JP2002031405A - Apparatus and method for appropriately operating energy-using equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote global energy conservation by reducing the energy consumption consumed by water-heaters 14 installed in a plurality of homes 3a. SOLUTION: This apparatus aims to reduce energy consumption of respective water-heaters 14 installed in a plurality of homes 3a, and is equipped with a communication part 21, an information controller 22, and an equipment- controller 23. The part 21 communicates with each water heater 14 through a network 9. The information controller 22 stores information of each water heater 14. The controller 23 remotely controls each water heater 14 through the communication part 21 and the network 9, based on the information in the information controller 22.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an energy use equipment proper operation apparatus for reducing energy consumption of energy use equipment installed under a plurality of customers.
And the proper operation of energy use equipment.

[0002]

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

[0003]

However, conventionally, although energy-saving equipment has been developed, manufactured and sold, the operation and management of the energy-saving equipment after sale are left to the customer. For example, after devices with a large amount of energy consumption, such as water heaters and air conditioners, are sold to each home, their usage (operation) is left to the customer. For this reason,
The energy-saving equipment is not always optimized for energy-saving operation.

[0004] Conventionally, before or after the introduction of energy-saving equipment, consulting on energy-saving operation is sometimes performed. However, even when consulting is performed, it is difficult for a customer to properly perform energy saving operation, and there are cases where optimal operation is practically impossible only with information possessed by the customer. For example, the environment where the equipment is placed is a matter that should be utilized for proper energy-saving operation, but it is difficult to force ordinary customers to do so.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to reduce the amount of energy consumed by energy-using equipment installed at a plurality of customers, thereby promoting global energy saving.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for properly operating energy use equipment, which reduces the energy consumption of each of the energy use equipment installed at a plurality of customers. Unit, a storage unit, and a device control unit. The connection unit connects to each energy use device via a network. The storage unit stores information on each energy using device. The device control unit remotely controls the energy use device via the connection unit and the network based on the information in the storage unit.

[0007] The energy use equipment proper operation device according to the present invention is, for example, a manufacturer or a seller of energy use equipment,
It is assumed that energy suppliers and organizations promoting energy conservation will use it. If this energy use equipment proper operation device is used, it is possible to perform optimal remote control for each of the energy use equipment installed by multiple customers, and each customer can independently operate the energy use equipment. The energy saving effect is improved as compared with the case where it is performed. In addition, since the energy-using devices at a plurality of customers are centrally managed and remotely controlled, the overall energy saving effect is large, contributing to environmental protection and reduction of carbon dioxide.

[0008] The device control section may directly control the energy-consuming device remotely, or may indirectly remotely control the energy-using device by sending control information to the energy-consuming device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy use equipment proper operation apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the storage unit stores information on an installation environment of each energy use equipment.

Here, the information on the installation environment of each energy use device stored in the storage unit includes a change in outside air temperature for each time zone, a season, weather, an area, humidity, and the like.
Since such information regarding the installation environment is included, the energy use equipment proper operation device can perform more appropriate remote control of the energy use equipment using the information.

For example, when the energy-using equipment is a water heater, information on temperature and humidity around the energy-using equipment is collected at predetermined time intervals, and the temperature and humidity are boiled at any time together with the weather and seasonal information. It is conceivable to estimate whether or not it is optimal to perform the control, and to use it for the energy saving control. This energy saving control may be performed directly on the energy use equipment proper operation device side, or the energy use device side may download various information and optimal control contents from the energy use device proper operation device and perform control by itself. Good.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy use equipment proper operation device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the storage unit relates to an energy supply state of an energy supplier that supplies energy to the energy use equipment. The information is stored.

Here, the information on the energy supply state of the energy supplier stored in the storage unit includes energy hourly price setting, information on peak energy consumption, and the like. Since the energy use equipment proper operation device has such information on the energy supply state, it can perform more appropriate remote control of the energy use equipment by using the information.

For example, it is possible to control the operation of the energy-consuming equipment during a time period in which the price setting of the energy is as low as possible, or to operate the energy-consuming equipment except for the peak time of the total energy consumption. Conceivable.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a device for properly operating an energy use device, wherein the energy use device is a water heater having a tank. Further, the storage unit stores at least one of the information on the tank capacity of each energy using device and the information on the estimated value of the used hot water amount for each time zone.

In this case, since the energy-consuming device is a water heater, and the storage capacity of the water heater and the estimated information of the amount of hot water used for each time zone are stored in the storage portion, the device control portion determines the timing at which energy consumption is suppressed. It is possible to store the hot water in the tank by operating the device, or to heat the hot water in advance according to the estimated hot water usage for each time zone.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy use equipment proper operation apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the storage unit stores the use results of each energy use equipment.

In this case, since the use results of each energy use device are stored and accumulated in the storage unit, it is possible to perform the optimal control based on the past result data. The energy use equipment proper operation device according to claim 6 is the device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein information of each customer is further stored in the storage unit.

Here, the customer information to be stored in the storage unit includes the customer's lifestyle, the customer's staff composition (for example, family structure), the gender and age of the staff members. In view of the fact that the usage time and usage time of the energy-consuming equipment are influenced by the customer information, here, the customer information is stored in the storage unit, and this is used for optimal control of the energy-using equipment performed by the equipment control unit. I try to use it.

[0020] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy use equipment proper operation apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the equipment control unit directly controls the energy use equipment via the connection unit and the network. Or indirectly sends control information to the energy-consuming device via the connection and the network to remotely control the energy-consuming device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for properly operating an energy use device, which is a method for reducing the energy consumption of each of the energy use devices installed under a plurality of customers, and includes the following three steps. ing.

First step of connecting each energy use device to the management computer via a network. A second step of storing information of each energy using device in a storage unit of the management computer.

A third step of remotely controlling the energy-consuming equipment over a network using a management computer based on the information in the storage unit;

[0024]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0086] Here, the water heater 14 is installed in the home 3a at no initial cost, and the management center 302 is paid as a fixed monthly fee by installing the equipment introduction cost and the maintenance cost as installment. This payment imposes a new burden on the home 3a, but this clearly shows the benefits of the home 3a by showing the home 3a the amount of energy cost reduction by replacing the conventional water heater with the water heater 14. I just need.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0098]

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform optimum remote control for each of the energy use devices installed under a plurality of customers, and when each customer independently operates the energy use devices. The energy saving effect is improved as compared with.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Management Center 3a Household (Customer) 4a Electric Power Company (Energy Supplier) 9 Communication Network (Network) 12 Management Computer 14 Water Heater (Energy Use Equipment) 21 Communication Unit (Connection Unit) 22 Information Management Unit (Storage Unit) 23 Equipment Control unit

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Junichiro Tanaka 1000-2 Oya, Okamoto-cho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga Inside Daiga Industries Co., Ltd. Shiga Works (72) Tadashi Sakaguchi 1000-Oya, Okamoto-cho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 2 Daikin Inside the Shiga Works of Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masashi Fukatsu 1000, Oya, Okamotocho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 2 Within the Shiga Works of Daikin Industries Co., Ltd. 2 Daikin Industries Co., Ltd. Shiga Works (72) Inventor Nakataka Hidetaka 1000 Oya, Okamotocho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 2 Daikin Industries Co., Ltd. Shiga Works F-term (reference) 5B049 BB00 CC48 EE31

Claims (8)

[Claims] An energy use equipment proper operation device for reducing the energy consumption of each of the energy use equipments (14) installed under a plurality of customers (3a), said equipment being operated via a network (9). A connection unit (21) connected to each of the energy using devices (14); and a storage unit (2) that stores information on each of the energy using devices.
2) and the connection unit (2) based on the information in the storage unit (22).
1) and an equipment control unit (23) for remotely controlling the energy use equipment (14) via the network (9).
And a proper operation device for energy use equipment. 2. The energy use equipment proper operation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage section (22) stores information on an installation environment of each of the energy use equipments (14). 3. The storage section (22) stores information on an energy supply state of an energy supplier (4a) that supplies energy to the energy use device (14). Energy use equipment proper operation equipment. 4. The energy use equipment (14) is a water heater having a tank, and the storage unit (22) stores information on the tank capacity of each of the energy use equipment (14) and usage of the energy use equipment by time zone. The at least one of the information of the estimated value of hot water is stored.
4. The energy use equipment proper operation device according to any one of items 1 to 3. 5. The storage unit (22) stores a record of use of each of the energy using devices (14).
5. The energy use equipment proper operation device according to any one of items 1 to 4. 6. The energy use equipment proper operation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said storage section (22) further stores information of each of said customers (3a). 7. The device control unit (23) directly or remotely controls the energy use device (14) via the connection unit (21) and the network (9), or controls the connection unit (21). 7. The energy use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein control information is sent to the energy use equipment (14) via the network (9) and the energy use equipment (14) is indirectly remotely controlled. Equipment proper operation equipment. 8. An energy use equipment proper operation method for reducing energy consumption of each of energy use equipments (14) installed under a plurality of customers (3a), said method comprising: Connecting each of the energy using devices (14) to a management computer (12); storing information of each of the energy using devices (14) in a storage unit (22) of the management computer (12); A) using the management computer (12) based on the information in (1) and remotely controlling the energy use device (14) via the network (9).