KR101588062B1 - Home appliance, method for controlling the home appliance, newtwork system and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a network system and a control method thereof. According to one aspect, a method of controlling a network includes the steps of: operating the specific component; Determining an abnormal state in operation of the specific component; And if the abnormal state is recognized, performing the safe mode of the specific component.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a home appliance, a control method of the home appliance, a network system, and a control method thereof,

The present invention relates to a network system and a control method thereof.

Suppliers simply supply energy sources such as electricity, water, and gas, and demanders simply use the supplied energy sources. Therefore, effective management in terms of energy production, distribution, or energy use is difficult to perform.

In other words, energy is a radial structure that is distributed from an energy supplier to a large number of consumers, that is, from the center to the periphery, and is characterized by a one-way supplier center rather than a consumer center.

The price information of electricity can not be known in real time, but it can be seen only through the power exchange, and because the price system is also a fixed price system, incentives such as incentives for consumers through price changes can not be used There was also a problem.

In order to solve these problems, there has been a lot of efforts recently to implement a horizontal, cooperative and distributed network that can efficiently manage energy and enable interaction between a consumer and a supplier.

An object of the present invention is to provide a home appliance product, a home appliance product control method, a network system, and a control method thereof, capable of effectively managing energy by operating in a safe mode by checking an abnormal state of a specific component, And the like.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a network system including one or more components that perform energy related operations, the method comprising: operating the specific component; Determining an abnormal state in operation of the specific component; And if the abnormal state is recognized, performing the safe mode of the specific component.

A network system according to another aspect includes one or more components that perform energy related operations, the components comprising: communication means for communication; And a controller for recognizing an abnormal state of the component, and when the abnormal state is recognized, the specific component performs a safe mode.
According to another aspect, a household appliance includes: communication means for communication; And a control unit for recognizing an abnormal state of the home appliance. When the abnormal state is recognized, the control unit controls the home appliance to perform a safe mode, and the abnormal state indicates that the home appliance is in a specific mode or function The difference between the current energy consumption of the household appliance and the energy consumption of the same mode or function is greater than a predetermined value.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a home appliance, An abnormal state is judged by the control unit in an operating process of the household appliance; And when the abnormal state is recognized, performing the safety mode of the household appliance, wherein the abnormal state is the same as the current energy consumption of the household appliance when the household appliance performs a specific mode or function The difference in energy consumption during mode or function execution exceeds a certain value.

According to the present invention, unnecessary energy consumption in a specific component is reduced by blocking current or power in an abnormal state of a specific component.

In addition, since energy information and additional information can be transmitted and received between the components by communication, it is possible to efficiently produce, use, distribute, and store the energy source, thereby enabling effective management of the energy source.

In addition, since the abnormal state of the component can be displayed outside, there is an advantage that the user can easily confirm the abnormal state.

1 schematically shows a network system according to the present invention;
2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a network system according to the present invention;
3 is a block diagram illustrating an information delivery process on a network system according to the present invention;
4 (a) is a graph showing time of use (TOU) information and critical peak pattern (CPP) information, and FIG. 4 (b) is a graph showing RTP real time pattern) information.
5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a first application example of a network system according to the present invention;
6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a second application example of a network system according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a third application example of the network system according to the present invention; FIG.
8 is a block diagram of a specific component that makes up the network system of the present invention.
9 is a flow chart illustrating a control method of the specific component of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of a network system according to the present invention.

The network system is a system for managing energy sources such as electricity, water, and gas. The energy source means that the generated amount or the used amount can be measured.

Therefore, an energy source not mentioned above can also be included in the management of the present system. Hereinafter, the electricity will be described as an example of the energy source, and the contents of this specification can be similarly applied to other energy sources.

Referring to FIG. 1, the network system of one embodiment includes a power plant that produces electricity. The power plant may include a power plant that generates electricity through thermal power generation or nuclear power generation, and a power plant that uses eco-friendly energy such as hydro, solar, and wind power.

Electricity generated by the power plant is transmitted to a power station through a transmission line, and electricity is transmitted to a substation in a substation so that electricity is distributed to consumers such as a home or an office.

Electricity generated by environmentally friendly energy is also transmitted to the substation and distributed to each customer. Electricity transmitted from the substation is distributed through an electric storage device or directly to the office or each household.

In the home using a home network (HAN, home area network), electric power can be produced, stored, distributed, or distributed through a solar cell or a fuel cell mounted on a PHEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) The remaining electricity can be sent back to the outside (for example, a power company).

In addition, the network system includes a smart meter for real-time monitoring of electricity consumption of a consumer (home or office), an AMI (Advanced Metering infrastructure) for measuring electricity usage of a large number of consumers, May be included. That is, the measurement apparatus can measure the amount of electricity used by receiving information measured by a plurality of smart meters.

In this specification, the measurement includes not only what the smart meter and the measuring apparatus itself measure, but also what the smart meter and the measuring apparatus can recognize by receiving the amount of generated or used amount from other components.

In addition, the network system may further include an energy management system (EMS: Energy Management System) for managing energy. The energy management device can generate information about the operation of one or more components in relation to energy (generation, distribution, use, storage, etc.) of the energy. The energy management device may generate at least instructions related to operation of the component.

The function or solution performed by the energy management apparatus in this specification may be referred to as an energy management function or an energy management solution.

In the network system of the present invention, the energy management device may be included in one or more components in a separate configuration, or may be included as an energy management function or solution in one or more components.

2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a network system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the network system of the present invention is configured by a plurality of components. For example, power plants, substations, power stations, energy management devices, household appliances, smart meters, capacitors, web servers, measuring devices, and home servers are components of the network system.

Further, in the present invention, each component can be constituted by a plurality of detailed components. For example, when one component is a household appliance, the microcomputer, the heater, the display, and the motor constituting the household appliance may be detailed components.

That is, in the present invention, everything that performs a specific function may be a component, and these components constitute the network system of the present invention. And the two components can communicate by communication means.

Further, one network may be a single component or may be composed of a plurality of components.

In this specification, a network system in which communication information is related to an energy source may be referred to as an energy grid.

The network system of one embodiment may be composed of a utility network (UAN) 10 and a home network (HAN) 20. The utility network 10 and the home network 20 can be wired or wirelessly communicated by communication means.

In this specification, assumption means a group of specific components such as a building, a company, and the like, as well as assumptions of a dictionary meaning. A utility is a collection of specific components outside the home.

The utility network 10 includes an energy generation component 11 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 12 for distributing or transferring energy, and an energy storage unit An energy storage component 13 for managing energy, an energy management component 14 for managing energy, and an energy metering component 15 for measuring energy related information.

When one or more components of the utility network 10 consume energy, the energy consuming component may be an energy consuming part. That is, the energy consuming part may be a separate component or included in another component.

The energy generating unit 11 may be, for example, a power plant. The energy distribution unit 12 distributes or transfers the energy generated by the energy generation unit 11 and / or the energy stored in the energy storage unit 13 to the energy consuming unit. The energy distribution unit 12 may be a power transmission unit, a substation, a power station, or the like.

The energy storage unit 13 may be a battery and the energy management unit 14 may include an energy generation unit 11, an energy distribution unit 12, an energy storage unit 13, an energy consumption unit 26). ≪ / RTI > In one example, the energy management unit 14 may generate commands relating to operation of at least a specific component.

The energy management unit 14 may be an energy management device. The energy measuring unit 15 may measure information related to energy generation, distribution, consumption, storage, and the like, and may be, for example, an AMI. The energy management unit 14 may have a separate configuration or may be included as an energy management function in another component.

The utility network 10 may communicate with the home network 20 by a terminal component (not shown). The terminal component may be, for example, a gateway way. These terminal components may be provided in at least one of the utility network 10 and the home network 20. [

Meanwhile, the home network 20 includes an energy generation component 21 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 22 for distributing energy, an energy storage component for storing energy a storage component 23, an energy management component 24 for managing energy, an energy metering component 25 for measuring energy related information, and an energy consuming part a consumption component 26, a central management component 27 for controlling a number of components, an energy grid assistance component 28, an accessory component 29, a consumable handling component 29, component: 30).

The energy generation component 21 may be a household power generator and the energy storage component 23 may be a battery and the energy management component 24 may be an energy management device. have.

The energy metering component 25 may measure information related to energy generation, distribution, consumption, storage, and the like, for example, a smart meter.

The energy consuming unit 26 may be a heater, a motor, a display, or the like that constitutes a home appliance (a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a cooking appliance, a cleaner, a drier, a dishwasher, a dehumidifier, . It is to be noted that there is no limitation in the kind of the energy consuming section 26 in the present embodiment.

The energy management unit 24 may be an individual component or may be included as an energy management function in another component. The energy management unit 21 may communicate with one or more components to transmit and receive information.

The energy generating unit 21, the energy distributing unit 22, and the energy storing unit 23 may be individual components or a single component.

The central management unit 27 may be, for example, a home server for controlling a plurality of appliances.

The energy network auxiliary unit 28 is a component having an original function while performing an additional function for the energy grid. For example, the energy network auxiliary unit 28 may be a web service providing unit (e.g., a computer), a mobile device, a television, and the like.

The accessory component 29 is a dedicated energy network component that performs an additional function for the energy network. For example, the accessory component 29 may be an energy-network-dedicated weather-receiving antenna.

The Consumable handling component 30 is a component that stores, supplies, and delivers a consumable, and can confirm or recognize information on a consumable. The consumable can be, for example, an article or a material to be used or processed in operation of the energy consuming unit 26. [ The consumable processing unit 30 may be managed by the energy management unit 24 in the energy network.

For example, the consumable may be a food in a washing machine, a cooking appliance in a washing machine, a detergent or a fabric softener for washing laundry in a washing machine, or a seasoning for cooking a food.

The energy distributing units 12 and 22, the energy storing units 13 and 23, the energy managing units 14 and 24, the energy measuring units 15 and 25, The central management unit 26, and the central management unit 27 may exist independently of each other, or two or more may constitute a single component.

For example, the energy management units 14 and 24, the energy measurement units 15 and 25, and the central management unit 27 exist as a single component, and each of the smart meters, the energy management device, Or the energy management units 14 and 24, the energy measurement units 15 and 25, and the central management unit 27 may constitute a single component mechanically.

Further, in performing a single function, the functions may be sequentially performed in a plurality of components and / or communication means. For example, an energy management function may be sequentially performed in a separate energy management unit, an energy measurement unit, and an energy consumption unit.

In addition, a plurality of components of a specific function configuring the utility network and the home network may be provided. For example, the energy generating unit or the energy consuming unit may be plural.

On the other hand, the utility network 10 and the home network 20 can communicate by communication means (first interface). At this time, a plurality of utility networks 10 can communicate with a single home network 20, and a single utility network 10 can communicate with a plurality of home networks 20.

For example, the communication means may be a simple communication line or a power line communication means. Of course, the power line communication means may include a communicator (e.g., a modem or the like) connected to each of the two components. As another example, the communication means may be zigbee, wi-fi, Bluetooth, or the like.

In the present specification, there is no limitation on a method for wired communication or a method for wireless communication.

The two components constituting the utility network 10 can communicate by communication means.

In addition, the two components constituting the home network 20 can be communicated by communication means (second interface). The energy consumption unit 26 may be connected to at least one of the energy management unit 24, the energy measurement unit 25, the central management unit 27, the energy network auxiliary unit 28, As shown in Fig.

The microcomputer of each of the components (for example, the energy consuming unit) can communicate with the communication unit (the second interface) (third interface). For example, when the energy consumption is an appliance, the energy consuming unit may receive information from the energy management unit by a communication means (second interface), and the received information may be transmitted to the microcomputer Lt; / RTI >

Further, the energy consuming unit 26 can communicate with the accessory component 29 through a communication means (fourth interface). Further, the energy consuming unit 26 can communicate with the consumable processing unit 30 through a communication means (fifth interface).

3 is a block diagram illustrating an information delivery process on the network system of the present invention. 4 (a) is a graph showing time of use (TOU) information and critical peak pattern (CPP) information, and FIG. 4 (b) is a graph showing RTP real time pattern) information.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the network system of the present invention, the specific component C can receive information related to energy (hereinafter, "energy information") by communication means. Further, the specific component (C) can be configured to include additional information (environmental information, program update information, time information, operation or status information of each component (failure), and consumer habit information using the energy consumption unit Can be further received.

The environmental information may include carbon dioxide emission amount, carbon dioxide concentration in air, temperature, humidity, rainfall amount, rainfall amount, insolation amount, air amount, and the like.

On the other side, the information includes internal information such as information related to each component (operation or status information (failure) of each component, energy use information of the energy consumption part, consumer habit information using the energy consumption part, etc.) (Energy information, environmental information, program update information, and time information).

At this time, the information can be received from other components. That is, the received information includes at least energy information.

The specific component may be one component that constitutes the utility network 10 or one component that constitutes the home network 20.

The energy information I may be one of electricity, water, gas, and the like as described above.

For example, the types of information related to electricity include time-based pricing, energy curtailment, grid emergency, grid reliability, energy generation amount, (operation priority), and energy consumption amount (energy consumption amount). In this embodiment, the charge related to the energy source is an energy charge.

That is, energy related information can be classified into charge information (energy charge) and non-charge information (energy reduction, emergency situation, network safety, power generation, operation priority, energy consumption, etc.).

Such information can be divided into scheduled information generated in advance based on previous information and real time information that varies in real time. The schedule information and the real-time information can be classified according to the prediction of the information after the present time (future).

The energy information I may be divided into time of use (TOU) information, critical peak pattern (CPP) information, or real time pattern (RTP) information according to a change pattern of data over time. The energy information I may vary with time.

Referring to FIG. 4 (a), according to the TOU information, data is changed stepwise according to time. According to the CPP information, the data changes stepwise or real-time with time, and emphasis is displayed at a specific time point. That is, in the case of the CPP pattern, the general charge is cheaper than the charge of the TOU pattern, but the charge at the specific point in time is significantly more expensive than the charge in the TOU pattern.

Referring to FIG. 4 (b), according to the RTP information, data changes in real time according to time.

On the other hand, the energy information I may be transmitted or received as true or false signals such as Boolean on the network system, actual price information may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received. Hereinafter, an example of information related to electricity will be described.

If the specific component C receives a true or false signal such as a Boolean, it recognizes any signal as an on-peak signal (information recognition related to reduction of energy consumption or energy charge) And the other signal can be recognized as an off-peak signal.

Alternatively, a particular component may recognize information about at least one drive that includes an electricity bill, and the particular component may compare on-peak and off-peak values by comparing the recognized information value with a reference information value off-peak.

For example, when a specific component recognizes leveled information or actual price information, the specific component compares the recognized information value with the reference information value to determine on-peak and off-peak values, Lt; / RTI >

At this time, the information value about the driving may be at least one of an electricity rate, a power rate, a rate of change of the electricity rate, a rate of change of the electric power rate, an average value of the electricity rate and an average value of the electric power amount. The reference information value may be at least one of an average value, an average value of a minimum value and a maximum value of power information during a predetermined section, and a reference change rate of power information during a predetermined section (for example, a slope of power consumption amount per unit time).

The reference information value may be set in real time or set in advance. The reference information value may be set in a utility network or set in a home network (input by a consumer direct input, energy management unit, central management unit, etc.).

If the specific component (for example, the energy consuming unit) recognizes an on-peak (for example, a recognition time point), the output may be set to 0 (stop or stop) and the output may be reduced. The specific component may determine the driving method in advance before starting the operation, and may change the driving method when the on-peak is recognized after the operation starts.

And, if a particular component recognizes off-peak, it can recover or increase its output when needed. That is, when a particular component that recognizes an on-peak recognizes an off-peak, the output can be restored to its previous state or increased further than the previous output.

At this time, the total consumed power and / or the total electricity use charge during the entire driving time of the specific component is reduced, even when the output of the specific component is recovered or the output is increased after recognizing the off-peak.

Alternatively, when the specific component recognizes an on-peak (for example, a recognition time point), the output can be maintained if it is an operable condition. At this time, the operable condition means that the information value of the driving is below a certain standard. The information value regarding the driving may be information about an electric charge, an amount of power consumption or operation time, and the like. The constant criterion may be a relative value or an absolute value.

The predetermined criteria may be set in real time or may be set in advance. The predetermined criteria may be set in the utility network or in a home network (input by a consumer direct input, energy management unit, central management unit, etc.).

Alternatively, the output may be increased if the particular component recognizes an on-peak (for example, a point-in-time). However, even when the output is increased at the time when the on-peak is recognized, the total output amount during the entire driving period of the specific component can be reduced or maintained to be less than the total output amount when the specific component operates at the normal output.

Alternatively, the total power consumption or total electricity charge during the entire drive period of a particular component, even when the output increases at the time when it recognizes the on-peak, is the total power consumed or total It can be reduced than the electricity rate.

If the specific component recognizes an off-peak (for example, a recognition time point), the output can be increased. For example, when the operation reservation is set, a component whose operation starts before a setting time or a component having a large output among a plurality of components can be driven first.

Further, in the case of a refrigerator, it is possible to store the hot water in the hot water tank by supercooling the output by increasing the output from the existing output, or by driving the heater before the expected operation time of the heater in the case of the washing machine or the washing machine. This is to operate the off-peak in advance to be operated at an on-peak to be reached in the future, thereby reducing the electricity bill.

Or when a particular component recognizes an off-peak (for example, when it is recognized).

In the present invention, the particular component (e.g., the energy consuming unit) may maintain, reduce or increase the output. Thus, a particular component may include a power changing component. Since the power can be defined by current and voltage, the power variable component may include a current regulator and / or a voltage regulator. The power variable component may, for example, be operated in response to an instruction issued from the energy manager.

On the other hand, the energy curtailment information is information related to a mode in which the component is stopped or the electricity fee is reduced. That is, the energy reduction information is information related to the reduction of the energy consumption amount or the energy charge. The energy reduction information may be transmitted or received as a true or false signal, such as a Boolean on a network system. That is, a stop signal (turn off signal) or a reduction signal (lower power signal) can be transmitted and received.

When the specific component recognizes the energy reduction information, it can reduce the output (when the lower power signal is recognized) or to zero the output as described above (if the stop or stop state is maintained) have.

The emergency information (Grid emergency) is information related to a power failure or the like, and can be transmitted and received as a true or false signal, for example, as a Boolean. The information related to the power failure or the like is related to the reliability of components using energy.

If the particular component recognizes the emergency information, it may be immediately shut down.

When the specific component receives the emergency information as the schedule information, the specific component may increase the output before the arrival of the emergency time point and perform the same operation as the operation at the off peak of the specific component described above . And, at the time of the emergency, the specific component can be shut down.

The grid reliability information is information about the amount of electricity supplied or the amount of electricity supplied or information about the quality of electric power. The grid reliability information is transmitted or received as a true or false signal such as a Boolean or supplied to a component (for example, The component may determine the frequency of the AC power source.

That is, when the underfrequency of the AC power supplied to the component is detected (recognized), it is determined that the supplied electricity quantity is small. If an overfrequency higher than the reference frequency of the AC power supply is detected (recognized) Can be judged to be many. That is, an underfrequency lower than the reference frequency corresponds to the information related to the reduction of energy consumption or energy bills.

When the specific component recognizes that the amount of electricity is low or the quality of the electricity is poor, the specific component may set the output 0 (stop or stop) depending on the case, as mentioned above, The output can be reduced, the output can be maintained, or the output can be increased.

The electricity generation excess information is information about the state where the electricity consumption of the component consuming energy is smaller than that of the electricity generation and the surplus electricity is generated and can be transmitted or received as a true or false signal such as Boolean.

The output can be increased if the specific component recognizes the generated electricity excess information (eg, when it recognizes grid overfrequency or recognizes an over energy signal). For example, when the operation reservation is set, a component whose operation starts before a setting time or a component having a large output among a plurality of components can be driven first. Further, in the case of a refrigerator, it is possible to store the hot water by supercooling the output by increasing the output from the existing output, or by driving the heater in advance of the expected time of operation of the heater in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine.

Specifically, each type of information related to the energy includes first information (I1) that is not processed, second information (I2) that is information processed in the first information, And third information (I3), which is information for performing a function of the component. That is, the first information is raw data, the second information is refined data, and the third information is a command for performing a function of a specific component.

Then, the energy information is included in the signal and transmitted. At this time, at least one of the first to third information may be converted only the signal, but the content may be transmitted a plurality of times without being converted.

For example, as shown in the figure, a component receiving a signal including the first information I1 may simply convert a signal and transmit a new signal including the first information I1 to another component.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the conversion of the signal and the conversion of the information are described as different concepts. At this time, it can be easily understood that the signals are also converted when the first information is converted to the second information.

However, the third information may be transmitted a plurality of times in a state in which the contents are converted, or may be transmitted a plurality of times in a state in which signals are converted while maintaining the same contents.

In detail, when the first information is unprocessed electricity rate information, the second information may be processed electricity rate information. The processed electricity bill information is information or analytical information in which electric bill is divided into multiple levels. The third information is an instruction generated based on the first information or the second information.

The specific component may generate, transmit, or receive one or more of the first to third information. The first to third pieces of information are not necessarily sequentially transmitted and received.

For example, a plurality of third information can be transmitted and received in sequence or in parallel without first and second information. Alternatively, the first and third information may be transmitted or received together, the second and third information may be transmitted or received together, or the first and second information may be transmitted or received together.

In one example, when a particular component receives the first information, the particular component may transmit the second information, transmit the second information and the third information, or transmit only the third information.

When a specific component receives only the third information, the specific component can generate and transmit new third information.

On the other hand, in the relationship between two pieces of information, one piece of information is a message and the other piece of information is a response to a message. Accordingly, each component constituting the network system can transmit or receive a message, and can respond to a received message when receiving a message. Therefore, the transmission and correspondence of a message is a relative concept for individual components.

The message may comprise data (first information or second information) and / or instructions (third information).

The command (third information) includes at least one of a data storage command, a data generation command, a data processing command (including generating additional data), an additional command generation command, a further generated command transmission command, Command, and the like.

In this specification, responding to a received message means that it is necessary to store data, to process data (including generating additional data), to generate a new command, to send a newly created command, ), Operation, transmission of stored information, transmission of an acknowledge character or negative acknowledge character, etc.

For example, if the message is first information, the component that received the first information may generate a second information by processing the first information, generate second information, and generate new third information, Only the third information can be generated.

Specifically, when the energy management unit 24 receives the first information (internal information and / or external information), the energy management unit 24 generates the second information and / or the third information, And may be transmitted to one or more constituent components (e.g., an energy consuming unit). The energy consuming unit 26 may operate according to the third information received from the energy managing unit 24. [

5 is a block diagram schematically showing a first application example of a network system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first component 31 of the home network 20 may communicate directly with the utility network 10. The first component 31 may communicate with a plurality of components 32, 33, 34 (second to fourth components) of the home network. It is noted that there is no limit to the number of components of the home network that communicate with the first component 31 at this time.

That is, in this embodiment, the first component 31 serves as a gateway. The first component 31 may be, for example, one of an energy management unit, an energy measurement unit, a central management unit, an energy network auxiliary unit, an energy consumption unit, and the like.

A component serving as a gateway in the present invention not only enables communication between components communicating using different communication protocols, but also enables communication between components communicating using the same communication protocol.

Each of the second to fourth components 32, 33 and 34 may be one of an energy generating unit, an energy distributing unit, an energy managing unit, an energy storing unit, an energy measuring unit, a central managing unit, have.

The first component 31 may receive information from the utility network 10 or one or more components that make up the utility network 10 and may forward or process the received information so that the second component- (32, 34). For example, when the first component 31 is an energy measurement unit, the first component may receive electric bill information and transmit it to an energy management unit, an energy consumption unit, and the like.

And each of the second to fourth components can communicate with another component. For example, the first component 31 may be an energy measurement unit, the second component may be an energy management unit, and the energy management unit may communicate with one or more energy consumption units.

6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a second application example of the network system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of components constituting the home network 20 of the present invention can communicate with the utility network 10 directly.

That is, in the present invention, a plurality of components (first and second components 41 and 42) serving as a gateway are included. The first and second components may be homogeneous components or other types of components.

The first component 41 may communicate with one or more components (e.g., the third and fourth components 43 and 44), and the second component 42 may communicate with one or more components And the sixth component 45, 46).

For example, each of the first and second components may be one of an energy management unit, an energy measurement unit, a central management unit, an energy network auxiliary unit, an energy consumption unit, and the like.

Each of the third to sixth components may be one of an energy generation unit, an energy distribution unit, an energy management unit, an energy measurement unit, a central management unit, an energy network auxiliary unit, and an energy consumption unit.

7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a third application example of the network system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, each of the components 51, 52, 53 constituting the home network of the present embodiment can directly communicate with the utility network 20. [ That is, there is no component acting as a gateway as in the first and second embodiments, and each of the components 51, 52 and 53 can communicate with the utility network.

Figure 8 is a block diagram of certain components that make up the network system of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, a specific component 60 of an embodiment includes a control unit 61, a communication unit 62, an input unit 63, a sensing unit 64, a memory unit 65, A relay 66, a relay 67, one or more energy consuming units 68, and a power variable component 69.

And the control unit 61 can communicate with the communication means 62. [ The control unit 61 may be configured to control the energy consumption based on at least one of information received from the communication unit 62, information stored in the memory unit 64, and information input through the input unit 63, The portion 69 can be operated.

The control unit 61 can receive energy information or additional information (including information related to other components) other than energy through the communication unit 62. [

The operating condition of the component 60 can be input using the input unit 63. [

In addition, the input unit 63 can be used to select a normal mode for energy and a smart mode for efficient energy management. In this embodiment, the smart mode includes a mode for effectively using energy as well as a mode for reducing energy consumption or energy charge, as well as reserving energy when the energy charge is low. The normal mode or the smart mode can be selected using the input unit 63 before the operation of the specific component starts. In addition, while a specific component is operating in the selected mode, it can be changed to a normal mode or a smart mode.

The sensing unit 64 may sense an operation state of the specific component. The sensing unit 64 may include a current sensor for sensing a current applied to the energy consuming unit 68, a door sensor for sensing a door opening, and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature.

The memory unit 65 may store information input through the input unit 63 or information received via the communication unit 62 (energy information or additional information) or information related to the first component . The information associated with the first component may include activity or status information, energy consumption information, and the like.

The memory unit 66 may store information input through the input unit 62 or information (energy information or additional information, etc.) received through the communication unit 64 or information related to the first component . The information associated with the first component may include activity or status information, energy consumption information, and the like.

The display unit 65 may store information input through the input unit 62 or information received through the communication unit 64 or information related to the specific component 60. [ The information related to the specific component 60 may display operation or status information of the specific component 60, energy consumption information, and the like. For example, if the specific component 60 is in an abnormal state, it can display it.

The relay 68 may block the electricity applied to the energy consuming unit 68. The energy consuming unit 68 may be, for example, a motor, a compressor, a heater, or the like.

The power variable component 69 may block electricity supplied to the specific component 60 itself.

The relay 68 cuts off the power of some components of the component, and the power variable detecting part 69 blocks the electricity itself input to the component.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the specific component of FIG. 8. FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the specific component 68 is operated using power (S1). During the operation of the specific component 60, the controller determines whether the specific component is in an abnormal state (S2). If the specific component is in an abnormal state, the specific component performs a safe mode (S3).

When the specific component is in an abnormal state, a short circuit occurs. For example, if the input current and the output current of the energy consuming unit 68 sensed by the current sensor are different, it can be detected that a short circuit occurs.

Further, when the current applied to the energy consuming unit 68 or the specific component 60 exceeds a reference value for a predetermined time, it may be determined as an abnormal state. For example, when the heater is operated in a state where the washing machine can not be washed in the washing machine, an excessive current may be applied to the heater, and in such a case, it may be judged as an abnormal state.

When the difference between the current energy consumption of the energy consuming unit 68 or the specific component 60 when performing the specific mode or the function exceeds the predetermined value in the same mode or performing the function, State. In detail, operation information and energy information of the specific component 60 may be stored in the memory unit 65. Therefore, the control unit 61 can recognize the amount of energy consumption when the specific component 60 or the energy consuming unit 68 performs the specific mode beforehand, and therefore, the energy consumption amount of the specific component or the energy consuming unit It is possible to judge whether or not it is abnormal.

For example, if the total energy consumption when the washing machine operates as a standard course is 1000 watts, but the total energy consumption of the washing machine currently operating on the standard course exceeds a certain threshold of 1020wh, it can be recognized as an abnormal condition.

In addition, when the specific function execution time of a specific component exceeds the time limit, it can be recognized as an abnormal state. For example, if the outlet duct of the dryer is clogged, the drying efficiency may be reduced and the drying time may exceed the time limit, in which case it may be recognized as an abnormal condition.

As another example, when the dehydration execution time of the washing machine is equal to or longer than the reference time or when the dehydration process can not enter the reference time, it can be recognized as an abnormal state.

As another example, in the case of a refrigerator, the compressor may operate over a time limit with the door open, in which case it can be recognized as an abnormal condition. The compressor is periodically turned on / off to maintain the set internal temperature. When the internal temperature reaches the lower limit value lower than the set temperature, the compressor is turned off. In the case of a refrigerator, a door detection sensor detects whether the door is opened or closed. At this time, the door is actually opened due to a malfunction or damage of the door detection sensor, but the door detection sensor can determine that the door is detected. In this state, since the indoor temperature is not lowered by the room air, the compressor operates over the reference time.

In addition, the abnormal operation state can be determined by comparing the cumulative operation information of the specific component 60 with the current operation information. In detail, the memory unit 65 may store operation information of a specific component under a specific condition. In one example, the target temperature of the component according to the outdoor temperature can be stored.

At this time, if cooling is selected at a specific temperature (for example, outdoor temperature is 10 degrees) (when the selected mode in the specific condition is different from the existing accumulated information) or if the heating is selected, ) Is different from the existing information value (when the minimum value of the target temperature is 22 degrees) and the reference value, it can be recognized as an abnormal state (when the setting value under certain conditions is different from the existing accumulated information).

Meanwhile, in the safety mode of the specific component, the relay 67 may block the current applied to the specific energy consuming unit 68 or block the power itself applied to the component through the power variable component 69 (For example, a short circuit occurs). Thus, the damage of the component or the energy consuming part constituting the component can be prevented.

Also, in the safe mode of the specific component, the abnormal state information (warning information) of the component may be displayed on the display unit. Of course, although not shown, abnormal state information may be known in the light emitting portion, the sound generating portion, and the like. In the present invention, the display unit, the light emitting unit, and the sound generating unit constitute an information notification unit.

At this time, besides the information informing the abnormal state, information to be confirmed or to be performed by the user in an abnormal state (door opening confirmation, target temperature variable, other function selection, etc.) may be displayed together.

In addition, in the safe mode of the specific component, abnormal state information can be transmitted to other components via the communication means. For example, in an abnormal state of a specific component, information is transmitted to a mobile device (energy network assistant) so that a remote user can check information. As another example, in the abnormal state of a specific component, the abnormal state information can be transmitted to the service center of the component or the 119 computer center through the Internet server. As another example, the abnormal status information can be transmitted to the central management unit, the energy management unit, and the like.

According to the present invention, unnecessary energy consumption in a specific component is reduced by blocking current or power in an abnormal state of a specific component.

In addition, since the abnormal state of the component can be displayed outside, there is an advantage that the user can easily confirm the abnormal state.

10: utility network 20: home network

Claims (19)

The stage in which the appliance is operating;
An abnormal state is judged by the control unit in an operating process of the household appliance; And
And if the abnormal state is recognized, performing the safe mode of the household appliance,
Wherein the abnormal state is a state in which the difference between the current energy consumption amount of the household appliance when the household appliance performs a specific mode or function and the energy consumption amount when performing the same same mode or function exceeds a predetermined value, Way. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the abnormality state can be determined even when the reference value excess current is applied to the household appliance or the reference value excess current is applied to the energy consumption section constituting the household appliance. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the household appliance includes a memory unit for storing an energy consumption amount in the conventional operation. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the abnormal state can be determined even when the specific function execution time of the household appliance exceeds a time limit. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the abnormal state can be determined even when a specific mode or function of the home appliance can not be started for a predetermined time. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the abnormality state can be determined by comparing cumulative operation information of the household appliances with current operation information. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the abnormal condition can be determined even when the selected mode in the specific condition is different from the existing cumulative information or when the set value in the specific condition is different from the existing cumulative information. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the power applied to the household appliance or the current applied to the energy consuming part constituting the household appliance is cut off in the safe mode. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the abnormal state information of the household appliance can be known to the outside of the household appliance in the safe mode. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the abnormal state information and the information to be confirmed or performed by the user in the abnormal state are known together with the abnormal state information. delete delete Communication means for communication; And
And a controller for recognizing an abnormal state of the appliance,
If the abnormal state is recognized, the control unit controls the home appliance to perform the safe mode,
Wherein the abnormal state is a case where a difference between a current energy consumption amount of the household appliance when the household appliance performs a specific mode or function and an energy consumption amount when performing the same same mode or function exceeds a predetermined value. delete delete 15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising a power variable component for shutting off power applied to the household appliance or a relay for interrupting a current applied to the energy consuming section constituting the household appliance. 15. The method of claim 14,
And an information informing unit for informing the outside of the abnormal state information of the home appliance. delete

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