JP7285492B2 - Hot water supply method and control device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a hot water supply method and a control device for creating a schedule for boiling operation of hot water supply equipment.

A heat pump water heater is known. In general, a heat pump type water heater boils hot water during a time period such as nighttime when the electricity rate is low, and stores the hot water in a hot water storage tank. Patent Literature 1 discloses a supply and demand control device that distributes power generated by a photovoltaic power generation system to heat source devices such as power storage devices and heat pumps.

WO2011/086886

By the way, there is room for further reduction of electricity-related costs for consumers. For example, if the selling price of electricity drops, electricity-related costs for consumers can be reduced by using the surplus electricity generated during the day by solar power generation equipment to heat water heating equipment instead of selling electricity. Sometimes.

The present invention provides a hot water supply method and a control device capable of creating an economical boiling operation schedule.

A hot water supply method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a prediction step of predicting a future time transition of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumed by the customer from the power generated by a photovoltaic power generation facility provided by the customer; In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to occur, if the power consumption required for the operation of heating the hot water supply equipment provided by the consumer cannot be covered by the predicted surplus power, it is included in the target period. and a second period in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period, a schedule is created for executing the operation of boiling the hot water supply equipment, and (ii) the water heating equipment is boiled in the target period. a planning step of creating a schedule for performing the operation of heating the hot water supply equipment during the first period when the power consumption required for the operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power; and based on the created schedule. and an execution step of causing the hot water supply equipment to perform a boiling operation.

A control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a prediction unit that predicts a temporal transition in the future of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the consumer from the power generated by a photovoltaic power generation facility provided by the consumer, and (i) In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to occur, if the power consumption required for the heating operation of the hot water supply facility provided by the consumer cannot be covered by the predicted surplus power, it is included in the target period. (ii) creating a schedule for performing a heating operation of the hot water supply facility during a first period and a second period in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period; a planning unit that creates a schedule for executing the operation of heating the hot water supply equipment during the first period, if the estimated surplus power can cover the power consumption required for the first period, and based on the created schedule and an execution unit that causes the hot water supply equipment to perform a boiling operation.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hot-water supply method and control apparatus which can create the schedule of economical boiling operation are implement|achieved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the hot water supply system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of operations of the hot water supply system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the process of creating a schedule for the heating operation. FIG. 4 is a first conceptual diagram for explaining the judgment as to whether or not the surplus power can cover the power consumption required for the heating operation. FIG. 5 is a second conceptual diagram for explaining the judgment as to whether or not the surplus power can cover the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation. FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the operation of the power conditioner when the generated electric power is insufficient during execution of the boiling operation.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in independent claims representing the highest concept will be described as optional constituent elements.

Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Moreover, in each figure, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected with respect to substantially the same structure, and the overlapping description may be abbreviate|omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[Configuration of hot water supply system]
First, the configuration of the hot water supply system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the hot water supply system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 , hot water supply system 100 includes solar power generation equipment 10 , power conditioner 20 , detection device 25 , power storage system 30 , distribution board 40 , control device 50 , and hot water supply equipment 60 . , a router 70, and a weather forecast information distribution server 80. - 特許庁Also shown in FIG. 1 are a system power supply 120 and an Internet 130 . Each component included in hot water supply system 100 is provided in facility 110 except for weather forecast information distribution server 80 . Facility 110 is an example of a consumer.

The photovoltaic power generation facility 10 is installed on the roof of the facility 110 or the like, and generates power by converting sunlight into electric power. The photovoltaic power generation facility 10 is specifically realized by a photovoltaic module including a PV (PhotoVoltaic) panel.

The power conditioner 20 is a power conversion device for using the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 10 and the power obtained by discharging the power storage system 30 within the facility 110 . The power conditioner 20 can also supply the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation equipment 10 to the power storage system 30 . That is, the power storage system 30 is charged with power generated by the solar power generation equipment 10 . Specifically, the power conditioner 20 is realized by an inverter circuit or the like.

In addition, when the detection device 25 detects a forward power flow, the power conditioner 20 causes the power storage system 30 to discharge, thereby transferring the power stored in the power storage system 30 to the equipment in the facility 110 (for example, the hot water supply equipment 60). can also be supplied to Forward power flow is, specifically, a current that flows from the system power supply 120 toward the distribution board 40 in the main line 41 that connects the system power supply 120 and the distribution board 40 . The detection device 25 is specifically a CT (Current Transformer), but may be a Rogowski circuit, a GMR (Giant Magnetic Resistance) element, or the like.

The power storage system 30 is a device that functions as a power source in the facility 110 . The power storage system 30 is implemented by a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, a charging circuit that charges the secondary battery, a discharging circuit that discharges the secondary battery, and the like.

The distribution board 40 is a device that distributes power supplied from the system power supply 120 . The distribution board 40 specifically distributes power to a plurality of branch circuits branched from the main line 41 . An electric device (for example, hot water supply facility 60) installed in facility 110 is connected to the branch circuit.

The distribution board 40 has a power measuring element for each branch circuit. The power measuring element is specifically a CT, but may be a Rogowski circuit, a GMR element, or the like. By providing a power measuring element for each branch circuit, the distribution board 40 can measure power consumption for each branch circuit.

Moreover, the distribution board 40 has a wireless communication module for wireless communication, and can wirelessly communicate with the control device via a router. A wireless communication module is, in other words, a wireless communication circuit. Thereby, the distribution board 40 can transmit the power consumption of each branch circuit measured by the power measuring element to the control device. The power consumption of each branch circuit is accumulated in the storage unit 52 provided in the control device 50 as power consumption history information.

Note that it is not essential that the distribution board 40 have the power measurement function and the communication function. For example, hot water supply system 100 may include a smart meter (that is, a power meter having a communication function) separately from distribution board 40 .

The control device 50 is a device that manages power consumption (more specifically, power consumption and power consumption) in the facility 110, in other words, a power management device. Specifically, the control device 50 includes a communication section 51 , a storage section 52 and a control section 53 . In addition, although not shown, the control device 50 may include a user interface that accepts user operations, and a display that displays an image for the user to check the power consumption and amount of power consumption in the facility 110. .

The communication unit 51 is a wireless communication module for the control device 50 to communicate with the distribution board 40 and the hot water supply equipment 60 . A wireless communication module is, in other words, a wireless communication circuit. The communication unit 51 acquires, for example, the power consumption in the facility 110 measured by the distribution board 40 from the distribution board 40 . The power consumption is obtained, for example, in a manner that allows the power consumption of each branch circuit to be distinguished (recognized). The power consumption may be obtained in real time, or may be obtained collectively periodically.

The power consumption acquired by the communication unit 51 is stored in the storage unit 52 as power consumption history information in association with the date and time (time stamp) when the power consumption was measured. The power consumption is stored by, for example, the control unit 53 . The date and time associated with power consumption may be assigned by the distribution board 40 or may be assigned by the control unit 53 of the control device 50 .

The storage unit 52 also stores a control program executed by the control unit 53 and the like. The storage unit 52 is specifically a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 52 may be separate from the control device 50 .

The control unit 53 performs various information processing in the control device 50 , such as storing power consumption acquired by the communication unit 51 in the storage unit 52 . The controller 53 is specifically implemented by a processor, microcomputer, or dedicated circuit. The controller 53 may be implemented by a combination of two or more of a processor, microcomputer, and dedicated circuit.

The control unit 53 also includes a prediction unit 54 , a planning unit 55 and an execution unit 56 . These components perform the process of creating a schedule for the boiling action and the process of executing the boiling action. The boiling operation schedule creation processing and the boiling operation execution processing will be described later.

The hot water supply equipment 60 is equipment for supplying hot water in the facility 110 . The hot water supply facility 60 specifically includes a heat pump 61 , a hot water storage tank 62 , and a hot water supply control device 63 .

The heat pump 61 uses a refrigerant to absorb heat from the atmosphere, and applies the heat generated by compressing the refrigerant with electric power to water through a heat exchanger. The hot water storage tank 62 is a tank that stores water (that is, hot water) heated by the heat pump 61 .

Hot water supply control device 63 performs a boiling operation using heat pump 61 by controlling heat pump 61 . The hot water supply control device 63 includes a hot water supply control unit that outputs a control signal for controlling the heat pump 61, a wireless communication module for communicating with the control device 50, and the like. Hot water supply control device 63 may also include a user interface that receives user operations, a display unit that displays an image indicating the operation state of hot water supply facility 60, and the like.

Hot water supply facility 60 can also perform hot water supply operation using power supplied from distribution board 40 , and can also perform boiling operation using power supplied from power conditioner 20 . The power supplied from the distribution board 40 is, in other words, the power supplied from the system power supply 120 . The power supplied from the power conditioner 20 is specifically the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 10 or the power stored in the power storage system 30 .

The router 70 is a communication relay device for the distribution board 40, the control device 50, and the hot water supply equipment 60 to perform wireless communication with each other. Moreover, each of the distribution board 40 , the control device 50 , and the hot water supply facility 60 can also be connected to the Internet 130 via the router 70 . Internet 130 is an example of a communication network.

The weather forecast information distribution server 80 is an information processing device that distributes weather forecast information to the control device 50 . The weather forecast information distribution server 80 distributes weather forecast information up to 24 hours ahead, for example, every three hours. That is, the weather forecast information distribution server 80 periodically distributes the weather forecast information, and the communication unit 51 of the control device 50 periodically receives the weather forecast information via the Internet 130 and the router 70 . As will be described later, the weather forecast information is used to predict the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation equipment.

A function equivalent to that of the weather forecast information distribution server 80 may be implemented by a plurality of servers. For example, a function equivalent to that of the weather forecast information distribution server 80 may be realized by a weather forecast information dedicated distribution server and a management server of the control device 50 . In this case, the management server acquires the weather forecast information from the dedicated delivery server and delivers the acquired weather forecast information to the control device 50 .

[Operation of hot water supply system]
Hot water supply system 100 predicts the time transition of surplus power during the daytime of the next day at night, and hot water supply facility 60 creates a schedule for heating operation using the surplus power. The surplus power means power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the facility 110 from the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility 10 . More precisely, the power consumption of the facility 110 means the power consumption obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the hot water supply equipment 60 from the power consumption of the entire facility 110 .

When the power selling price (that is, the price at which the power is sold to the power company) decreases, it is better to use the surplus power generated by the photovoltaic power generation equipment 10 within the facility 110 instead of selling it to the power company. It can be economical. For example, if the power purchase price during the daytime (that is, the price at which power is purchased from a power company) is higher than the power selling price, it is more economical to consume as much surplus power as possible within the facility 110 .

Here, generally, the boiling operation of hot water supply equipment 60 is performed at night using late-night power. That is, the boiling operation of hot water supply equipment 60 is performed using power purchased from the power company. On the other hand, in hot water supply system 100, part of the required amount of hot water is supplied by performing a boiling operation using surplus electric power during the daytime.

The operation of hot water supply system 100 including the schedule creation process as described above will be described below. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of operations of hot water supply system 100 .

First, the weather forecast information delivery server 80 delivers weather forecast information (S11). As described above, the weather forecast information distribution server 80 periodically distributes weather forecast information, for example. The communication unit 51 of the control device 50 acquires weather forecast information via the Internet 130 and the router 70 (S12). The acquired weather forecast information is stored in the storage unit 52, for example.

Next, the hot water supply equipment 60 notifies the power consumption required for the boiling operation (S13). Step S13 is an example of a notification step. Specifically, the hot water supply facility 60 learns in advance the amount of hot water required per day for the entire facility 110 based on the amount of hot water used in the past. Hot water supply facility 60 specifies the amount of hot water that is estimated not to cause shortage of supply (in other words, running out of hot water) even if it is generated in the daytime, out of the amount of hot water required per day. Then, hot water supply equipment 60 notifies control device 50 of the power consumption required for the boiling operation for obtaining the specified amount of hot water. In step S13, the start time of the water heating operation may be designated in addition to the notification of the power consumption required for the water heating operation.

The communication unit 51 of the control device 50 acquires the power consumption required for the boiling operation via the router 70 (S14). The acquired power consumption is stored in the storage unit 52, for example.

Next, the control unit 53 of the control device 50 performs a process of creating a schedule for the boiling operation (S15). The details of the boiling operation schedule creation process will be described later.

When the boiling operation schedule is created, execution unit 56 of control unit 53 causes hot water supply equipment 60 to perform the boiling operation based on the created schedule. Specifically, the execution unit 56 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit a command for the boiling operation according to the schedule (S16). Hot water supply control device 63 of hot water supply facility 60 receives the transmitted instruction for the boiling operation (S17), and executes the boiling operation at the time specified in the instruction (S18). Step S16 is an example of an execution step.

[Schedule creation process for boiling operation]
Next, the details of the boiling operation schedule creation process will be described. FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the process of creating a schedule for the heating operation.

The boiling operation schedule creation processing is performed at night, for example. First, the prediction unit 54 of the control unit 53 of the control device 50 predicts the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation equipment 10 of the facility 110 for the next day (S21). The prediction unit 54 predicts the generated power in the time period based on the weather forecast information acquired in step S12 of FIG. 3, for example.

In addition, history information of generated power may be used for prediction of generated power. In this case, the communication unit 51 periodically acquires generated power information indicating the generated power from the power conditioner 20, for example. The generated power information includes information indicating the date and time when power was generated. The control unit 53 associates the acquired power generation information with the weather forecast information for the corresponding date and time and stores it as power generation history information. In this case, the power conditioner 20 includes, for example, a wireless communication module, and transmits generated power information to the communication unit 51 via the router 70 .

As a result, the prediction unit 54 can predict the generated power for a certain time period on the next day based on the generated power history information and the weather forecast information acquired in step S12. For example, the prediction unit 54 can use the average value of the generated power in the same time period in the past in the same weather as the predicted value of the generated power in a certain time period on the next day.

Next, the prediction unit 54 predicts the next day's power consumption in the facility 110 (S22). As described above, the storage unit 52 stores power consumption history information in the facility 110 . The prediction unit 54 reads power consumption history information from the storage unit 52 and predicts power consumption for the next day based on the read history information. For example, the prediction unit 54 can employ an average value of power consumption in the same time period in the past as a predicted value of power consumption in the facility 110 in a certain time period on the next day.

The power consumption in the facility 110 has a significantly different tendency between weekdays (Monday to Friday) and holidays (Saturday and Sunday). Therefore, if the target of prediction is weekdays, the average value of power consumption on weekdays in the history information is used, and if the target of prediction is a holiday, the average value of power consumption on holidays in the history information is used. good.

More precisely, the power consumption predicted in step S22 is the power consumption of the entire facility 110 minus the power consumption of the hot water supply equipment 60 . Therefore, the prediction unit 54 predicts the power consumption by specifying the power consumption history obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the hot water supply equipment 60 from the power consumption of the entire facility 110 by referring to the history information. In this case, if the hot water supply equipment 60 is connected to a single branch circuit, the prediction unit 54 calculates the power consumption obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the branch circuit from the power consumption of the entire facility 110, It can be specified as the power consumption excluding the power consumption of the facility 60 . The power consumption of the facility 110 as a whole means power supplied via the main line 41 .

Next, the prediction unit 54 predicts the temporal transition of surplus power (S23). Step S23 is an example of a prediction step. Specifically, the prediction unit 54 can predict the time transition of surplus power by subtracting the power consumption predicted in step S22 from the power generation predicted in step S21.

Next, the planning unit 55 heats the hot water supply facility 60 based on the power consumption notified from the hot water supply facility 60 in step S13 of FIG. 3 (that is, the power consumption acquired in step S14 of FIG. 3). It is determined whether or not the estimated surplus power can cover the power consumption required for the operation (S24). FIG. 4 is a first conceptual diagram for explaining the judgment in step S24. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis indicates power and the horizontal axis indicates time. (1) in FIG. 4 is a prediction of generated power, and (2) in FIG. 4 is a prediction of power consumption.

In FIG. 4, it is predicted that surplus power will be generated in the target period T, and the hatched area A corresponds to surplus power (or surplus power amount). In other words, area A shows the temporal transition of the surplus power. Here, for example, it is assumed that the power consumption notified from hot water supply equipment 60 is shown in area B1. Region B1 specifically means that the boiling operation requires power consumption P1 for period t1.

The planning unit 55 determines whether or not the region B1 fits within the region A. In other words, the planning unit 55 determines whether or not the predicted surplus power can cover the power consumption required for the water heating operation. As shown by the dashed curve in FIG. 4, when the area B1 is applied to the area A, the first period T1 in which the surplus power is equal to or greater than the power consumption P1 is shorter than the period t1, so the area B1 is surrounded by an ellipse. A part of the region C which is formed extends beyond the region A. That is, the area B1 does not fit in the area A. Specifically, therefore, the planning unit 55 determines that the power consumption required for the heating operation cannot be covered by the predicted surplus power (No in S24).

In this case, if the boiling operation is planned only in the first period T1, the amount of hot water corresponding to the power consumption in region C will be insufficient. Therefore, the planning unit 55 plans the boiling operation during a period other than the target period T in order to make up for the shortage of the amount of hot water. At this time, the planning unit 55 plans the heating operation in the second period T2, which belongs to the nighttime period when the power rate is lower than the daytime time period to which the target period T belongs, in consideration of the power rate. That is, in addition to the first period T1 included in the target period T, the planning unit 55 creates a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment 60 during the second period T2 in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period T. (S25). Step S25 is an example of a planning step. The length of the second period T2 is T1-t1.

In addition, the second period T2 is a period before the target period T, for example. As a result, the risk of running out of hot water can be reduced more than when the second period T2 is a period after the target period T.

In this way, the planning unit 55 determines that when the predicted surplus power cannot cover the amount of power consumption required for the operation of heating the hot water supply equipment 60 provided in the facility 110 during the target period T in which the surplus power is predicted to occur, creates a schedule for performing the boiling operation of the water heater 60 in the first period T1 and the second period T2.

On the other hand, in step S24, it may be determined that the estimated surplus power can cover the amount of power consumption required for the operation of boiling the hot water supply equipment 60 provided in the facility 110 during the target period T. FIG. 5 is a second conceptual diagram for explaining the judgment in step S24.

In FIG. 5, the power consumption notified from hot water supply facility 60 is shown in area B2. Region B2 specifically means that the boiling operation requires power consumption P1 for period t2.

The planning unit 55 determines whether or not the region B2 fits within the region A. In other words, the planning unit 55 determines whether or not the predicted surplus power can cover the power consumption required for the water heating operation. As indicated by the dashed curve in FIG. 5, when the region B2 is applied to the region A, the region B2 fits within the region A. As shown in FIG. That is, the first period T1 in which the surplus power is equal to or greater than the power consumption P1 is shorter than the period t2. Therefore, the planning unit 55 determines that the power consumption required for the boiling operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power (Yes in S24).

In this case, the planning unit 55 creates a schedule for performing the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment 60 only during the first period T1 included in the target period T (S26). Step S26 is an example of a planning step.

In this way, the planning unit 55 determines that, in the target period T in which surplus power is predicted to occur, if the predicted surplus power can cover the amount of power consumption necessary for the operation of heating the hot water supply equipment 60 provided in the facility 110, , create a schedule for performing the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment 60 in the first period T1.

According to the boiling operation schedule creation process described above, the control device 50 can create a schedule for the boiling operation using the surplus power by predicting the time transition of the surplus power. Further, when it is predicted that a sufficient amount of surplus power cannot be obtained, the control device 50 creates a schedule for performing the water heating operation during a period when the electricity rate is relatively low in addition to a period during which surplus power can be obtained. be able to. That is, such a control device 50 can create an economical boiling operation schedule.

In step S13 described above, the start time of the water heating operation may be designated in addition to the notification of the amount of power consumption necessary for the water heating operation. That is, the start time of the boiling operation may be specified by hot water supply equipment 60 . In this case, in step S24, it is determined whether or not the estimated surplus power can cover the power consumption required for the heating operation in the period after the specified start time within the target period T.

[Operation when generated power is insufficient]
By the way, when the hot water supply equipment 60 is actually performing the boiling operation in the first period T1, the generated power may run short (that is, the surplus power may run short) due to the deterioration of the weather. The operation of the power conditioner 20 in such a case will be described below. FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the operation of the power conditioner 20 when the generated electric power is insufficient during execution of the boiling operation.

The power conditioner 20 charges the power storage system 30 in advance (S31). Step S31 is an example of a charging step. The power conditioner 20 charges the power storage system 30 with power supplied from the system power supply 120 at night, for example. In other words, the power conditioner 20 charges the power storage system 30 with power from the system power supply 120 during a period in which the electricity rate is cheaper than the target period T. As a result, electricity costs can be reduced more than when power storage system 30 is charged with power supplied from system power supply 120 during the daytime.

Moreover, the power conditioner 20 may charge the power storage system 30 using surplus power during the daytime. As a result, electricity costs can be reduced more than when the power storage system 30 is charged with the power supplied from the system power supply 120 .

For example, after step S31, the hot water supply equipment 60 performs a boiling operation. If there is a shortage of generated power during the boiling operation, hot water supply facility 60 attempts to obtain the shortage of generated power from system power supply 120 . Then, the detection device 25 detects the forward power flow in the main line 41 .

Therefore, during the boiling operation of hot water supply equipment 60, power conditioner 20 determines whether forward power flow in main line 41 is detected by detector 25 (S32). Such determination is continued until the detection device 25 detects a forward current (No in S32).

When the power conditioner 20 determines that a forward power flow is detected (Yes in S32), it supplies the electric power stored in the storage system 30 to the hot water supply facility 60 by causing the storage system 30 to discharge (S33). Step S33 is an example of an assist step. This suppresses the use of electric power from system power supply 120 in the boiling operation. If the electricity cost for charging the power storage system 30 is lower than the electricity cost for using the power from the system power supply 120, the electricity cost for the boiling operation can be suppressed.

Although power conditioner 20 performs the operation of FIG.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the hot water supply method executed by a computer such as the control device 50 predicts the future temporal transition of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the facility 110 from the power generated by the solar power generation equipment 10 provided in the facility 110. (i) in the target period T in which surplus power is predicted to occur, when the amount of power consumption required for the operation of heating the hot water supply equipment 60 provided in the facility 110 cannot be covered by the predicted surplus power; creates a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment 60 during the first period T1 included in the target period T and the second period T2 in which the electricity rate is cheaper than the target period T, and (ii) the target period a planning step of creating a schedule for performing the heating operation of the hot water supply facility 60 in the first period T1 when the power consumption necessary for the heating operation of the hot water supply facility 60 can be covered by the predicted surplus power at T; , and an execution step of causing the water heater 60 to perform the boiling operation based on the created schedule. Facility 110 is an example of a consumer. The prediction step corresponds to step S23 of the above embodiment, the planning step corresponds to steps S25 and S26 of the above embodiment, and the execution step corresponds to step S16 of the above embodiment.

Such a hot water supply method can create a schedule for boiling operation using surplus electric power by predicting the temporal transition of surplus electric power. In addition, in the hot water supply method, when it is predicted that sufficient surplus power cannot be obtained, a schedule is created to perform the heating operation during periods when electricity rates are relatively low in addition to periods when surplus power can be obtained. can be done. In other words, such a hot water supply method can create an economical boiling operation schedule.

For example, the facility 110 further includes a power storage system 30 . Further, in the hot water supply method, when a forward power flow of electric power from the system power supply 120 to the facility 110 occurs during the execution of the boiling operation, the electric power stored in the electric storage system 30 is discharged by discharging the electric power stored in the electric storage system 30 to the hot water supply facility. 60 including an assist step. The assist step corresponds to step S33 in the above embodiment.

This suppresses the use of electric power from system power supply 120 in the boiling operation. Also, if the electricity cost for charging the power storage system 30 is lower than the electricity cost for using the power from the system power supply 120, the electricity cost for the boiling operation can be suppressed.

Further, for example, the hot water supply method further includes a charging step of charging power storage system 30 with power from grid power supply 120 during a period in which the electricity rate is cheaper than target period T. The charging step corresponds to step S31 in the above embodiment.

As a result, electricity costs can be reduced more than in the case where the power storage system 30 is charged with the power supplied from the system power supply 120 during the target period T.

Also, for example, the hot water supply method further includes a charging step of charging power storage system 30 using the surplus power. The charging step corresponds to step S31 in the above embodiment.

As a result, electricity costs can be reduced more than when the power storage system 30 is charged with the power supplied from the system power supply 120 .

Further, for example, the hot water supply method further includes a notification step in which hot water supply equipment 60 notifies of the power consumption required for the boiling operation of hot water supply equipment 60 . The notification step corresponds to, for example, step S13 in the above embodiment. In the planning step, based on the notified power consumption, it is determined whether or not the predicted surplus power can cover the power consumption necessary for the boiling operation of hot water supply equipment 60 .

Thereby, the hot water supply equipment 60 can specify, for example, the amount of power consumption corresponding to the amount of hot water that is estimated not to run out even if it is generated in the daytime, out of the amount of hot water required per day.

Further, for example, the second period T2 is a period before the target period T.

As a result, the risk of running out of hot water can be reduced more than when the second period T2 is a period after the target period T.

In addition, the control device 50 includes a prediction unit 54 that predicts the temporal transition in the future of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the facility 110 from the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation equipment 10 provided in the facility 110; In the target period T predicted to occur, if the power consumption required for the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment 60 provided in the facility 110 cannot be covered by the predicted surplus power, the first period T1 included in the target period T and, in the second period T2 when the electricity rate is lower than the target period T, a schedule is created for performing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility 60, and (ii) in the target period T, is covered by the predicted surplus power, the planning unit 55 that creates a schedule for executing the heating operation of the hot water supply facility 60 in the first period T1, and the hot water supply facility based on the created schedule and an execution unit 56 for causing the boiler 60 to perform the boiling operation.

Such a control device 50 can create a schedule for the heating operation using the surplus power by predicting the time transition of the surplus power. Further, when it is predicted that a sufficient amount of surplus power cannot be obtained, the control device 50 creates a schedule for performing the water heating operation during a period when the electricity rate is relatively low in addition to a period during which surplus power can be obtained. be able to. That is, such a control device 50 can create an economical boiling operation schedule.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiments, the hot water supply equipment is of the heat pump type, but may be of the heater type.

Also, the communication method between devices described in the above embodiment is an example. The method of communication between devices installed in facilities is not particularly limited. Wireless communication is performed between devices using a communication standard such as specified low-power radio, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

Wired communication, such as communication using power line communication (PLC: Power Line Communication) or wired LAN, may be performed between devices arranged in facilities instead of wireless communication.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiments, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the hot water supply system may be implemented as a client-server system. For example, the hot water supply system may be implemented by a server device having the functions of the control device of the above embodiments and a client device corresponding to the hot water supply facility.

Also, in the above embodiments, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing software programs suitable for the components. Each component may be realized by reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor.

Also, components such as the controller may be realized by a circuit or an integrated circuit. These circuits may form one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. These circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits.

Also, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented in a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media may be implemented. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a hot water supply system according to the above-described embodiment, may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute a hot water supply method, or may be implemented as a computer-readable program in which such a program is recorded. It may be implemented as a possible non-transitory recording medium.

Also, the order of the plurality of processes in the operation of the hot water supply system described in the above embodiment is an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

In addition, forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art can think of, or realized by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also included in the present invention.

10 photovoltaic power generation equipment 30 power storage system 50 control device 54 prediction unit 55 planning unit 56 execution unit 60 hot water supply equipment 120 grid power supply

Claims (10)

A hot water supply method executed by a computer,
a prediction step of predicting the future time transition of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the customer from the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility provided by the customer;
(i) In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to occur, if the amount of power consumption required for the operation of heating the water heater provided by the consumer cannot be covered by the predicted surplus power, the target creating a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility in a first period included in the period and a second period in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period; (ii) in the target period, the hot water supply facility a planning step of creating a schedule for executing the heating operation of the hot water supply equipment during the first period if the amount of power consumption required for the heating operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power;
an execution step of causing the hot water supply equipment to perform a boiling operation based on the created schedule;
In the case of (i) above, the second period is a period corresponding to discontinuous nighttime with the first period and is a period before the target period on the day of the target period , A hot water supply method for creating the schedule for boiling a part of the total amount of hot water supplied during the second period using the power purchased from the grid. 2. The hot water supply method according to claim 1, wherein, in said prediction step, generated power information recorded in association with weather forecast information for an arbitrary date and time is used for prediction as said generated power. The hot water supply method according to claim 1, wherein the power consumption of the consumer is estimated with reference to history information in which average power consumption information and calendar information are associated with each other. 4. The hot water supply method according to claim 3, wherein dates in the calendar information are classified according to whether they are holidays or weekdays. The consumer further includes a power storage system,
Further, in the hot water supply method, when a forward power flow of electric power from a system power supply to the consumer occurs during execution of the boiling operation, the electric power stored in the electric storage system is discharged by discharging the electric power. The hot water supply method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an assist step of supplying hot water to the hot water supply equipment. 6. The hot water supply method according to claim 5, further comprising a charging step of charging said power storage system with electric power from said system power supply during a period when electricity rates are lower than said target period. The hot water supply method according to claim 5, further comprising a charging step of charging said power storage system using said surplus power. Furthermore, including a notification step in which the hot water supply equipment notifies the amount of power consumption required for the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment,
In the planning step, based on the notified power consumption, it is determined whether or not the predicted surplus power can cover the power consumption required for the heating operation of the hot water supply equipment. The hot water supply method according to any one of 1. a prediction unit that predicts the temporal transition in the future of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the customer from the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility provided by the customer;
(i) In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to occur, if the power consumption required for the heating operation of the hot water supply facility provided by the consumer cannot be covered by the predicted surplus power, the target period and a second period in which the electricity rate is cheaper than the target period, (ii) creating a schedule for performing the boiling operation of the hot water supply equipment during the target period, a planning unit that creates a schedule for performing the heating operation of the hot water supply equipment during the first period when the power consumption required for the heating operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power;
an execution unit that causes the hot water supply equipment to perform a boiling operation based on the created schedule;
In the case of (i) above, the second period is a period corresponding to discontinuous nighttime with the first period and is a period before the target period on the day of the target period , The planning unit creates the schedule for boiling a portion of the total hot water supply using the power purchased from the grid during the second period. A hot water supply method executed by a computer,
a prediction step of predicting the future time transition of surplus power obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the customer from the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility provided by the customer;
(i) In the target period in which the surplus power is predicted to occur, if the amount of power consumption required for the operation of heating the water heater provided by the consumer cannot be covered by the predicted surplus power, the target creating a schedule for executing the boiling operation of the hot water supply facility in a first period included in the period and a second period in which the electricity rate is lower than the target period; (ii) in the target period, the hot water supply facility a planning step of creating a schedule for executing the heating operation of the hot water supply equipment during the first period if the amount of power consumption required for the heating operation can be covered by the predicted surplus power;
an execution step of causing the hot water supply equipment to perform a boiling operation based on the created schedule;
In the case of (i) above, the second period is a period corresponding to discontinuous nighttime with the first period and is a period before the target period on the day of the target period , creating the schedule for boiling a portion of the total hot water supply using the power purchased from the grid within two periods ;
The consumer further includes a power storage system,
Further, in the hot water supply method, when a forward power flow of electric power from a system power supply to the consumer occurs during execution of the boiling operation, the electric power stored in the electric storage system is discharged by discharging the electric power. including an assist step for supplying to the hot water supply equipment
hot water method.

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