JP2018170939A - Energy management module, energy management apparatus, energy management system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an energy management module capable of eliminating any dedicated unit for executing an energy management function, and an energy management apparatus, an energy management system, and a program.SOLUTION: An energy management module 2 is equipped with: a module side connection part 22; and a module side processing part 21. The module side connection part 22 is connected to a main unit 3 configured to execute main functions, which are different from an energy management function to manage at least one of the consumption and the generation of energy at a customer facility F1, by the unit only. The module side processing part 21 is configured to execute the energy management function in a state being connected to a main unit 3 by the module side connection part 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an energy management module, an energy management device, an energy management system, and a program, and more particularly to an energy management module, an energy management device, an energy management system, and a program that manage energy consumption in a facility.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a power management system including a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller that collects power consumption of electric appliances in the home and total power consumption in the home and stores it in a memory, and a HEMS server (for example, Patent Document 1). In this power management system, the HEMS controller transmits information on the power stored in the memory to the HEMS server. The HEMS server prepares advice for the user based on the information regarding the power transmitted from the HEMS controller. The user can refer to information stored in the HEMS controller using a user terminal (tablet terminal and personal computer). Further, the user can access the HEMS site using the user terminal and receive advice on power consumption.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-228746

  In the power management system of Patent Document 1, a HEMS controller (energy management module) that collects information about power is provided separately from a user terminal for a user to check information about power. Therefore, the user needs to prepare a dedicated HEMS controller having a function (energy management function) for collecting information about power, and there is a problem that the number of devices constituting the power management system (energy management system) increases. there were.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an energy management module, an energy management device, an energy management system, and a program that can eliminate the need for a dedicated device for performing an energy management function.

  The energy management module of one aspect of the present invention is a connection for connecting a main function different from an energy management function for managing at least one of consumption and generation of energy at a customer facility to a main apparatus capable of executing alone. And a processing unit. The processing unit executes the energy management function while being connected to the main device by the connection unit.

  The energy management apparatus of 1 aspect of this invention is equipped with the said energy management module and the said main apparatus to which the said energy management module is connected by the said connection part.

  An energy management system according to an aspect of the present invention includes the energy management module, the main device, and an external device. The energy management module is connected to the main apparatus through the connection unit. The external device collects energy information regarding at least one of energy consumption and generation at the customer facility from the energy management module.

  A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer of a main apparatus to execute a process of collecting energy information regarding at least one of consumption and generation of energy at the customer facility. The main apparatus can execute a main function different from an energy management function for managing at least one of consumption and generation of energy at a customer facility.

  According to the present invention, there is an advantage that a dedicated device for executing the energy management function can be eliminated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an energy management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the energy management system according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the energy management system according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the energy management system according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the energy management system according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the above energy management system.

  The embodiment described below is only one of various embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments, and may include other embodiments. The following embodiments can be variously changed according to the design or the like as long as they do not depart from the technical idea of the present invention.

(1) Configuration An energy management system including an energy management module according to the present embodiment provides an energy management function for managing at least one of energy consumption and generation in a customer facility.

  The “customer facility” referred to here is a facility of a consumer who receives supply of energy resources from an energy resource supplier. In this embodiment, a detached house will be described as an example of a customer facility. In the present embodiment, the case where the “energy resource” is electric power is taken as an example, but the energy resource may be a fuel gas such as city gas or propane gas, or kerosene or gasoline. This type of energy resource has the common feature that a consumer purchases from a supplier and is consumed as energy is used. In addition, energy resources may include resources that need to be purchased from a supplier, although the purpose of direct use is rarely the use of energy, such as tap water supplied through waterworks.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an energy management system 1 of the present embodiment.

  The energy management system 1 includes an energy management module 2 and a main device 3. In this embodiment, the energy management module 2 and the main device 3 constitute an energy management device 4. The main device 3 can communicate with an external device 5 such as a server that provides a service related to the management of energy consumption at the customer facility F1.

  The main device 3 can execute a main function different from the energy management function for managing energy consumption in the customer facility F1 alone. The main device 3 of the present embodiment is a thin television receiver such as a liquid crystal television, for example, and has a video display function that displays an input moving image on a display device and outputs sound from a speaker as a main function. Yes. Even when the energy management module 2 is not connected, the main device 3 can execute the video display function as the main function alone.

  The “main function” referred to here is a function obtained by operating the hardware (main device side functional unit) included in the main device 3 for the original purpose. When the main device 3 is a television receiver, the main function of displaying an image can be obtained by operating hardware such as a display device and a speaker included in the television receiver for the original purpose.

  The main apparatus 3 includes a main apparatus side control unit 31, a main apparatus side connection unit 32, a main apparatus side communication unit 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit (human interface) 35.

  The main apparatus side control unit 31 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The function of the main apparatus side control unit 31 is realized by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory. The program executed by the CPU is stored in advance in a memory of a microcomputer, for example, but may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet or may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card. .

  The main device side connection unit 32 is an interface that can be connected to the energy management module 2 and includes, for example, a connector conforming to the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard.

  The main apparatus side communication unit 33 includes a communication module that complies with a communication standard for mobile communication systems such as 3G, 4G, and LTE (Long Term Evolution). The main device side communication unit 33 is connected to the Internet via a mobile communication network, and communicates with the external device 5 via the network. Note that the main apparatus-side communication unit 33 may include a communication module that complies with a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) standard such as IEEE 802.11, for example. In this case, the main apparatus side communication unit 33 is connected to the network via a broadband router having a WLAN function in the customer facility F1, and communicates with the external apparatus 5. Moreover, the main apparatus side communication part 33 may have a communication module based on the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, for example. In this case, the main apparatus side communication unit 33 is connected to the network via the broadband router in the customer facility F1 and communicates with the external apparatus 5.

  The display unit 34 includes a thin display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display operation of the display unit 34 is controlled by the main apparatus side control unit 31. In addition, the display part 34 is not limited to the display apparatus which has a liquid crystal display, You may have a thin display apparatus like an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

  The input unit 35 is an input device for receiving an operation of a user (for example, a resident of the customer facility F1). The input unit 35 includes operation buttons provided on the surface of the main device 3 so as to be operable, a touch sensor provided on a display device included in the display unit 34, and the like. The input unit 35 is not limited to the operation button and the touch sensor, and includes a gesture sensor that detects the movement of the user's body, and detects the movement of the user's body detected by the gesture sensor as the user's input. Also good. In addition, the input unit 35 may include a microphone that converts a user's voice into an electrical signal and a voice recognition engine that performs voice recognition using a hidden Markov model, and may detect the user's voice as an input. The input unit 35 communicates (wireless communication or wired communication) with a terminal such as a controller for remotely operating the electrical device 12 or the like, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and receives input from the terminal. But you can.

  The energy management module 2 cannot operate alone, and is configured to be able to execute the energy management function while being connected to the main device 3.

  Here, the “energy management function” of the energy management module 2 includes at least an information collection function for collecting energy information related to at least one of the consumption amount and the generation amount of energy resources in the customer facility F1. In the present embodiment, the energy management function of the energy management module 2 includes an information collection function that collects instantaneous energy consumption at the customer facility F1, energy consumption for a predetermined period, and the like as energy information. The information collection function is information on power consumption (for example, instantaneous power consumption or predetermined power consumption) as energy consumption from monitored devices (electric equipment 12 such as lighting equipment, air conditioner, refrigerator, electric shutter, and smart meter 11). This is a function that collects power consumption during the period. The power information collected by the information collection function is output to the external device 5 via the main device 3, for example. When a device for generating energy, such as a solar power generation device or a fuel cell, is installed in the customer facility F1, the information collection function is an instantaneous energy generation amount in the customer facility F1, an energy generation amount in a predetermined period, etc. May be collected as energy information.

  Further, the energy management function of the energy management module 2 may include an information organization function and an external command control function.

  The information organizing function is a function for organizing the power information collected by the information collecting function. The information arrangement function arranges the power information collected by the information collection function, for example, for each electric device 12, for each type of electric device 12, for each installation location (room) of the electric device 12, or for each period (to create a database). And stored in the memory of the energy management module 2. For example, the energy management function can graph the power information organized by the information organization function and display it on the display unit 34 of the main device 3. The user can visually grasp the usage status of energy resources in the customer facility F1 from the display content of the display unit 34. The external command control function is a function for controlling the operation state of the electrical device 12 to be controlled in accordance with, for example, a control instruction input from the external device 5.

  The energy management function of the energy management module 2 may include an information analysis function and an internal command control function.

  The information analysis function is a function of analyzing the power information collected by the information collection function or the power information organized (databased) by the information organization function. For example, the information analysis function can obtain an electric device 12 with a large amount of energy consumption, an electric device 12 with a small amount of energy consumption, or a time zone with a large amount of energy consumption or a time zone with a small amount of energy consumption. Moreover, the usage method of the electric equipment 12 for reducing energy consumption, etc. can be analyzed by an information analysis function. The energy management function can display the analysis result of the information analysis function on the display unit 34 of the main device 3, for example. The user can grasp the analysis result by the information analysis function based on the display content of the display unit 34.

  The internal command control function is a function in which the energy management device 4 (the energy management module 2 and the main device 3) controls the electric device 12 to be controlled based on the analysis result of the information analysis function, for example, instead of the control instruction from the external device 5. It is.

  The energy management module 2 includes a module side processing unit 21, a module side connection unit 22, a module side communication unit 23, a display unit 24, and an input unit 25.

  The module side processing unit 21 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU and a memory. The function of the module side processing unit 21 is realized by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory. In the present embodiment, an information collection unit 211 that executes an information collection function, an information arrangement unit 212 that executes an information arrangement function, and an external command control unit that executes an external command control function by the calculation function of the module side processing unit 21 213 is realized. Here, the program executed by the CPU is stored in advance in a memory of a microcomputer, for example, but may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card. May be.

  The module side connection portion 22 is detachably connected to the main device side connection portion 32 of the main device 3. The module side connection unit 22 has a connector conforming to the USB standard, and can be connected to the main device side connection unit 32 of the main device 3. When the module side connection portion 22 is connected to the main device side connection portion 32, power is supplied from the main device 3 to the energy management module 2, so that the energy management module 2 operates with the power supplied from the main device 3. To start.

  The module-side communication unit 23 includes, for example, a communication module for communicating with a monitoring target or control target device. The devices to be monitored are, for example, the smart meter 11 and the electric device 12 installed in the customer facility F1. The electrical equipment 12 includes equipment that can only be monitored by the energy management module 2 (energy management apparatus 4) (device to be monitored) and equipment that can be monitored and controlled by the energy management module 2 (monitoring target). And devices to be controlled). The module-side communication unit 23 includes a communication module that complies with, for example, the ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) standard, and performs wired or wireless communication with devices such as the smart meter 11 and the electric device 12. The module-side communication unit 23 is not limited to a communication module that conforms to the ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) standard, and a communication module that conforms to the Wi-SUN (registered trademark) (Wireless Smart Utility Network) standard. You may have. The module-side communication unit 23 includes any one of a communication module compliant with the WLAN standard, a communication module compliant with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, and a communication module that performs serial communication compliant with the USB standard. But you can.

  The display unit 24 is used for displaying, for example, the operation state of the energy management module 2. The display unit 24 includes one or a plurality of light emitting diodes, and displays the operating state of the energy management module 2 by turning on, blinking, or turning off the one or more light emitting diodes.

  The input unit 25 includes, for example, a 1-bit or multiple-bit dip switch. When the user sets the value of each bit of the dip switch provided in the input unit 25, the operation condition of the energy management module 2 and the like are set. The input unit 25 is not limited to the one provided with a dip switch, and may include one or a plurality of tact switches. The input unit 25 performs communication (wireless communication or wired communication) with a terminal such as a controller for remotely operating the electrical device 12 or the like, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and receives input from the terminal. But you can.

  The external device 5 is, for example, a server that provides a service related to an energy management function in the customer facility F1 and includes a processing unit 51 and a communication unit 52. The external device 5 is not limited to a physical server, and may be realized by cloud (cloud computing). The external device 5 is not limited to a server, and may be a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer used in the customer facility F1.

  The processing unit 51 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU and a memory. The function of the processing unit 51 is realized by the CPU executing the program stored in the memory. The program executed by the CPU is stored in advance in a memory of a microcomputer, for example, but may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet or may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card. .

  The communication unit 52 includes a communication module compliant with, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, and performs communication with the main device side communication unit 33 of the main device 3 via a network.

  The service provided by the external device 5 may be provided to the main device 3 or the energy management device 4, or may be provided to a terminal such as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone different from the main device 3 and the energy management device 4. Also good.

(2) Description of Operation The operation of the energy management system 1 including the energy management module 2 according to this embodiment will be described below.

  In a state where the energy management module 2 is not connected to the main device 3, the main device 3 independently executes the video display function that is the main function. That is, the main device side control unit 31 of the main device 3 displays, for example, a moving image designated by the user on the display unit 34 in accordance with the operation content input by the user using the input unit 35.

  The energy management module 2 alone cannot execute the energy management function. When the user of the customer facility F1 wants to use the energy management function of the energy management system 1, the user connects the energy management module 2 to the main apparatus 3 having the main apparatus side connection unit 32 to which the energy management module 2 can be connected. To do.

  When the module side connection portion 22 of the energy management module 2 is connected to the main device side connection portion 32 of the main device 3, power is supplied from the main device 3 to the energy management module 2, and the module side processing portion of the energy management module 2. 21 starts. When the CPU of the microcomputer included in the module side processing unit 21 executes a program stored in the memory, the module side processing unit 21 has functions such as an information collecting unit 211, an information organizing unit 212, and an external command control unit 213. Realized. When the module side processing unit 21 is activated, the module side processing unit 21 executes an energy management function together with the main device 3. That is, the energy management device 4 configured by the energy management module 2 and the main device 3 executes the energy management function.

  The information collection unit 211 of the module-side processing unit 21 periodically collects power information such as power consumption from monitored devices (such as the smart meter 11 and the electric device 12) in the customer facility F1. The information collection unit 211 controls the module side communication unit 23 to communicate with the monitoring target device periodically (for example, at intervals of several tens of seconds to several minutes), and collects power information from the monitoring target device. In this embodiment, the devices to be monitored are the smart meter 11 and the electric device 12, and the information collection unit 211 collects power information such as power consumption (instantaneous value) or accumulated power consumption from the smart meter 11. Power information such as current power consumption is collected from the device 12.

  The information organizing unit 212 of the module side processing unit 21 executes an information organizing function for organizing the power information collected by the information collecting unit 211. The information organizing unit 212 organizes the power information collected from the monitored devices by the information collecting unit 211 for each monitored device, for each attribute of the monitored device (device type or installation location, etc.), and for each period. The created database is created, and the created database is stored in the memory.

  The module-side processing unit 21 converts the power information collected by the information collecting unit 211 or the power information organized by the information organizing unit 212 every predetermined period (for example, every few minutes, every tens of minutes, every several hours, or To the external device 5 every day). That is, the module-side processing unit 21 receives the power information collected by the information collecting unit 211 or the power information organized by the information organizing unit 212 via the module-side connecting unit 22 and the main device-side connecting unit 32. To the side control unit 31. When the power information is input from the module side processing unit 21, the main device side control unit 31 transmits the input power information from the main device side communication unit 33 to the external device 5. Thereby, the external device 5 can collect the power information collected or arranged by the energy management function of the energy management device 4 at regular intervals, and stores the collected power information in the memory.

  In FIG. 1, only the main device 3 of one customer facility F1 is connected to the external device 5, but the main device 3 of a plurality of customer facilities F1 may be connected to the external device 5. In this case, the processing unit 51 of the external device 5 collects the power information collected or arranged by the energy management function of the plurality of customer facilities F1, and stores the power information collected for each customer facility F1 in the memory. Can do.

  Further, when the user of the consumer facility F1 wants to confirm the usage status of the energy resources in the consumer facility F1, the user uses the input unit 35 of the main device 3 to request the display unit 34 of the main device 3. Enter a display request to display the information. At this time, a display request signal is output from the input unit 35 to the main device side control unit 31, and the main device side control unit 31 connects the main device side connection unit 32 and the module side connection unit 22 based on the display request signal. The display request signal is output to the module side processing unit 21 via When the display request signal is input from the main device side control unit 31, the module side processing unit 21 reads the information requested by the display request signal from the memory, and connects the module side connection unit 22 and the main device side connection unit 32. To the main apparatus side control unit 31. When receiving information from the module side processing unit 21, the main device side control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display display contents based on this information.

  For example, when the user uses the input unit 35 to input a display request for displaying the power consumption of this month in the entire customer facility F1, the main apparatus side control unit 31 inputs the customer facility to the module side processing unit 21. A display request signal for the power consumption of this month in the entire F1 is output. Based on the display request signal, the module side processing unit 21 reads out information on the power consumption of this month in the entire customer facility F1 from the memory and outputs the information to the main device side control unit 31. When receiving information from the module side processing unit 21, the main device side control unit 31 causes the display unit 34 to display display contents based on this information. Therefore, the user of the customer facility F1 can visually confirm the usage status of the energy resources in the customer facility F1 based on the display content of the display unit 34.

  The power information collected or organized by the energy management module 2 of the customer facility F1 is transmitted from the main device 3 to the external device 5. The processing unit 51 of the external device 5 uses the power at the customer facility F1 based on the power information transmitted from the energy management device 4 (including the energy management module 2 and the main device 3) of the customer facility F1. You can check the situation. Here, the upper limit value of the power consumption per unit time in the customer facility F1 is set in the processing unit 51 of the external device 5. The processing unit 51 of the external device 5 controls the communication unit 52 to reduce the power consumption to the main device 3 of the customer facility F1 when the power consumption per unit time in the customer facility F1 exceeds the upper limit value. Send. When the main device side communication unit 33 of the main device 3 receives the suppression command from the external device 5, the main device side control unit 31 processes this suppression command via the main device side connection unit 32 and the module side connection unit 22. To the unit 21. When a suppression command is input to the module-side processing unit 21, the external command control unit 213 of the module-side processing unit 21 applies to one or more electrical devices 12 among the currently operating electrical devices 12 based on the suppression command. A stop command is transmitted from the module side communication unit 23. When the electrical device 12 receives the stop command from the module-side communication unit 23, the electrical device 12 stops its operation, so that the amount of power used in the customer facility F1 can be reduced. Note that the external command control unit 213 of the module side processing unit 21 may transmit a power suppression command from the module side communication unit 23 to one or more electrical devices 12 based on the suppression command from the external device 5. When the electric device 12 receives the power suppression command from the module side communication unit 23, the electric device 12 suppresses the operation so as to reduce the power consumption, and thus the power consumption at the customer facility F1 can be reduced.

  Note that the external device 5 transmits the power information received from the energy management device 4 of the customer facility F1 to another device (for example, another server device or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone), and the other device uses the power. Information may be confirmed. Further, the external device 5 may transmit the power information received from the energy management device 4 of the customer facility F1 to another device so that the power information can be confirmed by both the external device 5 and the other device.

  As described above, the energy management module 2 of the present embodiment cannot be operated alone, but is configured to be able to execute the energy management function while being connected to the main device 3. Here, the energy management module 4 is comprised by the energy management module 2 and the main apparatus 3 to which the energy management module 2 is connected, and the energy management function is realized by the energy management apparatus 4. The energy management module 2 may be connected to the main device 3 after shipment from the factory, or may be shipped from the factory in a state of being attached to the main device 3 in advance.

  The main device 3 provides a main function different from the energy management function when it is alone, that is, in a state where the energy management module 2 is not connected. When the energy management module 2 is connected to the main device 3, the main device 3 can provide an energy management function together with the energy management module 2 in addition to the main function. In this embodiment, the main device side communication unit 33, the display unit 34, and the input unit 35 included in the main device 3 are used for both the main function and the energy management function. That is, the main device side function units such as the main device side communication unit 33, the display unit 34, and the input unit 35 among the plurality of main device side function units originally provided in the main device 3 are replaced with the energy management function communication unit and display unit. It is used as an input unit. Therefore, there is an advantage that the energy management module 2 does not need to include a communication unit, a display unit, and an input unit. In addition, it is not essential to use the main device side functional unit included in the main device 3 for the energy management function. By connecting the energy management module 2 to the main device 3, the energy management module 2 is changed from the main device 3. The power may be supplied only to the power source. In this case, the energy management module 2 operates in response to the supply of power from the main device 3 while being connected to the main device 3, and is in a state where the energy management function can be executed.

  In addition, the energy management module 2 of the present embodiment executes an energy management function in cooperation with the external device 5. The external device 5 can output a suppression command that suppresses power consumption at the customer facility F1 based on the information acquired from the energy management device 4 of the customer facility F1. Moreover, the external device 5 can analyze the information acquired from the energy management device 4 of the customer facility F1, and may output the analysis result to the energy management device 4 of the customer facility F1. Thus, the energy management module 2 can provide a more sophisticated energy management function by executing the energy management function in cooperation with the external device 5.

(3) Modified Examples Below, the energy management module, the energy management device, and the energy management system according to the modified example of the above embodiment are listed. In addition, each structure of the modified example demonstrated below is applicable in combination with each structure demonstrated in the said embodiment suitably.

(3.1) Modification 1
Modification 1 of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the energy management module 2 </ b> A of the first modification, the module side processing unit 21 </ b> A further includes the function of the changing unit 214. Hereinafter, about the structure similar to the energy management system 1 of the said embodiment, a common code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  When the module-side function unit included in the energy management module 2A and the main device-side function unit of the main device 3 to which the energy management module 2A is connected are the same type, the changing unit 214 determines which function unit is the energy management function. Select whether to use it.

  When the connection unit 22 of the energy management module 2A is connected to the connection unit 32 of the main device 3, power is supplied from the main device 3 to the energy management module 2A, and the module side processing unit 21A of the energy management module 2A operates. Start. The CPU of the microcomputer included in the module side processing unit 21A executes the program stored in the memory, so that the information collecting unit 211, the information organizing unit 212, the external command control unit 213, and the changing unit 214 are added to the module side processing unit 21A. Functions such as are realized.

  In FIG. 2, only one main device 3 exists in the customer facility F1, but the customer facility F1 has a plurality of main devices 3 to which the energy management module 2A can be connected. In some cases, the main device-side functional units of the main device 3 that can be used for the management function are different.

  Therefore, the changing unit 214 communicates with the main device side control unit 31 of the main device 3 connected to the energy management module 2A, and one or more main device side functions provided in the main device 3 from the main device side control unit 31. Get part information. The changing unit 214 holds information on the module-side function unit included in the energy management module 2A, and compares the information on the module-side function unit with the information on the main device-side function unit. When the energy management module 2A and the main device 3 have the same type of functional unit, the changing unit 214 includes the module-side functional unit of the energy management module 2A and the main device-side functional unit of the main device 3. Select the functional part to be used for the energy management function.

  In the first modification, the energy management module 2A and the main device 3 are configured such that a function unit for communication (module side communication unit 23, main device side communication unit 33) and a function unit for display (display units 24 and 34). ) And an input function unit (input units 25 and 35). In the first modification, for example, when the energy management module 2A and the main device 3 both include a function unit necessary for the energy management function, the change unit 214 prioritizes the function unit included in the main device 3 over the energy management function. Decide to use it. Therefore, in the first modification, the changing unit 214 determines to use the display unit 34 of the main device 3 as a functional unit for display and to use the input unit 35 of the main device 3 as a functional unit for input. To do. Moreover, the change part 214 selects the main apparatus side communication part 33 of the main apparatus 3 as a function part which communicates with the external apparatus 5 outside the consumer facility F1, and communicates with the apparatus in the consumer facility F1. As the unit, the module side communication unit 23 of the energy management module 2A is selected.

  When the change unit 214 selects that the main device side function unit included in the main device 3 is used for the energy management function, the change unit 214 outputs the selection result to the main device side control unit 31, and the main device side control unit 31 Based on the selection result input from the unit 214, the energy management function is executed.

  As described above, when the energy management module 2A and the main device 3 are provided with the same type of functional units, the changing unit 214 is configured so that the module-side functional unit of the energy management module 2A and the main device-side functional unit of the main device 3 Select one of them and use it for energy management function.

  The energy management module 2A can be connected to various types of main devices 3 as long as the main device 3 includes a connection unit (main device side connection unit 32) for connecting the energy management module 2A. Therefore, the main device side functional unit included in the main device 3 to which the energy management module 2A is connected may differ depending on the main device 3 of the connection partner. In the first modification, the changing unit 214 uses the energy management module 2 </ b> A and the energy management module 2 </ b> A based on the information on the main device side function unit included in the main device 3 of the connection partner and the information on the module side function unit included in the energy management module 2 </ b> A. A function unit to be used for the energy management function is selected from the function units of the main device 3. Therefore, the changing unit 214 of the energy management module 2A can select a function unit to be used for the energy management function according to the main device-side function unit of the main device 3 to be connected. That is, the changing unit 214 determines whether or not one or more main device side functional units included in the main device 3 to which the energy management module 2A is connected can be used for the energy management function, and the energy management function according to the determination result. The operation to execute is changed.

  The changing unit 214 receives an input from the input unit 25 or the input unit 35 of the main device 3, and the module-side function unit of the energy management module 2A and the main device-side function of the main device 3 based on the input information. Any one of the units may be selected and used for the energy management function.

  In the first modification, the energy management module 2A includes the changing unit 214, but the main device-side control unit 31 of the main device 3 may include the function of the changing unit. In this case, when the energy management module 2A is connected to the main device 3, the changing unit of the main device 3 receives the energy management module 2A from the module side processing unit 21 of the energy management module 2A connected to the main device 3. Information on the module-side functional unit provided is acquired. And the change part of the main apparatus 3 is based on the information of the main apparatus side functional part with which the said main apparatus 3 is provided, and the information of the module side functional part with which the energy management module 2A is provided, and the main apparatus side functional part and module side Select the functional unit to be used for the energy management function from the functional unit.

  In addition, the structure of the modification 1 is applicable in combination with each structure demonstrated by the said embodiment and another modification suitably.

(3.2) Modification 2
Modification 2 of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the energy management module 2B of Modification 2, the module side processing unit 21B further includes the function of the authentication unit 215. Hereinafter, about the structure similar to the energy management system 1 of the said embodiment and the modification 1, a common code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  In FIG. 3, only one main device 3 exists in the customer facility F1, but the customer facility F1 has a plurality of main devices 3 that can be connected to the energy management module 2B. Identification information (such as a MAC address) is assigned.

  In the authentication unit 215 of the energy management module 2B, the identification information of the main device 3 that permits connection to the energy management module 2B among the plurality of main devices 3 in the customer facility F1 is registered as authentication information.

  When the connection unit 22 of the energy management module 2B is connected to the connection unit 32 of the main device 3, power is supplied from the main device 3 to the energy management module 2B, and the module-side processing unit 21B of the energy management module 2B operates. Start. The CPU of the microcomputer included in the module side processing unit 21B executes the program stored in the memory, so that the information collecting unit 211, the information organizing unit 212, the external command control unit 213, and the authentication unit 215 are added to the module side processing unit 21B. Functions such as are realized.

  When the module side processing unit 21B is activated, the authentication unit 215 authenticates the main device 3 connected to the energy management module 2B. The authentication unit 215 acquires the identification information of the main device 3 from the main device side control unit 31 via the module side connection unit 22 and the main device side connection unit 32, and collates the identification information of the main device 3 with the authentication information. By doing so, the authentication process of the main apparatus 3 is performed.

  When the authentication unit 215 successfully authenticates the main device 3, that is, when the identification information of the main device 3 matches the authentication information, the module side processing unit 21 executes the energy management function together with the main device 3.

  If the authentication unit 215 fails to authenticate the main device 3, that is, if the identification information of the main device 3 does not match the authentication information, the module-side processing unit 21 is compared with the energy management function executed when the authentication is successful. The energy management function is executed with some functions restricted.

  For example, the module side processing unit 21 permits the operations of the information collecting unit 211 and the information organizing unit 212, but restricts the functions of the external command control unit 213. Further, the module-side processing unit 21 has stopped the function of outputting the power information collected by the information collecting unit 211 and the information organized by the information organizing unit 212 to the main device 3, and the power collected by the information collecting unit 211 Information and information organized by the information organizing unit 212 are not output to the main device 3.

  In this case, the energy management module 2B collects power information from the monitoring target devices in the customer facility F1 and executes an energy management function for organizing, so the energy management module 2B collects power information of the monitoring target devices. Can be organized. Since the energy management module 2B does not output information collected or organized from monitored devices to the main device 3 that has failed authentication, the security performance of the information is improved. Further, since the energy management module 2B stops the function of the external command control unit 213, it is possible to prevent the control target device (electric device 12) from being controlled by the control instruction from the main device 3 that has failed in authentication. .

  In the second modification, the energy management module 2B includes the authentication unit 215, but the main device side control unit 31 of the main device 3 may include the function of the authentication unit. In this case, identification information (for example, a MAC address) of the energy management module 2B that permits connection to the main device 3 is registered in the authentication unit of the main device 3 as authentication information.

  When the energy management module 2B is connected to the main device 3, the authentication unit of the main device 3 obtains identification information of the energy management module 2B from the module side processing unit 21 of the energy management module 2B connected to the main device 3. get. And the authentication part of the main apparatus 3 performs the authentication process of energy management module 2B by collating the identification information acquired from energy management module 2B, and authentication information.

  When the authentication unit of the main apparatus 3 succeeds in the authentication of the energy management module 2B, the main apparatus side control unit 31 executes the energy management function together with the energy management module 2B.

  When the authentication unit of the main device 3 fails to authenticate the energy management module 2B, the main device-side control unit 31 is in a state where some functions are limited compared to the energy management function executed when the authentication is successful. The energy management function is executed together with the energy management module 2B. For example, the main device 3 causes the energy management module 2B to perform the energy management function for collecting and organizing power information from the monitored devices in the customer facility F1, but the information collected or organized from the monitored devices is externally used. The function output to the device 5 is stopped. Thereby, the energy management device 4B can execute the energy management operation in the customer facility F1 in a state where the communication with the external device 5 is stopped.

  Note that the configuration of Modification 2 can be applied in appropriate combination with the configurations described in the above embodiment and other modifications.

(3.3) Modification 3
In the embodiment and the first and second modifications, the energy conversion devices 4, 4 </ b> A, and 4 </ b> B communicate with the external device 5 using the main device-side communication unit 33 of the main device 3. 4C communicates with the external device 5 via the communication module 6 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, about the structure similar to the energy management system 1 of the said embodiment and the modifications 1 and 2, a common code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The communication module 6 includes a first communication unit 61 and a second communication unit 62.

  The first communication unit 61 includes a communication module having the same communication standard as the module-side communication unit 23 of the energy management module 2, and performs communication (wired communication or wireless communication) with the module-side communication unit 23.

  The 2nd communication part 62 has a communication module based on the communication standards of mobile communication systems, such as 3G, 4G, and LTE, for example. The second communication unit 62 is connected to the Internet via a mobile communication network, and communicates with the external device 5 via the network. The second communication unit 62 may include a communication module compliant with a WLAN standard such as IEEE802.11. In this case, the second communication unit 62 is connected to the network via a broadband router having a wireless LAN function in the customer facility F1, and communicates with the external device 5. The second communication unit 62 may include a communication module that complies with, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. In this case, the second communication unit 62 is connected to the network via the broadband router in the customer facility F1, and communicates with the external device 5.

  Note that the communication module 6 is not limited to one having the first communication unit 61 and the second communication unit 62 separately, and one of the first communication unit 61 and the second communication unit 62 also functions as the other communication function. May be. That is, the communication module 6 may be configured by one communication module that functions as the first communication unit 61 and the second communication unit 62.

  In Modification 3, the module side processing unit 21 outputs the information collected by the information collecting unit 211 or the information organized by the information organizing unit 212 to the external device 5 via the communication module 6. The module side processing unit 21 transmits information addressed to the external device 5 from the module side communication unit 23 to the communication module 6. When the information transmitted from the module side communication unit 23 of the energy management module 2C is received by the first communication unit 61 of the communication module 6, the second communication unit 62 of the communication module 6 is received by the first communication unit 61. The transmitted information is transmitted to the external device 5. Thereby, the information transmitted from the energy management module 2 </ b> C is transmitted to the external device 5 via the communication module 6.

  When the external device 5 transmits information such as a control instruction to the energy management module 2C, the processing unit 51 of the external device 5 transmits information addressed to the energy management module 2C from the communication unit 52 to the communication module 6. When the information transmitted from the communication unit 52 of the external device 5 is received by the second communication unit 62 of the communication module 6, the first communication unit 61 of the communication module 6 converts the information received by the second communication unit 62. Transmit to the energy management module 2C. Thereby, the information transmitted from the external device 5 is transmitted to the energy management module 2C via the communication module 6.

  As described above, in the energy management system 1 of the modification 3, the energy management module 2C and the external device 5 communicate with each other via the communication module 6, and thus the main device 3 has a communication function for communicating with the external device 5. There is no need. Accordingly, the energy management system 2 can be realized by connecting the energy management module 2 </ b> C to a main device that does not have a communication function for communicating with the external device 5.

  The energy management module 2C and the communication module 6 are configured as separate devices, but the energy management module 2C and the communication module 6 may be configured as one device. That is, the function of the energy management module 2C and the function of the communication module 6 may be housed in one housing, and the energy management module 2C only needs to have a communication function for communicating with the external device 5.

(3.4) Modification 4
In the said embodiment and the modifications 1-3, energy management module 2,2A, 2B, 2C is provided with module side function parts, such as the module side process part 21, the module side communication part 23, the display part 24, and the input part 25. However, these hardware may not be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the energy management module 2 </ b> D may include a module-side connection unit 22 and a memory 26 that stores a program for realizing an energy management function. The energy management module 2D is an external storage device such as a USB memory connected to the main device side connection unit 32 of the main device 3.

  The memory 26 stores a program executed by a CPU (computer) included in the main device side control unit 31 of the main device 3.

  In addition to the communication function for communicating with the external device 5, the main apparatus side communication unit 33 </ b> A of the main apparatus 3 has a communication function for communicating with a monitoring target or control target device in the customer facility F <b> 1.

  When the module side connection unit 22 of the energy management module 2D is connected to the main unit side connection unit 32 of the main unit 3, the main unit side control unit 31 executes the program stored in the memory 26, thereby The side control unit 31 executes the energy management function.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing when the main apparatus side control unit 31 executes the energy management function. The main apparatus side control unit 31 performs a process of collecting power information from the monitoring target device by controlling the main apparatus side communication unit 33A (S1). The main device-side control unit 31 performs processing for organizing the power information collected from the monitored device (S2), and the power information collected from the monitored device and the result of organizing the power information are stored in the main device 3. Store in memory. And the main apparatus side control part 31 transmits the electric power information collected from the apparatus of monitoring object, or the information which arranged this electric power information to the external apparatus 5 from the main apparatus side communication part 33A for every fixed period (S3). .

  Further, when the user inputs a display request for desired information (information relating to energy resource usage status) using the input unit 35 of the main device 3, the main device-side control unit 31 displays information corresponding to the display request on the display unit. 34. The user can visually grasp the usage status of energy resources in the customer facility F1 based on the display content of the display unit 34.

  As described above, when the energy management module 2D, which is an external memory, is connected to the main device 3, the main device-side control unit 31 of the main device 3 executes the program stored in the energy management module 2D, so that the energy management is performed. Function is realized.

  The program for realizing the energy management function may be stored in advance in the memory of the main device 3 or may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet.

(3.5) Other Modifications In the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 to 4, the case where the customer facility F1 is a detached house has been described. Or a tenant of a commercial building.

  In the embodiment and the first to fourth modifications, the energy management modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D may include a protocol conversion unit that performs protocol conversion. For example, the protocol conversion unit of the energy management modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D uses control data input from the outside as a protocol for communication with the electrical device 12 (for example, a protocol such as ECHONET Lite (registered trademark)). Convert to The external command control unit 213 of the energy management modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D transmits the control data after the protocol conversion from the module-side communication unit 23 to the control target electrical device 12, thereby controlling the control target electrical device. 12 can be controlled. The process of converting the protocol of the control data may be performed by the main apparatus side processing unit 31 of the main apparatus 3.

  In the said embodiment and the modifications 1-4, although the case where the main apparatus 3 was a television receiver was demonstrated, the main apparatus 3 should just be an apparatus which can perform the main function different from an energy management function independently. . For example, the main device 3 may be a power control device that controls input power from a plurality of power supply devices such as a solar power generation device, a storage battery, and a fuel cell. Such a power control device includes, for example, a main body that stores an inverter circuit that converts a DC voltage input from a power supply device into an AC voltage, and a remote controller that remotely controls operations of the inverter circuit and the like stored in the main body. It has. The energy management module 4 is realized by connecting or incorporating the energy management modules 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D to the remote controller of such a power control apparatus.

  The main device 3 may be an interphone master that can execute an extension call function for making a call alone via a call terminal (interphone slave) installed in the customer facility F1. When the main device 3 is an interphone base unit, the main function called an extension call function with a telephone terminal is performed by operating hardware such as a monitor, a speaker, and a microphone included in the interphone base unit for the original purpose. Is obtained. The main device 3 may be a refrigerator with a display device. In this case, by operating hardware such as a display device included in the refrigerator for the original purpose, main functions such as display of stored foods and presentation of recipes can be obtained. The main device 3 may be a general-purpose computer device (including a tablet computer) that can execute a function of executing installed application software alone. The main device 3 may be a smartphone capable of executing a communication function for performing communication (voice communication and data communication) via a mobile communication network.

  In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3, the main device side control unit 31 of the main device 3 has module side functions such as the module side communication unit 23 and the display unit 24 included in the energy management module 2 connected to the main device 3. The operation of the unit may be controlled. Thereby, in the state in which the energy management module 2 is connected to the main device 3, the main device side control unit 31 of the main device 3 includes the module-side function unit included in the energy management module 2 and the main device side included in the main device 3. The function part can be controlled centrally. Therefore, the main device side control unit 31 of the main device 3 can have a function of executing the main function and a function of controlling the module side function unit.

(4) Summary As described above, the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) of the first aspect includes the connection unit (22) for connecting to the main device (3) and the processing unit (21 ). The main device (3) can execute a main function different from an energy management function for managing at least one of energy consumption and generation in the customer facility (F1) alone. The processing unit (21) executes the energy management function while being connected to the main device (3) by the connection unit (22).

  According to this configuration, the processing unit (21) performs the energy management function in a state where the connection unit (22) of the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) is connected to the main device (3). As a single unit, an energy management function can be added to the main apparatus (3) that performs the main function. Therefore, there is an advantage that a dedicated device for executing the energy management function becomes unnecessary.

  In the first aspect, the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B) according to the second aspect includes an external device (5) capable of communicating with the main device side communication unit 33 included in the main device (3), and a main device ( Communicate via 3).

  According to this configuration, the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B) can communicate with the external device (5) using the main device side communication unit (33) included in the main device (3). Therefore, the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B) does not need to have a communication function for communicating with the external device (5).

  The energy management module (2C) of the third aspect communicates with the external device (5) via the communication module (6) capable of communicating with the external device (5) in the first aspect.

  According to this configuration, the energy management module (2C) can communicate with the external device (5) via the communication module (6). Therefore, it is not necessary for the main device (3) to have a communication function for communicating with the external device (5). Therefore, the energy management module (2C) can be connected to the main device (3) that does not have a communication function for communicating with the external device (5), thereby realizing the energy management system (1).

  In the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) of the fourth aspect, in the second or third aspect, the processing unit (21) executes the energy management function in cooperation with the external device (5). .

  According to this configuration, the processing unit (21) can provide a higher-performance energy management function in cooperation with the external device (5).

  In the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) of the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the processing unit (21) includes the changing unit (214). The changing unit (214) determines whether or not one or more main device side function units (33, 34, 35) included in the main device (3) can be used for the energy management function, and executes the energy management function. Is changed according to the judgment result.

  According to this structure, the operation | movement in which a change part (214) performs an energy management function can be changed according to the main apparatus side function part (33,34,35) with which a main apparatus (3) is provided.

  In the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) of the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the processing unit (21) is connected to the main device (3) connected by the connection unit (22). ) Is provided. The processing unit (21) restricts the energy management function when the authentication of the main device (3) by the authentication unit (215) fails.

  According to this configuration, when the authentication unit (215) fails to authenticate the main device (3), the processing unit (21) restricts the energy management function, so that the security performance is improved. .

  The energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) according to the seventh aspect further includes one or more module-side functional units (23) that perform a predetermined function in any one of the first to sixth aspects. . The module side functional unit (23) is controlled by the main unit side control unit (31) of the main unit (3) connected by the connection unit (22).

  According to this configuration, since the control unit (31) of the main device (3) controls the module side function unit (23), the control unit (31) of the main device (3) has a function of executing the main function. And a function of controlling the module-side functional unit (23).

  In the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) of the eighth aspect, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the processing unit (21) includes the human interface (35) included in the main device (3). The energy management function is executed in accordance with the operation information input using the information.

  According to this configuration, there is an advantage that the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) does not need to have a human interface.

  About the structure which concerns on a 2nd-8th aspect, it is not a structure essential to an energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C), and can be abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The energy management device (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) of the ninth aspect includes the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the main device (3), Is provided. An energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) is connected to the main device (3) through a connection (22).

  According to this configuration, since the energy management function can be added to the main device (3) that can execute the main function by itself, there is an advantage that a dedicated device for executing the energy management function becomes unnecessary.

  The energy management system (1) of the tenth aspect includes an energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) of any one of the first to eighth aspects, a main device (3), and an external device (5). Is provided. An energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C) is connected to the main device (3) through a connection (22). The external device (5) collects energy information regarding at least one of energy consumption and generation from the energy management module (2, 2A, 2B, 2C).

  According to this configuration, since the energy management function can be added to the main device (3) that can execute the main function by itself, there is an advantage that a dedicated device for executing the energy management function becomes unnecessary.

  The program of the eleventh aspect is a program for causing a computer of the main apparatus (3) to execute a process of collecting energy information regarding at least one of energy consumption and generation in the customer facility (F1). . The main device (3) can execute a main function different from an energy management function for managing at least one of energy consumption and generation in the customer facility F1 alone.

  According to this configuration, the energy management function can be added to the main device (3) that can execute the main function by itself.

  Note that the program of the eleventh aspect may be provided as a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Energy management system 2,2A, 2B, 2C Energy management module 3 Main apparatus 4,4A, 4B, 4C Energy management apparatus 5 External apparatus 6 Communication module 21,21A, 21B, 21C Module side processing part (processing part)
22 Module side connection (connection)
23 Module side communication part (module side function part)
31 Main device side control unit 33, 33A Main device side communication unit (main device side function unit)
34 Display unit (main unit function unit)
35 Input section (main unit function section, human interface)
211 Information Gathering Unit 212 Information Organizing Unit 213 External Command Control Unit 214 Changing Unit 215 Authentication Unit F1 Customer Facility

Claims (11)

A connection unit for connecting a main function different from an energy management function for managing at least one of consumption and generation of energy at a customer facility to a main apparatus capable of executing alone;
An energy management module comprising: a processing unit that executes the energy management function in a state of being connected to the main device by the connection unit. The energy management module according to claim 1, wherein communication is performed with an external device capable of communicating with a main device-side communication unit included in the main device via the main device. The energy management module according to claim 1, wherein communication with the external device is performed via a communication module capable of communicating with the external device. The energy management module according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit executes the energy management function in cooperation with the external device. The processor is
A change unit that determines whether or not one or more main device side function units included in the main device can be used for the energy management function, and changes an operation of executing the energy management function according to a determination result; Item 5. The energy management module according to any one of Items 1 to 4. The processing unit includes an authentication unit that authenticates the main device connected by the connection unit,
The energy management module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing unit limits the energy management function when authentication of the main device by the authentication unit fails. It further includes one or more module-side functional units that execute predetermined functions,
The energy management module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the module-side function unit is controlled by a main device-side control unit of the main device connected by the connection unit. The energy management module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processing unit executes the energy management function according to operation information input using a human interface included in the main device. The energy management module according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The main apparatus to which the energy management module is connected by the connection unit. An energy management apparatus. The energy management module according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The main unit to which the energy management module is connected by the connection unit;
An energy management system comprising: an external device that collects energy information on at least one of energy consumption and generation at the customer facility from the energy management module. In the computer of the main device that can execute the main function different from the energy management function that manages at least one of the consumption and generation of energy at the customer facility,
Collecting energy information on at least one of consumption and generation of energy at the customer facility,
A program to be executed.

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