JP2019121016A - Hot water supply method and control device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply method capable of creating a schedule of economical boiling operation.SOLUTION: The hot water supply method includes: predicting a time transition of surplus power in the future (S23); (i) during a target period in which it is predicted that surplus power will be generated, if the amount of power consumption necessary for boiling operation of a hot water supply facility provided in the facility cannot be covered by predicted surplus power, creating a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility during a first period included in a target period and a second period in which an electricity rate is lower than the target period (S25); and (ii) in a case where the power consumption required for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility can be covered by the predicted surplus power during the target period, creating a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility in the first period (S26).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hot water supply method for creating a schedule of a boiling operation of a hot water supply facility and a control device.

  A heat pump type water heater is known. In general, a heat pump-type water heater boils hot water at a low electricity rate time such as nighttime and stores it in a hot water storage tank. Patent Document 1 discloses a supply and demand control device that distributes the power generated by a photovoltaic power generation system to a power storage device and a heat source device such as a heat pump.

International Publication No. 2011/086886

  By the way, there is room for consideration about further reduction of the power related cost in the consumer. For example, when the selling price of electricity falls, surplus power generated during the day by the power generation of the solar power generation facility can be used for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility instead of selling the electricity, thereby reducing the power related costs at the customer. There is a case.

  The present invention provides a hot water supply method capable of creating an economical schedule of boiling operation, and a control device.

  The hot water supply method according to an aspect of the present invention is a prediction step of predicting a time transition in the future of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the customer from the power generation of the photovoltaic power generation facility provided for the customer; In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to be generated, the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility provided in the customer can not be covered by the predicted surplus power, and is included in the target period. Create a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility in the first period, and the second period in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period, and (ii) In the case where the power consumption amount necessary for operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power, a schedule for executing the heating operation of the hot water supply facility in the first period is A planning step of forming, on the basis of the schedule created, and an execution step of executing the operation boiling in the hot water supply facilities.

  The control device according to an aspect of the present invention is a prediction unit that predicts, in the future, the time transition in the future of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the customer from the power generation of the solar power generation facility provided for the customer; In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to be generated, the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility provided in the customer can not be covered by the predicted surplus power, and is included in the target period. A schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility is created in the first period and the second period in which the electricity charge is lower than the target period, and (ii) the boiling operation of the hot water supply device in the target period Create a schedule for executing the heating operation of the hot water supply facility in the first period, when the power consumption amount required for the operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power A picture unit, based on the schedule created, and a execution part for executing the boiling operation in the hot water supply facilities.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hot-water supply method which can create the schedule of economical boiling operation, and a control apparatus are implement | achieved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the hot water supply system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the hot water supply system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a schedule creation process of the boiling operation. FIG. 4 is a first conceptual diagram for explaining the determination as to whether or not the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation can be covered by the surplus power. FIG. 5 is a second conceptual diagram for explaining the determination as to whether or not the amount of power consumption necessary for the boiling operation can be covered by the surplus power. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the power conditioner when the generated power is insufficient during the execution of the boiling operation.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claim indicating the highest concept are described as arbitrary components.

  Each figure is a schematic view, and is not necessarily illustrated strictly. Further, in the drawings, substantially the same configuration will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and overlapping description may be omitted or simplified.

Embodiment
[Configuration of hot water supply system]
First, the configuration of the hot water supply system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the hot water supply system according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water supply system 100 includes a photovoltaic power generation facility 10, a power conditioner 20, a detection device 25, a storage system 30, a distribution board 40, a control device 50, and a hot water supply facility 60. , A router 70, and a weather forecast information distribution server 80. Moreover, in FIG. 1, the system power supply 120 and the internet 130 are also illustrated. Each component with which hot-water supply system 100 is provided is provided in facility 110 except for weather forecast information distribution server 80. The facility 110 is an example of a consumer.

  The solar power generation facility 10 is installed on the roof or the like of the facility 110 and generates power by converting sunlight into electric power. The solar power generation facility 10 is specifically realized by a solar cell module including a PV (PhotoVoltary) panel.

  The power conditioner 20 is a power conversion device for using the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 and the power obtained by the discharge of the storage system 30 in the facility 110. In addition, the power conditioner 20 can also supply the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 to the storage system 30. That is, the storage system 30 is charged by the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10. Specifically, power conditioner 20 is realized by an inverter circuit or the like.

  In addition, when the forward flow is detected by the detection device 25, the power conditioner 20 causes the storage system 30 to discharge, thereby storing the storage power of the storage system 30 in the equipment 110 (for example, the hot water supply facility 60). Can also be supplied to Specifically, the forward flow is a current flowing from the system power supply 120 toward the distribution board 40 to the trunk line 41 connecting the system power supply 120 and the distribution board 40. Specifically, the detection device 25 is a CT (Current Transformer), but may be a Rogowski circuit, a GMR (Giant Magnetic Resistance) element, or the like.

  The storage system 30 is a device that functions as a power supply in the facility 110. The storage system 30 is realized by a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, a charge circuit for charging the secondary battery, and a discharge circuit for discharging the secondary battery.

  The distribution board 40 is a device that distributes the power supplied from the system power supply 120. Specifically, the distribution board 40 distributes power to a plurality of branch circuits branched from the trunk line 41. An electrical device (for example, a hot water supply system 60) installed in the facility 110 is connected to the branch circuit.

  The distribution board 40 has a power measurement element for each branch circuit. Specifically, the power measurement element is a CT, but may be a Rogowski circuit or a GMR element. By providing the power measurement element for each branch circuit, the distribution board 40 can measure the power consumption for each branch circuit.

  Further, the distribution board 40 has a wireless communication module for performing wireless communication, and can wirelessly communicate with the control device via the router. The wireless communication module is, in other words, a wireless communication circuit. Thus, the distribution board 40 can transmit the power consumption of each branch circuit measured by the power measurement element to the control device. The power consumption of each branch circuit is accumulated as history information of power consumption in the storage unit 52 included in the control device 50.

  It is not essential that the distribution board 40 have the power measurement function and the communication function. For example, the hot water supply system 100 may include a smart meter (that is, a power meter having a communication function) separately from the distribution board 40.

  The control device 50 is a device that manages power consumption (more specifically, power consumption and power consumption) in the facility 110, in other words, a power management device. Specifically, the control device 50 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a control unit 53. Although not illustrated, control device 50 may include a user interface that receives a user operation, and a display unit on which an image for the user to check the power consumption and the amount of power consumption at facility 110 is displayed. .

  The communication unit 51 is a wireless communication module for the control device 50 to communicate with the distribution board 40 and the hot water supply facility 60. The wireless communication module is, in other words, a wireless communication circuit. The communication unit 51 acquires, for example, the power consumption of the facility 110 measured by the distribution board 40 from the distribution board 40. The power consumption is acquired, for example, in such a manner that the power consumption of each branch circuit can be distinguished (recognized). The power consumption may be acquired in real time, or may be acquired periodically and collectively.

  In the storage unit 52, the power consumption acquired by the communication unit 51 is stored as history information of power consumption in association with the time (time stamp) at which the power consumption was measured. The storage of the power consumption is performed by the control unit 53, for example. The date and time associated with the power consumption may be provided by the distribution board 40 or may be provided by the control unit 53 of the control device 50.

  The storage unit 52 additionally stores, for example, a control program executed by the control unit 53. Specifically, storage unit 52 is a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 52 may be separate from the control device 50.

  The control unit 53 performs various information processing in the control device 50, such as storage of power consumption in the storage unit 52 acquired by the communication unit 51. The control unit 53 is specifically realized by a processor, a microcomputer, or a dedicated circuit. The control unit 53 may be realized by a combination of two or more of a processor, a microcomputer, and a dedicated circuit.

  Further, the control unit 53 includes a prediction unit 54, a planning unit 55, and an execution unit 56. These components carry out a schedule creation process of the boiling operation and an execution process of the boiling operation. The schedule creation process of the boiling operation and the execution process of the boiling operation will be described later.

  The hot water supply facility 60 is a facility for supplying hot water at the facility 110. Specifically, the hot water supply equipment 60 includes a heat pump 61, a hot water storage tank 62, and a hot water supply control device 63.

  The heat pump 61 absorbs the heat of the atmosphere using the refrigerant, and gives the heat generated by the compression of the refrigerant by the power to the water via the heat exchanger. The hot water storage tank 62 is a tank for storing water (that is, hot water) heated by the heat pump 61.

  The hot water supply control device 63 performs the heating operation using the heat pump 61 by controlling the heat pump 61. The hot water supply control device 63 includes a hot water supply control unit that outputs a control signal for controlling the heat pump 61, a wireless communication module for communicating with the control device 50, and the like. In addition, the hot water supply control device 63 may include a user interface that receives a user's operation, and a display unit on which an image indicating an operation state of the hot water supply facility 60 is displayed.

  The hot water supply facility 60 can perform the hot water supply operation using the power supplied from the distribution board 40, and can also perform the boiling operation using the power supplied from the power conditioner 20. The power supplied from the distribution board 40 is, in other words, the power supplied from the system power supply 120. Specifically, the power supplied from the power conditioner 20 is the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 or the stored power of the storage system 30.

  The router 70 is a communication relay device for causing the distribution board 40, the control device 50, and the hot water supply equipment 60 to wirelessly communicate with each other. Further, each of the distribution board 40, the control device 50, and the hot water supply facility 60 can be connected to the Internet 130 via the router 70. The Internet 130 is an example of a communication network.

  The weather forecast information distribution server 80 is an information processing apparatus that distributes weather forecast information to the control device 50. The weather forecast information distribution server 80 distributes, for example, weather forecast information up to 24 hours ahead every three hours. That is, the weather forecast information distribution server 80 periodically distributes the weather forecast information, and the communication unit 51 of the control device 50 periodically receives the weather forecast information via the Internet 130 and the router 70. As described later, the weather forecast information is used to predict the power generation of the solar power generation facility.

  A function equivalent to weather forecast information distribution server 80 may be realized by a plurality of servers. For example, the same function as the weather forecast information distribution server 80 may be realized by the dedicated distribution server of the weather forecast information and the management server of the control device 50. In this case, the management server acquires weather forecast information from the dedicated distribution server, and distributes the acquired weather forecast information to the control device 50.

[Operation of hot water supply system]
The hot water supply system 100 predicts the time transition of the surplus electric power of the daytime of the next day at night, and the hot water supply facility 60 creates a schedule of the boiling operation using the surplus electric power. Surplus power means power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the facility 110 from the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 10. The power consumption of the facility 110 more precisely means the power consumption of the entire facility 110 excluding the power consumption of the hot water supply system 60.

  If the selling price (that is, the price when selling power to the power company) falls, it is better to use the surplus power obtained by the power generation of the photovoltaic power generation system 10 in the facility 110 instead of selling it to the power company. It may be economical. For example, if the power purchase price in the daytime (that is, the price at which power is purchased from a power company) is higher than the power sale price, it is more economical to consume the surplus power in the facility 110 as much as possible.

  Here, generally, the boiling operation of the hot water supply system 60 is performed at night using late-night power. That is, the boiling operation of the hot water supply system 60 is performed using the power purchased from the power company. On the other hand, in the hot water supply system 100, a part of the necessary hot water amount is supplied by performing a boiling operation using surplus power in the daytime.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the hot water supply system 100 including the above-described schedule creation process will be described. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the operation of the hot water supply system 100.

  First, the weather forecast information distribution server 80 distributes weather forecast information (S11). As described above, the weather forecast information distribution server 80, for example, regularly distributes weather forecast information. The communication unit 51 of the control device 50 acquires weather forecast information via the Internet 130 and the router 70 (S12). The acquired weather forecast information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 52.

  Next, the hot water supply facility 60 notifies the amount of power consumption necessary for the boiling operation (S13). Step S13 is an example of a notification step. Specifically, the hot water supply system 60 learns in advance the amount of hot water required per day in the entire facility 110 based on the amount of hot water used in the past. The hot water supply system 60 specifies the amount of hot water which is estimated not to cause a shortage of supply (in other words, out of hot water) even if it is generated in the daytime, out of the amount of hot water required per day. Then, the hot water supply facility 60 notifies the control device 50 of the amount of power consumption necessary for the boiling operation for obtaining the specified amount of hot water. In step S13, in addition to the notification of the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation, the start time of the boiling operation may be designated.

  The communication unit 51 of the control device 50 acquires the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation via the router 70 (S14). The acquired power consumption amount is stored, for example, in the storage unit 52.

  Next, the control unit 53 of the control device 50 performs a schedule creation process of the heating operation (S15). Details of the schedule creation process of the boiling operation will be described later.

  When the schedule of the boiling operation is created, the execution unit 56 of the control unit 53 causes the hot water supply facility 60 to execute the boiling operation based on the created schedule. Specifically, the execution unit 56 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit a boiling operation command according to the schedule (S16). The hot water supply control device 63 of the hot water supply facility 60 receives the transmitted heating operation command (S17), and executes the heating operation when the time specified by the command is reached (S18). Step S16 is an example of an execution step.

[Breath operation schedule creation processing]
Next, the details of the schedule creation process of the boiling operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a schedule creation process of the boiling operation.

  The process of creating a schedule of the boiling operation is performed, for example, at night. First, the prediction unit 54 included in the control unit 53 of the control device 50 predicts the generated power of the next day of the solar power generation facility 10 provided in the facility 110 (S21). The prediction unit 54 predicts generated power in a time zone, for example, based on the weather forecast information acquired in step S12 of FIG. 3.

  Note that history information of the generated power may be used to predict the generated power. In this case, the communication unit 51 periodically acquires, for example, generated power information indicating generated power from the power conditioner 20. The generated power information includes information indicating the date and time when the power generation was performed. The control unit 53 stores the acquired generated power information as history information of the generated power in association with the weather forecast information on the corresponding date and time. In this case, the power conditioner 20 includes, for example, a wireless communication module, and transmits generated power information to the communication unit 51 via the router 70.

  Thereby, the prediction unit 54 can predict the generated power of a certain time zone of the next day based on the history information of the generated power and the weather forecast information acquired in the above step S12. The prediction unit 54 can adopt, for example, an average value of the generated power in the same time zone in the past and in the same time zone as the weather as the predicted value of the generated power in a certain time zone of the next day.

  Next, the prediction unit 54 predicts the power consumption of the facility 110 on the next day (S22). As described above, the storage unit 52 stores history information of power consumption in the facility 110. The prediction unit 54 reads the history information of power consumption from the storage unit 52, and predicts the power consumption of the next day based on the read history information. The prediction unit 54 can adopt, for example, an average value of power consumption in the same time zone in the past as a predicted value of power consumption in the facility 110 in a certain time zone on the next day.

  The power consumption in the facility 110 is largely different between weekdays (Monday to Friday) and holidays (Saturday and Sunday). Therefore, if the target of prediction is a weekday, the average value of power consumption on weekdays in the history information is used, and if the target of prediction is a holiday, the average value of power consumption on holidays in the history information is used Good.

  The power consumption predicted in step S22 is more precisely the power consumption of the entire facility 110 excluding the power consumption of the hot water supply facility 60 from the power consumption. Therefore, the prediction unit 54 predicts the power consumption by specifying the history of the power consumption excluding the power consumption of the hot water supply facility 60 from the power consumption of the entire facility 110 by referring to the history information. In this case, if the hot water supply facility 60 is connected to a single branch circuit, the prediction unit 54 supplies the power consumption excluding the power consumption of the branch circuit from the power consumption of the entire facility 110 from the power consumption of the entire facility 110. The power consumption excluding the power consumption of the facility 60 can be specified. The power consumption of the entire facility 110 means the power supplied via the trunk line 41.

  Next, the prediction unit 54 predicts the time transition of the surplus power (S23). Step S23 is an example of a prediction step. More specifically, the prediction unit 54 can predict the time transition of the surplus power by subtracting the power consumption predicted in step S22 from the generated power predicted in step S21.

  Next, the planning unit 55 heats the hot water supply facility 60 based on the consumed power amount notified from the hot water supply equipment 60 in step S13 of FIG. 3 (that is, the power consumption amount acquired in step S14 of FIG. 3). It is determined whether the amount of power consumption required for operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power (S24). FIG. 4 is a first conceptual diagram for explaining the determination in step S24. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents power, and the horizontal axis represents time. (1) of FIG. 4 is prediction of generated power, and (2) of FIG. 4 is prediction of power consumption.

  In FIG. 4, it is predicted that surplus power will occur in the target period T, and the hatched area A corresponds to surplus power (or surplus power amount). In other words, the region A shows the temporal transition of the surplus power. Here, for example, it is assumed that the power consumption notified from the hot water supply facility 60 is indicated by the area B1. The area B1 specifically means that the power consumption P1 is required for the period t1 for the boiling operation.

  The planning unit 55 determines whether the area B1 fits in the area A. That is, the planning unit 55 determines whether the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power. As shown by the curve of the broken line in FIG. 4, when the region B1 is applied to the region A, the first period T1 in which the surplus power is equal to or higher than the power consumption P1 is shorter than the period t1, and therefore the region B1 is surrounded by an ellipse. A part of the region C protrudes from the region A. That is, the area B1 does not fit in the area A. Specifically, therefore, the planning unit 55 determines that the amount of power consumption necessary for the boiling operation can not be covered by the predicted surplus power (No in S24).

  In this case, if the boiling operation is planned only in the first period T1, the amount of hot water corresponding to the power consumption of the region C will be insufficient. Therefore, the planning unit 55 plans the boiling operation in a period other than the target period T in order to compensate for the insufficient hot water amount. At this time, the planning unit 55 plans the boiling operation in the second period T2 belonging to the nighttime in which the power charge is lower than the daytime period to which the target period T belongs, in consideration of the power charge. That is, in addition to the first period T1 included in the target period T, the planning unit 55 creates a schedule for executing the heating operation of the hot water supply facility 60 in the second period T2 in which the electricity charge is lower than the target period T. (S25). Step S25 is an example of a planning step. The length of the second period T2 is T1-t1.

  The second period T2 is, for example, a period before the target period T. Thus, the risk of running out of water can be reduced compared to the case where the second period T2 is a period after the target period T.

  Thus, in the target period T where it is predicted that the surplus power is generated, the planning unit 55 can not meet the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility 60 provided in the facility 110 by the predicted surplus power. Creates a schedule for executing the heating operation of the hot water supply system 60 in the first period T1 and the second period T2.

  On the other hand, in step S24, it may be determined that the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility 60 provided in the facility 110 in the target period T can be covered by the predicted surplus power. FIG. 5 is a second conceptual diagram for explaining the determination in step S24.

  In FIG. 5, the power consumption notified from the hot water supply system 60 is indicated by the area B2. The area B2 specifically means that the power consumption P1 is required for the period t2 for the boiling operation.

  The planning unit 55 determines whether the area B2 fits within the area A. That is, the planning unit 55 determines whether the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power. When the region B2 is applied to the region A, the region B2 falls within the region A, as shown by the dashed curve in FIG. That is, the first period T1 in which the surplus power is equal to or more than the power consumption P1 is shorter than the period t2. Therefore, the planning unit 55 determines that the amount of power consumption necessary for the boiling operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power (Yes in S24).

  In this case, the planning unit 55 creates a schedule for executing the heating operation of the water heating apparatus 60 only in the first period T1 included in the target period T (S26). Step S26 is an example of a planning step.

  As described above, in the case where the planning unit 55 can cover the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility 60 provided in the facility 110 in the target period T in which the surplus power is predicted to be generated, In the first period T1, a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply system 60 is created.

  According to the schedule creation processing of the boiling operation described above, the control device 50 can create the schedule of the boiling operation using the surplus power by predicting the time transition of the surplus power. Further, when it is predicted that the surplus power can not be sufficiently obtained, the control device 50 creates a schedule for performing the boiling operation in a period in which the electricity bill is relatively low, in addition to the period in which the surplus power is obtained. be able to. That is, such a control device 50 can create an economical schedule of boiling operation.

  In addition to the notification of the power consumption necessary for the heating operation, the start time of the heating operation may be designated in step S13 described above. That is, the start time of the boiling operation may be designated by the hot water supply system 60. In this case, in step S24, it is determined whether or not the power consumption necessary for the heating operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power in a period after the designated start time in the target period T.

[Operation when generated power is insufficient]
By the way, when the boiling operation by the hot-water supply facility 60 is actually performed in the first period T1, it is conceivable that the generated power may run short (that is, the surplus power runs short) due to the deterioration of the weather. Hereinafter, the operation of the power conditioner 20 in such a case will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the power conditioner 20 when the generated power runs short during the boiling operation.

  Power conditioner 20 charges storage system 30 in advance (S31). Step S31 is an example of the charging step. The power conditioner 20 charges the storage system 30 with the power supplied from the system power supply 120 at night, for example. In other words, power conditioner 20 charges storage system 30 with power from system power supply 120 during a period in which the electricity charge is lower than target period T. Thereby, the electricity cost can be suppressed compared with the case where the electrical storage system 30 is charged by the electric power supplied from the system power supply 120 in the daytime.

  Further, power conditioner 20 may charge storage system 30 using surplus power during the daytime. Thereby, the electricity cost can be suppressed compared with the case where the electrical storage system 30 is charged by the electric power supplied from the system power supply 120.

  For example, the heating operation is performed by the hot water supply facility 60 after step S31. If the generated power is insufficient during the boiling operation, the hot water supply system 60 tries to obtain the shortage of the generated power from the system power supply 120. Then, the forward flow in the trunk line 41 is detected by the detection device 25.

  Therefore, during the boiling operation of the hot water supply system 60, the power conditioner 20 determines whether or not the forward flow in the trunk line 41 is detected by the detection device 25 (S32). Such determination is continued until the forward flow is detected by the detection device 25 (No in S32).

  If the power conditioner 20 determines that forward power flow has been detected (Yes in S32), the storage system 30 discharges, thereby supplying storage power of the storage system 30 to the hot water supply facility 60 (S33). Step S33 is an example of the assist step. This suppresses the use of power from the system power supply 120 in the boiling operation. If the electricity cost for charging the storage system 30 is lower than the electricity cost for using the power from the system power supply 120, the electricity cost for the boiling operation can be suppressed.

  Although the power conditioner 20 performs the operation of FIG. 6 without receiving an instruction from the control device 50, the operation may be performed based on an instruction from the control device 50.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the hot water supply method executed by a computer such as the control device 50 predicts the future time transition of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the facility 110 from the generated power of the photovoltaic power generation facility 10 provided in the facility 110 (I) in the target period T where it is predicted that surplus power is generated, the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility 60 provided in the facility 110 can not be covered by the predicted surplus power Create a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility 60 in the first period T1 included in the target period T and the second period T2 in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period T, and (ii) the target period In T, when the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply system 60 can be covered by the predicted surplus power, the hot water supply setting for the first period T1 A planning step of creating a schedule to run the boiling operation 60, based on the schedule created, and an execution step of executing the boiling operation in the hot water supply equipment 60. The facility 110 is an example of a consumer. The prediction step corresponds to step S23 of the above embodiment, the planning step corresponds to step S25 and step S26 of the above embodiment, and the execution step corresponds to step S16 of the above embodiment.

  Such a hot water supply method can create a schedule of the boiling operation using the surplus power by predicting the time transition of the surplus power. In addition, when it is predicted that the surplus power can not be obtained sufficiently, in addition to the period in which the surplus power can be obtained, create a schedule for performing the boiling operation in the period in which the electricity bill is relatively low. Can. That is, such a hot water supply method can create a schedule of economical boiling operation.

  Also, for example, the facility 110 further includes a power storage system 30. In the hot water supply method, when the forward flow of power from the system power source 120 to the facility 110 occurs during execution of the boiling operation, the storage system 30 discharges the stored power of the storage system 30 by the hot water supply facility. 60 includes an assist step to supply 60. The assist step corresponds to step S33 in the above embodiment.

  This suppresses the use of power from the system power supply 120 in the boiling operation. Further, if the electricity cost for charging the storage system 30 is lower than the electricity cost for using the power from the system power source 120, the electricity cost for the boiling operation can be suppressed.

  Also, for example, the hot water supply method further includes a charging step of charging the storage system 30 with the power from the system power supply 120 in a period in which the electricity charge is lower than the target period T. The charging step corresponds to step S31 in the above embodiment.

  Thereby, the electricity cost can be suppressed more than the case where the electrical storage system 30 is charged by the electric power supplied from the system power supply 120 in the target period T.

  Also, for example, the hot water supplying method further includes a charging step of charging the storage system 30 using the surplus power. The charging step corresponds to step S31 in the above embodiment.

  Thereby, the electricity cost can be suppressed compared with the case where the electrical storage system 30 is charged by the electric power supplied from the system power supply 120.

  Also, for example, the hot water supply method further includes a notification step in which the hot water supply equipment 60 notifies the consumed power amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment 60. The notification step corresponds to, for example, step S13 in the above embodiment. In the planning step, based on the notified power consumption, it is determined whether the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility 60 can be covered by the predicted surplus power.

  Thereby, the hot water supply equipment 60 can specify, for example, the amount of power consumption corresponding to the amount of hot water which is estimated not to cause breakage even if it is generated in the daytime among the amounts of hot water required per day.

  Also, for example, the second period T2 is a period before the target period T.

  Thus, the risk of running out of water can be reduced compared to the case where the second period T2 is a period after the target period T.

  Moreover, the control unit 50 predicts the time transition in the future of the surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the facility 110 from the generated power of the photovoltaic power generation facility 10 provided in the facility 110, (i) surplus power In the target period T predicted to occur, the first period T1 included in the target period T if the amount of power consumption necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility 60 provided in the facility 110 can not be covered by the predicted surplus power. And create a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment 60 in the second period T2 in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period T, and (ii) necessary for the heating operation of the hot water supply equipment 60 in the target period T If it is possible to supply a reasonable amount of power consumption with the predicted surplus power, a schedule for creating a schedule for executing the heating operation of the hot water supply system 60 in the first period T1 It comprises a section 55, on the basis of the schedule created, and an execution unit 56 for executing the boiling operation in the hot water supply equipment 60.

  Such a control device 50 can create a schedule of the boiling operation using the surplus power by predicting the time transition of the surplus power. Further, when it is predicted that the surplus power can not be sufficiently obtained, the control device 50 creates a schedule for performing the boiling operation in a period in which the electricity bill is relatively low, in addition to the period in which the surplus power is obtained. be able to. That is, such a control device 50 can create an economical schedule of boiling operation.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although embodiment was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the hot water supply facility is of the heat pump type, but may be of the heater type.

  Also, the communication method between the devices described in the above embodiments is an example. There is no particular limitation on the method of communication between the devices disposed in the facility. For example, wireless communication using a communication standard such as specific low power wireless, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is performed between the devices.

  In addition, instead of wireless communication, wired communication such as communication using Power Line Communication (PLC) or wired LAN may be performed between devices disposed in a facility.

  Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, another processing unit may execute a process performed by a specific processing unit. In addition, the hot water supply system may be realized as a client server system. For example, the hot water supply system may be realized by the server device having the function of the control device of the above-described embodiment and a client device corresponding to the hot water supply facility.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the component such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for the component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  Also, the components such as the control unit may be realized by a circuit or an integrated circuit. These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole or may be separate circuits. Each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

  In addition, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer readable CD-ROM. Also, the present invention may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. For example, the present invention may be realized as a hot water supply system according to the above embodiment, or may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute a hot water supply method, or a computer reading such a program is recorded It may be realized as a possible non-transitory recording medium.

  Further, the order of the plurality of processes in the operation of the hot water supply system described in the above embodiment is an example. The order of the plurality of processes may be changed, or the plurality of processes may be performed in parallel.

  In addition, the embodiments can be realized by various combinations that each person skilled in the art can think of for each embodiment, or by combining components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are included in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Solar power generation equipment 30 Storage system 50 Control apparatus 54 Prediction part 55 Planning part 56 Execution part 60 Hot water supply equipment 120 System power supply

Claims (7)

Predicting the future time transition of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the customer from the power generated by the solar power generation equipment provided for the customer;
(I) In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to be generated, the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility provided for the customer can not be covered by the predicted surplus power; Create a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility in the first period included in the period and the second period in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period, and (ii) the hot water supply device in the target period A planning step of creating a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility in the first period, when the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power;
A hot water supply method comprising: an execution step of causing the hot water supply facility to execute a boiling operation based on the created schedule. The consumer further comprises a storage system,
In the hot water supply method, when the forward flow of power from the system power supply to the customer occurs while the boiling operation is being performed, the storage system discharges the stored power of the storage system. The hot water supply method according to claim 1, further comprising an assist step of supplying the hot water supply facility. The hot water supply method according to claim 2, further comprising a charging step of charging the power storage system with power from the system power supply in a period in which the electricity charge is lower than the target period. The hot-water supply method according to claim 2, further comprising a charging step of charging the power storage system using the surplus power. Further, the method further includes a notification step in which the hot water supply device notifies the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply device,
In the planning step, based on the notified power consumption, it is determined whether the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility can be covered by the predicted surplus power. The hot water supply method according to any one of the above. The hot water supply method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second period is a period before the target period. A prediction unit that predicts the future time transition of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the customer from the power generated by the solar power generation equipment provided for the customer;
(I) In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to be generated, the power consumption amount necessary for the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility of the customer can not be covered by the predicted surplus power, the target period Create a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility in the first period included in the second period and the second period in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period, and (ii) in the target period, A planning unit that creates a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility in the first period when the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power;
A control unit comprising: an execution unit that causes the hot water supply facility to perform a boiling operation based on the created schedule.

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