JP6786814B2 - Information processing equipment, information processing methods, and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to information processing devices, information processing methods, and programs, and more particularly to information processing devices, information processing methods, and programs that provide information on consumer power consumption.

Patent Document 1 describes a device that presents the amount of power saving for each candidate for a plurality of candidates for a combination of a plurality of electric devices to be controlled by electric power, and controls the electric power of the candidate electric device selected by the consumer. Has been done. In Patent Document 2, the actual value of the power consumption at the beginning of the month is used to predict the power consumption in one month, and when the predicted power consumption exceeds the threshold value, the operation pattern of the device is set as a plurality of candidates. A device that controls the device by selecting from the following is described.
Patent Document 3 describes a system that estimates the power consumption of each device from the operation information indicating whether or not the power supply circuits of the plurality of devices are turned on and the total power consumption of the plurality of devices. There is.

International Publication No. 2011/058761 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-222396 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-1483819

In the technology described in the above-mentioned patent document, it is possible to predict the power consumption of the current month, predict the electricity charge, and further control the device so as to reach the target power consumption at the beginning of the month. .. However, the amount of power consumption (electricity charge) differs depending on the weather conditions (generally, the electricity charge is lower in spring and autumn than in summer and winter), so even if you try to set a target value for power saving, for example, Since the target setting standard value itself fluctuates depending on the weather conditions, there is a problem that the standard is not known and it is difficult to set an appropriate target.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device capable of setting appropriate power saving settings regardless of the season, an information processing method thereof, and a program.

In each aspect of the present invention, the following configurations are adopted in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

The first aspect relates to an information processing device.
The information processing device related to the first aspect is
An operation information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the operation status of at least one device,
An electric power estimation means for estimating the power consumption in the unit period by using the information indicating the operating status of the predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for settling the electric power charge and the weather information of the unit period. ,
Calculation of reduction amount for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a certain mode to a power saving mode which consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period. Means and
Have,
The operation information acquisition means
Obtain information indicating the operating time of at least one device,
The weather information for the unit period includes at least seasonal information that identifies the season, month, or date of the current month.
The power estimation means calculates the operating time of the unit period by multiplying the operating time of each device in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, and calculates the operating time of each device. The power consumption per unit time in the non-power saving mode is set based on the seasonal identification information, and the operating time of each device in the unit period is multiplied by the power consumption to determine each device. The power consumption of the device is calculated, the power consumption of each device is totaled, and the power consumption in the unit period is obtained.

The second aspect relates to information processing methods performed by at least one computer.
The information processing method related to the second aspect is
Information processing device
Get information that shows the operating status of at least one device,
The power consumption in the unit period is estimated by using the information indicating the operating status of the predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for which the electricity charge is settled and the weather information of the unit period.
After the measurement period, information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a certain mode to a power saving mode, which is a mode in which power consumption is lower than that mode, is obtained.
Including the acquisition of information indicating the operating time of at least one device.
The weather information for the unit period includes at least seasonal information that identifies the season, month, or date of the current month.
further,
The information processing device
By multiplying the operating time of each of the devices in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, the operating time of the unit period is calculated, and the device is in the non-power saving mode. The power consumption per unit time is set based on the seasonal identification information, and the power consumption of each device is multiplied by the operating time of the unit period of each device to obtain the power consumption of each device. This includes calculating, summing up the power consumption of each device, and obtaining the power consumption in the unit period.

As another aspect of the present invention, it may be a program that causes at least one computer to execute the method of the second aspect, or a recording medium that can be read by a computer that records such a program. You may. This recording medium includes non-temporary tangible media.
This computer program includes computer program code that causes the computer to perform its information processing method on an information processing device when executed by the computer.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components and the conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs and the like are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

Further, the various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to be individually independent, and a plurality of components are formed as one member, and one component is formed of a plurality of members. It may be that a certain component is a part of another component, a part of a certain component overlaps with a part of another component, and the like.

Further, although the method and the computer program of the present invention describe a plurality of procedures in order, the order of description does not limit the order in which the plurality of procedures are executed. Therefore, when implementing the method and computer program of the present invention, the order of the plurality of procedures can be changed within a range that does not hinder the contents.

Furthermore, the methods of the present invention and the plurality of procedures of a computer program are not limited to being executed at different timings. Therefore, another procedure may occur during the execution of a certain procedure, or the execution timing of the certain procedure and the execution timing of the other procedure may partially or completely overlap.

According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method thereof, and a program capable of setting appropriate power saving settings regardless of the season or the weather.

It is a functional block diagram which logically shows the structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which conceptually shows the system structure of the information system including the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which shows the information of the electric energy consumption of a consumer. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the computer which realizes each apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the measured value storage part and integrated value storage part of the storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the device operation information storage part and the operation time storage part of the storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the power consumption storage part of the storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the mode setting storage part of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the seasonal parameter storage unit for correction and the seasonal parameter storage unit for power saving calculation of the storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the estimated value storage part of the storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the user information storage part of the storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the power saving amount storage part of the storage device of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the logical structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen which shows the information about the power saving target of a consumer. It is a functional block diagram which shows the logical structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the correction process of the predicted power consumption by the correction part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the storage part of the storage device of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating another correction process of the predicted power consumption by the correction part of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system structure of this Example. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system structure of this Example.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First Embodiment)
The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram that logically shows the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The information processing device 100 includes an operation information acquisition unit 102 that acquires information indicating the operation status of at least one device, an operation status of a predetermined measurement period shorter than a unit period for settlement of electric power charges, and weather in a unit period. The power estimation unit 104 that estimates the power consumption in the unit period using information, and the power saving mode, which is a mode in which at least one of the devices after the measurement period consumes less power than that mode. It is provided with a reduction amount calculation unit 106 for obtaining information indicating the power reduction amount in the unit period at the time of setting.

As used herein, the term "acquisition" means that the own device retrieves data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), for example, a request or inquiry to another device. To receive, access and read from other devices and storage media, and to input data or information output from other devices (passive acquisition) to own device, for example, distribution (or distribution (or). , Sending, push notification, etc.), including receiving at least one of the data or information to be sent, etc. It also includes selecting and acquiring the received data or information, or selecting and receiving the delivered data or information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually showing a system configuration of an information system including an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In each figure, the configuration of the portion not related to the essence of the present invention is omitted and is not shown.
The information processing system of the present embodiment includes a smart meter (indicated as "SM" in the figure) 10, a communication device 40, a web server 60, and a cloud server 70.

Power company 20, PPS (Power Producer and Supplier: specific scale electric power company) 30, IPP (Independent Power Producer) (not shown), or power generation equipment that has power generation equipment other than the power company Electricity retailers who do not have electricity are supplied to consumers through the transmission network (not shown) of general electric power companies (electricity companies).

The smart meter 10 is a communication device including a watt-hour meter (not shown) and having a wireless communication function. For example, the smart meter 10 is provided to the consumer by the electric power company 20. The watt-hour meter measures the consumption of electric power supplied by the electric power company 20 or PPS 30.

The electric power company 20 periodically (for example, every 30 minutes) collects meter reading data (information such as power consumption) from a smart meter 10 provided in a consumer's house via a network 3 such as a public network, and a server. (Not shown) (for example, MDMS: Meter Data Management System).

The communication path through which the smart meter 10 transmits meter reading data to the MDMS of the electric power company 20 is called "A route". The method of communicating the A route between the smart meter 10 and the MDMS of the electric power company 20 is not particularly limited, but for example, a specific low power wireless system using the 920 MHz band, 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution). , WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and other wireless communication methods can be used.

The meter reading data is not limited, but is, for example, an instantaneous power consumption value, at least one of the integrated power consumption values for a predetermined period (for example, 30 minutes), and a time indicating the time when each value is measured (or calculated). Contains information.

In the present embodiment, the smart meter 10 of the consumer's home is connected to a communication device 40 such as a gateway (GW: GateWay) or HEMS (Home Energy Management System). The smart meter 10 transmits information such as meter reading data to the communication device 40. The meter reading data is further acquired by the communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 and transmitted to the cloud server 70 via a network 5 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).
In the network 3 and the network 5, it is assumed that the communication is performed in a state where the security is ensured by the predetermined authentication procedure and the encryption process.

The communication path through which the smart meter 10 transmits meter reading data to the communication device 40 is called "B route". The B route communication method between the smart meter 10 and the communication device 40 is not particularly limited, but for example, a specific low power wireless system using the 920 MHz band, for example, a communication method based on a communication standard such as Wi-SUN, or A communication method of a wireless communication standard operating on IEEE802.5.4 such as Zigbee (registered trademark) can be used.

In Route B, the authentication procedure is performed using the authentication information notified by the electric power company, and communication is performed in a state where security is ensured. This certification procedure is called B route certification, formally, SMA (Smart Meter Application) specification conformity certification (hereinafter referred to as SMA certification).

In the present embodiment, the smart meter 10 periodically transmits meter reading data to the electric power company 20 on the A route, and also reads the meter to the customer's device (communication device 40 in FIG. 2) authenticated by the B route via the B route. Send data.

The consumer communication device 40 is at least one of HEMS, B-route communication device, and GW. Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the power measuring device (CT (Current Transformer) clamp) 50 and the smart tap are connected to the network 5 via the GW and communicate with the information processing device 100 will be described. However, in another example, the power measuring device 50 or the smart tap may have a function of connecting to and communicating with the network 5.

The communication device 40 may be further connected to at least one device such as the power measuring device 50 and the load device 54 in the consumer's home.

The communication device 40 may at least communicate with the smart meter 10, and may not be electrically connected or communicated with the power measuring device 50, the load device 54, or the like.
Alternatively, the communication device 40 may be electrically connected or communicated with at least the power measuring device 50, the load device 54, and the like, and the smart meter 10 may not be communicating.
That is, the communication device 40 only needs to be able to acquire at least a part of the information indicating the operating status of the device and transmit it to the cloud server 70 or the web server 60.

In the present embodiment, the communication device 40 sends information indicating the operating status of the device received from at least one of the smart meter 10, the power measuring device 50, the load device 54, and the like to the cloud server 70 in the network 5 Transfer via. The cloud server 70 stores meter reading data received from the communication device 40 and information indicating the operating status of the device in the storage device 150.

A wireless communication method such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) (so-called Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 3G, or LTE can be used between the communication device 40 and the cloud server 70.

Although not shown, the communication device 40 may be connected via a gateway (GW) or a router (not shown) when connecting to the network 5. Alternatively, the communication device 40 may include a GW or router, or the communication device 40 may be included in a GW or router.

In the present embodiment, the load device 54 such as a water heater (not shown), an air conditioner, and a lighting device may be an ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) certified device.

The power measuring device 50 is electrically connected to a device such as a load device 54. The power measuring device 50 may be included in a residential distribution board (not shown). Further, for example, a CT clamp (not shown) is connected to the power measuring device (distribution board) 50. The CT clamp acquires the current waveform of the total current consumption of the entire plurality of devices connected to the distribution board and the current waveform of the current consumption for each branch (for each room). The power measuring device 50 may have a function of transmitting information on the measured power consumption of each device to the communication device 40 by wireless communication. The communication device 40 and the power measuring device 50 may be one device (for example, HEMS) having each function.

Further, the smart tap has a function of measuring the power consumption of each load device 54 and transmitting it by wireless communication. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the power consumption of each load device 54 measured by the smart tap is transmitted by wireless communication to a communication device 40 such as a gateway in the consumer's house, and further, a communication device that is a gateway. It is transmitted from 40 to the cloud server 70 and the like. Here, it is assumed that the association between the smart tap and the load device 54 is registered in advance in the cloud server 70 by the customer.

The cloud server 70 collects customer information from the communication device 40 via the network 5 and provides it to the web server 60. In addition, the web server 60 publishes customer information on a predetermined web page. A consumer can access a predetermined web page of the web server 60 via the network 5 and browse information by using a user terminal (operation terminal 42, mobile terminal, personal computer, etc.).

In recent years, there are various "visualization" services that present information screens related to power consumption to consumers, such as electric power companies, IPPs, PPS, electric power retailers, aggregators, housing manufacturers, electric manufacturers, gas companies, or service providers. It is being offered by various businesses.
In the "visualization" service, the amount of power consumption is displayed on the screen on the user-only page of the consumer, as well as setting power saving targets, setting equipment for power saving, advice on recommended operation patterns of equipment, electricity charges, etc. Information is also displayed on the screen.

In the present embodiment, the content of the "visualization" service is described as being provided to the user on the website managed by the service provider, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as described above, the content is provided by another business operator. May be done.

The website can be accessed and browsed from a user terminal such as a consumer's personal computer, a mobile terminal (mobile phone or smartphone), or an operation terminal 42 of the communication device 40. The customer fills out the application procedure for using the service on the website or form in advance, and obtains the authentication information such as the user account and password. Then, access the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the specified user-specific web page using a browser or application, perform the authentication procedure using the customer's authentication information, log in to the system, and browse the user-specific page. ..

The operation terminal 42 of FIG. 2 is realized by a computer such as a tablet terminal, for example. The operation terminal 42 includes a communication device 40, a wireless communication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication such as wireless LAN communication (Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), power consumption of a consumer, and electricity charges. It has a display unit (not shown) that displays information such as the operating status of equipment, and an operation unit (not shown) that accepts customer operations.

The display unit includes a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display, and the like. The operation unit includes a touch panel, operation keys, operation buttons, switches, a jog dial, and the like. In the present embodiment, the operation terminal 42 has a touch panel in which a liquid crystal display and an operation unit are integrated.

Various information screens may be displayed on the user-only page. For example, in the present embodiment, a screen of a transition graph of the power consumption of the consumer is displayed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the screen 130 showing information on the power consumption of the consumer.
The screen 130 includes a transition graph display unit 132 of the daily power consumption of the consumer in the current month.

The daily power consumption is, for example, a value obtained by integrating the 30-minute value of the power consumption of the meter reading data acquired from the smart meter 10 for one day.
The transition graph display unit 132 shows the measured value (meter reading data) of the daily power consumption within the measurement period of the current month (for example, 7 days from the beginning of the month or the period including the current period after the measurement period). , A bar graph 140 of daily power consumption and a cumulative graph 142 (solid line) of daily power consumption are shown, respectively.

Further, the transition graph display unit 132 has an estimated value graph 144 (broken line) showing the cumulative value of the estimated power consumption of the current month after the measurement period, and a line 146 (two) showing the target value of the power consumption of the current month. (Dotted chain line) and an estimated value graph 148 (one-dot chain line) showing the cumulative value of the estimated values of the power consumption in the power saving mode of the current month after the measurement period are displayed. Details of the calculation method of each value will be described later.

In this figure, it is estimated that the power consumption when the device is controlled while maintaining the non-power saving mode until the non-power saving mode as of November 30, is 385 kWh. Further, it is shown that the power reduction amount when the device is controlled by changing from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode is 75 kWh, and the target value of the power consumption for the current month is 310 kWh.

The screen 130 of FIG. 3 shows an example of displaying a graph of power consumption, but in another example, a graph of electricity charges may be displayed. In this case, the target value (two-dot chain line) of the saving amount may be displayed instead of the power saving amount. In addition, both power consumption and electricity charges may be displayed. The display contents may be selected by operating the display item selection button 134. In the example of FIG. 3, the power consumption of the display item selection button 134 is selected (solid line), and the electricity charge of the display item selection button 134 is not selected (broken line).

In the present embodiment, the smart meter 10, the communication device 40, the operation terminal 42, and the information processing device 100 are all realized by using a computer. Further, the server of the electric power company 20 (not shown), the server of PPS 30 (not shown), the web server 60, and the cloud server 70 are all realized by using a computer. The server of PPS 30 and the cloud server 70 may be one computer.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of such a computer configuration.

The computer 80 of the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 82, a memory 84, a program 90 that realizes the components of FIG. 2 loaded in the memory 84, a storage 85 that stores the program 90, and I / O (Input). / Output) 86 and a network connection interface (communication I / F87).

The CPU 82, the memory 84, the storage 85, the I / O 86, and the communication I / F 87 are connected to each other via the bus 89, and the entire information processing apparatus 100 is controlled by the CPU 82. However, the method of connecting the CPU 82 and the like to each other is not limited to the bus connection.

The memory 84 is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage 85 is a storage device such as a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a memory card.

The storage 85 may be a memory such as RAM or ROM. The storage 85 may be provided inside the computer 80, or may be provided outside the computer 80 and connected to the computer 80 by wire or wirelessly if the computer 80 is accessible. Alternatively, it may be detachably provided on the computer 80.

When the CPU 82 reads the program 90 stored in the storage 85 into the memory 84 and executes it, each function of each unit of the information processing apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 can be realized.

The I / O 86 controls input / output of data and control signals between the computer 80 and other input / output devices. The other input / output devices include, for example, an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, and microphone connected to the computer 80, and an output device (not shown) such as a display, a printer, and a speaker. These input / output devices and the interface of the computer 80 are included. Further, the I / O 86 may perform data input / output control with a reading or writing device (not shown) of another recording medium.

The communication I / F 87 is a network connection interface for communicating between the computer 80 and an external device. The communication I / F 87 may be a network interface for connecting to a wired line or a network interface for connecting to a wireless line. For example, the computer 80 that realizes the information processing device 100 is connected to the HEMS 46 via the network 3 by the communication I / F 87.

Each component of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment of FIG. 1 is realized by an arbitrary combination of hardware and software of the computer 80 of FIG. And, it is understood by those skilled in the art that there are various modifications of the realization method and the device. The functional block diagram showing the information processing apparatus of each embodiment described below shows a block of a logical functional unit, not a configuration of a hardware unit.

The information processing device 100 may be configured by a plurality of computers 80, or may be realized by a virtual server. In the present embodiment, the information processing device 100 will be described as, for example, a server device of a service provider. As another example, the information processing apparatus 100 may be realized by a server apparatus such as an electric power company, an IPP, a PPS, an electric power retailer, an aggregator, a house maker, an electric maker, or a gas company.

In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the cloud server 70 includes the information processing device 100.
The information processing device 100 (cloud server 70 in FIG. 2) is further connected to the storage device 150 in an accessible manner. The storage device 150 may be included in the information processing device 100, or may be an external device of the information processing device 100.
The storage device 150 includes a measurement value storage unit 152, an integrated value storage unit 153, a device operation information storage unit 154, an operating time storage unit 155, a power consumption storage unit 156, a mode setting storage unit 158, and correction. It includes a seasonal parameter storage unit 160 for power saving, a seasonal parameter storage unit 161 for calculating power saving amount, an estimated value storage unit 162, a user information storage unit 164, and a power saving amount storage unit 166.

Hereinafter, each element of the information processing device 100 and each storage unit of the storage device 150 will be described in detail.
The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires information indicating the operation status of at least one device.
The information indicating the operation status of the device acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 includes at least one of information indicating the power consumption of each device and information indicating the operating time of each device (hereinafter referred to as operation information). Including.

Further, the power consumption is the amount of power passing through the power line to which at least one device is connected, and as will be described later, from at least one of the smart meter 10, the power measuring device 50, the smart tap, and the HEMS. This is the amount of power consumed.
The operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 is stored in the measurement value storage unit 152 of FIG. 5A or the device operation information storage unit 154 of FIG. 6A.

The operation information of the device acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 is exemplified below, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the following can be combined in combination.
(A1) Meter reading data such as power consumption (instantaneous value or integrated value, and time information thereof) measured by the smart meter 10 (a2) Demand acquired from the power measuring device 50 (distribution board, CT clamp) Total power consumption of the house (time series data of current or voltage)
(A3) Power consumption (current or voltage time-series data) for each device (or for each branch) such as the load device 54 of the consumer's house acquired from the power measuring device 50 (distribution board, CT clamp).
(A4) Power consumption of each load device 54 measured by a smart tap (instantaneous value, integrated value, voltage or current waveform, etc.)
(A5) Information (device type, name (model number, etc.), operating state (run / stop / fault, etc.), operation mode (operation mode, etc.) of each device such as the load device 54 of the consumer's house acquired from HEMS (communication device 40). Information on normal mode / power saving mode, etc.), room where the device is used, etc.)

In the above (a1), the operation information acquisition unit 102 can use the value of the power consumption amount as the operation information. The power consumption obtained from the smart meter 10 is the total power consumption of the plurality of devices. As will be described later, the power consumption amount acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 is used for the estimation process by the power estimation unit 104, but the case where the total value of the power consumption amounts of the plurality of devices is used as it is will be described below. As such, the power consumption of each device obtained by estimating the power consumption of each device from the total power consumption may be used.

In the present embodiment, as described in (a5) above, the HEMS can acquire the operation mode and setting contents of each device from the ECHONET Lite authentication device. Further, as will be described later, information on a plurality of devices in the consumer's house is registered in advance, and information on the operation mode of each device and the power consumption amount for each setting content is stored.
The power consumption of each device can be calculated from the operation mode and setting contents of each device.

In the above (a2) and (a3), the operation information acquisition unit 102 calculates the total power consumption for each time from the total current consumption (or voltage) measured by the power measurement device 50 (CT clamp) or the like, and operates. It may be used as information.

In the above (a4), the operation information acquisition unit 102 may use the power consumption of the load device 54 measured by the smart tap as the operation information.

The time-series data of the total current consumption (or voltage) measured in the above (a1), (a2), and (a3) is frequency-analyzed using the device separation technology to identify the device (load device 54, etc.). it can. At least one device can be identified by extracting the feature amount from the time-series data of the power consumption by using the device separation technique and comparing it with the feature amount peculiar to the device. For example, not only the type of equipment such as an air conditioner and a television, but also the model number of the equipment can be specified. Further, when a plurality of load devices 54 are connected to one outlet of the smart tap described in (a4), the connected device can be specified in the same manner.

The operation information acquisition unit 102 identifies a device from the acquired time-series data of the total current consumption (or voltage), and further obtains the power consumption (instantaneous value, integrated value, etc.) for each specified device to obtain the operation information. Can be.

Using the power consumption of each device obtained in this way, the operating status (run / stop, etc.) of the device is determined based on whether the value of the power consumption is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and the device is based on the determination result. You may calculate the operating time of and use it as operating information.

Further, the operation mode of each device may be determined based on the power consumption of each device, and the operation mode for each time may be used as the operation information.
For example, when the power consumption is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, it is determined to be a non-power saving mode, and when the power consumption is larger than 0 and less than a predetermined threshold, it is determined to be a power saving mode, and when the power consumption is 0. May be determined to be stopped. Alternatively, the operation mode (for example, normal / power saving / powerful / quiet / standby, etc.) may be determined from the power consumption of each device using the threshold value for each mode. Further, without distinguishing the modes, it may be simply determined whether the device is operating or not operating based on whether the power consumption is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

The operating time obtained in this way may be used as operating information.

In (a5), device information acquired from the communication device 40, for example, information such as power consumption and operation mode can be used as device operation information. Similar to the above, the power consumption itself may be used as the operation information, the operation time may be calculated using the power consumption of each device, or the operation time may be calculated from the operation mode of each device as the operation information. May be good.

The procedure for acquiring operation information will be described in detail below.

In the above (a1), for example, it is acquired from the smart meter 10 by the communication device 40 by the communication device 40 by the B route, and is transferred to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100) by the communication device 40. In the present embodiment, the meter reading data of the smart meter 10 is acquired from the smart meter 10 via the B route. In another example, the meter reading data collected by the electric power company 20 from the smart meter 10 on the A route is collected by the PPS 30 or the service provider (cloud server 70 (information processing device 100)) on a predetermined network with the consent of the customer. It may be acquired via (not shown).

In the information processing device 100, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires and measures the meter reading data (for example, the power consumption 30-minute value and its time information) acquired by the communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 or the like. It is stored in the value storage unit 152.

The timing at which the communication device 40 acquires meter reading data from the smart meter 10 is not particularly limited, and may be every 30 minutes, or every few hours, and may acquire meter reading data for several hours. Further, the timing at which the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the meter reading data of the smart meter 10 from the communication device 40 is not particularly limited, and may be synchronized with the timing at which the communication device 40 acquires the meter reading data from the smart meter 10. The information collected by the communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 may be stored in the memory 84 by the communication device 40, and a plurality of meter reading data may be collectively transmitted to the information processing device 100.
It suffices if information that can calculate the daily power consumption of the consumer can be obtained. Further, the operation information acquisition unit 102 only needs to be able to acquire the daily power consumption for a predetermined number of measurement periods from the beginning of the current month, and does not have to acquire the power consumption after the measurement period has elapsed.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the measured value storage unit 152 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The measured value storage unit 152 acquires meter reading data (for example, a power consumption 30-minute value and its time information) acquired by the communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 or the like and transferred to the cloud server 70 for each user ID of the customer. Remember in. The user ID is identification information that identifies a customer who uses the service of this system, and is given to each customer at the time of applying for service use, for example. The user ID can be given to the consumer in units of billing for electricity charges.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the integrated value storage unit 153 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The operation information acquisition unit 102 integrates the measured value (30-minute value) of the power consumption for each time stored in the measurement value storage unit 152 for each day to obtain the integrated value of the daily power consumption.
The integrated value storage unit 153 stores the daily integrated value of the daily power consumption calculated by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID).

The integrated value of the power consumption is read from the integrated value storage unit 153 of FIG. 5 (b), and the integrated value bar graph 140 of the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 of FIG. 3 and the cumulative graph 142 (solid line) of the measured values are drawn. Will be done.

As described above, the operation status determined based on the power consumption amount of (a1) may be stored in the device operation information storage unit 154 of FIG. 6 (a) described later as an operation mode.

The total current consumption (or voltage) measured by the power measuring device 50 (CT clamp) of the above (a2) and (a3) is transmitted to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100) via the communication device 40. .. The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the total current consumption (or voltage) measured by the power measuring device 50 (CT clamp) or the like via the communication device 40, and from the acquired current consumption (or voltage) for each time. The total power consumption may be calculated and stored in the measured value storage unit 152.

As described above, the time-series data of the total current consumption (or voltage) can be frequency-analyzed using the device separation technique to identify the device (load device 54, etc.). Further, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may specify a device from the time-series data of the acquired total current consumption (or voltage), and obtain the power consumption amount (instantaneous value, integrated value, etc.) for each specified device.
The power consumption amount for each device obtained in this way may be stored for each device in the power consumption amount storage unit 156 of FIG. 7, which will be described later.

Further, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may determine the operation mode of the device based on the power consumption amount specified by the device.

FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the device operation information storage unit 154 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The device operation information storage unit 154 stores the operation mode for each time of each device specified by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID).

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the operating time storage unit 155 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The operation information acquisition unit 102 indicates, for example, a state in which the operation state or mode of each device of the customer for each time stored in the device operation information storage unit 154 is not operating or stopped (standby is included in stop). The time spent is added to obtain the operating time of one day. Do not include in operating hours while stopped.
The operating time storage unit 155 stores the daily operating time for each device obtained by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID).

Alternatively, when the operation mode of the device is specified, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may calculate the daily operation time for each operation mode for each device. Then, the operation time storage unit 155 may store the daily operation time for each operation mode for each device calculated by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID).

The timing at which the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires information from the power measuring device 50 (CT clamp) is not particularly limited. The information measured by the power measuring device 50 may be stored in the memory 84 of the communication device 40 together with the time information, and the information processing device 100 may acquire the information at predetermined intervals. Further, as long as the daily power consumption of the consumer or the operating status of the device can be predicted with a predetermined accuracy or higher, the information may be, for example, every few minutes or every hour. For example, in a time zone where there is almost no fluctuation in power consumption such as at night, it may be acquired at a predetermined time, for example, 0:00, 3:00, and 5:00.

In the above (a4), information on the power consumption of the load device 54 connected to the smart tap is transmitted to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100) wirelessly from the smart tap via the communication device 40 (or GW). To.
The timing at which the information processing device 100 acquires the power consumption from the smart tap is not particularly limited. The information measured by the smart tap may be stored in the memory 84 of the smart tap or the GW (or the communication device 40) together with the time information, and the information processing apparatus 100 may acquire the information at predetermined intervals. Further, as long as the daily power consumption of the consumer or the operating status of the device can be predicted with a predetermined accuracy or higher, the information may be, for example, every few minutes or every hour. For example, in a time zone where there is almost no fluctuation in power consumption such as at night, it may be acquired at a predetermined time, for example, 0:00, 3:00, and 5:00.

The operation information acquisition unit 102 stores the power consumption of each device acquired from the smart tap in the power consumption storage unit 156 together with the time information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the power consumption storage unit 156 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The power consumption storage unit 156 stores the power consumption of each device acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 for each customer (user ID) in association with the time information.
Further, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may add the power consumption of each device to obtain the total power consumption of the consumer and store it in the power consumption storage unit 156.
Alternatively, the power consumption of each device may be obtained from the operating time of each device acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 (operation mode) and the power consumption of each device (for each operation mode) given in advance. Good.

In the above (a5), the communication device 40 acquires information (for example, time information and operation mode, etc.) indicating the operating status of the device from each device (for example, the load device 54) by ECHONET Lite authentication communication, and the communication device 40 obtains information. It is transferred to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100).

The timing at which the communication device 40 acquires information from each device and the timing at which the information processing device 100 acquires information from the communication device 40 are not particularly limited. Information acquired from each device may be stored in the memory 84 of the communication device 40 together with time information, and the information processing device 100 may acquire the information at predetermined intervals.

Further, as long as the daily power consumption of the consumer or the operating status of the device can be predicted with a predetermined accuracy or higher, the information may be, for example, every few minutes or every hour. For example, in a time zone where there is almost no fluctuation in power consumption such as at night, it may be acquired at a predetermined time, for example, 0:00, 3:00, and 5:00.

The operation information acquisition unit 102 receives information on each device (device type, name (model number, etc.), operating state (operation / stop / failure, etc.), operation mode (normal mode / power saving, etc.) acquired from the communication device (HEMS) 40). (Mode, etc.), information on the room in which the device is used, etc.) are stored in the device operation information storage unit 154 of FIG. 6 (a) for each customer (user ID) together with information on the time when the information was acquired. ..

Next, the electric power estimation unit 104 estimates the power consumption in the unit period by using the operation information of the measurement period and the weather information of the unit period predetermined from the beginning of the unit period in which the electric power charge is settled. ..
Here, the unit period for settling the electricity charge is, for example, one month (about 30 days), but is not limited to this, and may be another period (for example, two months, half a month, etc.). .. The beginning of the term does not have to be the beginning of the month (1st). For example, it may be from the 15th to the 14th of the following month.

The measurement period is, for example, a predetermined number of days (for example, 7 days) from the beginning of the unit period, which is shorter than the unit period. The measurement period can be determined based on the unit period, and is calculated by, for example, the following equation (1).
Measurement period = unit period x k ・ ・ ・ Equation (1)
Here, 0 <k <1, and in the present embodiment, k is 0.24 or less.

Further, the measurement period does not have to be the period from the beginning of the unit period, but may be a period of a predetermined number of days at the end of the previous unit period (for example, the previous month) (for example, 24 to 30 days). ..

The weather information for a unit period includes at least seasonal information that identifies the season or month or date of the month, and further indicates the weather in the area where the consumer's house is located, for example, the average weather information for the current year, Alternatively, it may include weather forecast information.
Meteorological information is not always necessary because the weather conditions such as temperature and humidity, which are considered to affect the power consumption of the load device 54, can be roughly estimated depending on the season or month (month and day).
As the season identification information, for example, the current date and time acquired from the clock of the computer 80 (not shown), the time server on the Internet (not shown), or the like may be used.
The weather information may be acquired from the weather information on the Internet, a server (not shown) or the like that provides the weather forecast information, based on the information of the area where the consumer's house is located (obtained from the user information). According to this configuration, the accuracy can be improved in the case of abnormal weather different from the usual year.

That is, the power estimation unit 104 uses weather information at the beginning of the period (for example, 7 days), weather forecast information for the following 1 week or 2 weeks, weather forecast information for the current month (from 7th to the end of the period, for example, 30th), and past. Estimate power consumption using at least one of the average weather information for the current month.

The method for estimating the power consumption by the power estimation unit 104 is exemplified below, but is not limited thereto. A plurality of the following may be combined.
(B1) The unit period (7 days) is multiplied by the ratio of the unit period (30 days) based on the measurement period (7 days) to the power consumption (total power consumption or each device) of the measurement period (7 days). Calculate the power consumption for 30 days).
(B2) The operating time of the unit period (30 days) is calculated by multiplying the operating time of each device in the measurement period (7 days) by the ratio of the unit period (30 days) based on the measurement period (7 days). It is calculated by multiplying the operating time of each device by the power consumption per unit time in the non-power saving mode (for example, normal mode) of each device. The power consumption per unit time in the non-power saving mode of each device may be acquired from the mode setting storage unit 158 below. Then, the power consumption of each device is totaled to obtain the power consumption in the unit period (30 days).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the mode setting storage unit 158 of the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment.
The mode setting storage unit 158 sets each of the non-power saving mode (normal mode) and the power saving mode (power saving mode) of each load device 54 of the consumer, and the power consumption per unit time in each mode. And remember.

In the example of the figure, only one air conditioner is shown, but the setting contents may be stored for each of the plurality of air conditioners. Along with information on the room in which the device is used, individual settings may be stored for each room. Further, the mode setting storage unit 158 stores only the set temperature at the time of heating for the air conditioner, but also includes the setting contents of other device information such as the set temperature at the time of cooling, the air volume, and the louver operation. It may be. Alternatively, it is not necessary to have detailed information such as the set temperature, and the power consumption amounts in the non-power saving mode and the power saving mode for each device may be simply held. Further, information on the amount of power saving of each device when the mode is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode may be stored.

Then, when the power consumption amount is acquired from the mode setting storage unit 158, for example, it is determined whether the power consumption amount of cooling or heating is used based on the season. Further, a plurality of mode setting storage units 158 may be prepared for each season or month, or for each outside air temperature or water temperature.

Further, the power estimation unit 104 may be configured to correct the power consumption calculated from the measured value of the power consumption by using a coefficient set in advance for each season or month, or for each outside air temperature or water temperature. .. For the outside air temperature and water temperature, weather information (including forecasts) acquired from the weather server may be used, or values measured by ECHONET Lite certified devices such as air conditioners and water heaters in consumer homes may be used. It may be obtained from.

FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.

The correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160 stores such a coefficient for each season or month, or for each outside air temperature or water temperature. Alternatively, the coefficient may be stored on a monthly basis (weekly basis). For example, if it is predicted that the temperature will suddenly become hot or cold from the latter half of the month, the coefficient may be changed even in the middle of the month.

For example, in midsummer (July to September) and midwinter (December to February), where the power consumption is relatively large and the power saving effect is high, a coefficient obtained by multiplying the power consumption in the power saving mode by 1.2 is used. As the coefficient, a different coefficient b may be used for each device, one coefficient a may be used as a whole, or these may be combined. The larger the change in power consumption due to the control of the device, the larger the coefficient b in the device can be.
The coefficient for correcting these power consumptions may be set according to the weather conditions. The power estimation unit 104 may correct the power consumption using a coefficient set according to the weather conditions.

For example, if the current month is August, the calculated power consumption is corrected using the coefficient 1.2. If the current month is April, for example, a coefficient of 1.0 is used. If it is expected that it will suddenly become cold from the latter half of December, the coefficient may be 1.1 in the first half of December and 1.2 in the latter half. Statistical information may be used to determine the coefficient based on past weather information, or the coefficient may be further modified based on current weather forecast information. For example, a coefficient may be set for each day or week based on the difference between the outside air temperature during the measurement period and the outside air temperature within the unit period after the measurement period.

The power estimation unit 104 acquires a coefficient from the correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160 and corrects the power consumption amount. As mentioned above, the correction may be made seasonally or monthly, or daily (or weekly).

Further, information on the season to be used (month or reference value of outside air temperature (greater than or equal to the threshold value in the case of cooling, less than the threshold value in the case of heating, etc.)) may be set in advance for each device. If the season within the unit period is specified and the outside air temperature may reach the standard value within the unit period, the equipment used is added for the period that meets the standard value, and conversely, the outside air temperature within the unit period. If there is a possibility that the value deviates from the standard value, the device used may be deleted during the period deviating from the standard value.

From the above, the power consumption according to the season can be calculated.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the estimated value storage unit 162 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The daily power consumption (integrated value) after the monthly measurement period estimated by the power estimation unit 104 is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162 for each consumer (user). Further, the estimated value storage unit 162 may store the cumulative value of the daily power consumption (integrated value). On the screen 130 of FIG. 3 described above, the power consumption amount is read out from the estimated value storage unit 162, and the estimated power consumption value graph 144 (broken line) is drawn on the transition graph display unit 132.

Next, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 obtains information indicating the power reduction amount in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode after the measurement period.
The non-power saving mode is a mode that consumes more power than the power saving mode, and is, for example, a normal mode or a powerful mode. The power saving mode is a mode in which the power consumption is smaller than that of the non-power saving mode, and is, for example, an eco mode, a silent mode, a standby mode, and an operation stop (pause).

The information indicating the amount of power reduction in a unit period includes the amount of power consumption reduced when the non-power saving mode is changed to the power saving mode, or the difference in electricity charges (saving amount).

The method for calculating the power reduction amount by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is exemplified below, but is not limited thereto. A plurality of the following may be combined.
(C1) Read the power consumption per unit time of each device when the power saving mode is set from the mode setting storage unit 158. The power consumption in the power saving mode is calculated by multiplying the power consumption of each device by the daily operating time of each device stored in the operating time storage unit 155 of FIG. 6 (b). The power consumption of each device is totaled and used as an estimated value of the daily power consumption of the consumer.
Then, the estimated value of the above power consumption is subtracted from the power consumption (daily integrated value) of the integrated value storage unit 153 of FIG. 5 (b) to obtain the power reduction amount.

(C2) Mode switching (non-power saving →) based on the power consumption per unit time of each device in the mode setting storage unit 158 in the non-power saving mode and the power consumption per unit time in the power saving mode. Calculate the amount of power saved per unit time (power saving). Alternatively, the mode setting storage unit 158 may store not the power consumption per unit time for each mode but the power saving amount per unit time when the mode is changed. Then, the obtained power saving amount per unit time of each device is multiplied by the daily operating time of the operating time storage unit 155 of FIG. 6 (b). Then, the amount of power saving of each device is totaled to obtain the amount of power reduction per day for the consumer.

(C3) The equipment used by the consumer and the operating time of each equipment are estimated from the lifestyle and family composition of the consumer, and the amount of power reduction is calculated by either (c1) or (c2) above.
Information on the equipment used by the consumer, lifestyle, and family structure can be stored as user information by having the consumer register with the consumer on the user information registration page of this service. Alternatively, you may fill out a form when applying for the use of this service, register it by the administrator of this system, and store it as user information. Alternatively, the information of the device specified in the above (a2) to (a5) may be used.

Information on the lifestyle and family composition of consumers includes the number of family members (or cohabitants), the presence or absence of infants, the number of children, the age of family members (or cohabitants), and the working conditions (working hours, working days are fixed or irregular). Information indicating the target, holidays), whether or not they work together, the status of staying at home during the day, the composition of the room, etc. is exemplified, but not limited to these.

Further, the information processing device 100 detects that the consumer is at home by detecting the establishment of communication between the user terminal and the communication device such as the GW of the consumer's home, receives the information from the GW, and demands. It may further have a creation unit (not shown) that creates information about the lifestyle (life rhythm) of the house.

(C4) The power reduction amount by multiplying the estimated power consumption amount (monthly or daily) stored in the estimated value storage unit 162 of FIG. 10 by the reduction rate of the power consumption amount set according to the weather conditions such as the season. May be sought. For example, the seasonal reduction rate is obtained by using the average value of the amount of power saving when the non-power saving mode of the consumer in a predetermined area is switched to the power saving mode.

FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the seasonal parameter storage unit 161 for calculating the power saving amount of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The seasonal parameter storage unit 161 for calculating the amount of power saving stores the reduction rate for each season or month, or for each outside air temperature. Alternatively, the reduction rate may be stored on a monthly basis (weekly). For example, if it is predicted that it will suddenly become hot or cold from the latter half of the month, the reduction rate may be changed even in the middle of the month.

For example, in midsummer (July-September) and midwinter (December-February), where power consumption is relatively large and power saving effect is high, spring and autumn (March-June) where power consumption is relatively small and power saving effect is hard to come out. , October-November), the reduction rate will be larger. For example, it is 25% in midsummer and midwinter, and 10% in others.
As the reduction rate, a different reduction rate b may be used for each device, one reduction rate a may be used as a whole, or a combination of these may be used. For example, in the case of spring or autumn, one reduction rate a may be used as a whole, and in the case of midsummer or midwinter, the reduction rate b for each device may be used. For example, the reduction rate b of a device such as an air conditioner may be set to a reduction rate b larger than that of a device such as a refrigerator. That is, the larger the change in the power consumption due to the control of the device, the larger the reduction rate b in the device may be.

Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 corrects the calculated power reduction amount by using a coefficient (seasonal parameter storage unit 160 for correction in FIG. 9A) preset for each season, month, or outside air temperature. It may be configured to be used.

In addition, the above-mentioned information on the equipment used by the consumer, lifestyle, family structure, and the like may be stored in the user information storage unit 164.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user information storage unit 164 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The user information storage unit 164 includes the user's name, address, contact information (telephone number), e-mail address, login ID, password, etc. (not shown) for each customer (user ID), and the device used by the user. Memorize information. Further, the user information storage unit 164 may include information on the user's family structure and lifestyle (living alone, working together, full-time housewife, etc.).
The information on the equipment used includes at least information on the type of equipment (air conditioner, refrigerator, TV, etc.). Further, the information on the equipment used may include information on the manufacturer, model number, room to be used, and the like of the equipment.

Further, the power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the power saving amount storage unit 166 of the storage device 150 of the present embodiment.
The monthly or daily power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166 for each customer (user ID).

The timing at which the reduction amount calculation unit 106 calculates the power reduction amount is an arbitrary time after the measurement period has elapsed.
The reduction amount calculation unit 106 further subtracts the calculated power reduction amount after the monthly measurement period from the estimated power consumption amount of the estimated value storage unit 162 of FIG. 10, and the estimated power consumption amount when the power saving mode is set. May be sought. The calculated estimated power consumption when the power saving mode is set may be further stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

The estimated power consumption in the power saving mode calculated in this way is drawn as an estimated value graph 148 (dashed line) on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 of FIG.
Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 subtracts the monthly power reduction amount from the monthly estimated power consumption amount to calculate the target value of the power saving amount. The target value stored and calculated in the power saving amount storage unit 166 is drawn as a line 146 (two-dot chain line) on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 of FIG.

In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 further includes a notification unit (not shown) that notifies the user of information indicating the power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106. The notification unit displays the power reduction amount (or saving amount) on the screen 130. Further, the notification unit may send an e-mail to an e-mail address designated by the user in advance to notify the user of the power reduction amount (or the saving amount).

In addition, when displaying the electricity rate on the screen 130, the electricity rate for the current month and the amount of savings are calculated from the power consumption calculated by the power estimation unit 104 and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 based on the information about the customer's rate plan. Is calculated.

Specifically, the user information storage unit 164 further stores information on the customer's rate plan. The storage device 150 further stores information such as a basic charge for each charge plan and a unit price according to the amount of power consumption in the charge information storage unit (not shown). Then, the power estimation unit 104 or the reduction amount calculation unit 106 can read the basic charge and unit price information of the consumer's rate plan from the charge information storage unit, and calculate the electricity charge from the power consumption of the consumer. ..

The calculated electricity charge can be further stored in, for example, the estimated value storage unit 162 or the power saving amount storage unit 166.
The electricity charge calculated in this way may be read out from the estimated value storage unit 162 and the power saving amount storage unit 166 and drawn on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130.

Each function of each unit of FIG. 1 of the information processing apparatus 100 described above is realized by the CPU 82 of the computer 80 of FIG. 4 reading the program 90 stored in the storage 85 into the memory 84 and executing the program 90.

The computer program 90 of the present embodiment is a procedure for acquiring information indicating the operating status of at least one device in the computer 80 for realizing the information processing device 100, and a procedure for acquiring the information indicating the operating status of at least one device, and in advance from the beginning of the unit period for adjusting the electric power charge. A procedure for estimating the power consumption in a unit period using information indicating the operating status of the specified measurement period and weather information in the unit period, and at least one of the devices after the measurement period is released from the non-power saving mode. It is described to execute a procedure for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in a unit period when the power saving mode is set.

The computer program 90 of the present embodiment may be recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the computer 80. The recording medium is not particularly limited, and various forms can be considered. Further, the program 90 may be loaded from the recording medium into the memory 84 of the computer 80, or may be downloaded to the computer 80 via the network and loaded into the memory 84.

The recording medium on which the computer program 90 is recorded includes a medium that can be used by the non-temporary tangible computer 80, and the program code that can be read by the computer 80 is embedded in the medium. When the computer program 90 is executed on the computer 80, the computer 80 is made to execute the following information processing method for realizing the information processing device 100.

The information processing method of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment configured in this way will be described below.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.
The information processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention is the information processing method of the information processing device 100, and is the information processing method executed by the computer 80 that realizes the information processing device 100.
In the information processing method of the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires information indicating the operating status of at least one device (step S101), and has a predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for settling the electric power charge. Using the information indicating the operating status and the weather information of the unit period, the power consumption in the unit period is estimated (step S105), and at least one of the devices is consumed from a certain mode to that mode after the measurement period. This includes obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in a unit period when the power saving mode, which is a mode with low power consumption, is set (step S107).

More details will be given below.
First, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires information indicating the operation status of the device (step S201).
The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires, for example, the meter reading data acquired by the customer's communication device 40 from the smart meter 10 on the B route, or the meter reading data acquired by the electric power company 20 from the smart meter 10 on the A route. The meter reading data acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102 is stored in the measurement value storage unit 152.

At this time, the operation information acquisition unit 102 accumulates the power consumption amount for each day of the measurement period and stores it in the integrated value storage unit 153. Then, the bar graph 140 of the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 of FIG. 3 and the cumulative graph 142 of the measured values are drawn.

Next, after the measurement period elapses (YES in step S103), the power estimation unit 104 reads out the measured value of the power consumption of the consumer's measurement period (for example, 7 days from the beginning of the month) from the integrated value storage unit 153. The power consumption for a unit period (1 month) is estimated (step S105).
The power consumption estimated by the power estimation unit 104 is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.
For example, the power estimation unit 104 multiplies the measured value of the power consumption of the measurement period (7 days) by the ratio of the unit period (30 days) based on the measurement period (7 days) to consume the power of the unit period. Calculate the amount.

Further, the power estimation unit 104 corrects the calculated power consumption using the coefficient of the current month acquired from the correction seasonal parameter storage unit 160. The obtained power consumption is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162. For example, if the current month is August, the calculated power consumption is corrected using the coefficient 1.2. If the current month is April, for example, a coefficient of 1.0 is used.
If it is expected that it will suddenly become cold from the latter half of the current month, the coefficient may be 1.1 in the first half of the current month and 1.2 in the latter half of the current month.

Then, the estimated value graph 144 of the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 of FIG. 3 is drawn.

The power estimation unit 104 further calculates the monthly electricity charge of the consumer from the calculated power consumption based on the electricity charge (basic charge and unit price) of the consumer, which is determined from the monthly power consumption. Good. The calculated electricity charge may be stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

Then, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 reads, for example, the estimated power consumption amount from the estimated value storage unit 162, and calculates the power reduction amount using the reduction rate of the current month acquired from the seasonal parameter storage unit 161 for calculating the power saving amount. (Step S107). The calculated power reduction amount is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166. Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 calculates the target value of the reduced power consumption from the calculated power reduction amount of the current month and the estimated power consumption amount of the current month. The calculated target value is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.

Further, as described in (c2) above, in step S107, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 saves power from the non-power saving mode to the power saving from the mode setting storage unit 158 of FIG. 8 based on the power consumption of each device for each mode. The amount of power saving per unit time when switching to the mode is calculated, the operating time of each device is acquired from the operating time storage unit 155 of FIG. 6B, and the amount of power saving is multiplied by the operating time to save power of each device. The amount may be calculated and totaled to calculate the daily power reduction amount of the consumer.

Then, based on the calculated value, an estimated value graph 148 of the estimated power consumption in the power saving mode and a line 146 of the target value are drawn on the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130 of FIG.

The reduction amount calculation unit 106 may calculate the saving amount or the electricity charge from the basic charge and the unit price of the electricity charge menu of the consumer based on the reduction amount of the power consumption amount or the power consumption amount after the reduction. The calculated saving amount or electricity charge may be further stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the operation information indicating the operation status of the device, and the power estimation unit 104 acquires the operation information at the beginning of the unit period. And, using the weather information of the unit period, the power consumption of this unit period is estimated. Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 calculates the power saving amount when the device is switched from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode.

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the power consumption (electricity cost) and the power saving amount (saving amount) in the unit period (current month) can be estimated based on the actual results at the beginning of the period and the season and weather. For example, the screen 130 including the transition graph display unit 132 can be generated and displayed on the operation terminal 42 of the consumer. The appropriate amount of power saving can be displayed even in seasons other than the season when power saving is easy, such as summer and winter. In addition, since it is corrected according to the season and the throat, the accuracy of the calculated predicted power consumption and power saving is improved.

By accessing the user-only page and browsing the screen 130 at the beginning of the period, the consumer can know the predicted value of the future power consumption and the electricity price of this month. After that, it is possible to know how much power consumption and electricity charges can be saved by setting the power saving mode. Electricity charges vary greatly depending on the season and weather, but it is easy for consumers to realize that electricity charges can be significantly reduced by setting the equipment to power saving mode, especially in summer and winter when electricity charges are high.
Since consumers can know the amount of power consumption (electricity cost) and the amount of power saving (saving amount) at the beginning of the period, it becomes an opportunity to encourage power saving and become interested in power saving, and during that unit period (current month). Power saving is promoted.

In addition, in seasons other than summer and winter, it is difficult to obtain a power saving effect even if the device mode is changed, and there is a possibility that the number of consumers who are less interested in energy saving may increase. However, even in a season or weather in which it is difficult to obtain a power saving effect, according to the information processing device 100 of the present embodiment, a specific numerical value of the predicted power consumption amount and the power saving amount is shown to the consumer, so that the consumer It will be possible to maintain the interest in energy saving throughout the year.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the information processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of the information processing apparatus 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The information processing device 200 of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that each device is automatically set to the power saving mode.

The information processing device 200 of the present embodiment includes an operation information acquisition unit 102, a power estimation unit 104, a reduction amount calculation unit 106, and a control unit 210. The operation information acquisition unit 102, the power estimation unit 104, and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 are the same as those in the above embodiment of FIG.
The control unit 210 of this embodiment can be combined with the configuration of the information processing apparatus of another embodiment described later.

The control unit 210 automatically controls each device to the power saving mode.

In the present embodiment, each device (load device 54) is an ECHONET Lite certified device and is connected to the HEMS.
The control unit 210 reads out the power saving mode setting contents of each device (load device 54) from the mode setting storage unit 158 of FIG. 8 described in the above embodiment, and automatically performs each device according to the setting contents read out via HEMS. Control.

In the present embodiment, the mode setting storage unit 158 is described as being stored in the storage device 150 of the information processing device 100, but in another example, the storage unit of the consumer HEMS (for example, the storage 85 or The mode setting storage unit 158 may be provided in the memory 84). The HEMS may read the setting contents in the storage unit of the HEMS according to the automatic control instruction from the control unit 210, and automatically control each device according to the setting contents.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the consent of the customer has been obtained in advance for the automatic control of each device by the control unit 210. In another example, before the automatic control, the customer is inquired about the possibility of the automatic control, and the automatic control is performed after obtaining the consent. Further, the possibility of automatic control may be selected for each device. Information on whether or not automatic control is possible may also be stored in the mode setting storage unit 158 for each device.

Further, even when automatic control is not permitted, the control unit 210 may be configured to forcibly automatically control the device under predetermined conditions such as when receiving a demand response.

The information processing device 200 may further include a presentation unit (not shown) that presents the setting contents of each device in the power saving mode to the user.

For example, when the operation button 238 on the screen 230, which will be described later, is pressed, a device setting screen (not shown) showing the setting contents of each device is displayed.
On this device setting screen, the setting contents in the power saving mode are presented as power saving advice, and the consumer can see how to set each device and operate each device.
According to this configuration, for devices that do not support ECHONET Lite, instead of automatic control, the user can operate each device according to the set contents.

In addition, it may have a configuration in which the setting contents in the power saving mode can be changed by the consumer.
For example, a setting change screen (not shown) including a user interface (GUI (Graphical User Interface)) for accepting changes in power saving contents may be displayed on the operation terminal 42 of the consumer. The setting contents received on the setting change screen are stored in the mode setting storage unit 158.

Further, the mode to be set for each device may be selectable. The air conditioner in the bedroom may be left in the normal mode, and the operation screen (not shown) for accepting the selection such as setting the air conditioner in the living room to the power saving mode may be displayed on the operation terminal 42 of the consumer. The control unit 210 may automatically control each device according to the mode selected for each device according to the operation content received on the operation screen.

In the present embodiment, the screen 230 of FIG. 15 is displayed on the operation terminal 42 of the consumer.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the screen 230 showing information on the power saving target of the consumer.
The screen 230 has a power saving information display unit 232 that displays the amount of power saved and the amount of money saved this month, an operation button 236 that displays a target value setting screen (not shown) that accepts the setting of the target value by the consumer, and settings of each device. In addition to displaying the contents (not shown), it includes an operation button 238 for displaying a device setting screen for displaying and changing the settings of each device by the consumer.

The power saving information display unit 232 on the screen 230 shows the power consumption of this month predicted by the power estimation unit 104 and the power saving amount when the non-power saving mode is switched to the power saving mode calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106. It includes the amount of power saved and the target power consumption after power saving calculated from the power saving amount and the estimated power consumption amount.
The predicted power consumption amount and the target value of the power saving information display unit 232 may be the predicted value and the target value of the electricity charge.

Power consumption (electricity charges) varies depending on the climate and various conditions, so even if you try to set a power saving target, you often do not know the appropriate setting value. It is possible to set the target value using the values up to the previous year, but if the equipment is renewed, the family structure or housing changes, or the weather is abnormal, the values from the previous year are rarely helpful. Absent.

In the present embodiment, the power saving information display unit 232 is displayed with the power saving amount and the amount of money saved when switching from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode, and the target power consumption amount after power saving calculated from the power saving amount and the predicted power consumption amount. Is displayed, so consumers do not have to hesitate to set the target value.

Further, when the press of the operation button 236 by the consumer is detected on the screen 230, for example, a user interface for changing the target value display field of the power saving information display unit 232 is displayed. For example, a text box, a list, a slider, a wheel-shaped picker, or the like may be displayed to accept the setting of a target value by a consumer. When the target value is changed by the consumer, the target value (line 146) of the transition graph display unit 132 on the screen 230 may also be updated to the changed value.

Further, after the measurement period has passed, the power estimation unit 104 may or may not perform the calculation process of the predicted power consumption amount or the power reduction amount calculation unit 106.
After the measurement period, the bar graph 140 and cumulative graph 142 (solid line) of the measured daily power consumption are updated daily, and the estimated value graph showing the cumulative value of the estimated power consumption for the current month after the measurement period. 144 (broken line) and the estimated value graph 148 (dashed line) showing the cumulative value of the estimated power consumption in the power saving mode of the current month after the measurement period may or may not be updated. May be good.

When it is detected that the operation button 236 of the screen 230 is pressed by the consumer, for example, a device setting screen for displaying the setting contents of each device of the mode setting storage unit 158 of FIG. 8 of the above embodiment is displayed. The device setting screen includes information on the setting contents of each device, for example, the set temperature in the normal mode of the air conditioner and the set temperature in the power saving mode. In addition, a user interface is displayed that accepts changes in the settings of each device by the consumer.

For example, when a change in the setting content in the power saving mode is accepted, the mode setting storage unit 158 is updated with the changed setting content. Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 recalculates the power reduction amount using the changed setting contents, and updates the screen 230 with the calculated value. Further, the control unit 210 automatically controls each device according to the set contents of the updated mode setting storage unit 158.

Further, in the information processing apparatus 200, after the measurement period has passed, the power estimation unit 104 and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 periodically estimate the power consumption amount and calculate the power reduction amount, and the power reduction amount in the unit period is reduced. A determination unit (not shown) for determining whether or not the target can be achieved may be further provided.

If the determination unit determines that the goal cannot be achieved, the notification unit may notify the user to that effect. Further, the presenting unit may present the setting contents of the device for achieving the target value to the user as power saving advice. Further, the control unit 210 may automatically control the device according to the setting contents of the device for achieving the target.

In the information processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, each device is automatically controlled to the power saving mode by the control unit 210 based on the appropriate power saving amount according to the season calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106. As a result, according to the information processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and further, the appropriate power saving mode of the device can be automatically set according to the season.

Further, since the information such as the predicted power consumption amount and the power saving amount (saving amount) for the unit period (current month) calculated by the power estimation unit 104 and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 can be presented to the consumer on the screen 230. Consumers can know the setting of appropriate power saving targets, and can set appropriate power saving targets throughout the year regardless of the season or weather.
Further, since the device is automatically controlled by the control unit 210, power saving can be automatically realized. Then, the device can be automatically controlled to an appropriately set target value.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, the information processing apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing a logical configuration of the information processing apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The information processing device 300 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the power estimation unit 104 changes the estimation result from the state in which the power saving mode has already been set to the result when the power saving mode is canceled. It differs in that it has.

The information processing device 200 of the present embodiment includes an operation information acquisition unit 102, a power estimation unit 104, a reduction amount calculation unit 106, and a correction unit 312. The operation information acquisition unit 102, the power estimation unit 104, and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 are the same as the information processing device 100 of the above embodiment of FIG.
The information processing device 300 of the present embodiment is accessiblely connected to the storage device 350. The storage device 350 may be included in the information processing device 300, or may be an external device of the information processing device 300.
The modification unit 312 of this embodiment can be combined with the configuration of each information processing device of other embodiments.

The correction unit 312 corrects the estimation result by the power estimation unit 104 to the power consumption when the power saving mode is released from the state in which each device is set to the power saving mode.
Then, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 uses the estimation result corrected by the correction unit 312 to obtain information indicating the power reduction amount in the unit period when the power saving mode is set.

In other words, even if the power saving mode is already set, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 continues the power consumption amount in a unit time when the power saving mode is canceled and the non-power saving mode is set, and the power saving mode is continued. Based on the power consumption in the unit period at that time, the power reduction amount when the power saving mode is continuously set is calculated.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a correction process of the predicted power consumption amount by the correction unit of the present embodiment.
In FIG. 17A, the power consumption of the predicted unit period (30 days in the current month) is indicated by a broken line based on the measured value of the power consumption of the measurement period by the power estimation unit 104.
The target value of the power consumption after power saving calculated based on the power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

When the consumer predicts the power consumption using the actually measured value when the consumer has already saved power, it may be difficult to save more power because the value is already low. Also in the example of FIG. 17A, the predicted power consumption before the correction is 360 kWh and the target value is 355 kWh for each value of the unit period (30 days), so that the value before the correction saves power. It is as low as 5kWh. Even if it is converted into electricity charges, it will be a small amount, and there is a possibility that consumers' willingness to save electricity will decrease. If the power saving effect is not obtained, there is a risk that consumers' willingness to save power will decrease. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to maintain the motivation to continue power saving even for consumers who have already saved power, it is devised so that the power saving effect can be easily understood.

FIG. 17B shows an example in which the screen 130 is created with the corrected values. On the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130, the revised power consumption estimated value graph 144 (broken line), the revised target value (line 146) (two-dot chain line), and the corrected current month are displayed. The estimated value graph 148 (dashed line) of the power consumption in the power saving mode is shown.

In this example, since the predicted power consumption after correction is 455 kWh, the difference from the target value of 355 kWh is 100 kWh, and the difference from the target value is larger than the value before correction. In addition, the amount of electricity saved will be large. This can be expected to improve the motivation of consumers to save electricity.

Since the effect of the current power saving method can be concretely recognized numerically on the screen 130, it becomes possible to maintain the consumer's motivation for power saving.
Further, on the screen 130, a message indicating that the power saving of 95 kWh has been achieved because the device is already operated in the power saving mode, a message recommending that the power saving action up to now be continued, and the like are displayed. It may be displayed.

A specific correction method will be described below.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment.
The operation procedure of the information processing device 300 of the present embodiment is modified in addition to the same procedure as the flowchart of FIG. 13 of the information processing device 100 of the above embodiment. The procedure of this figure is performed between step S101 and step S103 of FIG.
First, as in the above embodiment of FIG. 13, information indicating the operating status from each device (load device 54) of the consumer, for example, information on the operation content such as the operation mode and the set temperature, or information on the power consumption amount is obtained. Acquire (step S101).

In the present embodiment, for example, a threshold value for the amount of power consumption for discriminating between the non-power saving mode and the power saving mode is set in advance for each device and stored in the storage device 350.

The storage device 350 has each storage unit of the storage device 150 of the above embodiment, and further has a mode discrimination threshold value storage unit 352.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the storage unit of the storage device 350 of the present embodiment.
The mode discrimination threshold storage unit 352 of FIG. 19A stores a preset threshold value of the power consumption amount for discriminating between the non-power saving mode and the power saving mode for each device.

When the power consumption of the device is acquired in step S101 (YES in step S301), the threshold value of the device is acquired from the mode discrimination threshold storage unit 352, and the operation mode of the device is set to the non-power saving mode based on the threshold value. It is determined whether the mode is the power saving mode (step S303). For example, if it is less than the threshold value (NO in step S303), the correction unit 312 determines that it is in the power saving mode (step S307), and if it is above the threshold value (YES in step S303), it determines that it is in the non-power saving mode (YES in step S303). Step S305). In steps S301 to S307, the process may be repeated for each device.

On the other hand, for the device for which the operation mode has been acquired (NO in step S301), the process bypasses steps S303 to S307 and proceeds to step S309.
At each time, the correction unit 312 determines whether or not the operation mode of each device acquired in step S101 or the operation mode of each device determined in steps S303 to S307 is a non-power saving mode (step S309). ).

If it is determined that the mode is not the non-power saving mode (NO in step S309), in other words, if it is determined that the mode is not the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step S311. If it is determined that the mode is non-power saving mode (YES in step S309), step S311 is bypassed and the process proceeds to step S103 in FIG.

In step S311, the correction unit 312 corrects the measured value to the power consumption in the non-power saving mode, and stores the corrected power consumption in the measurement value storage unit 152. Then, the process proceeds to step S103 of FIG.

For example, the correction unit 312 acquires the power consumption per unit time of the device in the non-power saving mode from the mode setting storage unit 158. Multiply the acquired power consumption per unit time by 0.5 and convert it to the power consumption per 30 minutes. The obtained power consumption amount is further stored in the measured value storage unit 152 as the corrected power consumption amount. Then, the process proceeds to step S103 of FIG.

Then, the power estimation unit 104 and the reduction amount calculation unit 106 perform processing using the corrected power consumption amount, respectively. Further, when making corrections, for example, when the set temperature at the time of cooling the air conditioner is set to a predetermined value (for example, 25 degrees) when the measured value is equal to or higher than the threshold value (for example, 28 degrees) without determining the mode. The power consumption of the above may be the modified power consumption.

Next, it is conceivable that the power consumption predicted from the measured value may be lower than the target value, such as when power is saved more than necessary. Even in such a case, the correction unit 312 can correct the predicted value of the power consumption to set an appropriate power saving target value and appropriately adjust each device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining other correction processing of the predicted power consumption by the correction unit of the present embodiment.
In the example of FIG. 20A, the predicted value (broken line) of the power consumption before correction is 330 kWh, and the target value (dashed line) is 355 kWh, so that the target value is the power consumption of the current month. It exceeds the predicted value. The corrected power consumption, that is, the predicted value (single-point chain line) when the power saving mode is canceled and the non-power saving mode is set is 455 kWh, and the power saving amount by continuing the power saving mode is 125 kWh, which is the electricity charge. The amount of savings will also increase.

FIG. 20B shows an example when the screen 130 is created with the corrected value. On the transition graph display unit 132 of the screen 130, the revised power consumption estimated value graph 144 (broken line), the revised target value (line 146) (two-dot chain line), and the corrected current month are displayed. The estimated value graph 148 (dashed line) of the power consumption in the power saving mode is shown.

In this example, the predicted power consumption after correction is 455 kWh, so the power saving effect could not be obtained with the value before correction, but after the correction, the power saving amount, that is, the power saving mode is canceled and non-power saving is performed. The amount of power saving in the mode is 100 kWh, and the amount of power saving by continuing the power saving mode is increased. In addition, the amount of electricity saved will be large. As a result, the effect of power saving can be notified to the consumer, so that the consumer's motivation for power saving does not decrease.

Further, in this example, the control unit 210 of the information processing apparatus 200 of the above embodiment may be further provided.
The control unit 210 may automatically control each device according to the setting content obtained by calculating the power consumption amount in the power saving mode by the correction unit 312.

In the present embodiment, the correction unit 312 corrects the estimation result by the power estimation unit 104 to the power consumption when the power saving mode is released from the state in which each device is set to the power saving mode.
As a result, according to the information processing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment is obtained, and even in the case of a consumer who has already saved power, the power saving effect is greatly exhibited. It has the effect of not reducing the motivation for saving electricity.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can be adopted.

<Price plan optimization process>
The present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that it has a configuration in which it acquires the rate plan information of the consumer, requests the power saving setting suitable for the rate plan, and proposes it to the consumer.
The information processing device of the present embodiment has a rate plan information acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires information about the customer's rate plan, and a determination unit that determines the operation schedule of the customer's equipment according to the conditions included in the rate plan. (Not shown), and further include.
The conditions included in the rate plan include, for example, the upper limit of the power consumption at which the excess charge is paid, the usage time zone at which the discount is generated, and the like.

The rate plan information acquisition unit of the information processing device acquires the conditions included in the rate plan from the information about the rate plan of the consumer. For example, if the condition includes an upper limit of power consumption that causes payment of excess charges, the upper limit of power consumption is set based on the rate plan. The determination unit is a value (estimated value storage) that estimates the power consumption in the power saving mode of the current month (unit period) after the measurement period calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106 based on the setting contents of the current power saving mode. Part 162) determines whether or not the upper limit value is exceeded.

Then, when it is determined that the upper limit value is exceeded, the determination unit corrects the current power saving mode setting contents for each device so that the power consumption is further reduced. For example, the determination unit changes the setting such as raising the set temperature of the air conditioner cooling by 1 ° C. to determine the operation schedule.

Further, in the rate plan, for example, when the time zone in which the discount occurs is included in the condition, the determination unit determines the time zone in which the discount occurs based on the power consumption acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 102. When the power consumption by using the device in the non-discounted time zone other than the first predetermined value or more, for example, the device to be stopped in the non-discounted time zone is determined according to the preset priority of the device. To do. Further, when the power consumption of the discount application time zone in which the discount occurs is less than the second predetermined value, for example, the determination unit sets the device to be operated in the discount application time zone according to the priority of the preset device. decide.
The determination unit creates an operation schedule for each device based on the determined operation contents of each device in each time zone.

The control unit 210 of the above embodiment may control the operation of each device based on the device setting contents and the operation schedule determined by the determination unit, or the output unit (not shown) provides power saving advice to the consumer. You may notify the setting contents of the device and the operation schedule.

Further, the rate plan information acquisition unit may acquire information on other rate plans. Further, the information processing device is provided with a specific unit (not shown) that specifies a rate plan that matches the power usage tendency of the customer based on the power consumption of the consumer estimated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106. You may.

Specifically, for example, when the number of times that the upper limit of the power consumption of the consumer's rate plan is continuously exceeded is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the specific unit determines that the rate plan is subject to change. Then, the specific unit selects a plan whose upper limit of power consumption is larger than the power consumption of the consumer from among other rate plans, and specifies the selected plan as a rate plan suitable for the customer. ..
The output unit may notify the consumer of the specified rate plan and prompt the customer to change the rate plan.

According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the consumer of power saving advice and the operation schedule of the device according to the rate plan of the consumer, and to control the device. In addition, even if the electricity usage status of the consumer does not match the rate plan, it is possible to identify a plan suitable for the consumer and prompt the change.

<Time sale service processing>
The information processing device of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that it has a configuration for encouraging consumers to use electric power according to the amount of electric power supplied.
The information processing device of the present embodiment has a power supply information acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires information on the power supply amount of the power supply source, and the power supply amount becomes a predetermined value or more in a certain future period (power). An oversupply detection unit (not shown) for detecting the oversupply) may be further provided.

When an overpower supply is detected, the output unit notifies the consumer of information about the oversupply of power. The information on the oversupply of electricity includes, for example, information on the time zone when the electricity charge is reduced due to the oversupply of electricity, the discount amount of the electricity charge, and the incentive.

Further, when an excessive power supply is detected, the control unit 210 sets the power charge to be cheaper for the customer's storage battery or electric vehicle (EV: Electric Vehicle, PHV: Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle). , You may give an instruction to control to perform the charging operation.

In this embodiment, the storage battery or the electric vehicle may be configured to perform a charging operation in accordance with an instruction from the information processing device. For example, the charging operation is not performed until the charging instruction is received from the information processing device, and the charging operation is performed when the charging instruction is received.
Therefore, the consumer's storage battery or electric vehicle can be charged when the electricity rate is low, so that the monthly electricity rate can be reduced.

According to this configuration, when it is predicted that the supply of electricity will be excessive, the demand for electricity will be increased by reducing the electricity rate and controlling the charging of the storage batteries and electric vehicles of consumers. Oversupply can be avoided. Consumers can also charge at low electricity rates.

In the following examples, an example in which the operation information acquired by the information processing apparatus 100 is the power consumption and an example in which the operation time of the device is used will be described. Further, as a configuration example of a consumer's house for acquiring operation information, a configuration for acquiring meter reading data from the smart meter 10 and a configuration for acquiring information collected from each device by HEMS 46 will be described.
(Example 1)
In this embodiment, a configuration using the power consumption measured by the smart meter 10 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system of this embodiment.
The system of this embodiment includes a smart meter 10, a B route device 48, a GW 44, a distribution board 51, and an operation terminal 42 at a consumer's home.
The smart meter 10 measures the power consumption of the consumer's house and transmits the meter reading data to the B route device 48.
The B-root device 48 has a first interface unit I / F1 and a second interface unit I / F2.

The first interface unit I / F1 performs wireless communication with the smart meter 10 by B route authentication. The first interface unit I / F1 is, for example, a specific low power wireless system using the 920 MHz band, for example, a communication system based on a communication standard such as Wi-SUN, or IEEE802.1.5 such as Zigbee (registered trademark). You can use the communication method of the wireless communication standard that operates above. In the present embodiment, the first interface unit I / F1 has a function of performing wireless communication conforming to the Wi-SUN standard.

The second interface unit I / F2 has a function of performing wireless communication with the GW44 and connecting to the Internet (network 5) via the GW44 after ensuring security by a predetermined encryption process or the like. The B root device 48 can be connected to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100) on the network 5 via the GW 44.
The second interface unit I / F2 can use a wireless communication method such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) (so-called Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), 3G, or LTE. .. In this embodiment, it has a function of performing wireless LAN communication.

The B route device 48 uses the first interface unit I / F1 to periodically (for example, every second) receive meter reading data from the smart meter 10 by wireless communication by B route authentication. Further, the B route device 48 accesses the Internet 5 via the GW 44 using the second interface unit I / F2, and transmits the collected power consumption to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100).
It is assumed that security is ensured by performing a predetermined authentication procedure, encryption processing, etc. by the B root device 48 when accessing the Internet from the GW 44. Further, the B root device 48 and the cloud server 70 are also connected after performing a predetermined authentication procedure.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the HEMS 46 is not installed in the consumer's house, and the plurality of load devices (device a, device b, device c, ...) 54 are only connected to the distribution board 51. .. In other examples, HEMS46 may be further included. In that case, the power measuring device 50 is connected to the distribution board 51, and the power measuring device 50 measures the power consumption of each load device 54. The HEMS 46 may acquire the power consumption from the power measuring device 50 and transmit it to the cloud server 70 via the GW 44.

In this embodiment, the operation information transmitted to the cloud server 70 is the total power consumption of the consumer's house, which is the meter reading data received from the smart meter 10 by the B route. Further, the load device 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) received by the power measuring device 50 connected to the distribution board 51 is not limited to the total power consumption of the customer's house, which is the meter reading data of the customer's house. ) Or each branch of the distribution board 51 may be included (indicated by a broken line in the figure).
Further, the power consumption amount for each device received by the power measuring device 50 and for each branch of the distribution board 51 may be transmitted.

The operation terminal 42 accesses the Internet 5 via the GW 44 and browses a predetermined web page of the web server 60.
Further, when the HEMS 46 is introduced, the operation terminal 42 may wirelessly communicate with the HEMS 46 to view the information on the power consumption stored in the HEMS 46, or access the web server 60 via the HEMS 46. May be good.

In the cloud server 70, the operation information acquisition unit 102 of the information processing device 100 collects the meter reading data of the smart meter 10 of each consumer and stores it in the measured value storage unit 152 of the storage device 150.

Then, the power estimation unit 104 calculates the power consumption for the unit period based on the power consumption during the measurement period and information on the season and the weather. If the temperature is predicted to drop sharply and the use of heating is predicted to start within the unit period after the measurement period, the power consumption of the heating equipment is added, and the power consumption within the unit period is added. May be estimated. The estimated power consumption is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 determines the power in the unit period when at least one of the load devices 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode after the measurement period. Information indicating the amount of reduction is calculated. The calculated information indicating the power reduction amount is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.

Then, the information regarding the power consumption of the consumer is read from the storage device 150, the screen 130 (FIG. 3) or the screen 230 (FIG. 15) for the user-only page is generated, and the information is stored in the web server 60.
The consumer can log in to the user-only page using the operation terminal 42 using the user account information, and display the screen 130 or the screen 230.

On the screen 130 or the screen 230, an estimated value graph 144 of the power consumption after the measurement period of the current month estimated by the power estimation unit 104, an estimated value graph 148 of the estimated power consumption in the power saving mode, and a reduction amount calculation unit. The target value 146 and the like of the power consumption of the current month obtained from the power reduction amount of the current month calculated by 106 are displayed. Further, as shown on the screen 230, the power saving information display unit 232 may display the power saving amount and the saving amount of this month calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106.

Further, in the present embodiment, the operating time of the device may be calculated based on the power consumption collected from the smart meter 10 and used as the operating information.

(Example 2)
In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the HEMS 46 uses information on power consumption or device information collected from each load device 54.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system of this embodiment.
The system of this embodiment includes a smart meter 10, a HEMS 46, a GW 44, and an operation terminal 42 in a consumer's home.
In this embodiment, the smart meter 10 measures the power consumption of the consumer's house and transmits the meter reading data to the HEMS 46.
The HEMS 46 has a first interface unit I / F1, a second interface unit I / F2, a third interface unit I / F3, and a fourth interface unit I / F4.

The first interface unit I / F1 and the second interface unit I / F2 are the same as those in the above embodiment.
The third interface unit I / F3 performs wireless communication with the load device 54 by ECHONET Lite authentication.
The third interface unit I / F3 is, for example, a specific low power wireless system using the 920 MHz band, for example, a communication system based on a communication standard such as Wi-SUN, or IEEE802.154 such as Zigbee (registered trademark). You can use the communication method of the wireless communication standard that operates above. In the present embodiment, the third interface unit I / F3 has a function of performing wireless communication conforming to the Wi-SUN standard.

The fourth interface unit I / F4 has a function of communicating with the operation terminal 42 by using a wireless communication method such as wireless LAN communication (Wi-Fi) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The HEMS 46 and the load device 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) shall communicate in accordance with the ECHONET Lite communication standard. The HEMS 46 and each load device 54 perform an ECHONET Lite authentication procedure in advance, and when they are authenticated, communication is established. ECHONET Lite authentication uses the authentication information for each load device 54.

The HEMS 46 uses the second interface unit I / F2 to access the Internet 5 via the GW 44, and transmits the collected power consumption amount or device information to the cloud server 70 (information processing device 100).
It is assumed that security is ensured by performing predetermined authentication procedures, encryption processing, etc. by HEMS46 when accessing the Internet from GW44. Furthermore, the HEMS 46 and the cloud server 70 are also connected after performing a predetermined authentication procedure.

The HEMS 46 wirelessly communicates with the operation terminal 42 by using the fourth interface unit I / F4. The HEMS 46 can access the web server 60 via the GW 44, log in to the user-only page of the consumer, and display the screen 130 on the display of the operation terminal 42. Further, the HEMS 46 may display the information acquired from the smart meter 10 or each device on the display of the operation terminal 42.

In this embodiment, the operation information transmitted to the cloud server 70 indicates the power consumption of each device received by the HEMS 46 from each load device 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) or the operation status of the device. The information to be shown (for example, operation mode (normal mode / power saving mode, etc.), operating state (run / stop, etc.)). Further, the HEMS 46 receives the power consumption for each load device 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) received by the power measuring device 50 connected to the distribution board 51, or for each branch of the distribution board 51. You may.
Further, the HEMS 46 may receive the power consumption for each device received by the power measuring device 50 and for each branch of the distribution board 51. The HEMS 46 transmits these received power consumptions to the cloud server 70.

In the cloud server 70, the operation information acquisition unit 102 of the information processing device 100 collects the power consumption of each device from the HEMS 46 of each consumer and stores it in the measured value storage unit 152 of the storage device 150.

Then, the power estimation unit 104 calculates the power consumption for the unit period based on the power consumption during the measurement period and information on the season and the weather. If the temperature is predicted to drop sharply and the use of heating is predicted to start within the unit period after the measurement period, the power consumption of the heating equipment is added, and the power consumption within the unit period is added. May be estimated. The estimated power consumption is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

Further, the reduction amount calculation unit 106 determines the power in the unit period when at least one of the load devices 54 (device a, device b, device c, etc.) is changed from the non-power saving mode to the power saving mode after the measurement period. Information indicating the amount of reduction is calculated. The calculated information indicating the power reduction amount is stored in the power saving amount storage unit 166.

Further, the operation information acquisition unit 102 may acquire the device information (operation mode or operation status) of each device from the HEMS 46 of each consumer and store it in the device operation information storage unit 154 of the storage device 150. Further, the operation information acquisition unit 102 adds the time indicating the operation state and mode of each device of the consumer other than operating or stopped (standby is included in the stop), and adds the time indicating the operating time of one day. It is calculated and stored in the operating time storage unit 155.

Then, the operation information acquisition unit 102 obtains the power consumption of each device from the operating time of each device (operation mode) and the power consumption of each device (for each operation mode) given in advance, and consumes power. It is stored in the quantity storage unit 156.
Then, the power estimation unit 104 calculates the power consumption for the unit period based on the power consumption for the measurement period stored in the power consumption storage unit 156 and information on the season and the weather. If the temperature is predicted to drop sharply and the use of heating is predicted to start within the unit period after the measurement period, the power consumption of the heating equipment is added, and the power consumption within the unit period is added. May be estimated. The estimated power consumption is stored in the estimated value storage unit 162.

Since the processing of the reduction amount calculation unit 106 is the same as the above example, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Then, the information regarding the power consumption of the consumer is read from the storage device 150, the screen 130 (FIG. 3) or the screen 230 (FIG. 15) for the user-only page is generated, and the information is stored in the web server 60.
The consumer can log in to the user-only page using the operation terminal 42 using the user account information, and display the screen 130 or the screen 230.

On the screen 130 or the screen 230, an estimated value graph 144 of the power consumption after the measurement period of the current month estimated by the power estimation unit 104, an estimated value graph 148 of the estimated power consumption in the power saving mode, and a reduction amount calculation unit. The target value 146 and the like of the power consumption of the current month obtained from the power reduction amount of the current month calculated by 106 are displayed. Further, as shown on the screen 230, the power saving information display unit 232 may display the power saving amount and the saving amount of this month calculated by the reduction amount calculation unit 106.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and examples, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and examples. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made within the scope of the present invention in terms of the structure and details of the present invention.
In addition, when information about a user is acquired and used in this invention, this shall be done legally.

Hereinafter, an example of the reference form will be added.
1. 1. Information processing device
Get information that shows the operating status of at least one device,
The power consumption in the unit period is estimated by using the information indicating the operating status of the predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for which the electricity charge is settled and the weather information of the unit period.
Information processing for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a certain mode to a power saving mode which consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period. Method.
2. 1. The information processing device acquires information indicating the power consumption of at least one of the devices. Information processing method described in.
3. 3. The information processing device
2. The power consumption in the unit period is calculated by multiplying the power consumption in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period. Information processing method described in.
4. 2. The amount of power that the information processing device passes through the power line to which the at least one device is connected. Or 3. Information processing method described in.
5. The information processing device
1. Acquire information indicating the operating time of at least one of the devices. From 4. The information processing method described in any one of them.
6. The information processing apparatus calculates the operating time of the unit period by multiplying the operating time of each device in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, and calculates the operating time of each device. The power consumption of each device is multiplied by the power consumption per unit time in the non-power saving mode of each device to calculate the power consumption of each device, and the power consumption of each device is totaled. 5. Obtain the power consumption in the unit period. Information processing method described in.
7. The information processing device
1. Automatically set each device to the power saving mode. From 6. The information processing method described in any one of them.
8. The information processing device further
The estimation result is corrected to the power consumption when the power saving mode is released from the state in which each device is set to the power saving mode.
1. Using the corrected estimation result, obtain information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when the power saving mode is set. From 7. The information processing method described in any one of them.
9. 1. The information processing device corrects the power consumption using a coefficient set according to the weather conditions. From 8. The information processing method described in any one of them.
10. The coefficient differs for each device, and the larger the change in the power consumption under the control of the device, the larger the coefficient in the device. Information processing method described in.
11. 1. The information processing device calculates the power reduction amount based on the power consumption amount and the reduction rate set according to the weather conditions. To 10. The information processing method described in any one of them.
12. The reduction rate differs for each device, and the greater the change in the power consumption under the control of the device, the greater the reduction rate in the device. Information processing method described in.
13. 1. The information processing device notifies the user of the calculated information indicating the power reduction amount. From 12. The information processing method described in any one of them.
14. 1. The information processing device presents to the user the setting contents of the power saving mode of each device. To 13. The information processing method described in any one of them.
15. The information processing device further
Get information about rate plans,
1. The operation schedule for each device is determined based on the estimated power consumption and the upper limit of the power consumption set based on the rate plan. From 14. The information processing method described in any one of them.
16. The information about the rate plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs.
When the information processing device consumes more than the first predetermined value in the discount non-applicable time zone other than the time zone in which the discount occurs, the discount is based on the preset priority of the device. Determine the equipment to be suspended during non-applicable hours, 15. Information processing method described in.
17. The information about the rate plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs.
When the information processing device consumes less than the second predetermined value in the discount application time zone in which the discount occurs, the device to be operated in the discount application time zone is operated according to the preset priority of the device. Decide, 15. Or 16. Information processing method described in.
18. The information processing device further
When the number of times that the upper limit value of the power consumption amount continuously exceeded the predetermined value or more set based on the rate plan, the upper limit value of the power consumption amount is estimated to be larger than the power consumption amount of another rate plan. Identify and
Notify the other rate plans and urge them to change the rate plans. From 17. The information processing method described in any one of them.

19. On the computer
Procedure for acquiring information indicating the operating status of at least one device,
A procedure for estimating the power consumption in a unit period by using the information indicating the operating status of the predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for which the electricity charge is settled and the weather information of the unit period.
Execute a procedure for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a certain mode to a power saving mode which consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period. Program to let you.
20. 19. To cause a computer to execute a procedure for acquiring information indicating the power consumption of at least one device as the information indicating the operating status. The program described in.
21. When estimating the power consumption, a computer performs a procedure for calculating the power consumption in the unit period by multiplying the power consumption in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period. 20. The program described in.
22. The power consumption is the amount of power passing through the power line to which the at least one device is connected. Or 21. The program described in.
23. 19. To cause the computer to execute a procedure for acquiring information indicating the operating time of each at least one device as the information indicating the operating status. From 22. The program described in any one.
24. When estimating the power consumption, the operating time of the unit period is calculated by multiplying the operating time of each device in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period. The operating time of each device is multiplied by the power consumption per unit time of each device in the non-power saving mode to calculate the power consumption of each device, and the power consumption of each device is calculated. 23. To cause the computer to perform the procedure of totaling and obtaining the power consumption in the unit period. The program described in.
25. 19. To cause the computer to further perform a procedure for automatically setting each device to the power saving mode. From 24. The program described in any one.
26. A procedure for correcting the estimation result to the power consumption when the power saving mode is released from the state in which each device is set to the power saving mode.
19. To cause a computer to perform a procedure for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when the power saving mode is set, using the corrected estimation result. To 25. The program described in any one.
27. 19. To cause a computer to perform a procedure for correcting the power consumption using a coefficient set according to the weather conditions when estimating the power consumption. From 26. The program described in any one.
28. The coefficient differs for each device, and the larger the change in the power consumption under the control of the device, the larger the coefficient in the device. The program described in.
29. 19. To cause a computer to perform a procedure for calculating the power reduction amount based on the power consumption amount and the reduction rate set according to the weather conditions. From 28. The program described in any one.
30. The reduction rate differs for each device, and the greater the change in the power consumption under the control of the device, the greater the reduction rate in the device. 29. The program described in.
31. 19. To cause the computer to perform a procedure for notifying the user of the calculated information indicating the power reduction amount. From 30. The program described in any one.
32. 19. To cause the computer to execute a procedure for presenting the setting contents of the power saving mode of each device to the user. From 31. The program described in any one.
33. How to get information about rate plans,
19. To cause the computer to further perform a procedure for determining an operation schedule for each device based on the estimated power consumption and the upper limit of the power consumption set based on the rate plan. From 32. The program described in any one.
34. The information about the rate plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs.
When the power consumption is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value in the discount non-applicable time zone other than the time zone in which the discount occurs, the use in the discount non-applicable time zone based on the preset priority of the device. 33. To cause the computer to perform the procedure for determining the device to stop. The program described in.
35. The information about the rate plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs.
When the power consumption in the discount application time zone in which the discount occurs is less than the second predetermined value, the computer is instructed to determine the device to be operated in the discount application time zone according to the preset priority of the device. 33. to execute. Or 34. The program described in.
36. When the number of times that the upper limit value of the power consumption amount continuously exceeded the predetermined value or more set based on the rate plan, the upper limit value of the power consumption amount is estimated to be larger than the power consumption amount of another rate plan. Procedure to identify,
33. To notify the other rate plan and cause the computer to perform a procedure for prompting the change of the rate plan. From 35. The program described in any one.
37. An operation information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the operation status of at least one device,
An electric power estimation means for estimating the power consumption in the unit period by using the information indicating the operating status of the predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for settling the electric power charge and the weather information of the unit period. ,
Calculation of reduction amount for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a certain mode to a power saving mode which consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period. Means and
Information processing device equipped with.
38. The operation information acquisition means
Acquire information indicating the power consumption of at least one of the devices, 37. The information processing device described in.
39. The power estimation means calculates the power consumption in the unit period by multiplying the power consumption in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period.
38. The information processing device described in.
40. The power consumption is the amount of power passing through the power line to which the at least one device is connected.
38. Or 39. The information processing device described in.
41. The operation information acquisition means
Acquire information indicating the operating time of each of the at least one device, 37. From 40. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
42. The power estimation means calculates the operating time of the unit period by multiplying the operating time of each device in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, and calculates the operating time of each device. Multiply the operating time of each device by the power consumption per unit time in the non-power saving mode of each device to calculate the power consumption of each device, and add up the power consumption of each device. Finding the power consumption in the unit period,
41. The information processing device described in.
43. Further provided with a control means for automatically setting each of the devices to the power saving mode.
37. From 42. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
44. Further provided with a correction means for correcting the estimation result by the power estimation means to the power consumption when the power saving mode is released from the state in which each device is set to the power saving mode.
The reduction amount calculation means is
Using the estimation result corrected by the correction means, information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when the power saving mode is set is obtained.
37. From 43. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
45. The power estimation means corrects the power consumption by using a coefficient set according to the weather condition.
37. From 44. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
46. The coefficient differs for each device, and the larger the change in the power consumption under the control of the device, the larger the coefficient in the device. The information processing device described in.
47. The reduction amount calculation means is
3. Calculate the power reduction amount based on the power consumption amount and the reduction rate set according to the weather conditions. From 46. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
48. The reduction rate differs for each device, and the greater the change in the power consumption under the control of the device, the greater the reduction rate in the device.
47. The information processing device described in.
49. A notification means for notifying the user of information indicating the power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation means is further provided.
37. From 48. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
50. A presentation means for presenting the setting contents of the power saving mode of each device to the user is further provided.
37. From 49. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
51. How to get rate plan information and how to get information about rate plans
The power consumption amount estimated by the power estimation means and a determination means for determining an operation schedule for each device based on the upper limit value of the power consumption amount set based on the rate plan are further provided.
37. From 50. The information processing device according to any one of the above.
52. The information about the rate plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs.
When the power consumption is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value in the discount non-applicable time zone other than the time zone in which the discount occurs, the determination means does not discount based on the preset priority of the device. Decide which device to stop using during the applicable time period,
51. The information processing device described in.
53. The information about the rate plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs.
When the power consumption in the discount application time zone in which the discount occurs is less than the second predetermined value, the determination means determines the device to be operated in the discount application time zone according to the preset priority of the device. To do,
51. Or 52. The information processing device described in.
54. When the number of times that the upper limit value of the power consumption amount set based on the rate plan is continuously exceeded is a predetermined value or more, the upper limit value of the power consumption amount is based on the power consumption amount estimated by the power estimation means. With specific means to identify other large rate plans,
Further provided with an output means for notifying the other rate plan and prompting the change of the rate plan.
51. To 53. The information processing device according to any one of the above.

3, 5 Network 10 Smart meter 20 Electric power company 30 PPS
40 Communication equipment 42 Operation terminal 44 GW
46 HEMS
48 B route device 50 Power measurement device 51 Distribution board 54 Load device 60 Web server 70 Cloud server 80 Computer 82 CPU
84 memory 85 storage 86 I / O
87 Communication I / F
89 Bus 90 Program 100 Information processing device 102 Operation information acquisition unit 104 Power estimation unit 106 Reduction amount calculation unit 130 Screen 132 Transition graph display unit 134 Display item selection button 140 Bar graph 142 Cumulative graph 144 Estimated value graph 146 Line 148 Estimated value graph 150 Storage device 152 Measured value storage unit 153 Integrated value storage unit 154 Device operation information storage unit 155 Operating time storage unit 156 Power consumption storage unit 158 Mode setting storage unit 160 Correction seasonal parameter storage unit 161 Seasonal parameter storage unit for power saving calculation 162 Estimated value storage unit 164 User information storage unit 166 Power saving amount storage unit 200 Information processing device 210 Control unit 230 Screen 232 Power saving information display unit 236 Operation button 238 Operation button 300 Information processing device 312 Correction unit 350 Storage device 352 Mode discrimination threshold memory Department

Claims (18)

An operation information acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the operation status of at least one device,
An electric power estimation means for estimating the power consumption in the unit period by using the information indicating the operating status of the predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for settling the electric power charge and the weather information of the unit period. ,
Calculation of reduction amount for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a certain mode to a power saving mode which consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period. Means and
With
The operation information acquisition means
Obtain information indicating the operating time of at least one device,
The weather information for the unit period includes at least seasonal information that identifies the season, month, or date of the current month.
The power estimation means calculates the operating time of the unit period by multiplying the operating time of each device in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, and calculates the operating time of each device. The power consumption per unit time in the non-power saving mode is set based on the seasonal identification information, and the operating time of each device in the unit period is multiplied by the power consumption to determine each device. An information processing device that calculates the power consumption of the device, totals the power consumption of each device, and obtains the power consumption in the unit period. The operation information acquisition means
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information indicating the power consumption of at least one device is acquired. The power estimation means calculates the power consumption in the unit period by multiplying the power consumption in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period.
The information processing device according to claim 2. The power consumption is the amount of power passing through the power line to which the at least one device is connected.
The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3. Further provided with a control means for automatically setting each of the devices to the power saving mode.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Further provided with a correction means for correcting the estimation result by the power estimation means to the power consumption when the power saving mode is released from the state in which each device is set to the power saving mode.
The reduction amount calculation means is
Using the estimation result corrected by the correction means, information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when the power saving mode is set is obtained.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The power estimation means corrects the power consumption by using a coefficient set according to the weather condition.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the coefficient differs for each device, and the larger the change in the power consumption under the control of the device, the larger the coefficient in the device. The reduction amount calculation means is
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which calculates the power reduction amount based on the power consumption amount and the reduction rate set according to the weather conditions. The reduction rate differs for each device, and the greater the change in the power consumption under the control of the device, the greater the reduction rate in the device.
The information processing device according to claim 9. A notification means for notifying the user of information indicating the power reduction amount calculated by the reduction amount calculation means is further provided.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. A presentation means for presenting the setting contents of the power saving mode of each device to the user is further provided.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. How to get rate plan information and how to get information about rate plans
The power consumption amount estimated by the power estimation means and a determination means for determining an operation schedule for each device based on the upper limit value of the power consumption amount set based on the rate plan are further provided.
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The information about the rate plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs.
When the power consumption is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value in the discount non-applicable time zone other than the time zone in which the discount occurs, the determination means does not discount based on the preset priority of the device. Decide which device to stop using during the applicable time period,
The information processing device according to claim 13. The information about the rate plan includes the time zone when the discount occurs.
When the power consumption in the discount application time zone in which the discount occurs is less than the second predetermined value, the determination means determines the device to be operated in the discount application time zone according to the preset priority of the device. To do,
The information processing device according to claim 13 or 14. When the number of times that the upper limit value of the power consumption amount set based on the rate plan is continuously exceeded is a predetermined value or more, the upper limit value of the power consumption amount is based on the power consumption amount estimated by the power estimation means. With specific means to identify other large rate plans,
Further provided with an output means for notifying the other rate plan and prompting the change of the rate plan.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15. Information processing device
Get information that shows the operating status of at least one device,
The power consumption in the unit period is estimated by using the information indicating the operating status of the predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for which the electricity charge is settled and the weather information of the unit period.
After the measurement period, information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a certain mode to a power saving mode, which is a mode in which power consumption is lower than that mode, is obtained.
Obtain information indicating the operating time of at least one device,
The weather information for the unit period includes at least seasonal information that identifies the season, month, or date of the current month.
The information processing device
By multiplying the operating time of each of the devices in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, the operating time of the unit period is calculated, and the device is in the non-power saving mode. The power consumption per unit time is set based on the seasonal identification information, and the power consumption of each device is multiplied by the operating time of the unit period of each device to obtain the power consumption of each device. An information processing method for calculating, summing up the power consumption of each device, and obtaining the power consumption in the unit period. On the computer
Procedure for acquiring information indicating the operating status of at least one device,
A procedure for estimating the power consumption in a unit period by using the information indicating the operating status of the predetermined measurement period shorter than the unit period for which the electricity charge is settled and the weather information of the unit period.
A procedure for obtaining information indicating the amount of power reduction in the unit period when at least one of the devices is changed from a certain mode to a power saving mode which consumes less power than the mode after the measurement period.
The procedure for acquiring information indicating the operating time of each at least one device is executed.
The weather information for the unit period includes at least seasonal information that identifies the season, month, or date of the current month.
On the computer,
By multiplying the operating time of each of the devices in the measurement period by the ratio of the unit period based on the measurement period, the operating time of the unit period is calculated, and the device is in the non-power saving mode. The power consumption per unit time is set based on the seasonal identification information, and the power consumption of each device is multiplied by the operating time of the unit period of each device to obtain the power consumption of each device. A program for calculating, summing up the power consumption of each device, and executing a procedure for obtaining the power consumption in the unit period.

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