KR20140032717A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises a communication unit for receiving energy related information from the outside; an input part to which commands for switching the operation modes of the refrigerator are inputted; a control part for receiving the energy related information from the communication unit or the input part; and a heater and a compressor to be operated by the control part. The control part determines if a power-saving mode is turned on and if a defrosting operation is needed. The control part limits the defrosting operation for a limited time period during the defrosting operation while the power-saving mode is turned on. [Reference numerals] (AA,EE) Power plant; (BB,FF) Power transmission; (CC) Dialysis; (DD) Separate active ingredients; (GG) Cosmetic product; (II) Environment-friendly(Wind power); (JJ,NN) Storage device; (KK,MM,PP) Smart meter; (LL) Environment-friendly(Sunlight), Environment-friendly(Fuel cell); (OO) Environment-friendly(Fuel cell)

Description

Refrigerator {Refrigerator}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

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.

In other words, energy is a radial structure that is distributed from energy suppliers toward multiple demand sources, that is, spreads from the center to the periphery, and is characterized by unidirectional supplier center, not consumer center.

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

In order to solve this problem, there have been a lot of efforts in recent years to implement a horizontal, cooperative, and distributed network that effectively manages energy and enables interaction between consumers and suppliers.

Conventional household appliances are configured to operate in an operation mode entered by a user in a time period entered by the user. Therefore, when the home appliance is operated at the power consumption source during a time when the power consumption is high, there is a problem in that the power consumption is larger than the power supply amount at the power supply source, causing a problem in power supply or a power failure.

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which operation can be limited based on user's setting or information received from the outside.

In accordance with an aspect, a refrigerator includes: communication means for receiving information related to energy from the outside; An input unit configured to receive a command for selecting an operation mode of the refrigerator; A control unit for receiving information from the input unit or the communication means; And a compressor and a heater which can be operated by the controller, wherein the controller determines whether a power saving mode is turned on and whether defrosting operation is required, and wherein the control unit, in the state where the power saving mode is turned on, During the operation, when the time limit starts, the defrosting operation is limited within the time limit.

According to the proposed invention, since the defrosting operation is limited within the limited time interval, there is an advantage that the energy usage fee can be reduced.

1 shows schematically a network system according to the invention;
2 is a block diagram schematically showing a network system according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing an information transfer process on a network system of the present invention.
4 is a graph illustrating a variation pattern of an electric charge.
5 is a block diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of a network system according to the present invention;
6 is a block diagram schematically showing a second embodiment of a network system according to the present invention;
7 is a block diagram schematically showing a third embodiment of a network system according to the present invention;
8 is a schematic diagram of a home network according to the invention;
9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of components for a network system of the present invention.
10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit of a component according to an exemplary embodiment.
11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining that the refrigerator is operated in the first reduction method in response to the request response function.
13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining that the refrigerator is operated in the second reduction method in response to the request response function.

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

1 is a view schematically showing 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, energy sources not mentioned above may also be included in the management of this system. Hereinafter, as an energy source, electricity will be described as an example, 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 hydro, solar, wind, and the like, which are environmentally friendly energy.

In addition, the electricity generated in the power plant is transmitted to the power station through the transmission line, the power station to transmit electricity to the substation so that the electricity is distributed to the demand destination, such as home or 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), The surplus electricity can also be sold back to the outside world (for example, the utility).

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. It may include. That is, the measuring device may receive the information measured by the plurality of smart meters to measure the electricity usage.

In this specification, the measurement includes not only the smart meter and the measuring device itself measuring, but also that the smart meter and the measuring device can recognize the generation amount or the usage amount from other components.

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, the function or solution performed by the energy management device 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 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 (electrical appliance), a detailed component may be a microcomputer, a heater, a display, a motor, etc. constituting the home appliance.

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. At this time, the utility network 10 and the home network may communicate directly or via an external server.

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. The energy storage component 13 may include 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. That is, the energy consumption unit may be a separate configuration or may be included in other components.

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. 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. For example, 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, consumption, 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). 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 20.

Meanwhile, 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 unit for storing energy. storage component 23, an energy management component 24 for managing energy, an energy metering component 25 for measuring information related to energy, and an energy consuming unit for consuming energy consumption component 26, a central management component 27 for controlling a plurality of components, an energy grid assistance component 28, an accessory component 29, and a consumer processing component component: 30) may be included.

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

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

The energy consumption unit 26 may be, for example, an electric product (a refrigerator, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a cooking device, a cleaner, a dryer, a dishwasher, a dehumidifier, a display device, a lighting device, etc.) or a heater, a motor, a display, etc. constituting the electric product. Can be. Note that there is no restriction on the type of energy consumption unit 26 in this embodiment.

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

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 controlling a plurality of electrical appliances.

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

The accessory component 29 is an energy network only component that performs additional functions for the energy network. For example, the accessory component 29 may be a weather network antenna dedicated to the energy network.

The consumer handling component 30 is a component that stores, supplies, and delivers the consumer, and may identify or recognize information about the consumer. The consumer may be, for example, an article or material that is used or processed when the energy consumption unit 26 is operated. In addition, the consumer processor 30 may be managed by the energy manager 24 as an example in an energy network.

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

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 form a single component mechanically.

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

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

For example, the communication means may be a simple communication line or a power line communication means. Of course, the power line communication means may include a communicator (eg, a modem) connected to each of the two components. As another example, the communication means may be zigbee, wi-fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and the like. In the present specification, there is no limitation on the method for wired communication or the method for wireless communication.

Two components constituting the utility network 10 may communicate by means of communication means. In addition, the two components constituting the home network 20 may communicate by a communication means (second interface). For example, the energy consumption unit 26 may communicate with one or more of the energy management unit 24, the energy measurement unit 25, the central management unit 27, the energy network assistance unit 28, and the like (second interface). Can communicate by

In addition, the microcomputer of each component (for example, the energy consumption unit) may communicate with the communication means (second interface) (third interface). For example, when the energy consumption unit is an electrical appliance, the energy consumption unit may receive information from the energy management unit by a communication means (second interface), and the received information is a microcomputer of the electrical appliance by a third interface. Can be delivered.

In addition, the energy consumption unit 26 may communicate with the accessory component 29 by a communication means (fourth interface). In addition, the energy consumption unit 26 may communicate with the consumer processor 30 by a communication means (a fifth interface).

3 is a block diagram showing a process of transferring information on a network system of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating a variation pattern of an electric charge. FIG. 4A is a graph showing time of use (TOU) information and critical peak pattern (CPP) information, and FIG. 4B is an RTP. (real time pattern) This graph shows information.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the network system of the present invention, a specific component C may receive information related to energy (hereinafter, “energy information”) by communication means. In addition, the specific component (C) may be additional information (environmental information, program update information, time information, operation or status information of each component (breakdown, etc.), in addition to the energy information by the communication means, consumer habit information using the energy consumption unit, etc. ) Can be received further.

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

In another aspect, the information is internal information, such as information related to each component (operation or status information of each component (such as failure), energy usage information of the energy consumer, consumer habit information using the energy consumer, etc.), and the like. Information may be divided into external information (energy-related information, environmental information, program update information, time information).

At this time, the information may be received from other components. In other words, the received information includes at least energy information.

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

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

For example, information related to electricity includes time-based pricing, energy reduction, grid emergency, grid reliability, energy increment, and energy generation. generation Amount, operation priority and Energy consumption Amount. In this embodiment, the fee associated with the energy source may be referred to as an energy fee.

That is, information related to energy may be classified into charge information (energy charge) and non-charge information (energy reduction, emergency situation, network safety, power generation, energy increase, operation priority, energy consumption, etc.). The charge information or the non-charge information may be transmitted and received together with time information or replaced with time information. For example, time information requiring energy reduction may be transmitted and received in the energy network.

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

The energy information I may be 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. The energy information I may change with time.

Referring to FIG. 4A, according to the TOU information, data is gradually changed in 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. That is, in the case of the CPP pattern, the general fee is lower than that of the TOU pattern, but the charge at a specific time point is significantly higher than that in the TOU pattern.

Referring to FIG. 4B, according to the RTP information, data changes in real time with time.

On the other hand, the energy information (I) is transmitted and received in a true or false signal, such as a Boolean (Boolean) on the network system, the actual price information is transmitted and received, or a plurality of levels transmitted and received, or the energy information (I) is time information Can be converted and transmitted and received. Hereinafter, information related to electricity will be described by way of example.

When the specific component C receives a true or false signal such as a Boolean, one of the signals is recognized as an on-peak signal, and the other signal is off-peak. ) Can be recognized as a signal.

In contrast, a particular component may recognize information about at least one driving including an electric charge, and the specific component compares the recognized information value with the reference information value to compare the on-peak and off-peak ( off-peak).

For example, when a specific component recognizes leveled information or actual price information, the specific component compares the recognized information value with the reference information value to turn on-peak and off-peak. Recognize.

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

The reference information value may be set in real time or may be 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 (for example, the energy consumption unit) recognizes an on-peak (for example, a recognition time point), the output may be zero (stopped or stopped) and the output may be reduced. The specific component may determine the driving method in advance before starting the operation, or may change the driving method when the on-peak is recognized after starting the operation.

And, if a particular component recognizes an off peak, the output can be restored or increased as needed. That is, when a specific component that recognizes an on peak recognizes an off peak, the output may be restored to a previous state or increased more than the previous output.

At this time, even when the specific component recovers the output or increases the output after recognizing the off-peak, the total power consumption and / or the total electricity bill for the entire operating time of the specific component is reduced.

Alternatively, when the specific component recognizes an on-peak (for example, a recognition time point), the output may be maintained when the specific component is operable. At this time, the operable condition means that the information value for driving is below a certain standard. The information value related to the driving may be information about an electric charge, power consumption, 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 recognizes an on-peak (eg, a 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 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 operating period of a particular component is the total power consumption or total power when the specific component operates at normal output. It can be lower than the electricity bill.

When the specific component recognizes an off-peak (for example, a recognition time), the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start to be driven before the set time, or a component having a large output among a plurality of components may be driven first.

In addition, in the case of 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 in the hot water tank by driving the heater in advance of the scheduled operation time of the heater. This is to reduce the electricity bill by operating in the off-peak in advance to operate in the on-peak to come later.

Alternatively, when a specific component recognizes an off-peak (eg, a recognition time), power storage may be performed.

In the present invention, the specific component (for example, the energy consumption unit) may maintain, reduce or increase the output. Thus, a particular component can include a power changing component. Since the power can be defined by current and voltage, the power variable component can include a current regulator and / or a voltage regulator. For example, the power variable component may be operated according to a command generated from an energy management unit.

Meanwhile, the energy curtailment 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 with a true or false signal, for example, as a Boolean on a network system. That is, a turn off signal or a lower power signal may be transmitted and received.

When the specific component recognizes the energy saving information, as described above, the output can be zeroed (if the stop or stop state is recognized) or the output can be reduced (if the lower power signal is recognized). have.

As another example, the energy saving information may include time information. The time information is information on the length of time to reduce energy. The method for reducing energy may vary according to the time information.

For example, when the length of time to reduce the energy is greater than the reference value, the home appliance may operate in the load delay mode. On the other hand, when the length of time to reduce the energy is less than the reference value the home appliance can operate in the load temporary delay mode.

In the present specification, a function for receiving a specific component that receives energy saving information to operate correspondingly may be referred to as a demand response function. And, when the length of time to reduce the energy is more than the reference value, the capability (Capability) that can operate a specific component in the load delay mode may be referred to as the delay appliance load capability (Delay Appliance Load Capability). In addition, when the length of time to reduce the energy is less than the reference value, the ability to operate a specific component in the load temporary delay mode (Capability) may be referred to as Temporary Appliance Load Reduction Capability.

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

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

When the specific component receives the emergency information as the schedule information, the specific component may increase the output before the arrival of the emergency time point to perform the same operation as the off-peak operation of the specific component described above. . In addition, the specific component may be shut down at an emergency time.

The grid reliability information is information about the quality of electricity, which is much or less of the amount of electricity supplied, and is transmitted / received by a true or false signal, such as a Boolean, or supplied to a component (for example, an electric product). The component may determine the frequency of the AC power.

That is, if an under frequency is detected (recognized) below the reference frequency of the AC power supplied to the component, it is determined that the amount of supply electricity is low (supply electricity shortage information), and the frequency higher than the reference frequency of the AC power is over. If detected (recognized), it may be determined that the amount of supply electricity is large (supply amount of electricity 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 maintain a still state), reduce the output, maintain the output, or increase the output.

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.

The energy increase information is information on a state in which surplus electricity is generated since the amount of electricity consumed by the component consuming energy is small compared to the amount of power generation, and may be transmitted / received as a true or false signal, for example, as a Boolean.

When the specific component recognizes the energy increase information, the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start to be driven before the set time, or a component having a large output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of the refrigerator to increase the output than the existing output supercooled, or in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine, the hot water can be stored by driving the heater in advance than the scheduled time of operation of the heater.

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. In this case, the section in which the high cost information is recognized may be referred to as a high cost section.

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 that is understood to be relatively low in energy bills. In this case, a section in which the low cost information is recognized may be referred to as a low cost section.

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 rate, the time period (region: time period) according to the energy rate or the price period (region: pricing period) for determining the driving method of the component is divided into at least two or more recognition can do.

For example, when information related to energy is recognized as a boolean signal, two time zones 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 energy is provided in 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, the first information (I1) unprocessed, the second information (I2) that is the information processed from the first information, and the function of the specific component It may be divided into third information (I3) which is information for performance. 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 number of times without converting only the signal.

For example, as shown in the figure, any component that receives a signal including the first information I1 may only convert a signal and transmit a new signal including the first information I1 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 first information or 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.

For example, 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, the second information and the third information, or may transmit only the third information.

When the 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 the present specification, corresponding to a received message means storing data, processing data (including generating additional data), generating a new command, sending a newly generated command, and simply passing the received command to another component. Command can be generated together), 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 corresponds to this to generate the second information by processing the first information, generate the second information, and generate new third information, Only third information can be generated.

In detail, when the energy management unit 24 receives the first information (internal information and / or external information), the energy management unit 24 generates second information and / or third information to establish the home network. It may transmit to one or more components (for example, energy consumption unit) constituting. The energy consumption unit 26 may operate according to the third information received from the energy management unit 24.

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

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

That is, in the present embodiment, the first component 31 serves as a gateway. For example, the first component 31 may be one of an energy management unit, an energy measuring unit, a central management unit, an energy network assistance unit, and an energy consumption unit.

In the present invention, the component acting as a gateway not only enables communication between components that communicate using different communication protocols, but also enables communication between components that communicate using the same communication protocol.

The second to fourth components 32, 33, and 34 may each be one of an energy generator, an energy distributor, an energy manager, an energy storage unit, an energy measurer, a central manager, an energy network assistant, and an energy consumer. have.

The first component 31 may receive information from the utility network 10 or one or more components constituting the utility network 10, and transmit or process the received information to process the second to fourth components. Can be sent to (32, 34). For example, when the first component 31 is an energy measuring unit, the first component may receive electric charge information and transmit the electric charge information to an energy management unit, an energy consumption unit, or the like.

Each of the second to fourth components may communicate with another component. For example, the first component 31 is an energy measuring unit, the second component is an energy management unit, and the energy management unit may communicate with one or more energy consumption units.

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

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

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

And, the first component 41 can communicate with one or more components (eg, third and fourth components 43, 44), and the second component 42 can be one or more components (eg, a fifth And sixth component 45, 46.

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

Each of the third to sixth components may be one of an energy generator, an energy distributor, an energy manager, an energy measurer, a central manager, an energy network assistant, and an energy consumer.

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

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

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

Referring to FIG. 8, the home network 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an energy measuring unit 25 capable of real-time measuring power and / or electricity rates supplied from the utility network 10 to each home. For example, the smart meter includes an energy management unit 24 connected to the energy measuring unit 25 and an electric appliance and controlling 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, a refrigerator 61, a washing machine 62, an air conditioner 63, a dryer 64, or a cooking appliance 65 through a network inside the home. It can be connected to electrical appliances such as to communicate bidirectionally.

Communication in the home can be made through a wireless method such as Zigbee, wifi, Bluetooth, or the like, or through a wire such as power line communication (PLC), and one electric product can be connected to communicate with other electric products. .

9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of components for a network system of the present invention.

Hereinafter, as an example of a component for a network system, a refrigerator of the energy consumption unit will be described. The description of the refrigerator may be equally applied to other energy consumption units. In addition, it is noted that the description of the energy consumer may be applied to components other than the energy consumer.

Referring to FIG. 9, the refrigerator 61 for a network system according to the present invention may include communication means 71 for communicating with other components constituting the network system.

The communication means 71 may receive at least the energy saving information from another component. The energy reduction information may include time limit information for reducing energy.

The refrigerator 61 includes an input unit 72 capable of inputting a predetermined command, a display unit 73 displaying its own driving information or information recognized by the communication means 71, and at least the display unit 73. It may include a control unit 70 for controlling). The controller 70 may control the overall operation of the refrigerator 61.

When the display unit 73 includes a touch screen for inputting a command by a touch method, all or part of the input unit 72 may be included in the display unit 73. That is, all or part of the input unit 72 may be implemented in the display unit 73.

The refrigerator 61 includes a compressor 74 used to cool the inside of the refrigerator, a heater 75 for performing defrosting, an ice maker 76 for generating ice, and a fan for circulating cold air. It may further include a fan motor 77 for driving.

The controller 70 may receive information received by the communication means 71. The control unit 70 is based on the information received from the communication means 71 and the information input from the input unit 72, the compressor 74, the heater 75, the ice maker 76, the fan motor ( 77) and the like.

The compressor 74 may be turned on / off so that the temperature in the refrigerator maintains the target temperature.

If it is determined that defrosting of the evaporator (not shown) is necessary, the heater 75 may be turned on.

The ice maker 76 may include an ice removal means having a motor, for example, to drop the generated ice into a storage tank (not shown). In the present invention, the ice making device and the ice making means may be implemented by a known technique, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The refrigerator 61 may be set to perform a power saving function or a general function. The power saving function is a function for reducing energy consumption or energy use charges as compared to general functions. The power saving function may be performed based on energy information or by user setting. For example, the power saving function or the general function may be selected and changed in the input unit 72 or the display unit 73.

As another example, the power saving function or the general function may be automatically set according to whether the refrigerator 61 and other components can communicate. Alternatively, one of the power saving function and the general function may be automatically changed to another function or automatically changed to another function by a function switch button.

The mode for performing the power saving function may be referred to as a power saving mode, and the mode for performing the general function may be referred to as a normal mode. In the present embodiment, the power saving mode may include a plurality of modes.

The power saving function is the demand response function described above.

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display unit of a component according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 10, a screen displayed on the display unit of the refrigerator 61 is illustrated as an example.

Referring to FIG. 10, the display unit 73 may display a screen for selecting the request response function.

The selection unit 112 for selecting the request response function may be displayed on the screen. The request response function may be turned on or off using the selector 112.

For example, the selector 112 may include an on button and an off button or may include one button. When the selector 112 includes one button, on or off may be selected according to the number of times the button is pressed. Alternatively, when the selection unit 112 receives a command by a touch method, the bar may be moved while the bar for selecting on or off is touched to select on or off.

It should be noted that there is no limit to the method for turning on / off the request response function in the present invention.

The screen may display reduction time information 110 for reducing energy when the request response function is turned on. That is, time information included in the received energy saving information may be displayed.

For example, the screen may display one or more reduction time intervals for reducing energy within a time range of 24 hours.

The reduction time interval may include a start time and an end time. For example, in a time graph including 24 hours, the reduction time interval may be displayed to have a specific color. In addition, the current time may be separately displayed in the time graph. That is, the reduction time section and other sections may be displayed separately on the screen, and the display method is not limited to the example described above.

The maximum length of the reduction time interval that the component can receive may be, for example, 4 hours or less. The reference value for distinguishing the load delay mode from the load temporary reduction mode may be, for example, 11 minutes. However, in the present specification, the maximum length and the reference value may vary.

The user may vary the length of the reduction time interval displayed on the screen. For example, the length of the reduction time section may be reduced. The start time of the reduction time section may be delayed or the end time of the reduction time section may be advanced or the start time may be delayed and the end time may be advanced.

For example, the user may move the boundary line while touching the boundary line of the start time of the reduction time section. In addition, the user may move the boundary line while touching the boundary line of the end time of the reduction time section.

Then, when the current time reaches the start time of the reduction time interval, or when the current time coincides with the reduction time interval, the component is operated in the load delay mode or the load temporary reduction mode.

While the component is operating in the load delay mode or the load temporary reduction mode, the user can release the request response function. That is, when the component does not want to perform the request response function, the user may release the request response function by selecting the cancel button 114 or the release button. Alternatively, the request response function may be turned off by using the selection unit 112 to release the request response function.

On the screen, a selector 122 for selecting a defrost delay function may be displayed. In the present specification, the defrost delay function is a power saving function selected by a user. That is, the user may select the defrost delay function regardless of whether energy information is received.

The mode for performing the defrost delay function is also a power saving mode. Therefore, in the present invention, the power saving mode of the component (home appliance) may include at least a first power saving mode for performing the request response function and a second power saving mode for performing the defrost delay function. In addition, the first power saving mode may include a load delay mode and a load temporary reduction mode.

Since the on / off method of the defrost delay function using the selector 122 is the same as the on / off method of the request response function using the selector 112, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the defrost delay function is turned on, time information 120 to which defrost is to be delayed may be displayed. For example, in the screen, a delay time section in which defrost is to be delayed within a time range for 24 hours may be divided and displayed. In this case, one or more pieces of delay time section information may be displayed. The delay time interval may be stored in advance in a memory (not shown).

The delay time interval may include a start time and an end time. For example, in a time graph including 24 hours, the reduction time interval may be displayed to have a specific color. In addition, the current time may be separately displayed in the time graph. That is, the delay time section and other sections may be displayed on the screen separately, and the display method is not limited to the example described above.

The maximum length of the delay time interval may be, for example, 4 hours or less. In addition, a maximum length, a start time, and an end time of a delay time interval may be set when the component is initially manufactured. For example, when one delay time interval is set, the delay time interval may be from 6 am to 10 pm or from 3 pm to 7 pm. As another example, when two delay time intervals are set, the first delay time interval may be from 6 am to 10 pm and the second delay time interval may be from 3 pm to 7 pm.

When the defrost delay function is turned on, the set delay time interval may be displayed on the time graph.

The user may vary the length of the delay time interval displayed on the screen. For example, the length of the delay time section may be reduced. As another example, the start time or end time of the delay time interval may be changed.

For example, the start time of the delay time section may be delayed or advanced. Alternatively, the end time of the reduction time section may be advanced or delayed.

For example, the user may move the boundary line left and right while touching the boundary line of the start time of the delay time section. In addition, the user may move the boundary line left and right while touching the boundary line of the end time of the delay time section.

However, since the maximum length of the delay time section is set, if one of the start time and the end time of the delay time section is changed, but the changed delay time section exceeds the maximum length, the other of the start time and the end time is changed. It can be changed automatically. For example, when the delay time section is 3 pm to 7 pm, when the user changes the start time of the delay time section to 2 pm, the end time may be automatically changed to 6 pm. However, when the user changes the start time of the delay time section to 4 pm, the end time may not be changed.

When the defrost delay function is turned on, when the current time reaches the start time of the delay time interval or the start time of the current time and the delay time interval coincides, the defrosting operation of the component is limited. At this time, the user may release the defrost delay function. That is, when the user does not want the component to perform the request response function, the user may release the defrost delay function by selecting the cancel button 124 or the release button. Alternatively, the defrost delay function may be released by turning off the defrost delay function by using the selector 122.

In the present invention, the request response function and the defrost delay function cannot be turned on at the same time, and only one can be turned on. For example, when one of the request response function and the defrost delay function is turned on, the other function may be turned off. Of course, it is possible to turn off both the request response function and the defrost delay function.

At this time, the priority of the request response function and the defrost delay function may be set. That is, even when the defrost delay function is selected, when the current time reaches the start time of the reduction time section, the defrost delay function may be automatically turned off and the request response function may be turned on. Of course, in this case, the defrost delay function may be turned off, and information for informing the user that the request response function is turned on may be displayed on the display unit 73.

Meanwhile, the display unit 73 may display an energy consumption amount of the entire component or one or more energy consumption units constituting the component. The component can have an energy measurement.

The energy consumption may be displayed on the display unit 73 at regular time intervals. In this case, the energy consumption of the display unit 73 may be a cumulative amount within the predetermined time.

When the display unit 73 is applied to the refrigerator, when the refrigerator door is opened for a predetermined time or more, the door opening notification information may be displayed on the display unit 73. In this case, the door opening notification information displayed when the request response function is turned on and the door opening notification information displayed when the request response function is turned off may be displayed differently.

In the display unit 73, information for informing the cleaning time of the parts to be cleaned provided in the component may be displayed. At this time, the necessary parts of the cleaner may be a filter or a heat exchanger for heat exchange.

In addition, the display unit 73 may display warning information when the component consumes more than a predetermined value. In this case, the predetermined value may be set at the time of manufacture of the component or set by a user.

Meanwhile, information not displayed on the display unit 73 may be output from the sound output unit. In addition, the information displayed or not displayed on the display unit 76 may be transmitted to one or more components of the home network or the utility network.

In the following description, the component operates in response to the request response function.

11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining that the refrigerator is operated in the load delay mode in response to the request response function.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the load delay mode is a mode for limiting defrosting operation.

The operation of the refrigerator to maintain the temperature in the refrigerator at the target temperature is called general operation. The operation of the refrigerator for defrosting the evaporator is called defrosting operation. The operation of the refrigerator after defrosting is completed is called post-defrost operation. In general, the refrigerator operates in the order of normal operation, defrost operation, post-defrost operation, and general operation. However, in the present specification, operation after defrosting may be omitted. The defrosting operation may include a plurality of detailed operations. That is, the defrosting operation may include a first defrosting operation and a second defrosting operation. Alternatively, the defrosting operation may include the first defrosting operation, the second defrosting operation, or the post-defrosting operation.

First, the refrigerator is defrosted when defrosting of the evaporator is required during normal operation.

In the second defrosting operation, the compressor 74 is stopped and the heater 75 is turned on. In general, when the compressor 74 is turned on, the temperature in the furnace is raised.

In the first defrosting operation, the compressor 74 is operated so that the temperature in the refrigerator becomes a reference temperature lower than the set temperature before the second defrosting operation. That is, as the compressor 74 stops during the second defrosting operation, the temperature in the refrigerator is increased, so that the temperature in the refrigerator is lowered to a reference temperature before the second defrosting operation is started, thereby allowing the inside of the refrigerator during the second defrosting operation. The difference between the temperature and the set temperature is also minimized.

In the post-defrost operation, the compressor 74 is operated until the temperature in the refrigerator reaches the set temperature. At this time, in the normal operation, since the internal temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, the operation after the defrosting can be omitted as described above.

First, referring to FIG. 11, when the refrigerator receives the energy reduction information during the first defrosting operation or when the reduction time interval starts (hereinafter, the "receiving reduction signal" will be described as an example). The refrigerator performs normal operation until the reduction time interval ends.

When the reduction time interval ends, the refrigerator performs the first defrosting operation from the beginning. That is, when the refrigerator receives the reduction signal during the first defrosting operation, the refrigerator starts the first defrosting operation when the reduction time section ends after the first defrosting operation is terminated and after the normal operation.

According to the present embodiment, since the refrigerator is generally operated during the reduction time period, there is an advantage that the energy usage fee can be reduced as compared with the case of the first defrosting operation.

Next, referring to FIG. 12, when the first defrosting operation is completed and the refrigerator receives the reduction signal while the second defrosting operation is being performed, the refrigerator ends the second defrosting operation and performs operation after defrosting. Can be done. In addition, when the reduction time interval ends, the refrigerator may determine whether defrosting operation is necessary and start defrosting operation or normal operation.

At this time, when the operation after defrosting is terminated during the reduction time interval, the refrigerator may perform normal operation during the reduction time interval. Alternatively, when the post-defrosting operation is completed during the reduction time section and the defrosting operation is required during the normal operation, the refrigerator does not start the first defrosting operation in the reduction time section, and when the reduction time section ends The first defrosting operation may be started.

On the other hand, when the refrigerator receives the reduction signal while the refrigerator is in normal operation, the refrigerator may be continuously in normal operation.

In the present invention, the load delay mode may include a mode for limiting the operation of the ice breaking means. For example, when the refrigerator receives a reduction signal while the ice-making means is in operation, the ice-making means stops working, and when the reduction time interval ends, the ice-making means may operate.

In addition, even when the operation of the ice removal means is required within the reduction time section while the ice removal means is stopped, the moving means remains stopped within the reduction time section, and when the reduction time section ends, the The moving means is activated.

In the present invention, the load delay mode includes at least one of a defrosting operation limiting mode and an ice moving means limiting mode. That is, any one of the defrosting operation limiting mode and the moving means limiting mode may be applied, or both modes may be applied to the refrigerator.

On the other hand, the defrost delay function is the same as the function for limiting the defrost operation. That is, when the defrost delay function is turned on, if the delay time interval starts during the first defrosting operation as shown in FIG. 11, the first defrosting operation is terminated and the refrigerator is operated in general. When the delay time interval ends, the refrigerator restarts the first defrosting operation from the beginning.

In addition, when the delay time interval starts during the second defrosting operation as shown in FIG. 12, the second defrosting operation is terminated, and the refrigerator operates after defrosting.

As described above, even when the load delay mode is performed or the defrost delay function is turned on and the defrost operation is performed, the user can cancel the defrost delay function or the request response function by using the cancel buttons 114 and 124. have.

13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining that the refrigerator is operated in the load temporary reduction mode in response to the request response function.

First, referring to FIG. 13, when the refrigerator receives the reduction signal during the first defrosting operation, the first defrosting operation is stopped and the refrigerator stops the operation. That is, the compressor 10 and the fan motor 77 are stopped. The heater 75 maintains a stopped state. When the reduction signal is received while the anisotropic means is in operation, the operation of the ice means is stopped. When the reduction signal is received while the moving means is stopped, the moving means remains stopped.

When the reduction time section ends when the operation of the refrigerator is stopped, the refrigerator resumes the first defrosting operation. That is, when the reduction time interval ends, the interrupted first defrosting operation is restarted without restarting the first defrosting operation from the beginning.

Next, referring to FIG. 14, when the refrigerator receives the reduction signal during the second defrosting operation, the second defrosting operation is stopped, and the refrigerator stops the operation. That is, the heater is stopped. When the reduction signal is received while the anisotropic means is in operation, the operation of the ice means is stopped. Alternatively, when the deceleration signal is received while the moving means stops, the moving means maintains the stopped state.

When the reduction time interval ends when the operation of the refrigerator is stopped, the refrigerator resumes the second defrosting operation. That is, when the reduction time interval ends, the stopped second defrosting operation is restarted without restarting the first defrosting operation or the second defrosting operation from the beginning.

On the other hand, if the reduction reduction section is started while the refrigerator is in normal operation, the operation of the refrigerator is stopped. The component that was turned on stops working. As an example, the operation of the compressor and the fan motor may be stopped.

In the above embodiment, the reduction time section and the delay time section may be collectively referred to as a time limit section.

On the other hand, when the request-response function or the defrost delay function is turned on and the refrigerator is limitedly operated in response to the request-response function or the defrost delay function, the limited operation corresponding to the request-response function or the defrost delay function within a predetermined time. This may not be performed again. For example, when the defrosting operation of the refrigerator is limited in response to the request response function or the defrost delay function, the request response function or the defrost delay function is turned on within 24 hours, and the current time is the start time of the time limit section. Even if the defrosting operation may not be limited. The reason for this is to prevent the cooling performance of the refrigerator itself from being lowered when the defrosting operation is restricted a plurality of times within a predetermined time.

60: refrigerator 73: display unit
74: compressor 75: heater

Claims (15)

Communication means for receiving information relating to energy from the outside;
An input unit configured to receive a command for selecting an operation mode of the refrigerator;
A control unit for receiving information from the input unit or the communication means;
It includes a compressor and a heater that can be operated by the control unit,
The controller determines whether the power saving mode is turned on and whether defrosting operation is necessary.
The controller may further include limiting the defrosting operation within the limited time period when the limited time period starts while the defrosting operation is performed while the power saving mode is turned on. The method of claim 1,
The control unit, the refrigerator to stop the defrost operation within the time period. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit starts the defrosting operation from the beginning after the time limit ends. 3. The method of claim 2,
The defrosting operation includes a first defrosting operation and a second defrosting operation performed after completion of the first defrosting operation.
And when the time limit section is started during the first defrosting operation, the controller controls the first defrosting operation to be started from the beginning after the time limit section ends. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit, the refrigerator to control the general operation for cooling in the refrigerator within the time period. The method of claim 3, wherein
The defrosting operation includes a first defrosting operation and a second defrosting operation performed after completion of the first defrosting operation.
When the time limit section is started during the second defrosting operation, the controller controls the first defrosting operation to be started from the beginning after the time limit period ends, or determines whether the defrosting operation is necessary. . The method according to claim 6,
The defrosting operation further includes a post-defrosting operation performed after completion of the second defrosting operation.
And the controller is configured to control the post-defrost operation to be performed after the second defrosting operation starts when the time limit period starts during the second defrosting operation. The method according to claim 6,
The control unit, when the limited time interval starts during the second defrosting operation, the control unit, the refrigerator to terminate the second defrosting operation to control the normal operation for cooling in the refrigerator. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit, the refrigerator to resume the defrosting operation stopped after the time period is finished. The method of claim 9,
The defrosting operation includes a first defrosting operation and a second defrosting operation performed after completion of the first defrosting operation.
And when the time limit section is started during the first defrosting operation, the control unit resumes the first defrosting operation after the time limit section ends. The method of claim 9,
The defrosting operation includes a first defrosting operation and a second defrosting operation performed after completion of the first defrosting operation.
And when the time limit section is started during the second defrosting operation, the control unit resumes the second defrosting operation after the time limit section ends. The method of claim 9,
The refrigerator stops the operation of the compressor and the heater in the time period. 3. The method of claim 2,
The defrosting operation is divided into a plurality of operations, and when the time limit period is started while any one of the plurality of operations is performed, the one operation is stopped, the other operation is performed refrigerator. 14. The method of claim 13,
And the other operation is an operation to be performed after the end of the one operation. The method of claim 1,
The time period is a refrigerator that is received from the outside through the communication means, or is stored in a memory not shown.

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