JP2020089083A - Server, boiling control system, boiling control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To properly realize boiling to suppress an increase in a peak value of total power consumption.SOLUTION: A start time determination unit 107 determines a boiling start time on the basis of a history of the total power consumption of other electric devices that are electric devices other than a water heater 400 from among a plurality of electric devices including the water heater 400 that starts boiling at the boiling start time such that the peak value of the estimated total power consumption of the plurality of electric devices does not exceed a reference power. A start time transmitting unit 108 transmits start time information indicating the boiling start time determined by the start time determination unit 107 to the water heater 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a server, a boiling control system, a boiling control method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART At present, there is known a hot water supply device which stores boiled hot water in a hot water storage tank and supplies hot water from the hot water storage tank at the time of hot water supply. Such a hot water supply device often executes boiling water in the middle of the night when the unit price of electric power is low. However, in the midnight time zone, when the water heater performs boiling while other electric devices are operating, the peak value of total power consumption may increase.

In addition, such a hot water supply device may be introduced into each residence of an apartment house which is a customer who has a high voltage collective power reception contract with an electric power company. In this case, the boiling by the hot water supply device of each house may be concentrated in a specific time zone at night, and the peak value of the total power consumption may increase. Then, when the peak value of the total power consumption exceeds the upper limit value of the contracted power, the contracted power is renewed, and the basic rate of the electricity rate increases.

Therefore, various techniques for suppressing the increase in the peak value of the total power consumption have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for dispersing the time period in which boiling is performed. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a central management server divides a plurality of hot water supply devices in a target area into a plurality of groups, and a plurality of hot water supply devices of different groups are shifted so that peak times of power consumption are different from each other. Techniques for controlling the operation of the water heater are described.

JP, 2014-126351, A

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique in which the central management server controls the hot water supply device to perform boiling when performing boiling. Therefore, when the communication between the central management server and the hot water supply device is interrupted at the time of executing the boiling, it is impossible to realize the boiling by the hot water supply device. In other words, the technique described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to appropriately realize boiling for suppressing an increase in the peak value of total power consumption. For this reason, there is a demand for a technique for appropriately realizing boiling that suppresses an increase in the peak value of the total power consumption.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a server, a boiling control system, a boiling control method, and a program for appropriately realizing boiling that suppresses an increase in the peak value of total power consumption. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, the server according to the present invention is
Based on the history of the total power consumption of other electric devices that are electric devices other than the hot water supply device among the plurality of electric devices including the hot water supply device that starts boiling at the boiling start time, the estimation of the plurality of electric devices The start time determining means for determining the boiling start time, so that the peak value of the total power consumption does not exceed the reference power,
Start time transmitting means for transmitting start time information indicating the boiling start time determined by the start time determining means to the hot water supply device.

In the present invention, the boiling start time is determined so that the peak value of the estimated total power consumption does not exceed the reference power, and the start time information indicating the boiling start time is transmitted to the water heater. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately realize boiling that suppresses an increase in the peak value of the total power consumption.

Configuration diagram of a boiling control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a relay device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a hot water supply device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Functional configuration diagram of the boiling control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention Diagram showing power history information Figure showing hot water supply history information Diagram showing device information The flowchart which shows the boiling control process which the server which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. Flowchart showing the start time determination process shown in FIG. Flowchart showing the reference power adjustment processing shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the boiling control process which the hot-water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention performs. The flowchart which shows the reference|standard electric power adjustment processing which the server which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention performs. Configuration diagram of a boiling control system according to a third embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows the start time determination process which the server which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention performs.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the configuration of the boiling control system 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Basically, the boiling control system 1000 uses a plurality of hot water supply devices 400 of a plurality of electric appliances of a customer so that the electric charge of one customer, which is one power contract unit, is as low as possible. Is a system that adjusts the time zone in which is executed. The boiling control system 1000 basically has a function of performing boiling in a time period when the total power consumption of electric devices other than the hot water supply device 400 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “other electric devices”) is small, and It has a function of performing boiling as much as possible at night when the unit price is low, and a function of adjusting the order of boiling so as not to run out of water.

The electricity charge is basically the sum of the basic charge charged based on the contracted electric power and the electric power charge charged according to the amount of electric power used. Here, when the used power exceeds the upper limit value of the contract power, the contract power is increased to the contract power according to the excess amount. After that, the increased contracted power is maintained for a predetermined period. Therefore, in order to suppress the basic charge, it is preferable that the peak value of the total power consumption of the plurality of electric appliances of the customer does not exceed the upper limit value of the contract power. The contract power is, for example, 50 kW or more and less than 500 kW, and the period is, for example, 11 months.

In addition, nighttime discounts are often applied to the electricity charges. That is, the unit price of electric power at night is often lower than the unit price of electric power at daytime. For this reason, in order to suppress the electricity amount charge, it is preferable that the electric power consumption by boiling is performed as much as possible at night. The nighttime is, for example, a time zone to which the nighttime charge is applied (for example, a time zone from 23:00 to 07:00 on the next day), and is hereinafter appropriately referred to as a first time zone. The daytime is, for example, a time zone in which a daytime charge higher than the nighttime charge is applied (for example, a time period from 07:00 to 23:00), and is hereinafter appropriately referred to as a second time period.

The boiling control system 1000 adjusts the time period in which the boiling is performed so that both the basic charge and the electric power charge are cheaper. Specifically, the boiling control system 1000 disperses the time period in which the boiling is performed so that the peak value of the total power consumption is as small as possible, and the boiling is performed so that the electricity charge is as low as possible. Aggregate the time zones to be performed at night. However, it is not desirable that hot water runs out and user convenience is reduced in order to reduce electricity charges. Therefore, the boiling control system 1000 executes the suppression of the peak value of the total power consumption and the aggregation of the boiling time period at night on the precondition that no hot water runs out.

The boiling control system 1000 includes a server 100, a relay device 200A, a relay device 200B, a power measuring device 300A, a power measuring device 300B, a hot water supply device 400A, a hot water supply device 400B, an air conditioner 500A, and an air conditioner. It is provided with 500B, a lighting device 600A, and a lighting device 600B. The relay device 200A, the power measuring device 300A, the hot water supply device 400A, the air conditioner 500A, and the lighting device 600A are electric devices provided in the house 800A. The relay device 200B, the power measuring device 300B, the hot water supply device 400B, the air conditioner 500B, and the lighting device 600B are electric devices provided in the house 800B. Hereinafter, the house 800A will be referred to as house A, and the house 800B will be referred to as house B, as appropriate.

The apartment house 800 is an aggregate of a large number of houses including a house A and a house B. The collective housing 800 is, for example, a collective of several to several hundred houses. Houses other than the house A and the house B are not shown. The housing complex 800 is a large-scale consumer who has signed a high-voltage collective power reception contract with an electric power company. The house A and the house B are small customers who have signed a power receiving contract with the housing complex 800, which is a large customer. The boiling control system 1000 adjusts a time period in which boiling is performed by the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 provided in the housing complex 800 in order to reduce the electricity charge in the high voltage collective power reception contract concluded by the housing complex 800 as much as possible. It is a system that does. That is, in the present embodiment, basically, the plurality of electric devices are a plurality of electric devices provided in the housing complex 800, and the customer means the housing complex 800 that is a large-scale customer.

The commercial power supply 10 supplies electric power to the power receiving equipment 20 provided in the housing complex 800 according to the high voltage collective power receiving contract. The commercial power supply 10 is, for example, a substation facility of an electric power company, and is a power supply that supplies 6600V AC power. The power receiving facility 20 steps down the 6600V AC power supplied from the commercial power source 10 to 100V or 200V AC power, and supplies it to the distribution board 30A provided in the residence A and the distribution board 30B provided in the residence B. Supply. The distribution board 30A supplies the AC power supplied from the power receiving facility 20 to the electric devices provided in the residence A. The distribution board 30B supplies the AC power supplied from the power receiving facility 20 to the electric devices provided in the house B.

The relay device 200A, the power measuring device 300A, the hot water supply device 400A, the air conditioner 500A, and the lighting device 600A are connected to each other via a home network 710A provided in the house 800A. The relay device 200B, the power measuring device 300B, the hot water supply device 400B, the air conditioner 500B, and the lighting device 600B are connected to each other via a home network 710B provided in the house 800B. The home network 710A and the home network 710B are, for example, wireless LANs (Local Area Networks). The server 100, the relay device 200A, and the relay device 200B are connected to each other via the outside-home network 720. The outside network 720 is a wide area network, for example, the Internet.

As will be described later, server 100 determines a time period in which boiling is performed by a plurality of hot water supply devices 400 based on power history information, hot water supply history information, device information, and the like. Server 100 transmits, to water heating apparatus 400, start time information indicating a boiling start time corresponding to a time period in which boiling is performed. The physical configuration of the server 100 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The server 100 includes a processor 11, a hard disk 12, a keyboard 13, a liquid crystal display 14, and a communication interface 15. The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the server 100. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an RTC (Real Time Clock). The CPU operates according to a basic program stored in the ROM, for example, and uses the RAM as a work area. The hard disk 12 is a device that stores various types of information. The hard disk 12 stores, for example, an application program executed by the processor 11 and various data regarding the boiling control process.

The keyboard 13 is a device that receives a user operation on the server 100 and supplies information indicating the operation content to the processor 11. The liquid crystal display 14 is a device that displays various kinds of information to the user. That is, the keyboard 13 and the liquid crystal display 14 are user interfaces of the server 100. The communication interface 15 is an interface for connecting the server 100 to the outside network 720. The communication interface 15 includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card).

The relay device 200A is a device that relays communication between the electric device provided in the residence A and the server 100. The relay device 200A has a function of connecting to both the home network 710A and the outside network 720, and a gateway function of mutually converting the communication protocol of the inside network 710A and the communication protocol of the outside network 720. The relay device 200A is, for example, a HEMS controller in a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) built in the house A.

The relay device 200B basically has the same function as the relay device 200A. The relay device 200B is a device that has a function of connecting to both the home network 710B and the outside network 720, and a gateway function, and relays communication between the electric device provided in the residence B and the server 100. The relay device 200B is, for example, a HEMS controller in a HEMS built in the house B. Hereinafter, the relay device 200A and the relay device 200B will be collectively referred to as the relay device 200 as appropriate. A physical configuration of the relay device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

The relay device 200 includes a processor 21, a flash memory 22, a touch screen 23, a first communication interface 24, and a second communication interface 25. The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the relay device 200. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU including a ROM, a RAM, an RTC, and the like. The CPU operates according to a basic program stored in the ROM, for example, and uses the RAM as a work area. The flash memory 22 is a volatile memory that stores various kinds of information. The flash memory 22 stores, for example, an application program executed by the processor 21 and various data regarding the boiling control process.

The touch screen 23 is a user interface of the relay device 200. That is, the touch screen 23 receives a user operation and displays various kinds of information to the user. The first communication interface 24 is an interface for connecting the relay device 200 to the home network 710A or the home network 710B. The second communication interface 25 is an interface for connecting the relay device 200 to the external network 720. The first communication interface 24 and the second communication interface 25 include NICs, for example.

Electric power measuring device 300A measures the electric power consumed by electric devices provided in house A other than hot water supply device 400A. The power measuring device 300A includes a current transformer 310A and a current transformer 320A. The current transformer 310A measures the electric power consumed in the residence A, that is, the total value of the electric power consumed by all the electric devices provided in the residence A, and supplies information indicating the measurement result to the electric power measurement device 300A. Current transformer 320A measures the power consumed by hot water supply device 400A and supplies information indicating the measurement result to power measurement device 300A. Electric power measurement device 300A obtains electric power obtained by subtracting the electric power consumed by hot water supply device 400A from the electric power consumed by residence A. The power measurement device 300A has a function of connecting to the home network 710A, and supplies power information indicating the obtained power to the server 100 via the relay device 200A.

In the present embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding, it is assumed that the power and the power amount are managed for each unit time, the power does not change within one unit time, and the power and the power amount are substantially synonymous. To do. For example, when the unit time is one hour, the power consumption of 100 Wh during the period from 10:00 to 11:00 means that the power consumption of 100 W is maintained over the period from 10:00 to 11:00. Means that. Hereinafter, the "power amount" may be simply referred to as "power".

Electric power measuring device 300B measures the electric power consumed by electric devices other than hot water supply device 400B among electric devices provided in residence B. The power measuring device 300B includes a current transformer 310B and a current transformer 320B. The current transformer 310B measures the electric power consumed in the house B, that is, the total value of the electric power consumed by all the electric devices provided in the house B, and supplies information indicating the measurement result to the electric power measurement device 300B. Current transformer 320B measures the power consumed by hot water supply device 400B and supplies information indicating the measurement result to power measurement device 300B. Electric power measurement device 300B obtains electric power obtained by subtracting the electric power consumed by hot water supply device 400B from the electric power consumed by residence B. The power measuring device 300B has a function of connecting to the home network 710B, and supplies power information indicating the calculated power to the server 100 via the relay device 200B. Hereinafter, the power measuring device 300A and the power measuring device 300B are collectively referred to as the power measuring device 300 as appropriate.

The hot water supply device 400A includes a hot water storage tank 420A that stores the boiled hot water, and performs boiling and hot water supply. Hot water supply device 400A performs boiling according to the boiling setting value. The boiling setting value includes a boiling start time and a boiling threshold. When hot water supply device 400A reaches the boiling start time, hot water supply device 400A determines whether or not the current amount of remaining hot water in hot water storage tank 420A is equal to or less than the boiling threshold value. Hot water supply device 400A starts boiling in response to determining that the current amount of remaining hot water in hot water storage tank 420A is equal to or less than the boiling threshold.

The boiling start time is set to any one time of the day. The boiling start time is basically updated by the server 100 at 22:00 every day. The boiling start time is also the boiling determination time because it is the time to determine whether or not to perform the boiling. The boiling threshold is set by the user, the server 100, the relay device 200A, or the like. The boiling-up threshold value may be designated by a ratio (for example, 80%) to the capacity of the hot water storage tank 420, or may be designated by a hot water amount (for example, 350 L). In the present embodiment, basically, the boiling threshold value is 80% of the capacity of the hot water storage tank 420, which is unchanged.

Hot water supply device 400A performs hot water supply according to an instruction from the user or relay device 200A. That is, hot water supply device 400A supplies the hot water stored in hot water storage tank 420A to a bathtub, a shower, or the like when the user or relay device 200A instructs hot water supply. The amount of hot water used, that is, the amount of hot water supplied is calculated, for example, from the change in the amount of remaining hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 420. The hot water supply device 400A has a function of connecting to the home network 710A, supplies the remaining hot water amount information indicating the remaining hot water amount to the server 100 via the relay device 200A, and receives the start time information from the server 100 via the relay device 200A. To do.

Hot water supply device 400B basically has the same function as hot water supply device 400A. The hot water supply device 400B includes a hot water storage tank 420B that stores the boiled water, and performs boiling and hot water supply. The hot water supply device 400B has a function of connecting to the home network 710B, supplies remaining hot water amount information indicating the remaining hot water amount to the server 100 via the relay device 200B, and receives start time information from the server 100 via the relay device 200B. To do. Hereinafter, hot water supply device 400A and hot water supply device 400B are collectively referred to as hot water supply device 400, and hot water storage tank 420A and hot water storage tank 420B are collectively referred to as hot water storage tank 420. The physical configuration of hot water supply device 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

Hot water supply device 400 includes a processor 41, a flash memory 42, a touch screen 43, a communication interface 44, a control circuit 45, and a remaining hot water amount sensor 46. Processor 41 controls the overall operation of hot water supply device 400. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU including a ROM, a RAM, an RTC, and the like. The CPU operates according to a basic program stored in the ROM, for example, and uses the RAM as a work area. The flash memory 42 is a volatile memory that stores various kinds of information. The flash memory 42 stores, for example, an application program executed by the processor 41 and various data regarding boiling control processing.

Touch screen 43 is a user interface of hot water supply device 400. That is, the touch screen 43 receives a user operation and displays various information to the user. Communication interface 44 is an interface for connecting hot water supply device 400 to home network 710A or home network 710B. The communication interface 44 includes, for example, a NIC.

Control circuit 45 is a circuit that controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle included in hot water supply device 400 under the control of processor 41. The refrigeration cycle includes, for example, a compressor, a heat exchanger, and an expansion valve. The control circuit 45 heats the water supplied from the water supply port by the refrigeration cycle and stores the hot water boiled by the heating in the hot water storage tank 420. Further, the control circuit 45 supplies the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 420 to the bathtub or the shower from the drain port under the control of the processor 41.

The remaining hot water amount sensor 46 detects the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 420, that is, the remaining hot water amount. The remaining hot water amount sensor 46 detects the remaining hot water amount, for example, based on the measured temperatures of a plurality of temperature sensors arranged vertically on the side surface of the hot water storage tank 420. For example, the remaining hot water amount sensor 46 calculates the remaining hot water amount from the position of the uppermost temperature sensor of the temperature sensors whose measured temperature is equal to or higher than the reference temperature. The remaining hot water amount sensor 46 supplies the remaining hot water amount information indicating the detected remaining hot water amount to the processor 41 in a predetermined cycle (for example, 10 minutes).

The air conditioner 500A consumes the electric power supplied from the commercial power supply 10 via the power receiving facility 20 and the distribution board 30A, and executes air conditioning in the house A. The lighting device 600A consumes the electric power supplied from the commercial power supply 10 via the power receiving facility 20 and the distribution board 30A, and executes lighting in the house A. The air conditioner 500A and the lighting device 600A have a function of connecting to the home network 710A, and may transmit state information to the relay device 200A and receive control information from the relay device 200A. The air conditioner 500A and the lighting device 600A are merely examples of electric devices that consume power in the residence A. That is, it goes without saying that the electric device provided in the residence A may be an electric device that performs an operation other than air conditioning or lighting.

The air conditioner 500B consumes the electric power supplied from the commercial power supply 10 via the power receiving facility 20 and the distribution board 30B, and executes air conditioning in the house B. The lighting device 600B consumes the electric power supplied from the commercial power supply 10 via the power receiving facility 20 and the distribution board 30B, and executes lighting in the house B. The air conditioner 500B and the lighting device 600B have a function of connecting to the home network 710B, and may transmit state information to the relay device 200B and receive control information from the relay device 200B. The air conditioner 500B and the lighting device 600B are merely examples of electric devices that consume power in the house B. That is, it goes without saying that the electric device provided in the house B may be an electric device that performs an operation other than air conditioning or lighting.

Next, the function of the boiling control system 1000 will be described with reference to FIG. Functionally, the server 100 has a power information receiving unit 101, a power history storage unit 102, a remaining hot water amount receiving unit 103, a hot water supply history storage unit 104, a device information storage unit 105, and a reference power setting unit 106. A start time determination unit 107 and a start time transmission unit 108 are provided. The hot water supply device 400 functionally includes a remaining hot water amount acquisition unit 401, a start time reception unit 402, a start time storage unit 403, a boiling determination unit 404, and a boiling execution unit 405. Although there are as many relay devices 200, power measurement devices 300, and hot water supply devices 400 as there are dwellings, FIG. 5 shows only one dwelling device.

The reference power setting unit corresponds to, for example, the reference power setting unit 106. The start time determination means corresponds to the start time determination unit 107, for example. The start time transmitting means corresponds to the start time transmitting unit 108, for example. The start time receiving means corresponds to the start time receiving unit 402, for example. The start time storage means corresponds to the start time storage unit 403, for example. The boiling discriminating means corresponds to, for example, the boiling discriminating unit 404. The boiling execution means corresponds to the boiling execution unit 405, for example.

The power information receiving unit 101 receives power information from the power measuring device 300 via the relay device 200. The power information is information acquired for each residence and each time period, and is information that can specify at least the total power consumption of electric devices other than the water heater 400. For example, the power information acquired from the house A is information indicating that the total power consumption of electric devices other than the water heater 400A of the house A in the time zone from 00:00 to 01:00 is 350W. Alternatively, the power information may be information indicating the total power consumption of all electric devices in one residence and the power consumption of the hot water supply device 400 in this residence.

For example, in the power information acquired from the residence A, the total power consumption of all electric devices of the residence A in the time zone of 00:00 to 01:00 is 500 W, and the residence in the time zone of 00:00 to 01:00. It may be information indicating that the power consumption of the water heating apparatus 400A of A is 150W. From this power information, it is possible to specify that the total power consumption of the electric devices other than the hot water supply device 400A of the residence A in the time zone of 00:00 to 01:00 is 500W-150W=350W.

As described above, the power consumption in each time zone corresponds to the power consumption amount in each time zone. The relay device 200 may simply supply the power information received from the power measurement device 300 to the server 100, or may appropriately accumulate or process the power information received from the power measurement device 300 before the server 100. May be supplied to The function of the power information receiving unit 101 is realized by the function of the communication interface 15, for example.

The power history storage unit 102 stores power history information generated from the power information received by the power information receiving unit 101. FIG. 6 shows an example of power history information. The power history information is information that can specify at least the history of the total power consumption of all electric devices other than the water heater 400 in all the dwellings. For example, the power history information indicates that the total power consumption of all electric devices other than the water heater 400 in all the dwellings in the time zone from 00:00 to 01:00 on November 16, 2018 is 30,000 W. The total power consumption of all electric appliances other than the water heater 400 in all dwellings in the time zone from 01:00 to 02:00 on the 16th of every month is 20000 W, and from 23:00 on November 16, 2018 to the next day This is information indicating that the total power consumption of all electric devices other than the water heater 400 in all the houses in the time zone of 00:00 is 40,000 W.

Alternatively, the power history information may be information indicating a history of total power consumption of all electric devices in all houses and a history of total power consumption of all water heaters 400 in all houses. Alternatively, the power history information may be information indicating a history of total power consumption of all electric devices other than the water heater 400 for each house. Even with these pieces of information, it is possible to specify the history of the total power consumption of all electric devices other than the water heater 400 in all the dwellings. The power history information preferably indicates, for example, a history of power consumption for the past two weeks or more. The function of the power history storage unit 102 is realized, for example, by the processor 11 and the hard disk 12 working together.

The remaining hot water amount receiving unit 103 receives the remaining hot water amount information from the hot water supply device 400 via the relay device 200. The remaining hot water amount information is information indicating the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 420. The relay device 200 may simply supply the remaining hot water amount information received from the hot water supply device 400 to the server 100, or may appropriately accumulate or process the remaining hot water amount information received from the hot water supply device 400 before the server 100. May be supplied to The function of the remaining hot water amount reception unit 103 is realized, for example, by the function of the communication interface 15.

Hot water supply history storage unit 104 stores hot water supply history information generated from the remaining hot water amount information received by remaining hot water amount receiving unit 103. FIG. 7 shows an example of hot water supply history information. The hot water supply history information is information indicating a history of hot water supply amounts for each hot water supply device 400. The hot water supply history storage unit 104 can specify the history of the hot water supply amount based on the remaining hot water amount information that is regularly received by the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 103. It is preferable that the hot water supply history information indicates, for example, a history of hot water supply amounts for the past two weeks or more. The function of the hot water supply history storage unit 104 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 11 and the hard disk 12, for example.

The device information storage unit 105 stores device information. FIG. 8 shows an example of device information. The device information is information about the hot water supply device 400, and is, for example, information indicating the capacity of the hot water storage tank 420, the rated power consumption for boiling, and the boiling time required for boiling. In the device information shown in FIG. 8, the capacity of the hot water storage tank 420A included in the hot water supply device 400A is 600 L, 150 W of electric power is consumed during the boiling by the hot water supply device 400A, and the hot water supply device 400A boils 600 L of water. It shows that it takes 120 minutes to make hot water. Server 100 may generate device information according to a user operation on server 100 or relay device 200, or may acquire device information from relay device 200 or hot water supply device 400. The function of the device information storage unit 105 is realized by the function of the hard disk 12, for example.

The reference power setting unit 106 sets the reference power. The reference power is a standard for the upper limit of the total power consumption of all electric devices in all dwellings. That is, the boiling start time of each water heater 400 is set so that the peak value of the total power consumption does not exceed the reference power. However, the reference power setting unit 106 adjusts the reference power according to the determination result of the boiling start time by the start time determination unit 107. That is, the reference power is variable. The function of the reference power setting unit 106 is realized by the function of the processor 11, for example.

The start time determination unit 107 determines the total power consumption of other electric devices that are electric devices other than the plurality of water heating devices 400 among the plurality of electric devices including the plurality of water heating devices 400 that start boiling at the boiling start time. The boiling start time is determined for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 based on the history. The boiling start time is a boiling determination time at which it is determined whether or not to perform boiling, and is a time at which boiling is started when it is determined to perform boiling. The history of the total power consumption of other electric devices can be specified from the power history information, for example.

The total power consumption of each of the hot water supply devices 400 for each time period is basically determined by setting the boiling start time. Therefore, the history of the total power consumption of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 basically does not have to be considered when determining the boiling start time. However, the history of the power consumption of each of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 may be considered when determining the boiling start time. For example, instead of the rated power consumption indicated by the device information, the actual value of the power consumption of the hot water supply device 400 indicated by the power history information is estimated as the power consumption of the hot water supply device 400, and the boiling start time is determined. Good.

Here, start time determination unit 107 determines the boiling start time for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 so that the peak value of the estimated total power consumption of the plurality of electric devices does not exceed the reference power. The estimated total power consumption of the plurality of electric devices is an estimated value of the total power consumption of the plurality of electric devices. Basically, boiling that is automatically performed may be performed during the boiling period from the boiling start time to the boiling end time, and is not performed outside this period. The boiling end time is the time when the boiling time has elapsed from the boiling start time.

Here, it is assumed that the electric power consumed for heat retention and hot water supply is extremely smaller than the electric power consumed for boiling, and most of the electric power consumed by hot water supply device 400 is consumed for boiling. In this case, power is consumed by hot water supply device 400 basically during the boiling period. Start time determination unit 107 determines the boiling start time in consideration of the fact that power is consumed by hot water supply device 400 during the boiling period. The function of the start time determination unit 107 is realized by the function of the processor 11, for example.

Start time transmitting unit 108 transmits start time information indicating the boiling start time determined by start time determining unit 107 to a corresponding hot water supply device 400 among the plurality of hot water supply devices 400. For example, start time transmitting unit 108 transmits start time information indicating the boiling start time determined for hot water supply device 400A to hot water supply device 400A, and starts time information indicating the boiling start time determined for hot water supply device 400B. Send to hot water supply device 400B. Start time transmitting unit 108 transmits start time information to hot water supply device 400 via relay device 200, for example. The function of the start time transmission unit 108 is realized, for example, by the processor 11 and the communication interface 15 working together.

Here, the start time determination unit 107 estimates the estimated total power consumption of the other electric device for each time period based on the history of the total power consumption of the other electric device. The estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices is an estimated value of the total power consumption of the electric devices other than the plurality of hot water supply devices 400. Then, start time determination unit 107 does not exceed the difference between the reference power and the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices in the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 in any time zone. The boiling start time is determined for each of the devices 400. The estimated total power consumption of the hot water supply devices 400 is an estimated value of the total power consumption of the hot water supply devices 400.

More specifically, the start time determination unit 107 determines each of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 based on the history of hot water supply by the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 and the current value of the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 420 provided in the plurality of hot water supply devices 400. For, the earliest hot water out time is estimated. The history of hot water supply by the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 can be specified from the hot water supply history information. Further, the current value of the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 420 can be specified from the remaining hot water amount information supplied from the remaining hot water amount receiving unit 103.

The earliest hot water run-out time is the earliest time when the amount of remaining hot water becomes equal to or less than the hot water run-out threshold value when boiling is not executed. For example, the start time determination unit 107 refers to the hot water supply history of the hot water supply device 400A for the past two weeks, and specifies the usage pattern indicating the hot water usage tendency of the user of the hot water supply device 400. This usage pattern is a pattern indicating in what time zone and how much hot water has been used. Then, in consideration of the current value of the amount of remaining hot water, the start time determination unit 107 specifies the usage pattern of the earliest time when the amount of remaining hot water becomes equal to or less than the hot water depletion threshold value among the usage patterns for two weeks. Then, the start time determination unit 107 estimates the time at which the amount of remaining hot water becomes equal to or less than the hot water shortage threshold when the specified usage pattern is adopted, as the earliest hot water hot water time. The hot water depletion threshold is the amount of remaining hot water that is a measure of hot water depletion. If the current value of the amount of remaining hot water is less than or equal to the hot water threshold, it is estimated that there is a risk of hot water shortage.

Then, start time determination unit 107 determines the boiling start time for each of the plurality of water heaters 400 so that the boiling start time becomes earlier for the hot water supply apparatus 400 having the earliest hot water run-out time. In other words, the boiling start time is determined such that boiling is performed in order from the hot water supply device 400 having the earliest possible time of running out of hot water. According to such a configuration, the risk of running out of hot water is reduced.

The reference power setting unit 106 increases the reference power when the start time determination unit 107 cannot determine the boiling start time for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 so that the remaining hot water amount does not fall below the hot water depletion threshold. In other words, reference power setting unit 106 raises the reference power when it is difficult to assign boiling start time to all water heaters 400 without causing hot water shortage in any water heater 400.

Here, it is preferable that the reference power setting unit 106 sets, as the initial value of the reference power, the maximum value of the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices estimated for each time period. The estimated total power consumption of other electric devices is estimated for each time period based on the power history information. For example, the average value of the total power consumption of the electric devices other than the water heater 400 in the target time period for the past two weeks (for example, 00:00 to 01:00) is the estimated total of other electric devices in the target time period. Estimated as power consumption. Then, regarding the maximum value of the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices estimated for each time period, that is, the time period when the average value of the total power consumption of the electric devices other than the water heater 400 for the past two weeks is the largest The estimated total power consumption of the estimated other electric device is set as the initial value of the reference power.

The higher the reference power, the lower the risk of running out of water, and the easier it is to assign the boiling start time. However, the greater the reference power, the higher the risk that the total power consumption will exceed the upper limit value of the contract power. Therefore, as long as there is no risk of running out of hot water and the boiling start time can be assigned, it is preferable that the reference power is small. However, even if the reference power is set to be smaller than the maximum value of the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices, the peak value of the total power consumption is not likely to decrease. Therefore, it is preferable that the initial value of the reference power is the maximum value of the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices.

Further, the reference power setting unit 106 may set different reference powers for time zones having different power unit prices. For example, the reference power setting unit 106 sets the first reference power as the reference power for the first time zone. On the other hand, the reference power setting unit 106 sets the second reference power as a reference for the second time zone in which the unit price of the power is higher than the first time zone. As described above, by setting the reference power in the first time zone to be equal to or higher than the reference power in the second time zone, it is possible to expect a reduction in the unit price of power consumption due to boiling.

Further, when the start time determination unit 107 cannot determine the boiling start time so that the remaining hot water amount does not become the hot water depletion threshold or less for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400, the reference power setting unit 106 follows the procedure below. It is preferable to raise the reference power. Specifically, it is preferable to increase the first reference power until the first reference power reaches the threshold power. Further, it is preferable to increase the second reference power until the second reference power reaches the threshold power after the first reference power reaches the threshold power. Then, after the first reference power and the second reference power have reached the threshold power, it is preferable to increase the first reference power and the second reference power by the same amount.

Here, the threshold power is, for example, a value based on the contract power. Typically, it is preferable that the threshold power is the upper limit value of the contract power. However, the contract power may be set to a value slightly smaller than the upper limit value of the contract power according to the variation amount of the total power consumption. According to such a configuration, it is expected that the electric power charge is suppressed within the range in which the basic charge does not change, and the increase in the basic charge is suppressed as much as possible when the basic charge increases.

The remaining hot water amount acquisition unit 401 acquires the remaining hot water amount of the hot water storage tank 420 included in the hot water supply device 400. The remaining hot water amount acquisition unit 401 acquires the remaining hot water amount, for example, in a predetermined cycle. The remaining hot water amount acquisition unit 401 supplies the remaining hot water amount information indicating the acquired remaining hot water amount to the server 100 and the boiling determination unit 404 in a predetermined cycle. The function of the remaining hot water amount acquisition unit 401 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 41, the communication interface 44, and the remaining hot water amount sensor 46, for example.

The start time receiving unit 402 receives start time information from the server 100. The function of the start time receiving unit 402 is realized by the function of the communication interface 44, for example. The start time storage unit 403 stores the start time information received by the start time receiving unit 402. The function of the start time storage unit 403 is realized by the function of the flash memory 42, for example.

Boiling determination unit 404 determines whether or not the amount of remaining hot water in hot water storage tank 420 is equal to or less than the boiling threshold value at the boiling start time indicated by the start time information stored in start time storage unit 403. The remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 420 can be specified from the remaining hot water amount information supplied from the remaining hot water amount acquisition unit 401. In the present embodiment, the boiling threshold value is 80% of the capacity of hot water storage tank 420. The function of the boiling determination unit 404 is realized by the function of the processor 41, for example.

Boiling execution unit 405 executes boiling in response to boiling determination unit 404 determining that the amount of remaining hot water in hot water storage tank 420 is equal to or less than the boiling threshold. The boiling is started at the boiling start time and completed before the boiling end time arrives. The function of the boiling execution unit 405 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 41 and the control circuit 45.

Next, the boiling control processing executed by the server 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This boiling control process is a part of the process for realizing the boiling control method. The boiling control process is started, for example, when the server 100 is powered on.

First, the processor 11 collects power information (step S101). For example, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 to transmit a power information transmission request to the power measurement device 300 via the relay device 200. Then, the processor 11 acquires the power information transmitted by the power measuring device 300 and received by the communication interface 15. When the power information is regularly transmitted from the power measuring device 300, the transmission request need not be transmitted. The processor 11 collects power information from all homes.

When the process of step S101 is completed, the processor 11 updates the power history information (step S102). That is, the processor 11 updates the power history information stored in the hard disk 12 with the latest information with the power information received by the communication interface 15.

When the process of step S102 is completed, the processor 11 collects the remaining hot water amount information (step S103). For example, processor 11 controls communication interface 15 to transmit a request for transmitting remaining hot water amount information to hot water supply device 400 via relay device 200. Then, processor 11 acquires the remaining hot water amount information transmitted by hot water supply device 400 and received by communication interface 15. When the hot water supply device 400 regularly transmits the remaining hot water amount information, the transmission request need not be transmitted. The processor 11 collects remaining hot water amount information from all the houses.

When the process of step S103 is completed, the processor 11 updates the hot water supply history information (step S104). That is, the processor 11 updates the hot water supply history information stored in the hard disk 12 to the latest information with the remaining hot water amount information received by the communication interface 15.

When the processing of step S104 is completed, the processor 11 determines whether it is the update timing of the boiling start time (step S105). It is preferable that the update timing be a time slightly before the start time of the night when the night discount is applied. For example, when the beginning time of the night is 23:00, it is preferable that the update timing be any time between 22:00 and 23:00. In the present embodiment, the update timing is assumed to be 22:00, which arrives every day.

If the processor 11 determines that it is not the update timing of the boiling start time (step S105: NO), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the processor 11 determines that it is the update timing of the boiling start time (step S105: YES), the processor 11 executes the start time determination process (step S106). The start time determination process will be described later.

When the process of step S106 is completed, processor 11 transmits start time information to hot water supply device 400 (step S107). Specifically, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 to apply start time information indicating the boiling start time determined by the start time determination process to the boiling start time via the relay device 200. To the hot water supply device 400. Processor 11 transmits start time information to all hot water supply devices 400. When the process of step S107 is completed, the processor 11 returns the process to step S101.

Next, the start time determination processing executed in step S106 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the processor 11 estimates the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices for each time zone (step S201). For example, the processor 11 estimates the average value of the total power consumption of the other electric devices in the past two weeks as the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices for each time period based on the power history information. For example, the processor 11 estimates 30,000 W as the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices during the time period from 00:00 to 01:00, and estimates the other electric devices during the time period from 01:00 to 02:00. 20,000 W is estimated as the estimated total power consumption, and 40000 W is estimated as the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices in the time zone from 23:00 to 00:00.

When the process of step S201 is completed, the processor 11 sets the maximum value of the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices as the reference power (step S202). For example, when the maximum value of the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices estimated for each time zone is 50000W estimated for the time zone from 20:00 to 21:00, 50000W is set as the reference power. .. In the present embodiment, different reference powers are provided at night and daytime. In this example, 50,000 W is set as the first reference power which is the reference power at night and the second reference power which is the reference power at daytime.

When the processing of step S202 is completed, the processor 11 sets the target time zone to the first time zone (step S203). The target time zone is a time zone to which the boiling start time is assigned. That is, when the boiling start time is assigned to a certain target time zone, the start time of this target time zone is assigned as the boiling start time. The first time zone is the first time zone to which the night discount is applied, for example, the time zone from 23:00 to 00:00.

When the process of step S203 is completed, processor 11 calculates the number of hot water supply devices 400 for setting the boiling start time (step S204). For example, the processor 11 can obtain the number by the formula N=(ABC)/D. N is the number of hot water supply devices 400 for which the boiling start time is set in this target time zone. However, N is 0 or a natural number obtained by rounding down after the decimal point. A is the reference power. B is the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices estimated for the target time zone. C is the total power consumption required for boiling that is continuously executed in the target time period from the time period before the target time period.

For example, when the target time period is from 23:00 to 00:00, it is assumed that the boiling start time is set for the three hot water supply devices 400 (hot water supply device A, hot water supply device B, and hot water supply device C). .. Here, it is assumed that the rated power consumption of water heater A is 100 W and the boiling time of water heater A is 120 minutes. Further, rated power consumption of water heater B is 100 W, and boiling time of water heater B is 120 minutes. The rated power consumption of water heater C is 100 W, and the boiling time of water heater C is 60 minutes. In this case, the boiling by the water heater A and the water heater B is executed from 23:00 to 01:00, and the boiling by the water heater C is executed from 23:00 to 00:00. In this case, when the target time zone is from 00:00 to 01:00, C=100W×2=200W.

D is the average value of the power consumption of all hot water supply devices 400. This power consumption may be the rated power consumption specified from the device information, or may be the measured value of the power consumption specified from the power history information. In this algorithm, the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices is small, and the boiling start time of the water heater 400 to which the boiling start time is assigned is smaller in the time zone in which the total power consumption of the boiling that is continuously executed from the previous time zone is smaller. The number increases. In other words, the number of hot water supply devices 400 to which the boiling start time is assigned increases as the time slot in which the power consumption allocated to new boiling increases.

When the process of step S204 is completed, processor 11 selects hot water supply device 400 for setting the boiling start time (step S205). For example, processor 11 estimates the earliest hot water supply time for all hot water supply devices 400, and selects the calculated number of hot water supply devices 400 in order of earliest hot water supply time from the unselected hot water supply devices 400. The earliest hot water run-off time is estimated from the current value of the amount of remaining hot water and the hot water supply history information, as described above.

When the process of step S205 is completed, the processor 11 determines the boiling start time (step S206). That is, processor 11 determines the start time of the target time period as the boiling start time of hot water supply device 400 selected in step S205.

When the process of step S206 is completed, the processor 11 determines whether there is a risk of running out of hot water (step S207). For example, processor 11 determines whether or not selected hot water supply device 400 includes hot water supply device 400 whose estimated earliest hot water run-out time is earlier than the end time of the target time period. Processor 11 determines that there is a risk of hot water shortage when there is a hot water supply device 400 whose earliest hot water shortage time is earlier than the end time of the target time zone. When determining that there is a risk of running out of hot water (step S207: YES), the processor 11 executes the reference power adjustment process (step S211). The reference power adjustment process will be described later.

When determining that there is no risk of running out of hot water (step S207: NO), processor 11 determines whether or not all hot water supply devices 400 have been selected (step S208). When processor 11 determines that all hot water supply devices 400 have been selected (step S208: YES), the start time determination process is completed. When processor 11 determines that one of hot water supply devices 400 has not been selected (step S208: NO), processor 11 shifts the target time zone (step S209). The target time zone is shifted to the next time zone, that is, the time zone after one hour.

When the process of step S209 is completed, the processor 11 determines whether or not the shift time has reached 24 hours (step S210). When determining that the shift time has not reached 24 hours (step S210: NO), the processor 11 returns the process to step S204. When determining that the shift time has reached 24 hours (step S210: YES), the processor 11 executes the reference power adjustment process (step S211). Reaching the shift time of 24 hours means that the boiling start time cannot be set for all hot water supply devices 400 with the current reference power.

Next, the reference power adjustment processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The reference power adjustment process is a process of adjusting the reference power, and is substantially a process of raising the reference power.

First, the processor 11 determines whether the adjusted first reference power exceeds the power threshold (step S301). That is, when the first reference power is increased, the processor 11 determines whether the first reference power after the increase exceeds the power threshold value. The power threshold is, for example, an upper limit value of contract power.

When the processor 11 determines that the adjusted first reference power does not exceed the power threshold (step S301: NO), the processor 11 increases the first reference power (step S302). The pulling width may be a fixed amount (for example, 1 kW) or a fixed ratio (for example, 10%).

When the processor 11 determines that the adjusted first reference power exceeds the power threshold (step S301: YES), the processor 11 determines whether the adjusted second reference power exceeds the power threshold (step S303). That is, when the second reference power is increased, the processor 11 determines whether the second reference power after the increase exceeds the power threshold.

When the processor 11 determines that the adjusted second reference power does not exceed the power threshold (step S303: NO), the processor 11 increases the second reference power (step S304). The pulling width may be a fixed amount (for example, 1 kW) or a fixed ratio (for example, 10%).

When the processor 11 determines that the adjusted second reference power exceeds the power threshold (step S303: YES), the processor 11 increases the first reference power and the second reference power by the same amount (step S305). It is preferable that the amount of increase is set according to the unit of increase in the basic charge in the electric power contract. For example, in the case of a power contract, when the basic charge is increased in units of 1 kW, the amount of increase is preferably 1 kW. When the processor 11 completes the processing of step S302, step S304, or step S305, the reference power adjustment processing is completed.

In the reference power adjustment process, first, until the reference power exceeds the upper limit value of the contract power, the first reference power, which is the reference power at night when the unit price of power is low, is the reference power during the day, when the unit price of power is high. 2 It will be raised in preference to the reference power. As a result, the increase in the basic charge is suppressed and the electricity charge is reduced. Then, after the reference power exceeds the upper limit value of the contract power, the first reference power and the second reference power are increased by the same amount. This can be expected to reduce the increase in basic charges.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the boiling control process executed by the hot water supply device 400 will be described in detail. This boiling control process is a part of the process for realizing the boiling control method. The boiling control process is started, for example, when the hot water supply device 400 is turned on.

First, the processor 41 determines whether or not the start time information has been received (step S401). For example, the processor 41 determines whether or not the communication interface 44 has received the start time information from the server 100 via the relay device 200. In this embodiment, basically, it is assumed that the start time information is received every day at 22:00.

When determining that the start time information has been received (step S401: YES), the processor 41 saves the start time information (step S402). For example, the processor 41 updates the boiling start time of the set values stored in the flash memory 42 with the boiling start time indicated by the received start time information.

When the process of step S402 is completed, the processor 41 notifies the user of the setting value (step S403). For example, the processor 41 causes the touch screen 43 to display a screen that presents the setting values stored in the flash memory 42. The setting value includes the boiling start time and the boiling threshold value.

When the processing of step S403 is completed, the processor 41 determines whether or not there is a setting change instruction from the user (step S404). For example, the processor 41 determines whether or not a setting change instruction by the user who has confirmed the presented setting value has been issued to the touch screen 43. When the processor 41 determines that there is a setting change instruction from the user (step S404: YES), the processor 41 changes the setting value (step S405). For example, the processor 41 changes the setting value stored in the flash memory 42 according to the setting change instruction from the user.

The processor 41 determines that it has not received the start time information (step S401: NO), determines that there is no setting change instruction by the user (step S404: NO), or completes the process of step S405. In this case, it is determined whether it is the boiling start time (step S406). For example, the processor 41 determines whether or not the current time obtained from the time information supplied from the built-in RTC matches the boiling start time among the set values stored in the flash memory 42.

When the processor 41 determines that it is the boiling start time (step S406: YES), the processor 41 acquires remaining hot water amount information (step S407). For example, the processor 41 acquires remaining hot water amount information from the remaining hot water amount sensor 46. When the process of step S407 is completed, the processor 41 determines whether the amount of remaining hot water is equal to or less than the boiling threshold (step S408). For example, the processor 41 determines whether the remaining hot water amount indicated by the acquired remaining hot water amount information is less than or equal to the boiling threshold value among the set values stored in the flash memory 42.

If the processor 41 determines that it is not the boiling start time (step S406: NO), or if the remaining hot water amount is not less than or equal to the boiling threshold (step S408: NO), the process returns to step S401. On the other hand, when the processor 41 determines that the amount of remaining hot water is equal to or less than the boiling threshold value (step S408: YES), it performs boiling (step S409). For example, the processor 41 controls the control circuit 45 to boil hot water and store it in the hot water storage tank 420. When the processing of step S409 is completed, the processor 41 returns the processing to step S401.

In the present embodiment, the boiling start time is determined for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 so that the peak value of the estimated total power consumption does not exceed the reference power, and the start time information indicating the boiling start time corresponds from the server 100. To the hot water supply device 400, and boiling by the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 is performed at the corresponding boiling start time. For this reason, in the present embodiment, even when the communication between the server 100 and the plurality of hot water supply devices 400 is interrupted, boiling can be performed by the plurality of hot water supply devices 400. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately realize boiling that suppresses an increase in the peak value of the total power consumption.

Further, in the present embodiment, the boiling start time is determined for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400, based on the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices estimated for each time zone. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to expect an improvement in accuracy of suppressing an increase in the peak value of the total power consumption.

Further, in the present embodiment, a faster boiling start time is set for a hot water supply device 400 whose earliest hot water depletion time estimated based on the history of hot water supply and the current value of the amount of remaining hot water. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it can be expected that the risk of hot water shortage is reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the boiling start time cannot be determined so as not to run out of hot water, the reference power is increased. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the increase in the peak value of the total power consumption while ensuring the execution of boiling and the suppression of hot water shortage.

Further, in the present embodiment, the maximum value of the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices estimated for each time period is set as the initial value of the reference power. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it can be expected that the boiling start time is promptly determined.

In addition, in the present embodiment, for the second time zone in which the unit price of electric power is higher than the first time zone, the second reference power equal to or lower than the first reference power set for the first time zone as the reference power. Power is set. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to expect a reduction in the electricity charge.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first reference power is raised until the first reference power reaches the threshold power based on the contract power, and after the first reference power reaches the threshold power, the second reference power is set to the threshold power. The second reference power is pulled up until reaching the threshold power, and the first reference power and the second reference power are pulled up by the same amount after the first reference power and the second reference power reach the threshold power. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the increase of the electricity charge while giving priority to the suppression of the increase of the basic charge.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, in the reference power adjustment process, the example in which the first reference power is preferentially raised until the first reference power reaches the threshold power based on the contracted power has been described. In the present embodiment, an example in which the first reference power and the second reference power are alternately increased in the reference power adjustment process will be described. Hereinafter, the reference power adjustment processing executed by the server 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The configuration and functions of the boiling control system 1000 according to the present embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment, except for the functions related to the reference power adjustment processing, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

In the reference power adjustment process, the processor 11 first determines whether or not it is the first adjustment (step S501). For example, the processor 11 determines whether or not the first reference power and the second reference power have never been adjusted. When the processor 11 determines that it is the first adjustment (step S501: YES), the processor 11 increases the first reference power (step S502). The amount of increase is set, for example, in consideration of contracted power. In addition, in the present embodiment, the pull-up width of the first reference power and the pull-up width of the second reference power are the same.

When the processor 11 determines that the adjustment is not the first adjustment (step S501: NO), the processor 11 determines whether the previous adjustment is the adjustment of the first reference power (step S503). When the processor 11 determines that the previous adjustment is the adjustment of the first reference power (step S503: YES), the processor 11 increases the second reference power (step S504). When the processor 11 determines that the previous adjustment is not the adjustment of the first reference power (step S503: NO), the processor 11 increases the first reference power (step S505). When the processor 11 completes the processing of step S505, the reference power adjustment processing is completed.

In this embodiment, when the reference power needs to be increased, the first reference power and the second reference power are alternately increased in order by the same amount. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the peak value of the total power consumption in the first time zone is the contracted power while giving priority to the allocation of the boiling start time in the first time zone in which the unit price of power is lower than that in the second time zone. The risk of exceeding the upper limit of can be reduced. In addition, when the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices or the power consumption required for boiling cannot be accurately estimated, the peak value of the total power consumption may not be appropriately suppressed. Even in such a case, according to the present embodiment, since the first reference power is not so large as compared with the second reference power, the peak value of the total power consumption in the first time zone is the upper limit value of the contract power. It can be expected to reduce the risk of exceeding.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, the example has been described in which the customer is a large-scale customer who has signed a high-voltage batch power reception contract, and the boiling control system 1000 includes a plurality of hot water supply devices 400. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the customer is a small-lot customer who has signed a low-voltage power reception contract, and the boiling control system 1100 includes one hot water supply device 400. As shown in FIG. 14, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a house 810 includes a power receiving facility 20A and a configuration of a commercial power source 10A that supplies power to the power receiving facility 20A.

The commercial power source 10A supplies power to the power receiving facility 20A provided in the house 810 according to the low voltage power receiving contract. The commercial power source 10A is, for example, a power source that supplies 100V or 200V AC power. The power receiving facility 20A supplies the AC power of 100V or 200V supplied from the commercial power source 10 to the distribution board 30A.

In the present embodiment, electric power history information corresponding to one house 810, hot water supply history information corresponding to one hot water supply device 400A, and device information corresponding to one hot water supply device 400A are used. Then, in the present embodiment, the start time determination process shown in FIG. 15 is executed instead of the start time determination process shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the start time determination process executed by the server 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the start time determination process, the processor 11 first estimates the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices for each time zone (step S601). For example, the processor 11 estimates the average value of the total power consumption of the other electric devices for two weeks for each time period as the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices based on the power history information. When the process of step S601 is completed, the processor 11 sets the maximum value of the estimated total power consumption of other electric devices as the reference power (step S602). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the reference power set in the first time zone and the reference power set in the second time zone are the same.

When the process of step S602 is completed, the processor 11 identifies a candidate time when there is no risk of running out of hot water (step S603). The candidate time is a time that is a candidate for the boiling start time and is, for example, 24 times. Of the 24 candidate times, the processor identifies a candidate time when there is no risk of running out of water when the candidate time is set as the boiling start time. For example, if the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water supply device 400 is equal to or less than the hot water drainage threshold value by the boiling end time, it is determined that there is a risk of hot water drainage.

When the processing of step S603 is completed, the processor 11 identifies the first candidate time when boiling is executed in the first time zone (step S604). For example, the processor 11 identifies, as the first candidate time, the candidate time that is earlier than the end time of the first time zone among the identified candidate times.

When the process of step S604 is completed, the processor 11 selects the first candidate time at which the peak value of the total power consumption is the minimum (step S605). For example, when the boiling is completed in 1 hour, the processor 11 has the smallest estimated total power consumption of other electric devices in the time zone having the first candidate time as the start time among the specified first candidate times. Select the first candidate time.

When the process of step S605 is completed, the processor 11 determines whether the peak value of the total power consumption is less than or equal to the reference power (step S606). When the processor 11 determines that the peak value of the total power consumption is less than or equal to the reference power (step S606: YES), it determines the selected first candidate time as the boiling start time (step S607).

That is, the processor 11 has one or more first candidate times at which boiling is executed in the first time period when the peak value of the total power consumption is less than the reference power and the unit price of the power is low, without the risk of running out of hot water. Is present, the first candidate time at which the peak value of the total power consumption is the smallest among the one or more first candidate times is determined as the boiling start time. With this configuration, it is possible to expect a reduction in the electricity charge while suppressing an increase in the basic charge.

When the processor 11 determines that the peak value of the total power consumption is not lower than or equal to the reference power (step S606: NO), the processor 11 selects the candidate time when the peak value of the total power consumption is the minimum (step S608). When the processing of step S608 is completed, the processor 11 determines the selected candidate time as the boiling start time (step S609).

That is, the processor 11 has one or more first candidate times at which boiling is executed in the first time period when the peak value of the total power consumption is less than the reference power and the unit price of the power is low, without the risk of running out of hot water. If there is not, the candidate time at which the peak value of the total power consumption becomes the minimum among the one or more candidate times at which there is no risk of running out of hot water is determined as the boiling start time. With this configuration, it can be expected that the increase in the basic charge is suppressed to the minimum. When the processing of step S607 or step S609 is completed, the processor 11 completes the start time determination processing.

In this embodiment, start time information indicating the boiling start time determined so that the peak value of the total power consumption does not exceed the reference power is transmitted from the server 100 to the hot water supply device 400, and the boiling by the hot water supply device 400 is boiled. It is executed at the start time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when communication between server 100 and hot water supply device 400 is interrupted, boiling can be performed by hot water supply device 400. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately realize boiling that suppresses an increase in the peak value of the total power consumption.

(Modification)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and applications can be made in carrying out the present invention.

In the present invention, which part of the configuration, function and operation described in the above embodiment is adopted is arbitrary. Further, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations, functions, and operations described above, further configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted.

For example, in the first embodiment, hot water supply device 400 determines whether the amount of remaining hot water in hot water storage tank 420 is equal to or less than the boiling threshold at the boiling start time, and the amount of residual hot water in hot water storage tank 420 is equal to or less than the boiling threshold. An example of starting boiling in some cases has been described. Hot water supply device 400 may start boiling at the boiling start time regardless of the amount of remaining hot water in hot water storage tank 420. That is, any configuration may be used as long as automatic boiling does not start at a time other than the boiling start time. Note that, for example, if the number of hot water supply devices 400 is large, it is considered that the risk of an increase in the basic charge is low even if manual boiling is allowed. Therefore, in consideration of convenience, it is preferable that the manual boiling according to a user's instruction can be executed at any time.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the unit for managing the power consumption is one hour has been described. For example, in the case of a power contract in which the basic charge is determined according to the peak value of power consumption in 30-minute units, it is preferable that the unit for managing power consumption is 30 minutes. However, the unit for managing the power consumption is not limited to this example, and may be 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 1 minute, or the like.

In the first embodiment, an example in which the boiling start time assigned to one hot water supply device 400 is one has been described. The boiling start time assigned to one hot water supply device 400 may be two or more. Further, a different number of boiling start times may be assigned to each hot water supply device 400.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the quick boiling start time is assigned in the order of the hot water supply device 400 in which the hot water shortage is likely to occur early, that is, the hot water supply device 400 having the earliest hot water shortage time is described. For example, when the possibility of running out of hot water is low, the boiling start time may be assigned to the hot water supply device 400 regardless of the earliest running time of hot water.

In the first embodiment, the first reference power is set for the first time zone, and the second reference power is less than or equal to the first reference power for the second time zone in which the unit price of power is higher than that of the first time zone. The example in which the power is set has been described. Common reference power may be set for both the first time zone and the second time zone. With such a configuration, it can be expected that the risk that the basic charge will increase due to the peak value of the total power consumption exceeding the upper limit value of the contract power is reduced.

In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 100 and the hot water supply device 400 communicate with each other via the relay device 200, and the server 100 and the power measuring device 300 communicate with each other via the relay device 200. Server 100 and hot water supply device 400 may communicate without relay device 200, and server 100 and power measuring device 300 may communicate without relay device 200.

In the first embodiment, based on the average value of the rated power consumption of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400, the number to which the boiling start time is assigned is determined, and after selecting the hot water supply device 400 according to the determined number, the total power consumption is calculated. The example in which it is not checked whether the estimated value of the peak value exceeds the reference power has been described. For example, when there is a large difference in the rated power consumption of the plurality of hot water supply devices 400, it is preferable to check whether or not the estimated value of the peak value of the total power consumption exceeds the reference power after selecting the hot water supply device 400. is there. When the estimated value of the peak value of the total power consumption exceeds the reference power, it is preferable to reduce the number to which the boiling start time is assigned.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the server 100 that executes the boiling control process illustrated in FIG. 9 is one device has been described. The boiling control process may be executed on a cloud including a plurality of devices, for example. That is, the server 100 may be considered as a cloud including a plurality of devices that cooperate with each other to execute the boiling control process.

By applying the operation program that defines the operation of the server according to the present invention to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is possible to cause the personal computer or information terminal device to function as the server according to the present invention. The method of distributing such a program is arbitrary, and for example, the program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a memory card and distributed. Alternatively, it may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiments are for explaining the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is applicable to a boiling control system that controls boiling by a water heater.

10,10A Commercial power supply, 11,21,41 Processor, 12 Hard disk, 13 Keyboard, 14 Liquid crystal display, 15,44 Communication interface, 20,20A Power receiving equipment, 22,42 Flash memory, 23,43 Touch screen, 24 1st Communication interface, 25 second communication interface, 30A, 30B distribution board, 45 control circuit, 46 remaining hot water amount sensor, 100 server, 101 power information receiving unit, 102 power history storage unit, 103 remaining hot water amount receiving unit, 104 hot water supply history storage Unit, 105 device information storage unit, 106 reference power setting unit, 107 start time determination unit, 108 start time transmission unit, 200, 200A, 200B relay device, 300, 300A, 300B power measurement device, 310A, 310B, 320A, 320B Current transformer, 400, 400A, 400B Hot water supply device, 401 Remaining hot water amount acquisition unit, 402 Start time reception unit, 403 Start time storage unit, 404 Boiling determination unit, 405 Boiling execution unit, 420, 420A, 420B Hot water storage tank, 500A , 500B air conditioner, 600A, 600B lighting equipment, 710A, 710B home network, 720 outside network, 800 condominium, 800A, 800B housing, 1000, 1100 boiling control system

Claims (12)

Based on the history of the total power consumption of other electric devices that are electric devices other than the hot water supply device among the plurality of electric devices including the hot water supply device that starts boiling at the boiling start time, the estimation of the plurality of electric devices The start time determining means for determining the boiling start time, so that the peak value of the total power consumption does not exceed the reference power,
Start time information indicating the boiling start time determined by the start time determination means, start time transmission means for transmitting to the water heater,
server. The plurality of electric devices include a plurality of water heaters,
The start time determination means, based on the history of the total power consumption of the other electric device, so that the peak value of the estimated total power consumption does not exceed the reference power, the boiling for each of the plurality of water heaters. Determine the raising start time,
The start time transmitting means transmits the start time information indicating the boiling start time determined by the start time determining means to a corresponding hot water supply device among the plurality of hot water supply devices.
The server according to claim 1. The start time determination means estimates the estimated total power consumption of the other electric device for each time zone based on the history of the total power consumption of the other electric device, and the plurality of water heaters in any time zone. The estimated total power consumption does not exceed the difference between the reference power and the estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices, and determines the boiling start time for each of the plurality of water heaters,
The server according to claim 2. The start time determination means performs boiling for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices based on the history of hot water supply by the plurality of hot water supply devices and the current value of the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank included in the plurality of hot water supply devices. If not, the remaining hot water amount is estimated to be the earliest time of hot water that is the earliest time to be equal to or lower than the hot water breakage threshold value, so that the boiling water start time of the hotter water supply device becomes earlier, the boiling start time becomes earlier Determining the boiling start time for each of the plurality of water heaters,
The server according to claim 2 or 3. The reference power is set, further comprising reference power setting means for adjusting the reference power according to the result of the boiling start time determined by the start time determining means,
The reference power setting means, the start time determining means, for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices, if the boiling start time can not be determined so that the remaining hot water amount does not become less than or equal to the hot water depletion threshold, the reference power, Pull up,
The server according to claim 4. The reference power setting means sets, as an initial value of the reference power, a maximum value of estimated total power consumption of the other electric devices estimated for each time period,
The server according to claim 5. The reference power setting means sets the first reference power as the reference power for the first time zone, and sets the first reference power as the reference power for the second time zone in which the unit price of the power is higher than the first time zone. As the reference power, a second reference power that is less than or equal to the first reference power is set,
The server according to claim 5 or 6. If the start time determination means cannot determine the boiling start time for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices so that the remaining hot water amount does not become equal to or less than the hot water depletion threshold, the first reference power setting means The first reference power is raised until the power reaches a threshold power based on the contract power, and after the first reference power reaches the threshold power, the second reference power is reached until the second reference power reaches the threshold power. After raising the second reference power, and after the first reference power and the second reference power have reached the threshold power, the first reference power and the second reference power are raised by the same amount,
The server according to claim 7. The reference power setting means, if the start time determination means cannot determine the boiling start time for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices so that the remaining hot water amount does not become equal to or less than the hot water depletion threshold, the first reference The electric power and the second reference electric power are alternately and sequentially increased by the same amount,
The server according to claim 7. A boiling control system comprising a server and a plurality of hot water supply devices for starting boiling at the boiling start time,
The server is
A peak of the estimated total power consumption of the plurality of electric devices based on a history of total power consumption of other electric devices that are electric devices other than the plurality of water heaters among the plurality of electric devices including the plurality of water heaters. A start time determination means for determining the boiling start time for each of the plurality of hot water supply devices so that the value does not exceed the reference power,
Start time information indicating the boiling start time determined by the start time determination means, start time transmission means for transmitting to a hot water supply device corresponding to the plurality of hot water supply devices,
Each of the plurality of water heaters,
Start time receiving means for receiving the start time information from the server,
Start time storage means for storing the start time information received by the start time receiving means,
At the boiling start time indicated by the start time information stored in the start time storage means, a boiling determination means for determining whether or not the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than a boiling threshold,
A boiling execution unit that executes boiling in response to the boiling determination unit determining that the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank is equal to or less than the boiling threshold.
Boiling control system. The server, based on a history of the total power consumption of other electric equipment that is an electric equipment other than the water heater, among the plurality of electric equipment including the water heater that starts boiling at the boiling start time, Determine the boiling start time, so that the peak value of the estimated total power consumption of the device does not exceed the reference power,
The server transmits start time information indicating the boiling start time to the water heater,
The water heater stores the start time information received from the server,
The water heater starts boiling at the boiling start time indicated by the stored start time information,
Boiling control method. Computer,
Based on the history of the total power consumption of other electric devices that are electric devices other than the hot water supply device among the plurality of electric devices including the hot water supply device that starts boiling at the boiling start time, the estimation of the plurality of electric devices A start time determination means for determining the boiling start time so that the peak value of the total power consumption does not exceed the reference power,
Start time information indicating the boiling start time determined by the start time determining means is caused to function as start time transmitting means for transmitting to the water heater.
program.

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