KR20120000005A - Network system and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A network system and a control method thereof are provided to reduce costs for operations. CONSTITUTION: An energy generating unit(21) generates energy. An energy consuming unit(26) consumes the energy. The energy consuming unit performs an operation for achieving a target value or a target state. The condition of starting an operation of the energy consuming unit is changed according to the information about the energy. The operation of the energy consuming unit is started at a preset reference timing before and after a reference timing according to the information about the energy to reduce the amount or the cost of energy which is consumed due to the operation of the energy consuming unit.

Description

Network system and method of controlling the same

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

Home appliances are products that perform various functions for the user's convenience by using energy such as electricity, water, and gas. Such home appliances include, for example, a washing machine / dehydrator / dryer for washing / dehydrating / drying a laundry cloth, a refrigerator for freezing / refrigerating for fresh storage of food, and cooling / heating indoor air. Air conditioners, and water purifiers that provide purified cold / hot water.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a network system and a method of controlling the same, which can reduce the cost of operation.

In one aspect, a network system includes an energy generator configured to generate energy; And an energy consuming unit for consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit to perform an operation for achieving a target value or a target state. It includes, and changes the conditions for the start of the operation of the energy consumer according to the information about the energy.

According to another aspect, a network system includes a utility network including an energy generator for generating energy; And an energy consumption unit configured to consume energy generated by the energy generator to perform an operation for achieving a predetermined target value or target state. The condition for starting the operation of the energy consuming unit is changed so that the operation of the energy consuming unit is initiated before or after a predetermined reference time point, according to the information about the energy.

In one aspect, a method for controlling a network system includes: generating, by an energy generator, energy; And an energy consuming unit, consuming an energy generated by the energy generating unit to perform an operation for achieving a target value or target state. Includes, and the conditions for the start of the operation of the energy consumption unit is variable according to the information about the energy.

In the network system and the control method thereof according to the present invention, in on-peak, which is relatively expensive, the standard for the start of the operation of the home appliance is relaxed or strengthened, so that the operation of the home appliance can be completed quickly, The start of the operation is delayed. Therefore, by minimizing the operation of the home appliances in the on-peak, it can be expected to effect the use of home appliances more economically.

1 is a schematic view of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a schematic block diagram of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a block diagram showing an information transfer process on a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a graph for explaining the form of the electricity bill.
5 is a block diagram showing an example of a home network applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a block diagram showing another example of a home network applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
7 is a block diagram showing another example of a home network applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
8 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a perspective view showing an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a control flow diagram showing an example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a configuration diagram showing another example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a control flowchart showing another example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing an example of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings an embodiment of a home appliance according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

A network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable is a system for managing energy sources such as electricity, water, and gas. The energy source means that the amount of generation, the amount of use, etc. can be measured. Thus, the energy source may be an energy source not mentioned above. Hereinafter, electricity will be described as an example of an energy source. However, embodiments of the present invention can be equally applied to other energy sources.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable 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 using water, solar, wind, and the like, which are environmentally friendly energy.

The electricity generated in the power plant is transmitted to a substation through a transmission line. Power stations transmit electricity to substations, which are eventually distributed to demand sources such as homes and offices.

In addition, electricity produced by environmentally friendly energy is also transmitted to substations. Then, the electricity transmitted from the substation is distributed to the office or home via the electrical storage device or directly.

Even in homes that use a home area network (HAN), they can produce, store, or distribute their own electricity through solar light or fuel cells mounted on a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), You can also sell the extra electricity to the outside world.

In addition, the network system includes a smart meter for real-time measuring the electricity usage of the demand destination (home or office, etc.), and a meter (AMI: Advanced Metering infrastructure) for real-time measurement of the electricity usage of a plurality of demand destinations. May be included.

The network system may further include an energy management system (EMS) for managing energy. The energy management device may generate information about the operation of one or more components in relation to energy (generation, distribution, use, storage, etc.) of energy.

In the present specification, a function or a solution performed by the energy management apparatus may be referred to as an energy management function or an energy management solution.

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

2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.

1 and 2, the network system of the present invention is constituted by a plurality of components. For example, power plants, substations, power stations, energy management devices, appliances, smart meters, capacitors, web servers, instrumentation devices, and home servers are the components of network systems.

In addition, in the present invention, each component may be constituted by a plurality of detailed components. For example, when one component is a home appliance, a microcomputer, a heater, a display, and the like may be detailed components.

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

In addition, one network may be one component or may be composed of a plurality of components.

In the present specification, a network system in which information transmitted and received is related to an energy source may be referred to as an energy grid.

A network system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applicable may be configured with a utility network (UAN) 10 and a home network (HAN) 20. The utility network 10 and the home network 20 may communicate by wire or wirelessly by communication means.

In this specification, a home means a group of specific components such as a building, a company, as well as a home in a dictionary meaning. And, utility means a group 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 delivering energy, and an energy storage unit for storing energy ( An energy storage component 13), an energy management component 14 for managing energy, and an energy metering component 15 for measuring energy related information. In this specification, "part" means a component.

When one or more components constituting the utility network 10 consume energy, the component that consumes energy may be an energy consumer.

The energy generator 11 may be, for example, a power plant. The energy distribution unit 12 distributes or delivers the energy generated by the energy generator 11 and / or the energy stored in the energy storage unit 13 to the energy consumption unit 26. The energy distribution unit 12 may be a power transmitter, a substation, or a power station.

The energy storage unit 13 may be a storage battery, and the energy management unit 14 may include energy generation unit 11, energy distribution unit 12, energy storage unit 13, and energy consumption unit in relation to energy. Generates information for one or more actuations.

The energy management unit 14 may be an energy management device. The energy measuring unit 15 may measure information related to energy generation, distribution, use, storage, and the like, and may be, for example, a measuring device (AMI). The energy management unit 14 may be a separate configuration or may be included as an energy management function in other components.

The utility network 10 may transmit or receive information via a terminal component (not shown). That is, information generated or transmitted in a specific component constituting the utility network 10 may be transmitted through a terminal component or may receive information from another component.

The home network 20 includes an energy generation component 21 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 22 for distributing energy, and an energy storage component for storing energy. 23, an energy management component 24 that manages energy, an energy metering component 25 that measures energy-related information, and an energy consumption component that consumes energy. 26, a central management component 27 for controlling a plurality of components, and an energy grid assistance component 28.

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

The energy metering component 25 may measure information related to generation, distribution, use, and storage of energy, and may be, for example, a smart meter. The energy consuming unit 26 may be, for example, a heater, a motor, a display, or the like constituting a home appliance or a home appliance. Note that there is no limitation on the type of the energy consumption unit 26 in this embodiment.

The energy management unit 24 may be a separate configuration or may be included as an energy management function in other components.

The energy generator 21, the energy distributor 22, and the energy storage unit 23 may be individual components or may constitute a single component.

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

The energy network assistant 28 is a component that has an original function while performing an additional function for the energy network. For example, the energy network assistant may be a web service provider (for example, a computer), a mobile device, a television, or the like.

Energy generator 11 (21), energy distributor 12 (22), energy storage (13) 23, energy manager (14) 24, energy measuring unit (15) (25) mentioned above ), The energy consumption unit 26 and the central management unit 27 may each independently exist or two or more may constitute a single component.

For example, the energy management unit 24, the energy measuring unit 25, and the central management unit 27 each exist as a single component, consisting of a smart meter, energy management device, home server to perform each function or The energy management unit 24, the energy measuring unit 25, and the central management unit 27 may mechanically constitute a single device.

In addition, in performing one function, the function 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 measuring unit, and an energy consuming unit.

In the case of the present network system, multiple utility networks 10 may communicate with a single home network 20, and a single utility network 10 may communicate with multiple home networks 20.

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

On the other hand, certain components of the invention may receive information relating to energy by means of communication. In addition, the specific component may further receive additional information (environmental information, time information, etc.) in addition to the energy-related information by the communication means. In this case, the specific component may receive information from another component. In other words, the received information includes at least energy information.

The specific component may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network.

The information related to the energy may be one of information such as electricity, water, and gas, as described above.

For example, the type of information related to electricity includes time-based pricing, energy curtailment, grid emergency, grid reliability, energy amount, and operation priority. operation priority).

Such information may be classified into schedule information previously generated based on previous information and real time information that changes in real time. The schedule information and the real time information may be distinguished by predicting information after the current time (future).

The energy-related information may be transmitted and received with a true or false signal such as Boolean on a network system, an actual price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received. In addition, the energy-related information 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.

According to the TOU information, data is gradually changed over time. According to the CPP information, the data changes step by step or in real time with time, and emphasis is displayed at a specific time point. According to the RTP information, data changes in real time with time.

If the information related to the energy is, for example, electricity rate information, the information related to the electricity rate is changed. The electric charge information may be transmitted / received by a true or false signal such as a Boolean on a network system, an actual price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received.

When the specific component receives a true or false signal such as a Boolean, one signal may be recognized as an on-peak signal and the other signal may be recognized as an off-peak signal.

Alternatively, the specific component may recognize at least one information value related to driving including an electric charge, and the specific component may recognize on-peak and off-peak by comparing the recognized information value with the reference information value. Can be.

For example, when a specific component recognizes actual pricing information or leveled information, the specific component recognizes on-peak and off-peak by comparing the recognized information value with the reference information value.

In this case, the information value related to the driving may be at least one of an electric charge, a power amount, a change rate of the electric charge, a change rate of the power amount, an average value of the electric charge, and an average value of the electric power. The reference information value may be at least one of an average value, an average value of minimum and maximum values of power information during a predetermined section, and a reference rate of change of power information (eg, slope of power consumption per unit time) during the predetermined section.

The reference information value may be set in real time or may be preset. The reference information value may be set in a utility network or in a home network (input from a consumer direct input, an energy manager, a central manager, etc.).

When the specific component (for example, the energy consumption unit) recognizes the on-peak (for example, the recognition time), the output may be zero (stopped or stopped) or the output may be reduced. And, if necessary, the output can be restored or increased. The specific component may determine the driving method in advance before starting the operation, or change the driving method when the on-peak is recognized after starting the operation.

Alternatively, when the specific component recognizes the on-peak (eg, a recognition time), the output may be maintained when the specific component is operable. In this case, the operable condition means that the information value related to driving is equal to or less than a predetermined standard. The information value related to the driving may be information on an electric charge, power consumption amount or operation time. The predetermined criterion may be a relative value or an absolute value.

The schedule reference may be set in real time or may be set in advance. The schedule reference may be set in the utility network or in a home network (input from a consumer direct input, an energy management unit, a central management unit, etc.).

Alternatively, when the specific component recognizes on-peak (for example, recognition time), the output may be increased. However, even when the output is increased when the on-peak is recognized, the total output amount during the entire driving period of the specific component may be reduced or maintained more than the total output amount when the specific component operates at the normal output. Or, even if the output is increased when the on-peak is recognized, the total power consumption or total electric charge for the entire driving period of a specific component is lower than the total power consumption or total battery charge when the specific component operates at normal output. Can be.

When the specific component recognizes off-peak (for example, a recognition time), the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start to be driven before the set time, or a component having a large output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of the refrigerator, the output may be increased by overcooling (including cooling) by increasing the output, or in the case of the washing machine or the washing machine, the hot water may be stored by driving the heater in advance of the scheduled operation time of the heater.

The energy reduction information is information related to a mode in which a component is stopped or a low electric charge is used. The energy saving information may be transmitted / received as a true or false signal such as Boolean on a network system.

When the specific component recognizes the energy saving information, as described above, the output may be zero (stopped or stopped) or the output may be reduced.

The grid emergency information is information related to a power failure and the like, and may be transmitted / received as a true or false signal such as Boolean. Information related to the power outage is related to the reliability of the component using energy.

When the specific component recognizes the emergency information, it can be shut down immediately.

The grid reliability information is information about the quality of electricity, which is high or low of the amount of electricity supplied, or is transmitted or received as a true or false signal such as Boolean, or is supplied to a component (for example, home appliance) The component may determine the frequency of the signal.

That is, when a frequency lower than the reference frequency of the AC power supplied to the component is detected, the amount of supply electricity may be determined to be small, and when a frequency higher than the reference frequency of the AC power may be determined, the amount of supply electricity may be determined.

When the specific component recognizes that the amount of electricity is low in the network safety information or the information that the electrical quality is not good, as described above, the specific component may be output 0 (stopped or stopped) in some cases. Can be reduced, the output maintained or the output increased.

The generated electricity quantity information (information) is information on a state in which excess electricity is generated because the amount of electricity consumed by the component that consumes energy is smaller than the amount of generated electricity.

When the specific component recognizes excess electricity quantity information, the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start to be driven before the set time, or a component having a large output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of a refrigerator, the output may be supercooled by increasing the output, or in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine, the hot water may be stored by driving the heater in advance than the scheduled time of operation of the heater. Alternatively, when a specific component recognizes off-peak (for example, a recognition time), power storage may be performed.

Hereinafter, an example of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

8 is a perspective view showing an example of a washing machine applicable to the network system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a washing machine applicable to the network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 and 9, the washing machine 100 is a home appliance for washing / dehydrating / drying a laundry cloth. The washing machine 100 includes a control unit 110, a motor 120, a sensor 130, and a data receiver 140. The control unit 110 controls the operation of the washing machine 100. The motor 120 provides a driving force for rotation of the washing tub 121 in which the laundry cloth is accommodated. Therefore, substantially the motor 120 may be referred to as an energy consumption unit. The sensor 130 detects information related to the balance of the laundry cloth inside the washing tub 121. The data receiver 140 receives information related to energy.

In more detail, the control unit 110 controls the operation or water supply of the motor 120 to perform the washing stroke / dehydration stroke / dry stroke. The control unit 110 controls the operation of the motor 120 by determining whether the laundry cloth is equilibrated inside the washing tub 121 according to the data sensed by the sensor 130, particularly in a dehydration stroke. do. In other words, the control unit 110 controls the operation of the motor 120 so that the dehydration stroke starts only when the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121 is in equilibrium. Here, 'when the laundry cloth is equilibrium' means that the laundry cloth is evenly positioned on the wall surface of the washing tub 121, and 'when the laundry cloth is not equilibrium' means that the laundry cloth is eccentrically positioned on the wall surface of the washing tank 121. It means to be.

For example, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at a first predetermined RPM. The control unit 110 detects the equilibrium of the washing cloth inside the washing tub 121 according to the value of the sensor 130 while the motor 120 rotates to the first set RPM. do. When it is determined that the laundry cloth in the washing tank 121 is in equilibrium, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at a predetermined dehydration RPM. Therefore, a dehydration stroke for dehydration of the laundry cloth in the washing tank 121 is disclosed. If it is determined that the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121 is not in equilibrium, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at the second preset RPM. After the motor 120 rotates to the second set RPM for a preset time, the control unit 110 determines whether the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121 is in equilibrium according to the detection value of the sensor 130. Determine again. And the control unit 110, depending on the equilibrium of the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121, the motor 120 is a washing cloth inside the dewatering RPM or the washing tank 121 for dehydration administration Control to rotate to the second set RPM for the balance of.

Here, the first set RPM is the rotation speed of the motor 120 for detecting whether the laundry cloth in the laundry tank 121 is balanced. The second set RPM may rotate the washing tub 121 so that the washing cloth inside the washing tub 121 is in equilibrium when it is determined that the washing cloth inside the washing tub 121 is not equilibrium. Is the rotational speed of the motor 120 for. In addition, the dewatering RPM is the rotation speed of the motor 120 for dewatering the laundry cloth inside the washing tank 121. Therefore, the second set RPM will be set to a smaller value than the first set RPM, and the dehydration RPM will be set to a larger value than the first set RPM.

In addition, the control unit 110 determines whether the data receiver 140 is on-peak or off-peak based on the information related to the received energy. In addition, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to be operated for dewatering the laundry cloth inside the washing tub 121 relatively easily in the case of on-peak. . In other words, the control unit 110 relaxes the conditions for the start of the dehydration stroke in the case of on-peak compared to off-peak. To this end, the control unit 110, the reference value is compared with the detection value of the sensor 130 in order to determine whether or not the equilibrium of the laundry cloth in the washing tank 121 according to whether on-peak or off-peak Set differently.

For example, a hall sensor for detecting a rotation period of the motor 120 may be used as the sensor 130. In addition, the rotation cycle of the motor 120 may be increased when the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121 is not equilibrated compared to the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121. In the case of off-peak, when the control unit 110 detects a value detected by the sensor 130, that is, a rotation period of the motor 120 is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the inside of the washing tub 121 is stored. It is determined that the laundry cloth is not equilibrium. However, in the case of on-peak, when the rotation period of the motor 120 sensed by the sensor 130 by the control unit 110 is greater than or equal to the second preset value which is greater than the first preset value. Only determine that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank 121 is not equilibrium.

As another example, at least two weight sensors may be used as the sensor 130. In addition, the control unit 110 may compare the difference between the detected values of the sensor 130 and a preset reference value. In addition, in the off-peak, the control unit 110 determines that the washing cloth inside the washing tub 121 is not balanced only when the difference between the detected values of the sensor 130 is greater than a first predetermined value. In addition, the control unit 110 determines that the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121 is not equilibrium only when the difference between the detected values of the sensor 130 is greater than a second predetermined value in on-peak. In this case, when the second set value is set to a value greater than the first set value, the conditions for entering the dehydration stroke from on-peak to the off-peak may be relaxed as in the case of the above-described case.

Hereinafter, an example of a control method of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a washing machine applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at the first set RPM. (S11) The control unit 110 controls the information received by the data receiving unit 140. Therefore, it is determined whether it is off-peak (S13).

If it is determined that the off-peak in the thirteenth step, the control unit 110 determines whether the detected value of the sensor 130 is less than the first set value, that is, whether the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121 is equilibrium. (S15) Here, the detected value of the sensor 130 is, for example, as described above, at least by the rotational cycle of the motor 120 or the weight of the washing cloth inside the washing tub 121. This can be the difference in weight detected at two locations.

In the fifteenth step, when the detected value of the sensor 130 is less than or equal to the first set value, the washing cloth inside the washing tub 121 is in equilibrium. Therefore, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate with dehydration RPM. (S17)

Next, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the dehydrating stroke is finished (S19). If it is determined that the dehydrating stroke is finished in step 19, the control unit 110 stops the motor 120. (S21)

On the other hand, when the detected value of the sensor 130 is greater than the first set value in the fifteenth step, the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121 is not equilibrium. Therefore, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate at the second set RPM so that the washing cloth inside the washing tank 121 is balanced. (S23) And the control unit 110, When the motor 120 rotates to the second set RPM for a predetermined time or number of times, the sensing value of the sensor 130 of the fifteenth step is compared with the first set value, and the washing tank 121 is It is determined whether the laundry cloth inside is equilibrium.

In addition, if it is determined that the control unit 110 is not off-peak, that is, on-peak in the thirteenth step, the control unit 110 compares the detected value of the sensor 130 with a second set value. If the detected value of the sensor 130 is less than or equal to the second set value in step 25, the control unit 110 performs dehydration operation, that is, steps 17 to 21. However, if it is determined in step 25 that the detected value of the sensor 130 exceeds the second set value, the control unit 110 controls the motor 120 to rotate to the second set RPM. (S27)

As described above, the washing machine 100 minimizes the operation of the motor 120 for balancing the laundry cloth stored in the washing tub 121 in the case of on-peak. Therefore, according to the washing machine 100, it is possible to minimize the energy consumption on the peak, that is, the electricity.

Hereinafter, an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the refrigerator 200 is a home appliance for freezing / refrigerating and storing an article such as food. The refrigerator 200 may include a control unit 210 for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 200, a refrigerating cycle 220 for forming cold air for freezing / refrigerating an article, and a sensor 230 for detecting information for defrosting. ), A data receiver 240 for receiving information about energy, and a defrost heater 260 for defrosting. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the refrigerating cycle 220 and the defrost heater 260 will substantially be an energy consumer.

More specifically, the control unit 210 controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle 220 for the freezing / refrigeration of the article. In addition, the control unit 210 operates the defrost heater 260 according to the detected value of the sensor 230 to perform defrost. For example, the sensor 230 senses the temperature of the evaporator constituting the refrigeration cycle, the control unit 210 determines whether to defrost according to the detection value of the sensor 230, that is, the temperature of the evaporator. Can be. That is, when the detected value of the sensor 230 is less than or equal to a preset temperature, the control unit 210 may operate the defrost heater 260 to perform defrost. As another example, the control unit 210 may operate the defrost heater 260 when the operation time of the compressor constituting the refrigeration cycle has elapsed to perform defrost.

In addition, the control unit 210 determines whether the data receiver 240 is on-peak or off-peak based on the information related to the received energy. In addition, the control unit 210 intensifies the conditions for the start of the defrost relative to the off-peak in the case of on-peak.

For example, when defrosting is started according to the temperature of the evaporator, the control unit 210 has a more detected value of the sensor 230 than the off-peak in on-peak, that is, the temperature of the evaporator. The defrost heater 260 may be controlled to start defrosting at a low level. In addition, when the defrost is started according to the operation time of the compressor, the control unit 210 is the defrost heater so that the defrost is started only after a long time has passed after the operation of the compressor is started compared to the off-peak in the on-peak 260 may be controlled. To this end, the control unit 210 differently sets a reference value compared with the temperature of the evaporator or the operation time of the compressor in order to determine whether to start the defrost depending on whether it is on-peak or off-peak.

For example, when the defrost is started according to the temperature of the evaporator, the control unit 210 is compared to the first set value compared with the temperature of the evaporator sensed by the sensor 230 in off-peak. On-peak, the second setpoint compared to the temperature of the evaporator can be set to a lower temperature. In addition, when the defrost is started according to the operation time of the compressor, the control unit 210 is compared to the operating time of the compressor in the off-peak compared to the operating time of the compressor in the on-peak The second set value to be compared can be set to a longer time.

Hereinafter, an example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

13 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit 210 determines whether the data receiver 240 is off-peak according to the received information. (S31) And if it is determined that the off-peak in step 31, The control unit 210 determines whether the detected value of the sensor 230, that is, the temperature of the evaporator is less than or equal to the first set value (S33).

In the thirty-third step, when the detected value of the sensor 230 is less than or equal to the first set value, the start condition of the defrost is satisfied. Therefore, the control unit 210 controls the operation of the defrost heater 260 to perform defrost. (S35)

On the other hand, if it is determined that the control unit 210 is not off-peak, that is, on-peak in step 31, the control unit 210 compares the detected value of the sensor 230 with a second set value (S37). When the detected value of the sensor 230 is less than or equal to the second set value in step 37, the control unit 210 satisfies the start condition of the defrost, and performs the step 35.

Of course, when it is determined whether or not to start the defrost according to the operating time of the compressor, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the defrost is compared with the first and second set values predetermined with respect to the operating time and time of the compressor. will be. The control unit 210 determines whether it is off-peak or on-peak, and determines whether to start the defrost depending on whether the operation time of the compressor is equal to or greater than the first set value or the second set value.

As described above, the refrigerator 200 intensifies the starting condition of the defrost in the on-peak. Therefore, according to the refrigerator 200, by minimizing the defrosting on-peak, it is possible to prevent the increase in the cost required for defrosting.

Hereinafter, another example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14 is a configuration diagram showing another example of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the same components as those of the refrigerator according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention described above among the components of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 14, the refrigerator 200 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 210, an ice maker 260, and an ice bank 270. The control unit 210 controls the operation of the ice making device 260. The ice maker 260 manufactures ice, and the ice bank 270 stores ice produced by the ice maker 260.

In more detail, the ice making apparatus 260 includes an ice making unit 261, an ice making unit 263, and a sensing unit 265. The ice making unit 261 substantially manufactures ice. The ice maker 263 transfers the ice produced by the ice maker 261 to the ice bank 270. The detector 265 detects the amount of ice stored in the ice bank 270. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ice making device 260 and, among other things, the ice making unit 261 may be understood as an energy consumption unit.

In addition, the control unit 210, the ice iced in the ice making unit 261 according to the amount of ice stored in the ice bank 270 detected by the detection unit 265 to the ice making unit 263 It is controlled to be transferred to the ice bank 270 by. That is, the control unit 210, the amount of ice stored in the ice bank 270 (that is, the detection value of the detection unit 265) by the detection unit 265 is a predetermined amount (that is, a set value) Only if it is equal to or less than), the ice is controlled to be transferred to the ice bank 270. In addition, the control unit 210 controls the ice making unit 261 to manufacture ice when the ice is finished to the ice bank 270 by the ice making unit 263.

In addition, the control unit 210 determines whether the data receiver 240 is on-peak or off-peak based on the information related to the received energy. In addition, the control unit 210 differently sets the set value compared with the detected value of the sensing unit 265 for moving according to whether it is on-peak or off-peak. That is, the control unit 210 compares the first set value with the detected value of the sensing unit 265 in the case of off-peak, and sets the value smaller than the first set value in the case of on-peak. The second set value is compared with the detected value of the detector 265. Thus, the control unit 210, when on-peak, substantially enhances the conditions for the manufacture and transport of ice by the ice making device 260.

Hereinafter, another example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15 is a control flowchart showing another example of a control method of a refrigerator applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit 210 operates the ice making unit 261 to produce ice (S41) and the control unit 210 according to the information received by the data receiving unit 240. It is determined whether or not the off-peak. (S43) And if it is determined that the off-peak in step 43, the control unit 210 is stored in the sensed value of the detector 265, that is, the ice bank 270 It is determined whether the amount of ice is equal to or less than the first set value (S45).

In the 45th step, when the detected value of the sensing unit 265 is less than or equal to the first set value, the ice unit 263 so that the ice produced by the ice making unit 261 is transferred to the ice bank 270. In operation S47, when the ice is finished in the forty-seventh operation, the control unit 210 allows the ice to be manufactured by the ice making unit 261.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the control unit 210 is not off-peak, that is, on-peak in step 43, the control unit 210 compares the detection value of the detection unit 265 with a second set value. When the detected value of the detector 265 is less than or equal to the second set value in step 49, the control unit 210 performs step 45.

As described above, in the refrigerator 200, the on-peak initiation condition is enhanced by reinforcing the on-peak initiation condition. Therefore, according to the refrigerator 200, by minimizing the onset of ice making on-peak, it is possible to prevent the increase in the cost required for defrosting.

Hereinafter, an example of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16 is a perspective view showing an example of a water purifier applicable to the network system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a water purifier applicable to the network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

16 and 17, the water purifier 300 is a home appliance that purifies water. In addition, the water purifier 300 may be cooled or heated to supply purified water or cold water or hot water. The water purifier 300 includes a control unit 310, a pump 320, a reservoir tank 321, a sensor 330, and a data receiver 340.

More specifically, the control unit 310 controls the operation of the pump 320 so that water is stored in the reservoir tank 321. The pump 320 is connected to an external water supply source to supply water to the reservoir tank 321. The sensor 330 detects the level of water stored in the reservoir tank 321. The data receiver 340 receives information about energy. Thus, in this embodiment, the pump 320 becomes a substantial energy consumption part.

In addition, although not shown, the water purifier 300 includes a filter member for water purification. In the case of supplying cold water or hot water, the water purifier 300 may further include a refrigeration cycle for cooling water and a heating member for heating water.

Meanwhile, the control unit 310 controls the operation of the pump 320 to supply water to the water storage tank 321 according to the detected value of the sensor 330, that is, the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 321. To control. The control unit 310 determines whether the data receiver 340 is on-peak or off-peak based on the information related to the received energy.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 310 is compared with the detection value of the sensor 330 for the operation of the pump 320 according to whether the on-peak or off-peak, that is, the storage The water level value of the water stored in the tank 321 is set differently. This is to prevent the operation of the pump 320 in the on-peak relative to the off-peak.

In other words, the control unit 310 compares the first set value with the detected value of the sensing unit 365 in the case of off-peak, and a value smaller than the first set value in the case of on-peak. The second set value set to be compared with the detected value of the detector 365. Accordingly, the control unit 310, on-peak, substantially only when the amount of water stored in the reservoir tank 321 is less, the pump 320 is operated so that the water in the reservoir tank 321 To be supplied.

Hereinafter, an example of a water purifier control method applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18 is a control flowchart showing an example of a control method of a water purifier applicable to a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, the control unit 310 determines whether the data receiver 340 is off-peak according to the received information (S51). The control unit 310 determines whether the detected value of the sensor 330, the water level of the water stored in the reservoir tank 321 is less than or equal to the first set value (S53).

In the 53 th step, when the detected value of the sensor 330 is equal to or less than the first set value, the control unit 310 controls the pump 320 to operate. (S55) Accordingly, the pump 320 Water will be supplied to the reservoir tank 321 by the operation of.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the control unit 310 is not off-peak, that is, on-peak in step 51, the control unit 310 compares the detected value of the sensor 330 with a second set value (S57). If it is determined in step 57 that the detected value of the sensor 330 is equal to or less than the second set value, the control unit 310 performs step 55.

Although not shown, the control unit 310 will stop the operation of the pump 320 when the sensor 330 reaches the full level of the water stored in the reservoir tank 321. Therefore, the supply of water to the reservoir tank 321 is stopped.

As described above, the water purifier 300 operates the pump 320 only when the water level of the water stored in the water storage tank 321 is lower in the on-peak so that water is supplied to the water storage tank 321. . Therefore, according to the water purifier 300, the operation of the pump 320 in the on-peak is minimized, it can prevent the phenomenon that the cost required for the operation of the pump 320 is increased.

100: washing machine 110: control unit
120: motor 130: sensor
140: data receiving unit 200: refrigerator
210: control unit 220: refrigeration cycle
230: sensor 240: data receiving unit
250: defrost heater 300: water purifier
310: control unit 320: pump
330: sensor 340: data receiving unit

Claims (23)

An energy generator for generating energy; And
An energy consuming unit for consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit to perform an operation for achieving a target value or a target state; Including,
A network system for changing a condition for initiation of the operation of the energy consumer according to the information about the energy. The method of claim 1,
The initiation of the operation of the energy consumption unit is a network which is started before or after the predetermined reference time point according to the information about the energy so that the amount of energy or the charge of the energy consumed by the operation of the energy consumption unit is reduced. system. The method of claim 1,
The energy consumption unit is a motor for rotating the laundry tank in which the laundry cloth is accommodated,
It is determined whether the washing cloth inside the washing tank is in equilibrium, and when the washing cloth inside the washing tank is in equilibrium, the motor is operated for dehydration operation, and when the washing cloth inside the washing tank is not in equilibrium, It further comprises a control unit for operating the motor to equilibrate the laundry cloth therein,
The control unit, the network system for reinforcing the condition that it is determined that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank is not in equilibrium when it is determined to be on-peak compared to when it is determined to be off-peak by the information on the energy. The method of claim 3, wherein
The control unit,
When it is determined as off-peak, when the detected value of the hall sensor for detecting the rotation period of the motor is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, it is determined that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank is in equilibrium, and the detected value of the hall sensor When the first set value is exceeded, it is determined that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank is not in equilibrium,
If it is determined as on-peak, it is determined that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank is in equilibrium when the detected value of the hall sensor is equal to or less than a second preset value which is preset to be greater than the first preset value. And determine that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank is not in equilibrium when the detected value of is greater than the second set value. The method of claim 3, wherein
The control unit,
If it is determined to be off-peak, the washing cloth inside the washing tank is in equilibrium when the difference between the detection value of the weight sensor for detecting the weight of the washing tank in which the laundry cloth is stored at at least two positions is equal to or less than a first predetermined value. If it is determined that the difference between the detection value of the weight sensor is greater than the first set value, it is determined that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank is not equilibrium,
If it is determined as on-peak, it is determined that the washing cloth inside the washing tank is in equilibrium when the difference between the detected value of the weight sensor is equal to or less than the second preset value which is greater than the first preset value. And determine that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank is not in equilibrium when the difference of the detected value of the weight sensor is greater than the second set value. The method of claim 1,
The energy consumption unit is a defrost heater for removing frost formed on the evaporator constituting the refrigeration cycle,
It further comprises a control unit for determining whether the defrost of the evaporator is necessary, and if the defrost of the evaporator is required to operate the defrost heater,
And the control unit strengthens a condition that defrosting of the evaporator is necessary when on-peak is determined as compared to off-peak by the information on the energy. The method of claim 6
The control unit,
If it is determined as off-peak, it is determined that defrosting of the evaporator is necessary when the temperature of the evaporator is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, and when the detected value of the temperature sensor is greater than the second set value, Determination is unnecessary,
If it is determined as on-peak, it is determined that defrosting of the evaporator is necessary when the temperature of the evaporator is less than or equal to a second preset value which is greater than the first set value, and the detected value of the temperature sensor is A network system for determining that the defrost of the evaporator is unnecessary when the second set value is exceeded. The method according to claim 6,
The control unit,
If it is determined as off-peak, it is determined that defrosting of the evaporator is necessary when the operation time of the compressor constituting the refrigeration cycle is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, and the operation time of the compressor exceeds the second predetermined value. If it is determined that the defrost of the evaporator is unnecessary,
When it is determined as on-peak, it is determined that defrosting of the evaporator is necessary when the operation time of the compressor is greater than or equal to a second preset value which is higher than the first set value, and the operating time of the compressor is A network system for determining that the defrost of the evaporator is unnecessary when the second set value is exceeded. The method of claim 1,
The energy consumption unit is an ice making unit for manufacturing the ice taken out to the outside,
It further comprises a control unit for determining whether or not the transfer of the ice produced in the ice making unit to the ice bank, and operating the ice making unit for the production of ice when the ice is moved to the ice bank,
And the control unit reinforces a condition that it is determined that the ice transfer to the ice bank is required when it is determined to be on-peak compared to when it is determined to be off-peak by the information about the energy. The method of claim 9,
The control unit,
If it is determined as off-peak, it is determined that the transfer of ice to the ice bank is necessary when the amount of ice stored in the ice bank in which the ice manufactured by the ice making unit is stored is equal to or less than a first predetermined value. When the amount of ice stored in the ice bank is greater than the first set value, it is determined that the transfer of ice to the ice bank is unnecessary,
If it is determined to be on-peak, it is determined that the ice is required to be transferred to the ice bank when the detection value of the detector is less than or equal to a second preset value which is less than the first preset value. And if it is determined that the amount of ice stored in the ice bank is greater than the second set value, the transfer of ice to the ice bank is unnecessary. The method of claim 1,
The energy consumer is a pump for supplying water for purified water to the reservoir tank,
And a control unit for determining whether water is supplied to the water storage tank, and operating the pump to supply water to the water storage tank when water is supplied to the water storage tank.
And the control unit reinforces a condition in which it is determined that supply of water to the water storage tank is necessary when it is determined to be on-peak compared to when it is determined to be off-peak by the information on the energy. The method of claim 11,
The control unit,
If it is determined as off-peak, it is determined that water is supplied to the reservoir tank when the level of water stored in the reservoir tank is equal to or less than a first predetermined value, and the level of water stored in the reservoir tank is set to the first setting value. If the value is exceeded, it is determined that the supply of water to the reservoir tank is unnecessary,
If it is determined to be on-peak, it is determined that water is supplied to the reservoir tank when the water level of the water stored in the reservoir tank is equal to or less than a second preset value that is set to a value less than the first preset value, and the reservoir water is stored. And determine that water supply to the water storage tank is unnecessary when the water level of the water stored in the tank exceeds the first set value. A utility network including an energy generator for generating energy; And
A home network including an energy consumption unit configured to consume energy generated by the energy generation unit and perform an operation for achieving a predetermined target value or target state; Including,
And a condition for starting the operation of the energy consuming unit is changed so that the operation of the energy consuming unit is initiated before or after a predetermined reference time, according to the information about the energy. The method of claim 13,
The energy consumer is a washing machine that performs any one of washing, dehydration and drying of the laundry cloth,
The washing machine,
A motor for rotating the laundry tank in which the laundry cloth is accommodated; And
It is determined whether the washing cloth inside the washing tank is in equilibrium, and when the washing cloth inside the washing tank is in equilibrium, the motor is operated for dehydration operation, and when the washing cloth inside the washing tank is not in equilibrium, A control unit for operating the motor to equilibrate the laundry cloth therein; Including,
The control unit, the network system for reinforcing the condition that it is determined that the laundry cloth inside the washing tank is not in equilibrium when it is determined to be on-peak compared to when it is determined to be off-peak by the information on the energy. The method of claim 13,
The energy consumption unit is a refrigerator for freezing or refrigerating an article stored in a storage space,
The refrigerator,
A refrigeration cycle for freezing or refrigerating an article stored in the storage space;
Defrost heater for removing frost formed on the evaporator constituting the refrigeration cycle; And
A control unit which determines whether defrost of the evaporator is necessary and operates the defrost heater when defrost of the evaporator is required; Including,
And the control unit strengthens a condition that defrosting of the evaporator is necessary when on-peak is determined as compared to off-peak by the information on the energy. The method of claim 13
The energy consumption unit is a refrigerator for freezing or refrigerating an article stored in a storage space,
The refrigerator,
A refrigeration cycle for freezing or refrigerating an article stored in the storage space;
Ice making unit for manufacturing the ice taken out;
An ice maker for transferring ice manufactured by the ice maker; And
A control unit which determines whether the ice manufactured by the ice making unit is required to be transferred to the ice bank, and which operates the ice making unit to produce ice when the ice is moved to the ice bank; Including,
And the control unit reinforces a condition that it is determined that the ice transfer to the ice bank is required when it is determined to be on-peak compared to when it is determined to be off-peak by the information about the energy. The method of claim 13,
The energy consumption unit is a water purifier to purify water and to take out to the outside,
The water purifier,
A pump for supplying water for the purified water to the reservoir tank; And
A control unit that determines whether water is supplied to the water storage tank and operates the pump so that water is supplied to the water storage tank when water is supplied to the water storage tank; Including,
And the control unit reinforces a condition in which it is determined that supply of water to the water storage tank is necessary when it is determined to be on-peak compared to when it is determined to be off-peak by the information on the energy. The energy generating unit generates energy; And
An energy consuming unit consuming an energy generated by the energy generating unit to perform an operation for achieving a target value or a target state; Including,
And a condition for initiating the operation of the energy consumption unit in accordance with the information on the energy. The method of claim 18,
The initiation of the operation of the energy consumption unit is a network which is started before or after the predetermined reference time point according to the information about the energy so that the amount of energy or the charge of the energy consumed by the operation of the energy consumption unit is reduced. System control method. The method of claim 18,
The energy consumption unit rotates the washing tank to balance the laundry cloth stored in the laundry cloth,
And if it is determined that the laundry cloth is not in equilibrium, the condition of determining that the laundry cloth is not in equilibrium is enhanced. The method of claim 18,
The energy consumption unit removes the frost on the evaporator constituting the refrigeration cycle for freezing or refrigerating the article stored in the storage space,
And a condition that defrost of the evaporator is deemed necessary when the on-peak is determined as compared to the off-peak by the information on the energy. The method of claim 18
The energy consuming unit, the ice is manufactured to be stored in the ice bank for extraction to the outside, and operates when the ice is transferred to the ice bank,
And if it is determined that the on-peak is compared to the off-peak based on the information about the energy, the condition that the transfer of ice to the ice bank is determined to be necessary is enhanced. The method of claim 18,
The energy consumption unit, supplying water for purification to the reservoir tank for extraction to the outside,
The network system control method for enhancing the condition that the supply of water to the reservoir tank is required when it is determined to be on-peak compared to the off-peak determined by the information on the energy.

Images