JP2016220488A - User communication device, user communication method, and user communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user communication device, a user communication method, and a user communication system that can restrain increase in interference while permitting frequent signal transmission according to need.SOLUTION: A user communication device comprises a control unit for controlling communication with a first apparatus that measures power and communication with a second apparatus. The control unit controls communication with the fist apparatus in a first period so that a communication frequency with the first apparatus is a prescribed frequency or below, and in a second period different from the first period, it controls communication with the first apparatus so as to permit the communication frequency with the first apparatus to exceed the prescribed frequency, but restrains communication with the second apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a customer communication device, a customer communication method, and a customer communication system that control communication in a customer facility.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an energy management system (EMS: Energy Management System) that manages the power of equipment provided in a customer facility has attracted attention. In addition, introduction of a smart meter having a communication function as a meter for measuring power supplied from a power system to a customer facility has been studied (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-153337 A

  However, if communication between the power management device and the smart meter occurs frequently, interference with communication between the device other than the smart meter and the power management device increases. On the other hand, a message (demand response / output) instructing the period for setting communication between the power management device and the smart meter according to the installation of the power management device and the suppression of the power flow from the power system / reverse power flow to the power system A period during which it is preferable to frequently transmit a signal from the power management apparatus to the smart meter, such as a period in which power is controlled according to a suppression instruction), is also assumed.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and a consumer communication device that can suppress an increase in interference while allowing frequent signal transmission as necessary. An object is to provide a consumer communication method and a consumer communication system.

  A first feature is a consumer communication device, comprising a control unit that controls communication with a first device that measures electric power and communication with a second device, wherein the control unit includes the control unit in the first period, The communication with the first device is controlled so that the communication frequency with the first device is equal to or lower than the predetermined frequency, and the communication frequency with the first device is set to the predetermined frequency in a second period different from the first period. The gist is to control communication with the first device while allowing the frequency to be exceeded, and to suppress communication with the second device.

  The second feature is a consumer communication method, and the step of controlling communication with the first device so that the communication frequency with the first device for measuring power is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency in the first period. And controlling the communication with the first device while allowing the communication frequency with the first device to exceed the predetermined frequency in a second period different from the first period, and the second period. And a step of suppressing communication with the second device different from the first device.

  A third feature is a customer communication system, which is a customer communication device that controls communication between a first device that measures electric power, a second device, communication with the first device, and communication with the second device. The customer communication device controls communication with the first device such that the communication frequency with the first device is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency in the first period. What is the first period? In a different second period, the communication with the first device is controlled while allowing the communication frequency with the first device to exceed the predetermined frequency, and the communication with the second device is suppressed. The gist is to do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a customer communication device, a customer communication method, and a customer communication system that can suppress an increase in interference while allowing frequent signal transmission as necessary. Can do.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a power management system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the EMS 200 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a customer communication method according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a customer communication method according to the first modification.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

  However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and ratios of dimensions may be different from actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Moreover, it is a matter of course that portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios are included between the drawings.

[Outline of Disclosure]
A consumer communication device according to an outline of the disclosure includes a control unit that controls communication with a first device that measures electric power and communication with a second device, and the control unit includes the first device in a first period. The communication frequency with the first device is controlled so that the communication frequency with the first device is equal to or lower than the predetermined frequency, and the communication frequency with the first device exceeds the predetermined frequency in a second period different from the first period. The communication with the first device is controlled and the communication with the second device is suppressed.

  In the outline of the disclosure, the customer communication device controls communication with the first device so that the communication frequency with the first device is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency in the first period. Therefore, in the first period, the interference that the communication between the customer communication device and the first device gives to the communication between the customer communication device and the second device is reduced. On the other hand, the customer communication device controls communication with the first device and suppresses communication with the second device while allowing the communication frequency with the first device to exceed a predetermined frequency in the second period. . Therefore, in the second period, the communication between the customer communication device and the first device is allowed to be performed by suppressing the communication with the second device while allowing frequent signal transmission to the first device. Interference with the communication between the device and the second device is reduced.

[Embodiment]
(Power management system)
Hereinafter, the power management system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a power management system 1 according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power management system 1 includes a customer facility 100 and an external server 400. The customer facility 100 has an EMS 200, and the EMS 200 communicates with the external server 400 via the network 300.

  The customer facility 100 includes a solar battery 110, a storage battery 120, a PCS 130, a distribution board 140, a load 150, a smart meter 160, and a sensor 170. Further, the customer facility 100 includes an EMS 200 and a remote controller 210. In addition, although the power management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example which has the solar cell 110, the storage battery 120, PCS130, the distribution board 140, and the load 150, it is not limited to this and one is missing. Also good.

  The solar cell 110 is a photoelectric conversion device that generates power in response to light reception. The solar cell 110 outputs the generated DC power. The amount of power generated by the solar cell 110 changes according to the amount of solar radiation irradiated on the solar cell 110. Solar cell 110 is an example of a distributed power source that should operate according to a message instructing suppression of reverse power flow to power system 10 (hereinafter, output suppression message).

  In the embodiment, a solar cell is used as an example of a distributed power source, but a fuel cell such as a solid polymer fuel cell (PEFC) or a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is used. May be. It should be noted that when the reverse power flow is suppressed in such a fuel cell, the fuel cell is controlled in the same manner as the solar cell 110.

  The storage battery 120 is a device that stores electric power. The storage battery 120 outputs the accumulated DC power. In the embodiment, the storage battery 120 may operate according to the output suppression message, but may not operate according to the output suppression message.

  The PCS 130 is an example of a power converter (PCS; Power Conditioning System) that converts DC power into AC power. In the embodiment, the PCS 130 is connected to the main power line 10 </ b> L (here, the main power line 10 </ b> LA and the main power line 10 </ b> LB) connected to the power system 10, and is connected to both the solar battery 110 and the storage battery 120. The main power line 10LA is a power line that connects the power system 10 and the PCS 130, and the main power line 10LB is a power line that connects the PCS 130 and the distribution board 140.

  Here, the PCS 130 converts DC power input from the solar battery 110 into AC power, and converts DC power input from the storage battery 120 into AC power. Further, the PCS 130 converts AC power supplied from the power system 10 into DC power.

  Distribution board 140 is connected to main power line 10L (here main power line 10LB). Distribution board 140 branches main power line 10LB into a plurality of power lines, and distributes power to devices (here, load 150 and EMS 200) connected to the plurality of power lines.

  The load 150 is a device that consumes electric power supplied via a power line. For example, the load 150 includes devices such as a refrigerator, lighting, an air conditioner, and a television. The load 150 may be a single device or may include a plurality of devices.

  The smart meter 160 measures the amount of power flow from the power system 10 (the amount of power purchased). The smart meter 160 may measure the amount of reverse power flow to the power system 10 (power sales power amount). In the embodiment, the smart meter 160 has a function of performing wireless communication with the EMS 200 and is an example of a first device that measures power.

  The wireless communication method between the smart meter 160 and the EMS 200 may be Zigbee (registered trademark), Z-Wave (registered trademark), or Wi-SUN (registered trademark). . Alternatively, the wireless communication method between the smart meter 160 and the EMS 200 may be a method using a band that does not require a license (in other words, a method in which the smart meter 160 and the EMS 200 function as a specific low-power wireless station). . The smart meter 160 is controlled so that the communication frequency between the smart meter 160 and the EMS 200 is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency.

  The sensor 170 may be any device that replaces mechanical, electromagnetic, thermal, acoustic, or chemical properties or spatial information / time information indicated by them with signals of another medium. As the sensor 170, specifically, a current (CT) sensor, a human sensor, a tactile sensor, a temperature sensor, a room temperature sensor, a water amount sensor, an infrared sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a radio wave sensor, or the like can be used. . In the embodiment, the sensor 170 is a case of a CT sensor, and the sensor 170 measures electric power supplied to various devices. The sensor 170 may measure the power output from the distributed power source. In the embodiment, the sensor 170 is an example of a second device having a function of performing wireless communication with the EMS 200.

  The wireless communication method between the sensor 170 and the EMS 200 may be Zigbee (registered trademark), Z-Wave, or Wi-SUN. Alternatively, the wireless communication method between the sensor 170 and the EMS 200 may be a method using a band that does not require a license (in other words, a method in which the sensor 170 and the EMS 200 function as a specific low-power wireless station).

  The wireless communication method between the sensor 170 and the EMS 200 may be a method that uses a frequency band that overlaps with the wireless communication method between the smart meter 160 and the EMS 200. By using overlapping frequency bands in this way, it is possible to facilitate cooperation with a plurality of devices, for example. The overlapping frequency bands need only overlap with each other. The sensor 170 is configured to communicate with the EMS 200 at a predetermined cycle.

  In FIG. 1, as the sensor 170, a sensor 170A, a sensor 170B, and a sensor 170C are illustrated. The sensor 170A measures the power output from the solar cell 110. The sensor 170 </ b> B measures the power supplied to the storage battery 120 and the power output from the storage battery 120. The sensor 170C measures the electric power supplied to the load 150.

  The EMS 200 is an apparatus (EMS; Energy Management System) that manages power information indicating power supplied from the power system 10 to the customer facility 100. The EMS 200 may manage the power generation amount of the solar battery 110, the charge amount of the storage battery 120, and the discharge amount of the storage battery 120. The EMS 200 is composed of, for example, a CPU or a memory. The EMS 200 may be configured integrally with the distribution board 140 or the PCS 130, or may be a cloud service via the network 300. In the embodiment, the EMS 200 is connected to the remote controller 210 and the network 300.

  Here, the EMS 200 controls each device (the PCS 130 and the load 150) according to a message (hereinafter referred to as demand response) instructing suppression of power flow from the power system. The EMS 200 controls the PCS 130 by notifying the PCS 130 of information related to the demand response via the remote controller 210. The information related to the demand response may be the demand response itself or a control instruction necessary for responding to the demand response. The EMS 200 controls the PCS 130 to perform the discharge control of the storage battery 120 according to the demand response. Alternatively, the EMS 200 controls the load 150 so as to reduce the power consumption of the load 150 according to the demand response.

  EMS200 controls each apparatus (PCS130) according to the message (output suppression message) which instruct | indicates suppression of the reverse power flow to an electric power grid | system. The EMS 200 controls the PCS 130 by notifying the PCS 130 of information related to the demand response via the remote controller 210. Specifically, the EMS 200 controls the PCS 130 to decrease the output of the solar cell 110 according to the output suppression message.

  In the embodiment, the EMS 200 is an example of a customer communication device that controls communication with the smart meter 160 (first device) and the sensor 170 (second device). The EMS 200 controls communication with the smart meter 160 such that the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 is a predetermined frequency (for example, once / one minute) or less in the first period. The EMS 200 controls communication with the smart meter 160 and suppresses communication with the sensor 170 while allowing the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 to exceed a predetermined frequency in a second period different from the first period.

  Here, “allowing the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 to exceed the predetermined frequency” means that the actual communication frequency may not exceed the predetermined frequency and the communication frequency is not limited to the predetermined frequency or less. means. However, in the second period, the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 may actually exceed a predetermined frequency.

  The phrase “suppress communication with the sensor 170” only needs to suppress the communication frequency with the sensor 170 in the second period than the communication frequency with the sensor 170 in the first period. For example, when the communication between the EMS 200 and the sensor 170 is performed in the first period in the first period, the communication between the EMS 200 and the sensor 170 is performed in the second period longer than the first period in the second period. Is called. Alternatively, communication between the EMS 200 and the sensor 170 may be stopped in the second period. Alternatively, the signal strength communicated between the EMS 200 and the sensor 170 in the second period may be reduced. Alternatively, the communication modulation or encryption method between the EMS 200 and the sensor 170 may be changed.

  In the embodiment, the second period is a period in which the communication frequency between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160 is preferably allowed to exceed a predetermined frequency. Note that the first period is a period other than the second period. In the second period, the period may be determined when the second period is started, or the end time may not be determined when the second period is started. Even when the period is determined when the second period starts, the end time may be extended depending on the situation.

  For example, the second period may be a period for setting communication between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160. The communication setting is performed, for example, at the timing of installing the smart meter 160 in the customer facility 100 or the timing of installing the EMS 200 in the customer facility 100. Alternatively, the communication setting may be performed at the timing of recovery from a power failure, or may be performed according to a user operation (for example, a reset operation). It should be noted that in such a period, the communication frequency between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160 may be allowed to exceed a predetermined frequency in order to shorten the time required for communication setting. In addition, the communication between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160 is prioritized over the other communication in the second period, so that more reliable communication can be performed.

  Alternatively, the second period may be a period in which power is controlled according to a message (demand response) instructing suppression of power flow from the power system 10. In such a period, it should be noted that the communication frequency between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160 may be allowed to exceed a predetermined frequency in order to confirm the effectiveness of demand response (that is, power flow suppression). It is.

  Alternatively, the second period may be a period in which power is controlled according to a message (output suppression message) instructing suppression of reverse power flow to the power system 10. In such a period, in order to confirm the effectiveness of the output suppression message (that is, output suppression of the solar battery 110), the communication frequency between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160 may be allowed to exceed a predetermined frequency. It should be noted.

  Or you may transfer to a 2nd period, when EMS200 receives a demand response and an output suppression message. When the demand response and the output suppression message are received, it may be necessary to immediately grasp the status of the solar battery 110, the storage battery 120, or the load 150 via the sensor 170. In such a case, by quickly and automatically shifting from the first period to the second period, it is possible to quickly and more accurately grasp the power situation in the customer facility.

  In the embodiment, the second period may be set by an event for which suppression of communication with the sensor 170 is permitted by the sensor 170. That is, when suppression of communication with the sensor 170 is permitted by the sensor 170, the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 may be allowed to exceed a predetermined frequency.

  The remote controller 210 is attached to the PCS 130 and notifies the PCS 130 of various messages for operating the PCS 130. For example, the remote controller 210 may notify the PCS 130 of information related to the output suppression message and demand response received from the EMS 200.

  The network 300 is a communication network that connects the EMS 200 and the external server 400. The network 300 may be the Internet. The network 300 may include a mobile communication network.

  The external server 400 transmits a message (demand response) instructing suppression of power flow from the power system 10. The demand response may include information indicating a schedule for which tidal current suppression is required. The external server 400 transmits a message (output suppression message) instructing suppression of reverse power flow to the power system 10. The output suppression message may include information indicating a schedule for requesting reverse power flow suppression. That is, the external server 400 is a DR (Demand Response) server. As the output suppression message or demand response transmitted from the external server 400 to the EMS 200, for example, a format compliant with an automatic demand response (ADR) can be used.

  Here, the demand response includes information indicating the degree of suppression of the amount of power (tidal flow rate) supplied from the power system to the customer facility 100. The suppression degree may be represented by an absolute value (for example, OO kW) of the electric energy (tidal flow rate). Alternatively, the degree of suppression may be represented by a relative value of electric energy (tidal flow rate) (for example, a decrease in OO kW). Or the suppression degree may be represented by the suppression rate (for example, (circle)%) of electric energy (tidal flow).

  Alternatively, the demand response may include information indicating a power purchase price that is the price of the power flow from the power system. By setting a high price as the power purchase price, it is expected that the amount of power (tidal flow) supplied from the power system to the customer facility 100 will be suppressed.

  The output suppression message includes information indicating the degree of suppression of the amount of power (reverse flow rate) output from the customer facility 100 to the power system. Specifically, the output suppression message includes information indicating the degree of suppression of the output of the distributed power source (here, the solar battery 110). The degree of suppression may be represented by an absolute value (for example, OO kW) of the output of the distributed power source (here, solar cell 110). Alternatively, the degree of suppression may be represented by a relative value (for example, a decrease in OO kW) of the output of the distributed power source (here, solar cell 110). Alternatively, the degree of suppression may be represented by an output suppression ratio (for example, OO%) of the distributed power source (here, solar cell 110). The suppression ratio may be a ratio with respect to an output that is certified as an output capability of the PCS that controls the distributed power supply (hereinafter referred to as equipment certified output) when the distributed power supply is installed in the customer facility 100. When the output capability of the distributed power supply and the output capability of the PCS are different, the facility certified output is the smaller output capability of these output capabilities. In the case where a plurality of PCSs are installed, the facility authorization output is the sum of the output capacities of the plurality of PCSs.

  In the embodiment, the devices provided in the customer facility 100 constitute a customer communication system. The customer communication system may include, for example, a smart meter 160 (first device), a sensor 170 (second device), and an EMS 200 (customer communication device).

(Customer communication equipment)
Below, the customer communication apparatus which concerns on embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the EMS 200 according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the EMS 200 includes a first communication unit 220, a second communication unit 230, and a control unit 240.

  The first communication unit 220 communicates with the external server 400. For example, the first communication unit 220 receives a message (demand response) instructing suppression of power flow from the power system 10. The first communication unit 220 receives a message (output suppression message) instructing suppression of reverse power flow to the power system 10.

  The second communication unit 230 communicates with devices (for example, the PCS 130, the load 150, the smart meter 160, and the sensor 170) provided in the customer facility 100. For example, the second communication unit 230 transmits various control commands to the device. The second communication unit 230 receives information indicating the control state of the device from the device. In addition, the 2nd communication part 230 may communicate with the apparatus provided in the consumer facility 100 using the format based on an ECHONET Lite system.

  As described above, the wireless communication method between the smart meter 160 and the EMS 200 and the wireless communication method between the sensor 170 and the EMS 200 may be Zigbee (registered trademark) or Z-Wave. Wi-SUN may be used. The wireless communication method between the smart meter 160 and the EMS 200 may be a method that uses a frequency band that overlaps with the wireless communication method between the sensor 170 and the EMS 200.

  The control unit 240 includes a memory and a CPU, and controls the EMS 200. Specifically, the control unit 240 controls the reverse power flow to the power system according to the output suppression message. Here, the control part 240 suppresses the output of the solar cell 110 according to the output suppression message. The output suppression of the solar cell 110 in the reverse power flow suppression state can be performed by controlling the PCS 130, for example. The control unit 240 controls the power flow to the power system according to the demand response. For example, the control unit 240 may suppress the power consumption amount of the load 150 according to the demand response.

  In the embodiment, the control unit 240 controls communication with the smart meter 160 so that the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 is a predetermined frequency (for example, once / one minute) or less in the first period. The control unit 240 controls communication with the smart meter 160 and suppresses communication with the sensor 170 while allowing the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 to exceed a predetermined frequency in a second period different from the first period. To do. As described above, the control unit 240 may control communication with the smart meter 160 so that the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 exceeds a predetermined frequency.

(Customer communication method)
Below, the customer communication method which concerns on embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a customer communication method according to the embodiment. Here, a case where the first device is the smart meter 160, the second device is the sensor 170, and the customer communication device is the EMS 200 is illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in step S10, the EMS 200 detects an event that starts the second period. The second period may be a period for setting communication between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160, for example, and controls power according to a message (demand response) instructing suppression of power flow from the power system 10. It may be a period, or may be a period in which power is controlled according to a message (output suppression message) instructing suppression of reverse power flow to the power system 10.

  Here, a case where the second period is a period in which power is controlled according to a demand response or an output suppression message is illustrated.

  In step S <b> 20, EMS 200 transmits a message requesting suppression of communication frequency to sensor 170.

  In step S <b> 30, the sensor 170 transmits a message indicating whether or not to suppress communication with the sensor 170 to the EMS 200. Here, the description is continued assuming that suppression of communication with the sensor 170 is permitted. Accordingly, in step S30, the EMS 200 sets a second period in which the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 is allowed to exceed a predetermined frequency.

  In step S40, the EMS 200 transmits a message requesting an increase in communication frequency to the smart meter 160. Such a message is transmitted using, for example, a GET command conforming to the ECHONET Lite method.

  In step S50, the smart meter 160 transmits a measurement result indicating the power measured by the smart meter 160 to the EMS 200. Here, it should be noted that the communication frequency of the measurement result exceeds a predetermined frequency. Such a measurement result is transmitted using, for example, an INFO command conforming to the ECHONET Lite method.

  In step S60, the EMS 200 detects an event that ends the second period.

  In step S <b> 70, the EMS 200 transmits a message for canceling the suppression of the communication frequency to the sensor 170.

  In step S80, the EMS 200 transmits a message for canceling the increase in communication frequency to the smart meter 160. Such a message is transmitted using, for example, a GET command conforming to the ECHONET Lite method.

  In step S <b> 90, the smart meter 160 transmits a measurement result indicating the power measured by the smart meter 160 to the EMS 200. Here, it should be noted that the communication frequency of the measurement result is not more than a predetermined frequency. Such a measurement result is transmitted using, for example, an INFO command conforming to the ECHONET Lite method.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, it should be noted that the period between step S40 and step S80 is the second period, and the period other than the second period is the first period.

(Function and effect)
In the embodiment, the EMS 200 controls communication with the smart meter 160 so that the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency in the first period. Therefore, in the first period, the interference that the communication between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160 gives to the communication between the EMS 200 and the sensor 170 is reduced. On the other hand, the EMS 200 controls communication with the smart meter 160 and suppresses communication with the sensor 170 while allowing the communication frequency with the smart meter 160 to exceed a predetermined frequency in the second period. Therefore, in the second period, the communication between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160 is controlled between the EMS 200 and the sensor 170 by suppressing the communication with the sensor 170 while allowing the frequent transmission of signals to the smart meter 160. Interference with communication is reduced.

[Modification 1]
Hereinafter, Modification Example 1 of the embodiment will be described. In the following, differences from the embodiment will be mainly described.

  Specifically, in the embodiment, the EMS 200 transmits a message requesting an increase in communication frequency to the smart meter 160, and the smart meter 160 transmits a measurement result in response to the message requesting an increase in communication frequency. The frequency is increased (step S40 and step S50 shown in FIG. 3). The EMS 200 transmits a message for canceling the increase in the communication frequency to the smart meter 160, and the smart meter 160 decreases the frequency for transmitting the measurement result in response to the message for canceling the increase in the communication frequency (FIG. 3). Step S80 and Step S90) shown in FIG. In other words, the smart meter 160 is configured to transmit the measurement result to the EMS 200 even when not requested from the EMS 200.

  On the other hand, in the first modification, the smart meter 160 is configured to transmit a measurement result to the EMS 200 in response to a transmission request received from the EMS 200. Therefore, the EMS 200 transmits a transmission request to the smart meter 160 at a frequency equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency in the first period. On the other hand, the EMS 200 transmits a transmission request to the smart meter 160 at a frequency exceeding a predetermined frequency in the second period.

(Customer communication method)
Below, the customer communication method which concerns on the example 1 of a change is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a customer communication method according to the first modification. Here, a case where the first device is the smart meter 160, the second device is the sensor 170, and the customer communication device is the EMS 200 is illustrated. In FIG. 4, the same steps as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Only differences from FIG. 3 will be described below.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the customer communication method according to the first modification includes step S40A instead of step S40 and step S50, as compared to the sequence shown in FIG. The customer communication method according to the first modification includes step S80A instead of step S80 and step S90, as compared to the sequence shown in FIG.

  In step S40A, the EMS 200 transmits a transmission request to the smart meter 160, and the smart meter 160 transmits a transmission result to the EMS 200 in response to the transmission request. Here, it should be noted that the transmission frequency of the transmission request and the transmission result exceeds a predetermined frequency. It should be noted that step S40A is a process performed in the second period. The transmission request is transmitted using, for example, a GET command conforming to the ECHONET Lite method. The measurement result is transmitted using, for example, an INFO command conforming to the ECHONET Lite method.

  In step S80A, the EMS 200 transmits a transmission request to the smart meter 160, and the smart meter 160 transmits a transmission result to the EMS 200 in response to the transmission request. Here, it should be noted that the transmission frequency of the transmission request and the transmission result is not more than a predetermined frequency. It should be noted that step S40A is a process performed in the first period. The transmission request is transmitted using, for example, a GET command conforming to the ECHONET Lite method. The measurement result is transmitted using, for example, an INFO command conforming to the ECHONET Lite method.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  In the embodiment, the case where the first device is the smart meter 160 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The first device may be a device provided in the customer facility 100, and may be a device other than the smart meter 160 (PCS 130, load 150 or sensor 170).

  In the embodiment, the case where the smart meter 160 measures electric power has been described, but water or gas may be measured. Specifically, the smart meter 160 may measure the tide (usage amount) of water in the water supply or measure the tide (usage amount) of gas.

  In the embodiment, the case where the second device is the sensor 170 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The second device may be a device provided in the customer facility 100, and may be a device other than the sensor 170 (PCS 130, load 150, or smart meter 160).

  In the embodiment, the case where the customer communication device is the EMS 200 has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The customer communication device may be a device provided in the customer facility 100, and may be a device (PCS 130, load 150, smart meter 160, or sensor 170) other than the EMS 200.

  As described above, it should be noted that the first device, the second device, and the customer communication device may be devices provided in the customer facility 100.

  In the embodiment, the case where the second period is a period in which power is controlled according to the demand response or the output suppression message has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The second period may be a period for setting communication between the EMS 200 and the smart meter 160. In such a case, the smart meter 160 transmits, to the EMS 200, information necessary for communication setting or login information regarding an ID and a password, instead of the measurement result. Similarly, the EMS 200 may transmit information necessary for communication setting to the smart meter 160 instead of a message requesting an increase in communication frequency, a message canceling the increase in communication frequency, or a transmission request.

  In the embodiment, the EMS 200 receives the demand response and the output suppression message from the external server 400 and notifies the PCS 130 of the demand response and the output suppression message. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the EMS 200 may not be provided in the customer facility 100, and the PCS 130 may directly receive the demand response and the output suppression message from the external server 400. In addition, the remote controller 210 may not be provided in the customer facility 100.

  In addition, when the customer communication device and the second device are connected not only by wireless communication but also by wired communication, communication between the second device and the customer communication device is changed from wireless communication to wired communication during the second period. It may be changed. Thereby, even when the frequency of wireless communication between the customer communication device and the first device is higher than a predetermined frequency, an increase in interference can be suppressed. When the second period ends, the communication between the customer communication device and the second device is changed from wired communication to wireless communication. The change between wireless communication and wired communication may be performed manually or automatically.

  When there are a plurality of second devices, a priority order may be provided for the second device that suppresses communication in the second period. In addition, a priority becomes a high priority, so that communication may be suppressed.

  Specifically, when the sensor 170A, the sensor 170B, and the sensor 170C exist as the second device, the order of suppressing communication in the second period may be determined. For example, when the priority is determined in advance in the order of the sensor 170A, the sensor 170B, and the sensor 170C, the first device and the customer communication device are considered in consideration of the communication status between the first device and the customer communication device. Communication is suppressed in the order of the sensor 170A, the sensor 170B, and the sensor 170C until the quality of wireless communication with the sensor becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  The quality of wireless communication is determined based on received signal strength (RSSI; Received Signal Strength Indicator), signal interference ratio (SIR; Signal to Interference Ratio or SINR; Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) information, and packet error rate. The

  The communication in which the second device is suppressed may be determined for each priority. The higher the priority, the higher the communication suppression rate may be. Specifically, when the communication is suppressed by the communication frequency, the communication frequency is set to be lower as the priority is higher.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of second devices, it is not necessary to suppress communication of all the second devices in the second period, and some of the second devices may be selectively suppressed. . For example, when the customer communication device receives an output suppression message, the output status of the solar battery 110 becomes important. Therefore, the sensor 170B and the sensor 170C related to the storage battery 120 and the load 150 without suppressing the communication of the sensor 170A. Communication is suppressed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Power management system, 10 ... Power system, 10L ... Main power line, 100 ... Consumer facility, 110 ... Solar cell, 120 ... Storage battery, 130 ... PCS, 140 ... Distribution board, 150 ... Load, 160 ... Smart meter, 170 ... sensor, 200 ... EMS, 210 ... remote controller, 220 ... first communication unit, 230 ... second communication unit, 240 ... control unit, 300 ... network, 400 ... external server

Claims (11)

A control unit for controlling communication with the first device for measuring power and communication with the second device;
The controller is
In the first period, the communication with the first device is controlled so that the communication frequency with the first device is a predetermined frequency or less,
In a second period different from the first period, the communication frequency with the first device is controlled while allowing the communication frequency with the first device to exceed a predetermined frequency, and the communication with the second device is suppressed. A consumer communication device characterized by:   The customer communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second period is a period for setting communication with the first device.   3. The customer communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second period is a period in which power is controlled in accordance with a message instructing suppression of power flow from the power system.   The customer communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second period is a period in which power is controlled in accordance with a message instructing suppression of reverse power flow to the power system. .   The customer communication according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second period is set by an event that is permitted by the second device to suppress communication with the second device. apparatus.   The customer communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is a smart meter that measures electric power supplied from an electric power system.   The customer communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second device is a device configured to perform communication at a predetermined period.   The wireless communication method with the first device is a method using a frequency band that overlaps with the wireless communication method with the second period. The customer communication device described in 1.   The said control part controls communication with the said 1st apparatus so that the communication frequency with the said 1st apparatus may exceed the said predetermined frequency in the said 2nd period. The consumer communication apparatus as described in Crab. Controlling the communication with the first device so that the communication frequency with the first device for measuring power is equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency in the first period;
Controlling communication with the first device while allowing the communication frequency with the first device to exceed the predetermined frequency in a second period different from the first period;
A step of suppressing communication with the second device different from the first device in the second period. A first device for measuring power;
A second device;
A customer communication device for controlling communication with the first device and communication with the second device;
The customer communication device is:
In the first period, the communication with the first device is controlled so that the communication frequency with the first device is a predetermined frequency or less,
In a second period different from the first period, communication with the first device is controlled while allowing a communication frequency with the first device to exceed the predetermined frequency, and communication with the second device is performed. A customer communication system characterized by suppressing.

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