KR20110069576A - An electric appliance assembly having a detachable communication moden and a control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An electrical product assembly with a detachable communication modem is provided to recommend power saving mode in a power information management unit and an environment information management unit of a communication modem instead of driving mode inputted randomly. CONSTITUTION: A control unit(200a) of a communication modem(200) includes a power Information management unit(200b) and an environment information management unit(200c). The power Information management unit controls the operation of an electrical product(100) in consideration of power Information received from a power management network.

Description

An electric appliance assembly having a detachable communication modem and a control method thereof

The present invention relates to an electrical appliance assembly having a detachable communication modem and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an electrical appliance assembly capable of reducing a power charge, a power consumption, or a carbon dioxide emission by using a detachable communication modem. It is about a method.

Electric power for the operation of electrical appliances such as electrical appliances used in homes or office equipment used in offices is generally supplied through the power plant operated by KEPCO, transmission lines, and wiring lines. It is characteristic.

It has the characteristics of a central power source, not a distributed power source, a radial structure that spreads from the center to the periphery, and is characterized by a supplier center rather than a consumer center.

In addition, the technology base is analog or electromechanical, there is a problem that must be restored manually in case of an accident, and the equipment must also be restored manually.

The price information for electricity was not only available in real time, but only limitedly through the power exchange, and since the price system is also a de facto fixed price system, incentives such as incentives to consumers through price changes cannot be used. There was a problem.

In order to solve these problems and improve energy efficiency, researches on power grids capable of implementing flexible power control have been actively conducted. Such electric control includes demand response control and intelligent power control.

As mentioned above, the current grid is a centralized, vertical and centralized network controlled by the producer, whereas the system for demand response control or intelligent power control is less concentrated on the supplier, the consumer and the supplier. It is a horizontal, cooperative, decentralized network that enables interaction between them.

On the other hand, in the case of such flexible power control, in order to be implemented in the position of a power consumer such as a home or a building, a power supply source and a power supply are separated from a power management network in which individual electric appliances and a plurality of electric products are unilaterally receiving power. There is a need for bidirectional communication with respect to information, and the need for new devices for such bidirectional communication.

The present invention is to meet the needs as described above, the purpose of the communication modem is provided detachably to the electrical appliances to manage the power information or to manage and process the environmental information to reduce the power bill or carbon dioxide emissions. .

In addition, by simply attaching and detaching the communication modem to the electrical appliance, there is an advantage that the electrical appliance can easily participate in the power management program associated with the power management network.

The present invention for achieving this object is an electrical appliance; And a communication modem detachably mounted to the electric product, wherein the control unit of the communication modem includes power information management means for controlling the operation of the electric product in consideration of power information received from the power management network;

Power information comprising environmental information management means for calculating the carbon dioxide emission in consideration of the power information and operation information related to the operation of the electrical appliance, and controlling the electrical appliance to operate to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide; Provides electrical appliance assemblies for management networks.

The control unit is characterized in that when the user operates the electrical appliance, it is recommended that a predetermined power saving operation mode that can reduce the power consumption or power bill or carbon dioxide emissions.

The control unit, when the user sets the power bill or power consumption or carbon dioxide emission target value and operated the electrical appliance,

It is characterized in that it has a function to display the reduced power bill, power consumption or carbon dioxide emissions according to the target value operation, or to analyze and display the cause when the target value is exceeded.

The power information management means is provided to give the control unit of the electrical appliance a command to stop or delay the operation of the electrical appliance if the current time is a peak time period in which the current electricity bill is the maximum in consideration of the electricity rate over time,

The environmental information management means calculates the carbon dioxide emission based on the operation information and the power information of the electrical appliance, and if the target value for the carbon dioxide emission is exceeded and the target value is exceeded, the operation of the electrical appliance stops or delays Characterized by giving a command to make.

The control unit of the electrical appliance is characterized in that it has a function to issue an operation command for each drive element of the electrical appliance in response to the command of the power information management means and the environmental information management means.

In another aspect, the present invention (A) the removable communication modem is mounted on the electrical appliance;

(B) checking whether the communication modem is communicable;

(C) if it is determined that the communication modem is uncommunicable, displaying the message to notify the user;

(D) If the communication modem is determined to be communicable, allow the electrical appliance to perform a power saving operation mode that reduces at least one of power consumption, electricity charges, or carbon dioxide emissions, or among power consumption, electricity charges, or carbon dioxide emissions. It provides a control method of an electrical appliance assembly having a removable communication modem comprising the step of controlling to perform the operation in compliance with at least one target value.

Performing the power saving operation mode in the step (D)

(D-1) inputting a user's operation mode selection to a predetermined electric appliance;

(D-2) displaying at least one of a power consumption, an electric charge, and a carbon dioxide generation amount expected when the selected operation mode is performed;

(D-3) recommending and displaying a power saving operation mode capable of reducing at least one of power consumption, power charge, and carbon dioxide generation;

(D-4) if the user selects the power saving operation mode, and performing the operation, and displaying the reduced power rate or power consumption or reduced carbon dioxide emission according to the performance of the power saving operation mode.

In the step (D), the operation of complying with the target value may be performed.

(D-5) checking a target value set by the user for at least one of power consumption, power rate, and carbon dioxide generation amount;

(D-6) displaying a warning when at least one of power consumption, electricity bill or carbon dioxide generation is close to the target while the appliance is operating;

(D-7) characterized in that it comprises the step of terminating the operation of the electrical appliance, the user inputs the stop command and displaying the reduced power bill or power consumption or reduced carbon dioxide generation amount according to the target value operation.

(D-8) If the user continues to operate the electrical appliance without inputting a stop command and then the operation of the electrical appliance is terminated, further comprising the step of analyzing the cause of the excess of the target value and displaying it.

According to the present invention, it is possible to recommend the power saving operation mode provided by the power information management means or the environmental information management means of the communication modem instead of the operation mode arbitrarily input by the user, thereby improving user convenience.

Power savings for the user when the user selects a power saving operation mode and the appliance operates accordingly, or when the user sets a target for the electricity bill, power consumption or carbon dioxide emission and the appliance performs the operation accordingly. Rates, power consumption, or reduced carbon dioxide emissions can be clearly displayed.

Therefore, there is an advantage that the user can be surely recognized the economic benefits and the positive impact on the environment due to the power saving operation mode.

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

1 shows a power management network 10 in a home.

The power management network 10 is connected to the measuring device (smart meter) 20 and the measuring device (smart meter) 20 that can measure the power and power rates supplied to each home in real time, home appliances Is connected to a plurality of electrical devices such as and has an energy management device (EMS) 30 for controlling their operation.

In this case, the electricity fee is charged based on the hourly rate, and the hourly electric charge is expensive in a time section in which the power consumption is rapidly increased, and the hourly electric power bill is inexpensive when the power consumption amount is relatively low.

The power management network 10 is driven by a power management program that efficiently manages and controls power rates and power consumption in the home based on the variable tariff over time.

In order to perform such a power management program, the energy management device (EMS) 30 and the measurement device (smart meter) 20 are able to communicate with the operator 50 of the power management program such as a power company.

Here, the energy management device (EMS) 30 has a screen 31 for displaying the current state of electricity consumption and the external environment (temperature, humidity), and provides an input button 32 or the like which can be operated by a user. It is preferably provided in the form of a terminal provided.

The energy management device (EMS) 30 and the measuring device (smart meter) 30 are simultaneously or selectively connected to a refrigerator 101, a washing machine and a dryer 102, and an air conditioner 103 through a power management network in a home. In connection with the electrical appliances, such as TV 105 or cooking appliance 104, it will communicate with them.

Each of the electrical appliances is provided with a removable communication modem (200; 201 ~ 205) for wireless communication with the energy management device (EMS) 30 and the measuring device (smart meter) 30.

Here, the communication modem 200 is preferably coupled to the outside of the electrical product so that the user is easy to install and remove.

The communication method of the communication modem 200 is implemented by the ZigBee method, which is a kind of wireless communication method, and enables one-to-one communication, one-to-many communication, and many-to-many communication, but is not limited to only the ZigBee method, and other wireless communication methods. It is also possible.

Therefore, power information or operation information of the electrical appliance to which the communication modem 200 is connected is transferred to the energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measurement device (smart meter) 20 through the communication modem 200. Can be transmitted, and communication in the opposite direction is also possible.

In order to attach and detach the communication modem 200, each electrical product is preferably provided with a slot or port for mounting.

Meanwhile, a power management network binder (hereinafter referred to as "binder") 300 is provided to register the communication modem 200 with the power management network 10.

When the binder 300 is located near the communication modem 200 and the input unit is operated for registration, the binder 300 gives a home code and a product code to the communication modem 200. Thus, the communication modem 200 is registered in the power management network 10.

2 is a control block diagram to which each component is connected on the power management network according to the present invention.

Here, the power management program operating unit 50 may be a power company equipped with a general power generation equipment (fire, nuclear, hydro) or power generation equipment using renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal), etc. It is not limited to this.

In addition, the power management network includes a self-generating facility 51 such as a solar power generation facility that can be provided in each home, and a fuel cell 52 that can be provided in a fuel cell vehicle or a home.

The power supply source and the power management program operator 50 are connected to the measurement device (smart meter) 20 and the energy management device (EMS) 30.

In addition, the measuring device (smart meter) 20 and the energy management device (EMS) 30 is provided to communicate with the electrical appliances through the communication modem (200).

Here, in the configuration of the energy management device (EMS) 30, the control unit 35 and the input unit 38, the communication unit 34, the display unit 39, and the measuring device (smart meter) 20 ) Also includes a control unit 25, an input unit 28, a communication unit 24, and a display unit 29.

The communication unit 34, 24 includes a communication modem 200 mounted in an electric appliance in a home, that is, a refrigerator 101, a washing machine or a dryer 102, an air conditioner 103, and a cooking appliance 104; 201 to 204 to transmit and receive power information and driving information.

In at least one of the energy management device (EMS) 30 and the measurement device (smart meter) 20, the control unit 25, 35 is the setting information input by the user by the input unit 28, 38 and It captures real-time information on the operation and power usage of existing electrical appliances and the amount of power supplied from outside.

Then, the information is processed in real time to control the operation of the electrical appliances and to control the power supplied to these electrical appliances.

In addition, the display units 29 and 39 display power information supplied from a power supply or operation information and power information of an electric product, and matters regarding a communication state of each electric product.

The energy management device (EMS) 30 and the measuring device (smart meter) 20 serve to control the operation of the electrical appliance, the biggest role of which is to save the power bill when operating the electrical appliance It is to provide a power saving mode and an energy saving mode that can save power consumption.

Here, the power saving mode is performed based on the information on the power charge, which depends on the time of operation of the electric appliance.

The energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measuring device (smart meter) 20 controls the electrical appliance in consideration of peak time at which the electricity bill is the most expensive during the day, or considering the upper limit target of power consumption or electricity bill. It plays a role. .

Here, it is preferable that the power saving mode operation in consideration of the peak time period or the upper limit target value is performed by subscribing to a power management program provided by the power company.

If you subscribe to such a power management program and receive power management, you can not only save electricity bills, but also enjoy beneficial effects such as the electricity tariff reduction policy provided by the utility company.

The communication modems 200; 201 to 204 are provided with a control unit, a display unit, a communication unit, and an input unit to display a current communication state and receive a user's command.

The communication modem 200 is communicatively connected to the energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measurement device (smart meter) 20 to issue a command according to a power management program issued through the electrical appliance ( 100).

Thus, the electrical appliance 100 can perform a control operation according to the power management program.

In addition, the control unit of the communication modem 200 may be provided with a function of controlling the electrical appliance 100 in consideration of the upper limit target value of the power rate or power rate or power consumption according to the time zone. By doing so, power saving operation such as electric power saving operation or power consumption saving operation is possible.

 Each electrical appliance is provided with a display unit and a control unit. In addition, an operation state of each electrical appliance is displayed on the display unit, and a communication state of a communication modem mounted in the electrical appliance is displayed.

Therefore, the user can easily recognize the communication state of the communication modem by looking at the energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measuring device (smart meter) 20, the communication modem 200, or each electric product. If the communication status is not normal, the communication modem connected to the electric appliance may be properly installed or replaced.

The binder 300 includes a control unit 300a, a display unit 300b, a communication unit 300c, and an input unit 300d. As described above, the binder 300 serves as an electrical product that is not registered in the power management network. To give the home code.

Through this granting process, unregistered electrical appliances are registered and become part of a power management network that carries out power management programs provided by power companies, etc., and saves electricity charges, power consumption, or carbon emissions according to the orders of such programs. To work.

Here, the communication unit 300c communicates with the communication unit of the registration target electrical appliance, and the input unit 300d serves to receive a registration command of the registration target electrical appliance. Usually, the registration command is made by the user operating the input unit 300d by hand.

In addition, the display unit 300b displays information related to registration, that is, a home code, a product code, and whether registration is completed.

When the control unit 300a is connected to the display unit 300b, the communication unit 300c, and the input unit 300d, and has an input command for registration, the control unit 300a transmits a home code related command related to the power management network to the electric appliance to be registered. It serves to control down.

At this time, not only the home code, but also a control command for giving a product code and optionally a unique identification code.

As shown in FIG. 3, the communication modem 200 includes a control unit 200a, an input unit 200d, a communication unit 200e, and a display unit 200f, and the control unit 200a again includes power information management means ( 200b) and the environmental information management means 200c.

The power information management means (200b) stores the information on the power bill that varies by time zone, the operation information of the electrical appliance 100 to which the communication modem 200 is connected and the information on the power consumption according to each operation mode In addition, when an operation of the electrical appliance 100 is required, the electronic device 100 serves to recommend or execute an operation mode that saves an electric charge based on such electric power information.

The environmental information management means (200c) stores the data on the carbon dioxide generation amount corresponding to the power consumption amount according to each operation mode of the electrical device to which the communication modem 200 is connected or calculates the carbon dioxide generation amount, and If the amount of carbon dioxide exceeds a predetermined standard, a warning or a command to stop or delay the operation of the electrical appliance 100 may be issued.

Here, the indication of the amount of carbon dioxide generated may be expressed by weight, and may also be represented by the number of tree trees capable of absorbing carbon dioxide as much as the weight.

On the other hand, the power information management means 200b and the environmental information management means 200c communicate with the energy management device (EMS) 30 or the measurement device 20 by the communication unit 200e to manage power. You can send / receive or update information about the power saving operation mode included in the program.

The control unit of the electrical appliance 100 does not select an operation mode or process higher level information such as power rate calculation or carbon dioxide emission calculation and operation command, but instead the power information management means 200b and the environmental information. It is to play a role of performing a command issued from the management means (200c).

Thus, when the power information management means 200b and the environment information management means 200c receive a command related to the power saving operation mode, the connected components are operated to perform this.

As shown in FIG. 4, the communication modem 200 is not embedded and fixed in the electrical appliance 100, but is inserted into a port or a slot provided in the electrical appliance 100.

Thus, since the user can easily mount or remove the communication modem 200 to the electrical appliance 100, the user purchases a new electrical appliance 100, connected to the power management network to perform a power management program You can easily do this yourself without the hassle of calling a service technician.

Approaching the binder 300 in the state in which the communication modem 200 is mounted on the unregistered electrical appliance 100, and pressing the input unit 300 in the form of a button, the home code related to the power management network, etc. Through the process of the unregistered electrical appliance 100 is completed.

In this case, the display unit 300b displays a home code, a product code, and other unique identification code so that the user can easily recognize the display code.

The binder 300 and the communication modem 200 perform a registration process through home code assignment by a short-range communication method that can communicate only within a predetermined distance, so as not to affect other electrical appliances.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described for the control operation of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 5, first, when a communication modem is mounted on a specific electric product (S501), it is started to check whether or not the communication modem is mounted badly or can be communicated (S502).

Here, the check signal is transmitted from the energy management device (EMS) or the measuring device (smart meter) or the corresponding electrical appliance toward the communication modem (S503).

If there is no response signal (S504), if there is no response signal, it is determined once whether the check signal transmission frequency (m) exceeds the predetermined reference number (n) (S505).

This is because it is a reliability problem to determine whether the communication modem can communicate by sending the check signal only once, and it is possible to determine whether the communication is possible by sending the check signal several times. To judge and take further action.

When the number of transmissions of the check signal (m) does not exceed the reference number (n) in the absence of a response signal, first, the check signal is transmitted again (S509 and S503).

On the other hand, when the number of transmissions (m) of the check signal exceeds the reference number (n) in the absence of a response signal, it is finally determined that the communication modem is in a disabled state (S506).

In addition, the energy management device (EMS), the measurement device (smart meter) and the communication device are in communication with each other so that the user can quickly and easily recognize the communication failure state of the communication modem connected to a specific electric appliance. The display and notification step (S507).

Here, the method of displaying and informing the communication incapable state includes not only a time display but also a voice display such as an alarm sound.

In addition, when the communication inability is maintained, a message may be displayed to warn the possibility of the user's voluntary withdrawal and the disadvantage for the power management program provided by the power company (S508).

As shown in FIG. 6, when there is a response signal from the communication modem, it means that the communication modem is normally mounted and the communication function is normal.

In this state, when the user operates the electrical appliance (S601), the energy management device (EMS) and the measuring device operate, and the communication modem also operates (S602).

When the user arbitrarily selects and inputs an operation mode of the electric product (S603), the amount of power consumption, the electric charge, and the carbon dioxide generation amount that are expected to be performed at the operation mode arbitrarily selected by the power information management means or the environmental information management means. Is calculated and displayed on each display unit of the energy management device, the measurement device, or the electrical appliance (S604).

In addition, a power saving operation mode capable of reducing power consumption, power charge, and carbon dioxide generation while having a similar effect to the operation mode selected by the user is recommended and displayed (S605).

Then, the estimated power consumption, power bill, and carbon dioxide emission according to the power saving operation mode are displayed (S606).

As shown in FIG. 7, if the user selects such a power saving operation mode, it serves to perform this (S701).

In the power saving operation mode, as shown in FIG. 10, the operation of minimizing or stopping the power consumption in the peak time period, which is very expensive, is typical.

While performing the power saving operation mode, the actual power consumption, the electric charge, and the carbon dioxide generation amount are displayed (S702).

It is determined whether the operation is terminated (S703), and when the operation is terminated, the user can recognize the actual power rate, power consumption, and reduced carbon dioxide generation amount that is actually saved.

6, if the user does not select the power saving operation mode, it is determined whether or not the target value for at least one of the electricity bill, power consumption, or carbon dioxide emission is set (S608).

If the target value is not set, the operation is performed in the driving mode selected by the user (S609).

If such a target value is set, it is determined whether the current power rate, power consumption, or carbon dioxide emission is close to the target value as shown in FIG. 7 during operation (S711).

The degree of proximity to the target will vary from situation to situation, but it may be desirable to reach 90% of the target.

As such, when the electric charge, power consumption, or carbon dioxide emission approaches the target value, a warning is displayed to allow the user to recognize it (S712).

In response to this, it is determined whether the user inputs the stop command (S713), and if the operation is terminated by inputting the stop command (S714), the electric power saving, power consumption, or carbon dioxide emission according to the target value driving is displayed (S715).

However, if the operation continues (S716), it is determined whether the operation has been terminated afterwards (S717), and if the electric charge, power consumption, or carbon dioxide emission exceeds the target value, the cause of such excess analysis and display thereof (S718). .

8 and 9 illustrate power information and environmental information in the energy management apparatus 30.

In particular, in the case of FIG. 8, the estimated energy information according to the selection mode selected by the user and the imaginary energy information according to the energy saving mode recommended and calculated by the power information management means and the environmental information management means are displayed at the same time. It makes sure that the comparison is made.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 9, the comparison between the selection mode and the energy saving mode is performed after the operation is terminated. Accordingly, the user can actually recognize the power rate, power consumption, or reduced carbon dioxide emission saved by the user's selection. have.

1 is a schematic diagram of a power management network including an electrical appliance equipped with a communication modem of the present invention.

2 is a control block diagram of a power management network including an electrical appliance equipped with a communication modem of the present invention.

3 is a detailed control block diagram of a communication modem and an electric appliance of the present invention.

4 is a perspective view showing a mounting state of the communication modem and the electrical appliance of the present invention.

5 to 7 are control flow charts according to the present invention.

8 to 9 are front views of the energy management apparatus displaying the results according to the control method of the present invention.

10 is a graph of power rates and power consumption over time.

<Description of Main Parts of the Present Invention>

20: measuring device 30: energy management device

100: electrical appliances 200: communication modem

200a: control unit 200b: power information management means

200c: environmental information management means

Claims (9)

Electrical appliances; Including a communication modem detachably mounted to the electrical appliance, The control unit of the communication modem includes power information management means for controlling the operation of the electrical product in consideration of the power information received from the power management network; Power information comprising environmental information management means for calculating the carbon dioxide emission in consideration of the power information and operation information related to the operation of the electrical appliance, and controlling the electrical appliance to operate to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide; Electrical appliance assembly in the management network. The method of claim 1, The control unit is an electrical appliance assembly, characterized in that when the user operates the electrical appliance, a predetermined power saving operation mode that can reduce the power consumption, power bill or carbon dioxide emissions. The method of claim 2, The control unit, when the user sets the power bill or power consumption or carbon dioxide emission target value and operated the electrical appliance, Electrical appliance assembly characterized by displaying the power bill, power consumption or carbon dioxide emission saved according to the target value operation, or analyzing and displaying the cause when the target value is exceeded The method of claim 1, The power information management means is provided to give the control unit of the electrical appliance a command to stop or delay the operation of the electrical appliance if the current time is a peak time period in which the current electricity bill is the maximum in consideration of the electricity rate over time, The environmental information management means calculates the carbon dioxide emission based on the operation information and the power information of the electrical appliance, and if the target value for the carbon dioxide emission is exceeded and the target value is exceeded, the operation of the electrical appliance stops or delays An electrical appliance assembly characterized by issuing a command. 5. The method of claim 4, And the control unit of the electrical appliance has a function of issuing an operation command for each driving element of the electrical appliance in response to the power information managing unit and the environmental information managing unit. (A) mounting a removable communication modem on the electrical appliance; (B) checking whether the communication modem is communicable; (C) if it is determined that the communication modem is uncommunicable, displaying the message to notify the user; (D) if the communication modem is determined to be communicable, allow the electrical appliance to perform a power saving operation mode that reduces at least one of power consumption, electricity charges, or carbon dioxide emissions; And controlling to perform an operation in compliance with at least one target value. The method of claim 6, Performing the power saving operation mode in the step (D) (D-1) inputting a user's operation mode selection to a predetermined electric appliance; (D-2) displaying at least one of a power consumption, an electric charge, and a carbon dioxide generation amount expected when the selected operation mode is performed; (D-3) recommending and displaying a power saving operation mode capable of reducing at least one of power consumption, power charge, and carbon dioxide generation; (D-4) if the user selects the power saving operation mode, and performing this operation, and displaying the reduced power rate or power consumption or reduced carbon dioxide emission according to the execution of the power saving operation mode. A method of controlling an electrical appliance assembly having a communication modem. The method of claim 6, In the step (D), the operation of complying with the target value may be performed. (D-5) checking a target value set by the user for at least one of power consumption, power rate, and carbon dioxide generation amount; (D-6) displaying a warning when at least one of power consumption, electricity bill or carbon dioxide generation is close to the target while the electrical appliance is operating; (D-7) A detachable communication modem comprising the step of terminating the operation of the electrical product the user inputs a stop command and displaying the reduced power rate or power consumption or reduced carbon dioxide generation amount according to the target value operation. Control method of an electrical appliance assembly having a. The method of claim 8 (D-8) If the user continues to operate the electrical appliance without inputting a stop command, and then the operation of the electrical appliance is terminated, analyzing the cause of excess of the target value, and further comprising the step of displaying it A control method of an electronic assembly having a communication modem.

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