KR20120129527A - A network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A network system is provided to effectively manage energy sources using a power-saving operation method. CONSTITUTION: A home area network(20) includes an energy consumption unit. The energy consumption unit consumes energy generated in an energy generation unit. The energy consumption unit regulates a normal mode and a power-saving mode. An energy management unit is included in a utility area network or the home area network. The energy management unit manages information related to energy costs. [Reference numerals] (11,21) Energy generating unit; (12,22) Energy distributing unit; (13,23) Energy storing unit; (14,24) Energy managing unit; (15,25) Energy measuring unit; (26) Energy consuming unit; (27) Central managing unit; (28) Energy network supporting unit

Description

Network system {A network system}

The present invention relates to a network system.

The supplier simply supplied energy sources such as electricity, water and gas, and the consumer simply used the supplied energy sources. Therefore, effective management in terms of energy production, distribution, or energy use has been difficult to carry out. Therefore, a network system for effectively managing energy is required.

An object of the present invention is to provide a network system that can effectively manage energy sources.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a network system includes a utility network including an energy generator; A home network consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit and including an energy consuming unit defining a general mode and a power saving mode; And an energy management unit provided in the utility network or a home network and managing information related to the energy rate in relation to the energy consumption unit. When high cost information is received in relation to the energy rate, power saving driving of the energy consumption unit is performed. If it is recognized that the performance is performed, and the energy consumption unit performs the power saving driving, if it is determined that the maintenance of the function of the energy consumption unit is limited, the power saving driving of the energy consumption unit may be not performed.

According to the present invention, the energy source can be efficiently produced, used, distributed, stored, and the like, thereby enabling effective management of the energy source.

1 is a view schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.
2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing a process of transferring information on a network system of the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of two components constituting a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of one communicator constituting communication means.
6 is a diagram illustrating a communication process between a specific component and a communicator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a process of performing communication between a specific component and a communicator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 10.
12 is a schematic diagram of a home network according to the invention.
Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an electrical appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an electrical appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a flow chart showing a control method of an electric product according to another embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an electrical appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a view schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.

This network system 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 a SOURCE not mentioned above. Hereinafter, electricity will be described as an example as an energy source, and the contents of the present specification may be equally applied to other energy sources.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary network system includes a power plant that generates 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.

In addition, the electricity generated in the power plant is transmitted to a substation through a transmission line, and the power station transmits electricity to a substation so that the electricity is distributed to a demand destination such as a home or an office.

In addition, the electricity produced by the environmentally friendly energy is also transmitted to the substation to be distributed to each customer. 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. The energy management device can generate instructions relating to the operation of at least the component.

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 multiple components.

In the present specification, a network system in which communication information is associated with an energy source may be referred to as an energy grid.

The network system according to an exemplary embodiment may be configured of 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, and bidirectional communication is possible.

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 transferring 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.

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

The energy consumption unit is a component corresponding to the energy consumption unit 26 constituting the home network 20, and is the same component as the energy consumption unit 26, or another component that is distinguished from the energy consumption unit 26. Can be understood.

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 that consumes energy. 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 is related to energy, the energy generating unit 11, energy distribution unit 12, energy storage unit 13, energy consumption unit ( 26) generates information for one or more of driving. The energy management unit 14 may generate a command regarding the operation of at least a specific component.

The energy management unit 14 may be an energy management device. The energy measuring unit 15 may measure information related to energy generation, distribution, 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 communicate with the home network 20 by 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 terminal component may be, for example, a gateway. Such terminal components may be provided in one or more of the utility network 10 and the home network.

The terminal component may be understood as a component necessary for transmitting and receiving information between a utility network and a home network.

In addition, the two components constituting the utility network 10 may communicate by a communication means.

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. The energy metering component 25 may measure information related to generation, distribution, use, and storage of energy. For example, the energy metering component 25 may be a smart meter. The energy consumption 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 restriction on the type of energy consumption unit 26 in this embodiment.

In detail, the energy generator 21 may be understood as a component of another utility network 10 that generates energy to be supplied to the home network 20.

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

In detail, the energy management unit 24 constituting the utility network 10 or the energy management unit 24 constituting the home network 20 may be mounted on one or more components among a plurality of components constituting the networks 10 and 20. , May exist as a separate device. The energy manager 24 may recognize information related to energy (energy information) and state information of components controlled by the energy manager 24.

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.

In addition, the two components constituting the home network 20 may communicate by a communication means.

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

For example, the energy management unit 14 and 24, the energy measuring unit 15 and 25, and the central management unit 27 each exist as a single component, and perform smart functions, energy management devices, and home servers that perform their respective functions. Or the energy management unit 14, 24, the energy measuring unit 15, 25, 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, energy management functions may be sequentially performed in a separate energy management unit, an energy measuring unit, and an energy consumption unit.

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

3 is a block diagram showing an information transfer process on a network system of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 3, in the network system of the present invention, a specific component may receive information related to energy (hereinafter, “energy information 40”) by communication means. The specific component 30 may also communicate. The means may further receive additional information (environmental information, time information, etc.) in addition to the energy information 40. At this time, the information may be received from another component, that is, the received information includes at least energy information. do.

The specific component 30 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20.

The energy information 40 may be one of information such as electricity, water, and gas, as described above. In the following description, electricity is taken as an example, but the same may be applied to other energy.

For example, the types of information related to electricity include time-based pricing, curtailment, grid emergency, grid reliability, energy increment, and operational 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 information 40 may be transmitted / received as a true or false signal such as Boolean on the network system, an actual price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received.

The energy information 40 may be classified 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.

When the energy information 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 30 receives a true or false signal such as a Boolean, one specific 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 30 may recognize at least one driving information including the electric charge, and the specific component 30 compares the recognized information value with the reference information value and compares the on-peak with the on-peak. Off-peak can be recognized.

For example, when the specific component 30 recognizes the leveled information or the actual pricing information, the specific component compares the recognized information value with the reference information value on-peak and off. -peak is recognized.

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 an average value of an energy charge, an average value of minimum and maximum values of power information (energy charge information) for a predetermined section, and a reference rate of change of power information for a predetermined section (for example: slope of power consumption per unit time). It may be at least one of.

The reference information value may be set in real time or may be set in advance. 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 30 (for example, the energy consumption unit) recognizes the on-peak (for example, the recognition time), the output may be set to 0 (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 30 recognizes on-peak (for example, recognition time), the output is maintained when the specific component 30 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 standard may be set in real time or may be set in advance. The schedule criterion may be set in the utility network or in a home network (input from a consumer direct input, an energy manager, a central manager, etc.).

Alternatively, when the specific component 30 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 30 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 driving before a set time, or a component having a larger 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 can be performed.

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 and received as a true or false signal such as Boolean on a network system.

When the specific component 30 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 30 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 information about the quality of electricity, and is transmitted or received by 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, it is determined that the supply electricity quantity is low (supply electricity shortage information). Electricity excess information).

When the specific component recognizes that the amount of electricity is low in the network safety information or that the information indicating that the electrical quality is not good (supply electricity quantity lacking information), as described above, the specific component is sometimes output 0 (stop) Or stop) output can be reduced, maintained or increased.

On the other hand, if the electricity supply excess information is recognized, the specific component can be increased in output or switched from off to on.

Energy information information (information) is less information about the amount of electricity consumed by the component that consumes energy compared to the amount of power generation, information on the state of the generation of excess electricity, for example, can be transmitted and received as a true or false signal, such as Boolean.

When the specific component 30 recognizes the energy increase information, the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start driving before a set time, or a component having a larger 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 the specific component 30 recognizes the off-peak (for example, a recognition time), the power storage may be performed.

On-peak information, energy reduction information, and supply electricity shortage information among the energy-related information described above may be recognized as high-price information that is understood to be relatively expensive.

On the other hand, off-peak information, energy increase information, and excess electricity supply information among energy-related information may be recognized as low-price (low cost) information which is understood to be relatively low in energy bills.

The information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy fee may be recognized as information for determining a power saving driving method of a specific component (for example, the energy consumption unit). That is, by using the information on the up and down of the energy bill, it is possible to recognize the time zone (region) or the charge zone (region) for determining the driving method of the component according to the energy rate by dividing it into at least two or more.

For example, when information related to energy is recognized as a boolean signal, two charges for determining a time zone or a driving method of a component according to the energy fee may be recognized as two, and the information related to the energy may be at a plurality of levels. When divided into or recognized as real-time information, the time zone or the charge zone may be recognized as three or more.

On the other hand, at least information related to energy rates corresponding to time may be recognized by being divided into information for determining a power saving driving method of the component. That is, by using the information related to the energy bill, it is possible to recognize the time zone (zone) or the charge zone (zone) by dividing it into at least two or more. As described above, the time zone or fee zone to be distinguished may be determined according to the type of information recognized (boolean, multiple levels, real time information).

In other words, two or more determinants for driving a component may be distinguished and recognized using information related to the up and down of the energy rate, and the determinants may include a function relating to time and energy rate.

When information related to the energy charge is leveled and recognized at two or more levels, a driving method may be determined for a specific component according to the leveled information.

On the other hand, if the information related to the recognized energy fee is not classified according to a specific criterion (for example, real-time fee information), the information related to the energy fee is compared with predetermined information, and according to the comparison result, the specific component Can be determined.

Here, the predetermined information may be reference information (for example, a reference value) for distinguishing the information related to the energy rate, and the result of the comparison is related to whether or not the information related to the energy rate is greater than or equal to the reference value. Can be.

On the other hand, each kind of information related to the energy, specifically, the unprocessed first information (first information: 41), the second information (second information: 42) that is the information processed from the first information, and the specific The information may be divided into third information 43 which is information for performing a function of a component. That is, the first information is raw data, the second information is refined data, and the third information is a command for performing a function of a specific component.

In addition, information related to energy is included in the signal and transmitted. In this case, one or more of the first to third information may be transmitted only a plurality of times without converting only the signal.

For example, as shown in the figure, any component that has received a signal including the first information may only convert a signal and transmit a new signal including the first information to another component.

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

However, the third information may be delivered a plurality of times in the state where the contents are converted or in a state where only the signal is converted while maintaining the same contents.

In detail, when the first information is raw electricity price information, the second information may be processed electricity price information. The processed electricity rate information is information or analysis information in which electricity rates are divided into multiple levels. The third information is a command generated based on the second information.

The particular component may generate, transmit or receive one or more of the first to third information. The first to third information are not necessarily sequentially transmitted and received. Only a plurality of third information may be transmitted or received sequentially or in parallel without the first and second information. Alternatively, the first and third information may be transmitted or received together, the second and third information may be transmitted or received together, or the first and second information may be transmitted or received together.

For example, when a specific component receives the first information, the specific component may transmit the second information, or may transmit the second information and the third information.

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

Meanwhile, in the relationship between the two informations, one information is a message and the other information is a response to the message. Accordingly, each component constituting the present network system may transmit or receive a message, and when the message is received, may correspond to the received message. Thus, the transmission of messages and their corresponding responses is a relative concept for individual components.

The message may include data (first information or second information) and / or command (third information).

The command (third information) includes a data storage command, a data generating command, a data processing command (including generating additional data), a generating command of an additional command, a sending command of an additional generated command, and a received command. Commands and the like.

In this specification, responding to a received message includes storing data, processing data (including generating additional data), generating a new command, sending a newly generated command, and simply passing the received command (another component). Command can be generated together with the system), operation, transmission of stored information, transmission of acknowledgment character or negative acknowledgment character.

For example, when the message is the first information, the component that has received the first information may correspond to this and generate the second information by processing the first information, or generate the second information and generate new third information. have.

The component receiving the message may respond with respect to energy. Here, "correspondence" can be understood as a concept that includes an operation that a component can perform its function. In one example, the home network 20 may receive a message and perform an operation related to energy.

The response (operation) with respect to the energy of the component will be described in detail. The component may be, for example, an energy consumption unit.

The energy consumption unit may be driven such that an energy fee when driven based on the recognition of energy information is lower than an energy fee driven without recognition of the energy information.

The component may include a plurality of modes that are driven for performing their own functions. The plurality of modes may be driven in at least one of a first mode and a second mode in which an energy charge is saved in comparison with the first mode.

The first mode may be a normal mode, the second mode may be a power saving mode, and the first and second modes may be power saving modes.

The general mode may be understood as a mode in which a component's own function is performed without recognition of energy information. On the other hand, the power saving mode may be understood as a mode that allows the component to perform its own function based on the recognition of the energy information in order to save energy charges.

When the first and second modes are power saving modes, the first mode may be defined as a driving scheme for saving energy bills, and the second mode may be defined as a driving scheme in which energy bills are saved more than the first mode. have.

On the other hand, in relation to the driving of a specific component (for example, the energy consumption unit), at least a part of the driving scheme including at least the driving time and the course is recognized, and the unrecognized portion may be generated to reduce the energy fee. The recognized part may be changed in other ways.

For example, at least a part of the driving method may be recognized through user setting, control of the energy management unit, or self control of the energy consumption unit. In addition, when a specific driving method is further needed to save energy rates, the unrecognized driving method part is newly generated, and the recognized part can be changed in another way to save energy.

Of course, the process of generating the unrecognized portion may be omitted, and in this case, the process of changing the recognized portion in another manner may be performed. On the other hand, a process in which the recognized part is changed in another manner may be omitted, and in this case, a process of newly generating the unrecognized part may be performed.

The driving time may include a driving start time or a driving end time of the component. In addition, the course may include the driving period and the output of the component.

The manner in which it is generated or the manner in which it is changed may be the way recommended by a particular component for saving energy bills. Here, the specific component may be an energy consumption unit (control unit) or an energy management unit.

For example, when the recognized driving method is a specific driving time, the specific driving time may be changed to another time in order to reduce energy charges, and a specific course may be generated.

On the other hand, when the recognized driving method is a specific course, the specific course may be changed to another course and a specific time may be generated in order to reduce the energy charge.

According to such a control, a time or an output value may be changed with respect to an output function of a component over time.

The manner of generation or the manner of change may be made within a set range. That is, in the process of recognizing at least a part of the driving method, the driving method is within a predetermined criterion (for example, a restriction set by the user or set through the control of the energy management unit or the energy consumption unit) indicated by the recognized part. May be created or changed.

Thus, within the range of the predetermined criterion, it is limited that the unrecognized portion is generated or the recognized portion is changed in another manner.

Other embodiments are suggested.

The recognized driving method may further include fee information. That is, when fee information is recognized, a part related to a driving time or a course may be generated. The generated drive scheme may be recommended.

On the other hand, the control of the component based on the information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy bill, for example, output control for power saving driving can be made. Output control may include output reduction (including output 0) or output increase.

Depending on the perception of the information about the energy bill (on-peak or off-peak), it is as described above to reduce, maintain, or increase the output.

If high-price information is recognized, the output can be zeroed or reduced. In detail, the output when high-price information is recognized can be reduced than the output when low-price information is recognized. As described above, the reduction of the output may be determined in advance before the start of the operation of the component, or may be changed when the high-price information is recognized after the start of the operation.

If you set the component's output to zero or reduce it, the functionality that the component should perform may be lost than it would normally be. Thus, a countermeasure can be made to preserve the lost functionality.

For example, after the output of the component is reduced, the total operating time of the component may be increased or the output may be controlled to be increased in at least one time period after the output is reduced.

In other words, in a section after adjusting the output of the component, when specific reference information related to the energy information is recognized, the corresponding control of the output may be released. Here, the term “section” may be divided based on a recognition time point of the recognized high-price information.

The total operating time may be understood as a time at which a specific target value is reached in the process of performing a component function. For example, when the component is an electric product (washing machine, dryer, cooker, etc.) that is intermittently driven (driven to a specific course), the total operating time may be understood as the time until the corresponding course is completed.

On the other hand, when the component is always driven electrical appliances (refrigerators, water purifiers, etc.), it can be understood as the time to reach the set target for the function of the component. For example, the refrigerator may be a target temperature inside the refrigerator, a target ice level, or a target purified water amount.

And, the total operating time may be increased than the operating time set before the output reduction of the component, or may be increased than the operating time if the output is not reduced. However, even if the total operating time of the component is increased, the total energy charge generated by driving the component is controlled to be saved as compared with the case where the output is not reduced.

Once the high-price information is recognized, the output of the component can be increased.

However, even when the output is increased when the high-price information 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 as a normal output. Or, even if the output is increased when the high-price information is recognized, the total power consumption or total electric charge for the entire driving period of a specific component is higher than the total power consumption or total battery charge when the specific component operates at a normal output. Can be reduced.

Once the low-price information is recognized, the output can be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start driving before a set time, or a component having a larger 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 low-price information (for example, when it is recognized), it can be stored.

On the other hand, even if it is based on the information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy bill, when a specific condition (additional condition) occurs, the response of the component, for example, the output control for power saving driving can be limited. That is, the output of the component can be maintained.

Here, “limitation” can be understood as being unimplemented or the output control being implemented is released.

The specific condition includes a case in which the influence on the energy charge is minute even when the output of the component is not controlled, or when the output of the component needs to be prevented from degrading a function to be performed by the component.

Whether the influence on the energy charge is minute may be determined according to a certain criterion (information on an electric charge, power consumption, or operation time). The predetermined criterion may be a relative value or an absolute value.

When the function to be performed by the component is deteriorated, for example, it may be considered that the component is a defrost heater of the refrigerator.

When the output is reduced during the high-price time period and controlled to increase the output during the low-time time period, when the defrost heater is driven more frequently than the normal case (setting cycle), the temperature of the refrigerator storage compartment is increased. A problem arises, in which case it is possible to limit the adjustment of the output.

4 is a view showing a communication structure of two components constituting the network system of the present invention, Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of one communication device constituting a communication means.

2, 4, and 5, a first component 61 and a second component 62 constituting the present network system are wired or wirelessly communicated by the communication means 50. can do. In addition, the first component 61 and the second component 62 may communicate in one direction or two directions.

When the two components 61 and 62 are in wired communication, the communication means may be a simple communication line or a power line communication means. Of course, the power line communication means may include a communicator (eg, a modem) connected to each of the two components.

When the two components 61 and 62 are in wireless communication, the communication means 50 may include a first communicator 51 connected with the first component 61, and a second component 62. It may include a second communicator 52 to be connected. At this time, the first communicator and the second communicator perform wireless communication.

The first component 61 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20.

The second component 62 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20.

The first component 61 and the second component 62 may be the same type or different types.

A component may join the utility network 10 or home network 20.

In detail, a plurality of components, for example, a first component and a second component, may be each given an address that may be mapped to at least one group and necessary for communication therebetween.

The address may be understood as a value converted from a unique code of the first component or the second component. That is, at least some of the components constituting the network may have an invariant / unique code, which may be translated into an address for configuring the network.

In other words, the product code for at least some of the plurality of components that may constitute the first network and the second network may be converted into different network codes depending on the network being configured. have.

In one example, the product code may be a unique code determined at the time of production of electrical appliances or an installation code separately assigned for network registration. The product code may be converted into an ID for identifying a network to which an electric product is registered.

The first network and the second network may be networks constituting the utility network 10 or networks constituting the home network 20. On the other hand, the first network may be a utility network 10, the second network may be a home network 20, the first network may be a home network 20, the second network may be a utility network 10. .

The plurality of components configuring the network may include a first component and a second component for joining the first component to the network. In one example, the first component is an electrical appliance, the second component may be a server (server).

One of the first component and the second component may transmit a request signal to join the network, and the other may transmit a permit signal.

That is, the signal can be transmitted and received between the first component and the second component, and whether network participation can be determined according to the transmission time or the number of transmissions of the signal.

In one example, the first component transmits a test signal to the second component, it is determined whether a response signal from the second component. If the response signal is not transmitted, the test signal is transmitted again and the transmission of the response signal is judged. This process is repeated, and if the number of transmissions of the test signal exceeds the setting number, it may be determined that the test signal does not participate in the network.

Meanwhile, the first component may transmit the test signal to the second component, and it may be determined that the test component does not participate in the network if a response signal is not transmitted from the second component within a set time.

The first communication unit 51 and the second communication unit 52 may have the same structure. Hereinafter, the first communicator 51 and the second communicator 52 will be collectively referred to as the communicators 51 and 52.

The communicators 51 and 52 may include a first communication part 511 for communication with the first component 61 and a second communication part for communication with the second component 61. 512, a memory 513 storing information received from the first component 61 and information received from the second component 62, a processor 516 for performing information processing, and It may include a power supply (517) for supplying power to the communicators (51, 52).

In detail, the communication language (or method) of the first communication unit 511 may be the same as or different from the communication language (or method) of the second communication unit 512.

Two types of information received from the two components may be stored in the memory 513. The two types of information may be stored in a single sector or may be stored separately in separate sectors. In any case, the area in which the information received from the first component 61 is stored is called the first memory 514, and the area in which the information received from the second component 62 is stored is called the second memory 515. can do.

The processor 516 may generate second information or generate second information and third information based on the information received from the component or another communicator.

For example, when the communicators 51 and 52 receive the first information, the communicators 51 and 52 may process the data to generate second information one or sequentially. Alternatively, when the communicators 51 and 52 receive the first information, the communicators 51 and 52 may process the data to generate second information and third information. When the communicators 51 and 52 receive the third information, the communicators 51 and 52 may generate new third information.

For example, when the second component is an energy consumption unit (a component constituting a home appliance or a home appliance, etc.), the second communicator may generate a command to reduce energy consumption. When the second component is an energy generator, a distributor, or a storage unit, the second communicator 52 may generate an instruction regarding an energy generation time, generation amount, energy distribution time, distribution amount, energy storage time, storage amount, and the like. have. In this case, the second communicator 52 serves as an energy management unit.

The power supply 517 may be supplied with electricity from the components 61 and 62, may be supplied with power from a separate power source, or may be a battery.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication process between a specific component and a communicator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second component 62 and the second communicator 52 perform communication by way of example. The communication process between the first component 61 and the first communication unit 51 may be equally applied to the communication process between the second component 62 and the second communication unit 52.

5 and 6, the second communicator 52 receives a message from the first communicator 51. The second communicator 51 may receive a message in real time or periodically without a request to the first communicator 51, or may receive a message as a response to the message request to the first communicator 51. Alternatively, the first communication unit 51 requests information from the first communication unit 51 at the time when the second communication unit 52 is first turned on, and then receives a message from the first communication unit 51 without requesting information. Information can be received liver or periodically.

Information received from the first communication unit 51 is stored in the memory 513. In response to the message, the second communication unit 52 transmits the message to the second component 62. At this time, the message transmitted to the second component 62 relates to new information different from the information previously stored in the memory 513 or to information generated by the processor 516.

Then, the second component 62 transmits an acknowledgment character (ack) or a negative acknowledgment character (Nak) to the second communication unit 52 as a response to the message. Then, the second component 62 performs a function (command generation, operation, etc.) or waits for function execution based on the received information.

Meanwhile, the second communicator 52 requests the second component 62 in real time or periodically for component information, for example, component state information, component unique code, manufacturer, service name code, and electricity usage. . Then, the second component 62 transmits component information to the second communication unit 52 in response to the request. The component information is stored in the memory 513 of the second communicator 52.

In response to the component information request message received from the first communication unit 51, the second communication unit 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513 to the first communicator 51 in real time or periodically.

The second communicator 52 may transmit information of the first component stored in the memory together with the information received from the first component to the first component. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 may transmit the information of the first component stored in the memory to the first component separately from transmitting the information received from the first component.

Since the second communicator 52 stores the information of the second component 62, when the component information request message is received from the first communicator 51, the second communicator 52 does not request information from the second component 62. Instead, since the component information stored in the memory 513 is directly transmitted to the first communication unit 51, the communication load of the second component 62 may be reduced. That is, the second communicator 52 becomes a virtual component.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process of performing communication between a specific component and a communicator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second component 62 and the second communicator 52 perform communication by way of example. The communication process between the first component 61 and the first communication unit 51 may be equally applied to the communication process between the second component and the second communication unit 52.

5 and 7, the second communicator 52 receives a message from the first communicator 51. The second communicator 51 may receive a message in real time or periodically without a request to the first communicator 51, or may receive a message as a response to the message request to the first communicator 51. Alternatively, the first communication unit 51 requests information from the first communication unit 51 at the time when the second communication unit 52 is first turned on, and then receives a message from the first communication unit 51 without requesting information. Information can be received liver or periodically.

When the second communicator 52 receives a message about an information request from the second component 62, the second communicator 52 transmits a message to the second component 62 in response thereto. do. At this time, the message transmitted to the second component 62 relates to new information different from the information previously stored in the memory 513 or to information generated by the processor 516. Alternatively, the information transmitted to the second component 62 may be information received from the first component and / or information received from the first component.

In addition, the second component 62 performs a function or waits to perform a function based on the received information.

The second component 62, on the other hand, performs information on the second component, for example, component state information, component unique code, manufacturer, service name code, electrical usage, etc., to the second communication unit 52. Transmit liver or periodically.

As described above, the electricity consumption may be determined by the smart meter. When the electricity usage is included in the information of the second component 62, the actual electricity consumption is corrected by comparing the information between the component information and the smart meter. This can be done.

Then, the second communicator 52 stores component information in the memory 513 and transmits an acknowledgment character (ack) or a negative acknowledgment character (Nak) to the second component 62 as a response to the message. do.

When the second communication unit 52 receives the component information request message from the first communication unit 51, the second communication unit 52 transmits information of the second component stored in the memory 513. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513 to the first communicator 51 in real time or periodically.

Since the second communicator 52 stores the information of the second component 62, when receiving a request message for component information from the first communicator 51, the second communicator 52 requests an information request from the second component 62. Instead, since the information stored in the memory 513 is directly transmitted to the first communicator 51, the communication load of the second component 62 may be reduced. That is, the second communicator 52 becomes a virtual component.

<Application example>

In the following description, since the first component and the second component may be opposite to each other, redundant description thereof will be omitted. For example, when the first component is a household appliance and the second component is an energy management unit, a description of the case where the first component is an energy management unit and the second component is a household appliance will be omitted.

The information transmitted and received by each component may be all of the above-mentioned information, and in particular, specific information may be transmitted and received for each component.

The energy generators 11 and 21 may transmit and receive information related to the amount of energy generated. The energy distribution units 12 and 22 may transmit and receive information related to energy distribution amount, distribution timing, and the like. The energy storage units 13 and 23 may transmit information regarding energy distribution and storage time. The energy measuring units 15 and 25 may transmit and receive energy consumption information. The energy managers 14 and 24 may transmit and receive information on energy generation, distribution, storage, consumption, charge, stability, emergency situation, and the like.

(1) When the second component is a component of the home network

The second component may be an energy consumption unit 26, for example, a heater, a motor, a compressor, a display, and the like. In this case, the first component 61 may be, for example, a microcomputer or an energy consumption unit 26. The microcomputer or one energy consumption unit 26 may transmit a message for reducing energy consumption to the other energy consumption unit 26. Then, the other energy consuming unit 26 may perform an operation for reducing energy as an example.

As another example, the energy consumption unit 26 may be a home appliance. In this case, the first component 61 may include an energy storage unit 23, an energy consumption unit 26 (home appliances), an energy management unit 24, an energy measurement unit 25, a central management unit 27, or a web server component. 28, or one component constituting the utility network.

In this case, the energy management function may or may not be included in the first component 61 except for the energy management unit 24.

If the energy management function or solution is not included in the first component 61, the energy management function or solution may be included in the communication means, or the energy management function or solution may be included in the microcomputer of the second component. The energy management function at this time is related to energy consumption.

As another example, the second component 62 may be an energy generator 21, an energy distributor 22, or an energy storage unit 23. In this case, the first component (61) comprises an energy management unit (24), a central management unit (27), and a web server component (28). Or one component constituting the utility network.

The second component 62 may transmit a message such as an energy generation time or an amount of energy, an energy storage time or an amount of energy, such as an energy storage time or an amount of energy, or the like.

In this case, the energy management function may or may not be included in the first component 61 except for the energy management unit 24.

When the energy management function or solution is not included in the first component 61, the communication means may include an energy management function or solution. Energy management functions at this time are related to the generation, distribution and storage of energy.

As another example, the second component may be an energy measuring unit 25. In this case, the first component 61 may be one component constituting the central management unit 27, the web server component 28, and the utility network 10.

The energy measuring unit 25 may or may not include an energy management function. If the energy measurement unit 25 includes an energy management function, the energy measurement unit 25 has the same function as the energy management device.

When no energy management function or solution is included in the energy measuring unit 25, the communication means may include an energy management function or solution, or the second component may include an energy management function or solution.

As another example, the second component 62 may be a central management unit 27. In this case, the first component 61 may be a component constituting the web server 28 and the utility network 10.

(2) When the second component is a component of the utility network

The first component 61 may be one component constituting the utility network 10. In this case, the first component 61 and the second component 62 may be the same type or different types.

An energy management function may be included in the first component 61 or the second component 62 or the communication means.

The energy management function included in the specific component or the energy management function included in the energy management unit 14 may be related to the amount of power generation, distribution, storage, and energy consumption of one component constituting the home network.

In the present specification, an example in which a network system can be configured has been described, and it is apparent that even a component not mentioned in the present specification can be a first component or a second component that performs communication through a communication means. For example, the automobile may be the second component, and the first component may be the energy management unit 24.

(3) When one of the first and second components communicate with the third component

In the above examples, communication between two components has been described, but the first component or the second component may communicate with one or more components (third component or n-th component), respectively.

Even in this case, the relationship between the first component and the second component that communicates with the third component may be one of the above-mentioned examples.

For example, the first component may be one component constituting a utility network, the second component may be an energy management unit 24 in communication with the first component, and the third component may be energy consumed in communication with the second component. May be part 26. At this time, one or more of the three components may communicate with another component.

In the present specification, the first to n-th components may be components constituting a utility network, components constituting a home network, some components constituting a utility network, and others may be components constituting a home network. .

Hereinafter, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiments are described mainly for differences compared to the previous embodiments, and the same reference numerals and descriptions of the previous embodiments are used for the same parts.

8 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 8.

8 and 9, the first component 70 may be in communication with the second to fifth components 82, 83, 84, 85. Hereinafter, as an example, the first component 70 is a central management unit (home server), the second and third components 82 and 83 are energy consumption units (home appliances), and the fourth component 84 measures energy. The fifth component 85 will be described as being a component constituting the utility network. Each of the components may communicate with each other by a communication means. In the network system illustrated in FIG. 8, although each component is directly connected to and communicates with the first component 70, when each component 82, 83, 84, and 85 communicates with new components, a new component is used. By doing so, the network system according to the present invention can be extended and operated.

The second component 82 and the third component 83 may be the same type or a different kind. In the present embodiment, the second component 82 and the third component 83 are different types of energy consumption units. This will be described with an example.

The first component 70 simply passes information received from the fourth component 84 and / or the fifth component 85 to the second component 82 and / or the third component 83 or The received information can be processed and transmitted.

In addition, the first component 70 simply transfers the information received from the second component 82 and / or the third component 83 to the fourth component 84 and / or the fifth component 85. Transmit (signal can be converted) or process received information and send (information converted).

The first component 70 communicates with a communication means 760 for communicating with another component, a central manager 710 for managing overall operation and / or information processing of the first component. An application programming interface (API, 720: hereinafter referred to as “API”) that serves as an interface between the means 760 and the central manager 710 (specifically application software).

The communication unit 760 may include a first communication unit 762 for communicating with the second component 82 and the third component 83, and for communicating with the fourth component 84. A second communication unit 764 and a third communication unit 766 for communicating with the fifth component 85.

In this case, the first communication unit 762 and the second communication unit 764 may use different communication protocols. For example, the first communication unit 762 may use zigbee, and the second communication unit 764 may use wi-fi. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 762 and the second communication unit 764 may be used. It is noted that there are no restrictions on the type of communication protocol or method used. For example, the third communication unit 766 may use internet communication.

The API 720 includes a first API 722, a second API 724, and a third API 726. The third API 726 is an interface between the central manager 710 and the third communication unit 766, and the first API 722 and the second API 724 are the first communication unit 762. And an interface between the second communication unit 764 and the central manager 710.

In addition, the first component 70 corresponds to each energy consumption unit when the information to be transmitted or received between the API 720 and the communication unit 760 is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit (home appliance). An interpreter 750 for interpreting the local manager 740 in which the information is output, and information transmitted from the local manager 740 to the communication means 760 or information received from the communication means 760. It further includes. The information output from the interpreter is used to input information values related to each energy consumption unit or to obtain information values.

The local manager 740 includes a memory (not shown) in which information relating to one or more energy consumption units is stored. Alternatively, the local manager 740 may be connected to a memory in which information related to one or more energy consumers is stored. The information related to each energy consuming unit of one or more energy consuming units may include operation information of each energy consuming unit and information for controlling the energy consuming unit. In addition, it may further include software download information for operating each energy consumption unit, information for remote control / monitoring.

For example, when a plurality of energy consumption units include a washing machine, a refrigerator, and a cooking appliance, information related to each product is stored in a memory. Information related to the energy consumption unit stored by the local manager 740 may be changed according to changes of components connected to the network system.

When a signal is transmitted from the API 720 to the local manager 740, information corresponding to a specific energy consumption unit is output. When there are a plurality of energy consumption units, the memory stores information on the plurality of energy consumption units. The interpreter 750 converts the information transmitted from the local manager 740 into a machine language for transmission to the energy consuming unit. The machine language may be a signal for setting or getting operation information of the energy consumer.

An information transfer process in the first component 70 will be described.

For example, the first component 70 may receive energy information (eg, an energy saving signal: first command) from the fourth component 45 through the second communication unit 764. The received energy information is communicated to the central manager 710 via the second API 724. At this time, in the information transfer process between the second API 724 and the central manager 710, only the signal including the information is converted, but the content of the information is not converted.

Since the energy information is information related to energy consumption reduction of the energy consumer, the central manager 710 transmits information (second command) related to the operation of the energy consumer to the API 720. For example, the central manager 710 transmits information necessary for powering off the washing machine and the refrigerator.

Then, the information is transferred from the first API 722 to the local manager 740.

The local manager 740 transmits information (third command) for controlling the operation of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 750 based on the information transmitted from the first API 722. For example, when the information transmitted from the first API 722 is information targeting different types of energy consumption units, the local manager 740 transmits information related to control of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 750. do. At this time, since the local manager 740 receives the second command and outputs the third command, the information input to the local manager 740 is converted and output by the local manager 740.

The interpreter 750 then converts the information sent from the local manager 740 into a machine language (signal). Then, the converted signal is transmitted to the target energy consuming part (second and third components) through the first communication part 762. Then, the energy consuming portion (second and third component) is finally turned off to reduce the energy.

In the above description, it has been described that the first component receives information through a second communication unit. Alternatively, the first component may receive information through the third communication unit so that information related to control of the energy consumption unit may be output. .

Meanwhile, the second component 82 and the third component 83 may transmit their operation information to the first component 70. Since the information transmitted from the second and third components 82 and 83 is related to the operation of the energy consumption unit, the signal received by the first communication unit 762 may be interpreted by the interpreter 750 or the local manager 760. The first manager 710 transmits the information to the central manager 710 via the first API 722. In this information transfer process, information relating to the second and third components 82, 83 is stored in the local manager 740. In the present embodiment, since the information related to the energy consumption unit is stored in the local manager, the local manager may be described as playing a virtual energy consumption unit.

The central manager 710 may transmit the received information to the second communication unit 764 and 766 and / or the third communication unit.

In summary, the information received through the communication means 760 is directly transmitted to the API 720 or converted according to the type (or signal format) or converted (via the interpreter and the local manager). May be passed to the API 720.

In addition, the information transmitted from the central manager 710 may be directly transmitted to the communication unit 760 or converted and transmitted to the communication unit 760 depending on whether the energy consumption unit is operated.

As another example, an interpreter may be included in the local manager 740, and the information received through the communication unit 760 is transmitted to the local manager, but the information is converted according to the content of the transmitted information. You can output it as is, without converting the information.

On the other hand, when the information transmitted to the API through the second communication unit 764 or the third communication unit 766 is information related to the electricity bill (raw data or refined data), the central manager 710 is ON-peak time If it is determined whether the information is on-peak time, information (first command) for controlling the operation of the energy consumer may be transmitted to the API 720. Then, this information is converted through the local manager 740 (second command), and then transmitted to the energy consuming unit through the interpreter 750 and the first communication unit 762. In contrast, the central manager 710 may transmit the electricity rate information to the first communication unit 762 through the second API 724 without determining ON-peak. In this case, the information may or may not be converted. That is, when the central manager receives the first information (raw data), the central manager may transmit the first information as it is, or convert the second information into converted data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 10.

10 and 11, the network system of the present embodiment may include at least first to fourth components 92, 94, 96, and 98.

In addition, the first component 92 may communicate with the second to fourth components 94, 96, and 98. The fourth component 98 may communicate with first to third components 92, 94, 96.

Hereinafter, as an example, the first component 92 is a central management unit (home server), the second and third components are energy consumption units (home appliances), and the fourth component 98 is an energy measurement unit (smart meter). It will be described as.

The central management unit (home server) may be understood as a component necessary to control at least one component constituting the home network 20.

The first component 92 includes: a communication means 970 for communicating with another component, a central manager 920 for managing overall operation and / or information transmission / reception processing of the first component; An application programming interface (API) 930, which serves as an interface between the communication means 970 and the central manager 920 (specifically application software).

The communication unit 970 may include a first communication unit 972 for performing communication with the second to fourth components 94, 96, and 98, and a second communication unit 974 for performing internet communication. It may include.

The API 930 includes a first API 932 and a second API 934. The second API 934 is an interface between the central manager 920 and the second communication unit 974, and the first API 930 is the first communication unit 972 and the central manager 920. Is the interface between.

In addition, the first component 92 corresponds to the energy consumption unit when the information to be transmitted and received between the first API 932 and the communication means 970 is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit (home appliance). An interpreter 960 for interpreting the local manager 950 for outputting information and information transmitted from the local manager 950 to the communication means 970 or information transmitted from the communication means 970. It further includes.

Since the functions of the interpreter and the local manager are the same as in the third embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

An information transfer process in the first component 92 will be described.

For example, the first component 92 may receive energy information (for example, an energy reduction signal) from the fourth component 98 through the first communication unit 972. Alternatively, energy information may be received from an external component connected to the Internet through the second communication unit 974.

 The received energy information is sent directly to the first API 932 or the second API 934 and then to the central manager 920. Since the energy information is information related to energy consumption reduction of the energy consumer, the central manager 920 transmits information related to the operation of the energy consumer to the first API 932. For example, the central manager 920 transmits information necessary for powering off the washing machine and the refrigerator.

Then, the information is transferred from the first API 932 to the local manager 950.

The local manager 950 transmits information for controlling the operation of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 960 based on the information transmitted from the first API 932. For example, when the information transmitted from the first API is information related to different types of energy consumption units, the local manager transmits information related to control of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 960.

The interpreter 960 then converts the information sent from the local manager 950 into a machine language (signal). Then, the converted signal is transmitted to the energy consumption unit through the first communication unit 972, and the energy consumption unit is finally turned off to reduce energy.

Meanwhile, the second component 94 and the third component 96 may transmit their operation information to the first component 92. Since the information transmitted from the second and third components is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit, the signal received by the first communication unit 972 is the interpreter 960, the local manager 950, and the first API. Via 932 is passed to the central manager (920). In this information transfer process, information relating to the second and third components 950 is stored in the local manager 950.

The central manager 920 may transmit the received information to the first communication unit 974. Then, the information of the second and third components 94 and 96 is transferred to the fourth component 98.

Summarizing the operation of the first component, the information received through the communication means 970 is directly transferred or converted (via an interpreter and a local manager) to the API according to the kind (or signal format) of the API 930. Can be delivered.

On the contrary, the information transmitted from the central manager may be directly transmitted to the communication means 970 or converted and transmitted to the communication means 970 depending on whether or not the energy consumption unit is operated.

On the other hand, when the information transmitted to the API through the second communication unit is the information related to the electricity bill, the central manager determines whether the ON-peak time, in the case of the on-peak time for controlling the operation of the energy consumption unit Information can be sent to the API. This information is then transferred to the energy consumer via the local manager, interpreter, and first communicator. In this case, the first component may be understood to serve as an energy management unit.

Although two energy consumers are described in communication with the first component in the above description, it is noted that there is no limit to the number of energy consumers in communication with the first component.

For example, although the first component is an example of a home server, the first component may be an energy management unit. In this case, in the above embodiments, the fourth component may be a central manager, an energy manager, a smart meter, or the like.

As another example, the first component may be a smart meter. In this case, in the above embodiments, the fourth component may be a central manager, an energy manager, or the like.

As another example, the first component may be the terminal component (eg, a gateway).

As another example, the second and third components may be an energy generator, an energy storage unit, or the like constituting a home network. That is, in the spirit of the present invention, at least one of the energy generating unit, the energy consuming unit, and the energy storing unit may communicate with the first component. In this case, the memory included or connected to the local network includes not only information related to the energy consumption unit, but also information related to the energy generation unit (for example, information related to the operation of the energy generation unit) and the energy storage unit. Information related to the information (for example, the energy storage unit) may be stored.

In addition, although the first component has been described as performing internet communication, the first component may not perform internet communication.

In addition, although the first embodiment is described as having a single local manager, a plurality of local managers may be provided. In this case, for example, the first local manager may process information about home appliances such as a refrigerator and a washing machine, and the second local manager may process information about display products such as a television and a monitor.

12 is a schematic diagram of a home network according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the home network 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention, an energy measuring unit 25 capable of measuring in real time power and / or electricity rates supplied from the utility network 10 to each home is provided. For example, a smart meter, the energy measuring unit 25 and the energy management unit 24 is connected to the electrical appliances and control their operation.

On the other hand, the electricity bill of each household can be charged as an hourly rate, and the hourly electricity bill becomes expensive in the time period when the power consumption is rapidly increased, and the hourly electricity bill becomes cheaper at night time, such as relatively low power consumption. Can be.

The energy management unit 24 is an electrical appliance as the energy consumption unit 26, that is, the refrigerator 110, the washing machine 120, the air conditioner 130, the dryer 140, or the cooking appliance through the home network. It can be connected to an electrical appliance such as 150) for bidirectional communication.

The communication in the home can be made through a wireless method such as Zigbee, wifi or a wire such as power line communication (PLC), and one home appliance can be connected to communicate with other home appliances.

13 and 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

13 and 14, the electrical appliance 100 as an “energy consuming unit” according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 210. The electrical appliance 100 may include the refrigerator 110, the washing machine 120, the air conditioner 130, the dryer 140, or the cooking appliance 150.

The communication unit 210 may include an energy measuring unit 25 that recognizes additional information other than energy information or energy information, and an energy management unit that manages (controls) driving of the electrical appliance 100 according to the energy information or additional information. Communicate with at least one of the 24.

The energy measuring unit 25 and the energy management unit 24 may be connected to communicate with each other. In addition, the communication unit 210 may be provided inside the electrical appliance 100 or may be detachably coupled to the electrical appliance 100.

The electrical appliance 100 includes an input unit 220 for inputting a predetermined command, a display unit 230 for displaying driving information of the electrical appliance 100 or information recognized by the communication unit 210; The memory unit 250 stores the received information, that is, energy information (for example, energy charge information) or additional information (for example, environmental information), and a controller 200 for controlling these components.

The input unit 220 includes a power input unit 221 for inputting power of the electrical appliance 100, a mode selection unit 227 for selecting a driving mode of the electrical appliance 100, and the electrical appliance 100. Start input unit 229 for inputting the start of the drive is included.

The mode selector 227 includes a general mode selector and a power saving mode selector. The power saving mode selection unit may include a charge reduction mode for reducing the use charge of the electrical appliance 100 and an energy reduction mode for reducing the use energy of the electrical appliance 100.

The "drive mode" of the electrical appliance 100 is a driving pattern determined according to whether the electrical appliance 100 is driven based on energy information, and may be broadly divided into a normal mode and a power saving mode. . The general mode may be a state in which the electrical appliance 100 is driven without recognition of energy information, and the power saving mode may be understood as a state in which it is driven based on recognition of the energy information.

The power saving mode may be previously selected manually or automatically before the driving of the electric appliance 100 starts. That is, when the user inputs the power saving mode selection unit to select the power saving mode or when the power of the electric appliance 100 is turned on, the power saving mode may be automatically selected. Of course, even if the power saving mode is automatically selected, the user may change the driving mode to the normal mode later.

In the power saving mode, a charge saving mode and an energy saving mode may be provided. The user may select and input one of the charge saving mode or the energy saving mode. On the other hand, the charge saving mode or energy saving mode may be set as a basic mode.

However, the separate power saving mode and energy saving mode are not provided in the power saving mode, and the power saving mode itself may be configured to reduce the usage fee or the energy used.

The driving method (information) of the electrical appliance 100 may be understood as the minimum information necessary for driving the electrical appliance 100. For example, the driving method may include a driving time (period) or driving course of the electrical appliance 100. Here, the "drive course" may be understood as a predetermined method for performing a function of the component constituting the electrical appliance 100 or the electrical appliance 100 itself.

The driving method may be manually input by a user or may be preset.

For example, even if a user does not input a driving method of the electrical appliance 100 separately, the basic driving scheme may be preset in the electrical appliance 100. For example, when the electrical appliance 100 is a washing machine, a condition of "standard course, one hour" may be set by default when the washing machine is turned on. The user can see this and enter the "OK button" to perform the washing. In summary, the driving method of the electrical appliance 100 may be recognized manually or automatically.

As such, in a state in which there is no recognition of energy information, a driving method input or automatically set by a user for driving the electrical appliance 100 is called a “first driving method”. That is, the first driving method may be a driving method that is set manually or automatically according to the general mode.

In the state where the low cost information is received by the electrical appliance 100, there may be no problem in driving the electrical appliance 100 in a first driving manner desired by the user. However, in the state where the expensive information is received by the electrical appliance 100, a problem may occur when the electrical appliance 100 is driven by the first driving method.

For example, when the first driving method is a driving method using a high-output course in a situation where the price of currently supplied energy is very high, or a period coinciding with a period during which the driving period and the high cost of the electrical appliance 100 are formed. In many cases, there is a disadvantage in using fees.

Therefore, even if the first driving method is manually or automatically recognized by the electrical appliance 100, the first and second information may be based on information on whether the energy charge is high and low, that is, the upper and lower information (high or low cost information) of the energy charge. The driving method may be changed to the second driving method which saves the usage fee or energy.

In summary, the electrical appliance 100 may be driven in a manner in which electricity consumption or an electric charge is reduced than a recognized driving scheme, that is, a "power saving driving scheme". The power saving driving method may be understood as a method of saving power by changing a driving time or a driving course of an electric product itself or a component constituting the electric product. Hereinafter, the electrical appliance or a component constituting the electrical appliance will be referred to as a "component".

For example, the power saving driving method may include a method of adjusting (increasing, maintaining or reducing) the output of the entire electrical product or a component, or a method of shifting the driving period. Such a power saving driving scheme may be set in advance.

The electrical appliance 100 includes an operation unit 270 that is operated to perform a function of the electrical appliance 100. The operation unit 270 may be the electrical appliance 100 itself or a component constituting the same.

When high cost information is recognized, driving of the operation unit 270 may be controlled according to the power saving driving method.

For example, it may be recognized whether a time section (hereinafter, “high cost section”) in which high cost information is recognized is included in at least part of a driving section of the component. If a high cost section is included in at least some sections of the driving section of the component, the electrical appliance or the component may perform power saving driving in the corresponding high section or the entire driving section.

However, when a specific condition is recognized, the performance of the power saving drive may be limited.

The specific condition includes a case where the function performance or the function maintenance of the component is limited when the power saving driving is performed.

Herein, the term "function" may be understood as a target function that the electrical appliance 100 or component intends to achieve.

For example, the target function may include a temperature value of a specific space. In detail, the temperature value of the specific space may include a set storage room temperature of the refrigerator or a set cooking chamber temperature of the cooking appliance.

The target function may include a temperature value of the circulating medium. In detail, the temperature value of the circulation medium may include a set washing water temperature of a washing machine or a set hot air temperature of a dryer.

The target function may include a function of maintaining a set power storage amount of the power storage device.

On the other hand, the target function may include a function of maintaining a set rotation speed of a motor or a compressor, a set heat generation amount of a heater, or a set power storage amount of a battery.

Whether to limit the function performance (maintenance) of the component may be determined according to whether the state information value of the component is outside the setting range. The state information value may include a specific state value of the component described above, that is, a temperature value, a power storage amount, a rotation speed, or a heat generation amount.

In addition, the setting range may be understood as the minimum limit range for maintaining the function of the component. In other words, the setting range may be a range that the component must satisfy at least to perform the original function.

Therefore, when the state information value does not satisfy the setting range, the component may perform a unique function. In this case, the component may perform driving according to the normal mode (hereinafter referred to as general driving) without performing driving according to the power saving mode (hereinafter referred to as power saving driving).

As described above, the general driving may be understood to be driven according to a driving scheme (driving course or driving time) set in the electrical appliance 100 without being based on energy information.

 Whether the function maintenance of the component is limited may be determined before or during the power saving driving of the component. Hereinafter, a control method according to the determination timing of whether to maintain the functional maintenance of the component will be described.

14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an electrical appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows a control method when it is determined whether to perform a power saving drive before the power saving drive of the component is performed.

The power of the component is turned on and a predetermined driving scheme is recognized. The driving method may be recognized manually or automatically, and may include driving course or driving section information. In addition, the component may receive energy information or additional information (S11).

From the received energy information or additional information, it is recognized whether a high cost section is included in the driving section of the component (S12).

When the high cost period is included in the driving period of the component, a driving scheme according to a power saving mode is recognized, and it may be determined whether the component performs the power saving driving (S13).

To this end, it is recognized whether the predicted information (hereinafter, "power saving predicted information") when the component performs power saving driving is out of a setting range. That is, when performing the power saving drive, it is recognized whether the state information value of the component is outside the setting range.

The power saving driving predictive information may include information regarding a duplicate size of a driving period and a high cost section of the component or whether the component deteriorates during power saving driving.

As described above, the state information value may be a predetermined value (temperature value, power storage amount, rotational speed, heat generation amount, etc.) that can be measured or detected in the process of driving the component. In addition, the setting range may be a minimum limit range for maintaining the function of the component (S14).

If the state information value is out of the setting range, it may be determined that the function maintenance of the component will be restricted in the power saving driving process (S15).

In this case, the component does not perform power saving driving and may perform general driving not based on an energy charge. That is, when the power saving driving is not performed, the component may be driven while maintaining the setting output or the setting driving period (S16).

On the other hand, if the state information value is within the setting range, it may be determined that the function maintenance of the component is not limited in the power saving driving process.

Thus, the component can perform power saving driving. In one example, the component can adjust (increase, maintain or reduce) the output and shift the driving period. Here, the movement of the driving period may include driving or delay driving in advance (S17).

15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an electrical appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows a control method when it is determined whether to cancel the power saving driving while the power saving driving of the component is being performed.

The power of the component is turned on and a predetermined driving scheme is recognized. The driving method may be a driving method according to a power saving mode.

In addition, the component may start a power saving driving according to the recognized driving method (S11). In addition, the component may receive energy information or additional information (S22).

From the received energy information or additional information, it is recognized whether a high cost section is included in the driving section of the component (S23).

When the high cost section is included in the driving section of the component, it is determined whether the power saving driving of the component is to be continued (S24).

To this end, it is recognized whether the power saving drive information of the component is outside the setting range. That is, if the power saving driving is continued, it is recognized whether the state information value of the component is outside the setting range.

The power saving driving information may include information regarding a duplicate size of a driving period and a high cost section of the component or whether the component deteriorates when the power saving driving is performed (S25).

If the state information value is out of the setting range, it may be determined that the function maintenance of the component is limited in the power saving driving process (S26).

Thus, the component stops the power saving drive and can then perform the normal drive not based on the energy bill. That is, when the power saving driving is not performed, the component may be driven while maintaining the setting output or the setting driving period (S27).

On the other hand, if the state information value is within the setting range, it may be determined that the function maintenance of the component is not limited in the power saving driving process.

Thus, the component can continue to perform power saving drive. In one example, the component can adjust (increase, maintain or reduce) the output and shift the driving period. Here, the movement of the driving period may include driving or delay driving in advance (S28).

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment has a difference in that the power saving drive is manually released or not performed compared to the previous embodiment, and the above description will be mainly focused on such differences, and the same reference numerals and reference numerals of the previous embodiment are used for the same parts as the previous embodiment. .

16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, the electrical appliance 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a power saving release input unit 228 that may be input to perform or stop (stop) power saving driving of the electrical appliance 100.

The power saving cancel input unit 228 may be configured as an input unit separate from the power input unit 221, the mode selection unit 227, and the start input unit 229, and may have the same device as at least one of the input units 221, 227, and 229. It may be provided as a configuration.

When the input of the power saving wakeup input unit 228 is required, the power saving wakeup input unit 228 may be activated or blinked so that the user can easily recognize it. The power saving cancel input unit 228 may be provided by an input button or a screen touch method.

17 is a flow chart showing a control method of an electric product according to another embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment shows a control method when manually performing power saving driving is selected before power saving driving of the component is performed.

The power of the component is turned on and a predetermined driving scheme is recognized. The driving method may be recognized manually or automatically, and may include driving course or driving section information. In addition, the component may receive energy information or additional information (S31).

From the received energy information or additional information, it is recognized whether a high cost section is included in the driving section of the component (S32).

When the high cost period is included in the driving period of the component, a driving scheme according to a power saving mode may be recognized, and a manual selection mode on whether to perform the power saving driving may be started (S33).

The power saving driving expected information and the setting range of the component may be displayed to be comparable. The user can check the displayed information (S34).

It is recognized whether the power saving driving predictive information of the component is outside the setting range. When the power saving driving prediction information is out of the setting range, when the component performs the power saving driving, it may be recognized that the function maintenance of the component is limited (S36).

On the other hand, when the power saving driving prediction information is within the setting range, it can be recognized that the function performance of the component is maintained even when the component performs the power saving driving (S37).

As described above, the power saving driving prediction information, that is, the state information value, may be a predetermined value (temperature value, power storage amount, rotational speed, heat generation amount, etc.) that can be measured or detected in the process of driving the component. The setting range may be a minimum limit range for maintaining the function of the component.

It is recognized whether the power saving cancel input unit 228 is input. In a state in which the power saving driving expected information and the setting range of the component are displayed to be comparably displayed, the power saving canceling input unit 228 may be activated. The user may determine whether the activated power saving cancel input unit 228 is selected (S38).

If the power saving cancel input unit 228 is input, it is recognized that the user does not want to save power saving driving, and the power saving driving is not performed (S39).

On the other hand, if the power saving cancel input unit 228 is not input, the component performs power saving driving. Whether the power saving input unit 228 is input may be determined according to whether the power saving input unit 228 has been operated within a set time. If the power saving cancel input unit 228 is not input within the set time, the power saving driving may be performed (S40).

As such, when the high cost section is included in the component driving section, the user can set whether to perform power saving driving, thereby increasing convenience of use and reducing energy bills.

18 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an electrical appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment shows a control method when it is determined whether to maintain a function while the power saving driving of the component is performed.

The power of the component is turned on and a predetermined driving scheme is recognized. The driving method may be a driving method according to a power saving mode.

In operation S51, the component may start a power saving driving according to the recognized driving scheme. In addition, the component may receive energy information or additional information (S52).

From the received energy information, it is recognized whether a high cost section is included in the driving section of the component (S53).

When the expensive period is included in the driving period of the component, a manual selection mode for whether the component performs power saving driving may be started (S54).

The power saving drive information and the setting range of the component can be displayed to be comparable. The user can check the displayed information (S55).

It is recognized whether the power saving drive information of the component is outside the set range (S56). When the power saving drive information is out of the setting range, when the component performs the power saving drive, it may be recognized that the function maintenance of the component is limited (S57).

On the other hand, when the power saving drive information is within the setting range, it can be recognized that the function performance of the component is maintained even when the component performs the power saving drive (S58).

As described above, the power saving drive information, that is, the state information value may be a predetermined value (temperature value, power storage amount, rotational speed, heat generation amount, etc.) that can be measured or detected in the process of driving the component. The setting range may be a minimum limit range for maintaining the function of the component.

It is recognized whether the power saving cancel input unit 228 is input (S59). When the power saving cancel input unit 228 is input, it is recognized that the user does not want power saving driving of the component, so that the power saving driving is stopped and enters the normal mode. As described above, the general mode is understood as a method in which the driving method is determined based on the energy information and the component is driven (S60).

In addition, before the power saving driving of the component is stopped, driving information stored during the power saving driving may be displayed on the display 230. The user may change the driving information of the component based on the content displayed on the display 230.

Of course, the changeable range of the drive information is within the set range, and the display 230 may guide the user to change the drive information to a value within the set range (S61).

The component may be driven with changed drive information or drive information corresponding to the normal mode (S62).

On the other hand, if the power saving cancel input unit 228 is not input, the component continues to perform power saving driving. Whether the power saving input unit 228 is input may be determined according to whether the power saving input unit 228 has been operated within a set time (S63).

As such, when a high cost section is included in the component driving section while the component performs the power saving driving, the user can set whether to stop the power saving driving, thereby increasing convenience of use and reducing energy bills.

24: energy management unit 25: energy measurement unit
100: electrical product 200: control unit
210: communication unit 220: input unit
221: power input unit 227: mode selection unit
229: start input unit 230: display unit

Claims (17)

A utility network including an energy generator;
A home network consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit and including an energy consuming unit defining a general mode and a power saving mode; And
Is provided in the utility network or home network, and includes an energy management unit for managing information related to the energy bill in relation to the energy consumption unit,
When high cost information is received in relation to the energy fee, it is recognized whether to perform power saving driving of the energy consumption unit.
If it is determined that the function maintenance of the energy consumption unit is limited when the energy consumption unit performs the power saving drive, the power saving drive of the energy consumption unit may be not performed. The method of claim 1,
Whether the maintenance of the function of the energy consumption unit is limited,
The network system is determined according to whether the drive information or the expected drive information of the energy consumption unit is located within the set range. The method of claim 2,
The driving information may include information on whether a driving period of the energy consuming unit and a time period in which the high cost information is recognized are overlapped sizes or whether the function of the energy consuming unit deteriorates during power saving driving. The method of claim 2,
The setting range is a minimum limit range for maintaining the function of the energy consumer. The method of claim 4, wherein
The set range is a network system, characterized in that the range for the temperature value of the specific space, the temperature value of the circulating medium or the electrical storage amount formed in the energy consumption unit. The method of claim 4, wherein
The setting range is a range for the rotational speed, heat generation amount or power storage amount of the components constituting the energy consumption unit. The method of claim 1,
Whether or not to maintain the function of the energy consumption unit,
And the energy consumption unit is recognized before or during the power saving operation. The method of claim 7, wherein
And if it is recognized that the function maintenance is limited before performing the power saving driving of the energy consumption unit, the energy consumption unit does not perform the power saving driving. The method of claim 7, wherein
And recognizing that the function maintenance is restricted during the power saving driving of the energy consumption unit, the energy consumption unit suspends the power saving driving. The method of claim 1,
The energy saving driving is to operate in the power saving mode based on the energy consumption unit information related to the energy bill,
The network system, characterized in that to reduce the set output of the energy consumption or to move the set drive section. The method of claim 1,
In the general mode, the energy consumption unit is driven according to a set output or a set driving section without being based on the information related to the energy bill.
And if the power saving drive is not performed, the energy consumption unit is driven based on the normal mode. The method of claim 1,
Whether or not the power saving drive of the energy consumption unit is not performed, the network system, characterized in that manually selected. 13. The method of claim 12,
When the expensive information is received,
Network information, characterized in that for displaying the drive information or the expected drive information of the energy consumption unit and the setting range comparable. The method of claim 13,
And a power saving cancel input unit for inputting a command to perform a power saving operation of the energy consuming unit based on the displayed contents. 15. The method of claim 14,
The power saving cancel input unit is provided with an input button or a screen touch method. 15. The method of claim 14,
When the power saving cancel input unit is input,
And stored driving information related to power saving driving of the energy consumption unit. 17. The method of claim 16,
And said stored driving information is changeable.

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