Other embodiments>
Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the program is achieved by supplying a program to a home controller, a home appliance, or a mobile phone. Then, a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program code stored in the storage medium It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention also by reading and executing.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code However, it is needless to say that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 network system, 100 home controller, 101, 301 memory, 102, 302 display, 103, 303 tablet, 104, 304 button, 105 first communication interface, 106, 306 touch panel, 107 second communication interface, 110, 310 CPU, 200 home appliances, 200A air conditioner, 200B washing machine, 200C refrigerator, 200D TV, 200E light, 200X solar power generation device, 200Y storage battery, 300 server, 305 communication interface, 401 first network, 402 second network.

Claims (5)

A network system comprising a controller capable of communicating with a solar power generation device and a server capable of communicating with the controller,
The controller is
A terminal communication interface;
Display,
Including a processor,
The processor is
Obtaining the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device and the amount of power sold to the power system,
Send information about the photovoltaic power generation device to the server via the terminal communication interface,
Display a message from the server on the display;
The server
A server communication interface;
A server processor for transmitting to the controller the message corresponding to the difference or ratio between the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation device and the amount of power sold to the power system via the server communication interface. system. The processor transmits, via the terminal communication interface, the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device and the amount of power sold from the solar power generation device to the power system to the server as information about the solar power generation device. ,
The server includes a memory for storing each of a plurality of types of messages in association with points corresponding to a difference or a ratio between the power generation amount and the power sale amount,
The server processor calculates a point corresponding to a difference or a ratio between the power generation amount and the power sale amount, stores the point in the memory for each controller, and corresponds to the point via the server communication interface. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the message is transmitted to the controller. The processor is
Calculate the point corresponding to the difference or ratio between the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device and the amount of power sold from the solar power generation device to the power system,
The point is transmitted to the server as information on the solar power generation device via the terminal communication interface,
The server includes a memory for storing each of a plurality of types of messages in association with the points,
The network system according to claim 1, wherein the server processor stores the points in the memory for each of the controllers, and transmits the message corresponding to the points to the controllers via the server communication interface. The controller can communicate with at least one home appliance,
The processor is
Sending home appliance information about the at least one home appliance to the server via the terminal communication interface;
The memory stores each of the plurality of types of messages in association with the home appliance information,
The network system according to claim 2, wherein the server processor transmits the message corresponding to the home appliance information to the controller via the server communication interface. A communication method in a network system including a controller capable of communicating with a photovoltaic power generation device and a server capable of communicating with the controller,
The controller acquiring the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device; and
The controller obtains the amount of power sold to the power system; and
The controller transmitting information about the photovoltaic power generation apparatus to the server;
The server transmits a message corresponding to the difference or ratio between the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation apparatus and the amount of power sold to the power system to the controller;
And a step of causing the controller to display a message from the server on a display.

Images