WO2012105642A1

WO2012105642A1 - Controller, control method therefor, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2012105642A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/052368
Authority: WO
Inventors: 茂浦田; 立志中嶋
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2011-02-03
Filing date: 2012-02-02
Publication date: 2012-08-09
Also published as: JP2012163222A; JP5015332B1

Abstract

A home controller (10) estimates the amount of power generated by sunlight during a specific period, and estimates the amount of power consumed by an electrical device during the specific period on the basis of the history of the amount of power consumed by the electrical device. Then, the home controller (10) estimates the amount of hot water which can be supplied by a storage-type hot water supplying device using the power generated by sunlight during the specific period, on the basis of the estimated amount of power to be generated during the specific period and the estimated amount of power to be consumed during the specific period.

Description

Controller, control method thereof, and storage medium

The present invention relates to a controller, a control method thereof, and a storage medium, and in particular, in a power supply system including a hot water storage hot water supply apparatus that uses the power of photovoltaic power generation, the control method thereof, and the controller. The present invention relates to a storage medium storing a program.

Conventionally, power generated by solar power generation has been used. In particular, interest and expectations for the use of solar power generation are increasing from the viewpoint of energy consumption in consideration of the environment in recent years. Regarding the use of solar power generation, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-002702) discloses a technique for generating hot water in a hot water storage hot water supply apparatus using solar power generation. In the said patent document 1, according to weather forecast information, it is determined whether the electric power by photovoltaic power generation or commercial electric power is used for the production | generation of warm water by a hot water storage type hot-water supply apparatus.

JP 2008-002702 A

According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the use of excess hot water by a hot water storage type hot water supply device has not been studied. In order to improve the utilization efficiency of sunlight, it is important to improve the efficiency of conversion to electric power in solar power generation, but it is also important to effectively use the electric power generated by solar power generation.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the utilization efficiency of sunlight in a power supply system.

The controller according to the present invention is a controller that controls the operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus. The controller includes a memory for storing a history of power consumption of the electric device, and a processor. The processor predicts a power generation amount in a specific period of the solar power generation device that generates power with sunlight. The solar power generation device supplies power to a hot water storage type hot water supply device and an electric device. The processor predicts the power consumption of the electrical device for a specific period based on the history stored in the memory, and stores the hot water storage based on the predicted power generation amount for the specific period and the predicted consumption for the specific period. The amount of hot water that the hot water supply device can supply in a specific period by power supply from the solar power generation device is predicted.

Preferably, the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus can supply hot water to the washing machine, and the processor controls the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus to the washing machine based on the predicted amount of hot water.

Preferably, the processor controls the amount of water supplied to the hot water storage type hot water supply device based on the predicted amount of hot water.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a designating unit that designates a hot water supply destination to be supplied to the hot water storage type hot water supply device, and the processor controls the hot water supply amount to the designated hot water supply destination based on the predicted hot water amount.

Preferably, an acquisition unit that acquires weather prediction information is further provided, and the processor predicts the amount of power generation based on the acquired weather prediction information.

The storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium in which a computer-executable program for controlling the operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus is recorded non-temporarily. The said program makes the said computer perform the step which estimates the electric power generation amount of the specific period of the solar power generation device which generate | occur | produces with sunlight. The solar power generation device supplies power to a hot water storage type hot water supply device and an electric device. The program further includes the step of predicting the power consumption of the electrical device for a specific period based on the history stored in the memory, and the power generation amount for the predicted specific period and the predicted power generation for the specific period. Based on the consumption, the hot water storage type hot water supply device further executes a step of predicting the amount of hot water that can be supplied in a specific period by supplying power from the solar power generation device.

The controller control method according to the present invention is a controller control method for controlling the operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus. The control method includes a step of predicting a power generation amount in a specific period of a solar power generation apparatus that supplies power to a household electric appliance group including a hot water storage hot water supply apparatus, and an electric apparatus other than the hot water storage hot water supply apparatus in the household electric appliance group Predicting the amount of power consumed in a specific period of time, the amount of power generation in the predicted specific period, and the amount of power consumed in the predicted specific period, the hot water storage hot water supply device supplies power from the solar power generation device Predicting the amount of hot water that can be supplied during a specific period.

According to the present invention, the amount of hot water that the hot water storage type hot water supply device can supply hot water in a specific period by power supply from the solar power generation device is predicted.

This makes it possible to make a utilization plan for the amount of hot water, so that the utilization efficiency of sunlight can be improved in the power supply system.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the control system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the home controller of FIG. It is a flowchart of the process for calculating the amount of hot water which can be supplied to a washing machine performed in the home controller of FIG. It is a flowchart of the process for adjusting the opening degree of the valve for the hot water supply to a washing machine performed in the home controller of FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the modification of the control system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the modification of the home controller of FIG. It is a flowchart of the process for adjusting the opening degree of the valve for the hot water supply to the designated hot water supply destination performed in the home controller of FIG.

Hereinafter, a control system including a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their names and functions are also the same. Detailed description of these will not be repeated. Note that in this specification, “home appliance” is an abbreviation for household electric appliances.

[System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, control system 1 includes a home controller 10, a photovoltaic power generation device 20, an intelligent power conditioner 30 (hereinafter referred to as “power conditioner 30”), a household appliance group 40, and a hot water supply device. 50.

The solar power generation device 20 is a power device that receives sunlight in the daytime and converts the light energy of the received light into electric power.

The power conditioner 30 is a device that converts electricity generated by the solar power generation device 20 and connects it to a home power system so that it can be used in the home. In the control system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the electric power generated based on sunlight in the solar power generation device 20 is supplied to the household appliance group 40 and the hot water supply device 50 (a heat pump 52 described later). The power conditioner 30 sends power generation amount information indicating the amount of power (power generation amount) generated by the solar power generation device 20 to the home controller 10. The power generation amount information is information indicating the power generation amount per unit time. Note that the power conditioner 30 is connected not only to the solar power generation device 20 but also to a commercial power source and a storage battery (not shown).

The home appliance group 40 includes at least electric devices such as an air conditioner 41, a television 42, a refrigerator 43, and a washing machine 44.

The home controller 10 can acquire at least the power consumption of each home appliance for each home appliance included in the home appliance group 40. Further, the home controller 10 acquires power generation amount information from the power conditioner 30.

The home controller 10 also predicts the power generation amount of the solar power generation device 20 for a specific future period (for example, the next day) by acquiring weather prediction information. For prediction of the power generation amount, for example, the home controller 10 obtains weather prediction information (for example, weather forecasts such as “sunny”, “cloudy”, “sunny after rain”) by connecting to a specific server via the network, etc. However, it is realized based on the weather forecast information. The home controller 10 further predicts the power consumption amount for each specific period of each home appliance of the home appliance group 40 based on the past performance value or the like. The power consumption predicted here is the consumption of household appliances other than the hot water supply device 50 (a heat pump 52 to be described later) among the devices to which the power generated by the solar power generation device 20 using sunlight is supplied. is there.

The hot water supply device 50 includes a hot water storage tank 51 and a heat pump 52. Water supplied from the outside is stored in the hot water storage tank 51. The hot water supply device 50 is provided with a path 6 </ b> D through which water circulates between the hot water storage tank 51 and the heat pump 52. The heat pump 52 heats the water in the path 6 </ b> D sent from the hot water storage tank 51 by being supplied with the electric power generated in the solar power generation device 20 via the power conditioner 30. Water (hot water) heated by the heat pump 52 is stored. That is, in the hot water storage tank 51, tap water supplied from an external water source through the

paths

6A and 6E and water (hot water) heated in the heat pump 52 are mixed and stored.

Hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 51 is supplied to a hot water supply part 60 provided in the house. The hot water supply part 60 has a faucet 61 for supplying hot water as washing water for the washing machine, a faucet 62 for supplying hot water for cooking in the kitchen, a faucet 63 for supplying hot water as shower water, and A faucet 64 for supplying hot water for bathing in the bathtub is included.

In the hot water supply device 50, adjusting

valves

54, 55, 57 for adjusting the ratio of the supply of tap water supplied from the outside via the path 6 </ b> A and hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 51 to each faucet. Is provided. The home controller 10 controls the degree of opening and closing of the regulating

valves

54, 55, and 57 according to various settings.

Further, the hot water supply device 50 is provided with an adjustment valve 53 for adjusting the amount of tap water supplied to the hot water storage tank 51 from an external water source.

The water supply path from the regulating valve 53 to the hot water storage tank 51 is shown as a path 6E. Further, a path of water supply (hot water supply) from the hot water storage tank 51 to the adjustment valve 54 is shown as a path 6F. A water supply (hot water supply) path from the regulating valve 54 to the tap 64 is shown as a path 6M.

A hot water supply path from the hot water storage tank 51 to the regulating valve 55 is shown as a path 6G. Hot water in the path 6G and tap water supplied from outside through the path 6A are mixed by the regulating valve 55 and sent to the path 6H. The hot water sent to the path 6H is sent to the distributor 56 that distributes the hot water to the paths supplied to the faucet 61, the faucet 62, and the faucet 63, respectively. Hot water in the path 6H is distributed through the distributor 56 into three paths: a path 6L that follows the faucet 63, a path 6K that continues to the faucet 62, and a path 6B that continues to the regulating valve 57. It is assumed that the distributor 56 sends the hot water sent to the path 6H to the three paths, the path 6L, the path 6K, and the path 6B, at a constant rate.

Hot water introduced into the path 6B is introduced into the path 6J through the adjustment valve 57, and is used as washing water for the washing machine 44 through the faucet 61 from the path 6J. Note that tap water may also be supplied to the washing machine 44 via the path 6A and the faucet 65. The washing machine 44 that receives water from the

faucets

61 and 65 and the washing machine 44 that receives power supply from the power conditioner 30 may be the same device or different devices.

In the present embodiment, the home controller 10 predicts the power consumption of the next day in the home appliance group 40, and further predicts the amount of power that can be supplied to the heat pump 52 the next day, and further Accordingly, the amount of hot water heated to a specific temperature in the hot water storage tank 51 is predicted. Then, the home controller 10 predicts the amount of hot water that can be supplied as washing water to the washing machine 44 based on the prediction result of the hot water amount. The home controller 10 adjusts the degree of opening and closing of the adjustment valve 57 so that hot water from the hot water storage tank 51 is supplied to the faucet 61 by the amount of hot water that can be used as washing water.

[Hardware configuration of home controller 10]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the home controller 10 according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, home controller 10 includes a display 101, a touch sensor 102, an input unit 104, a communication interface 105, a motor driver 106, a microphone 107, a speaker 108, a memory interface 109, and a processor. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 111, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112. The home controller 10 can also be realized by a general-purpose computer having an information processing function, for example.

In the home controller 10, the touch sensor 102 is provided on the display 101. The display 101 and the touch sensor 102 constitute a touch panel 103. The touch sensor 102 receives an input of information by being touched from outside.

The home controller 10 includes an input unit 104 including an input device such as a power button in addition to the touch sensor 102. The input unit 104 receives input of information by operating the buttons and the like from the outside. Note that the input unit 104 may be configured by software keys displayed on the display 101.

The CPU 110 controls the operation of the home controller 10 by executing a program stored in the memory 111 or the like. The RAM 112 functions as a work area for the CPU 110.

In the home controller 10, the CPU 110 can also accept voice input via a microphone (microphone) 107. The CPU 110 can also communicate with an external device via a communication interface 105 in a wired or wireless manner. The CPU 110 can also read and / or write information from / to the storage medium 200 that is detachable from the home controller 10 via the memory interface 109.

The CPU 110 implements the functions described in the present specification by executing a program stored in the memory 111 and / or the storage medium 200.

In the home controller 10, the memory 111 and / or the storage medium 200 are illustrated as storage media to be read / written by the CPU 110. In this specification, these storage media are collectively referred to as a memory 111 or the like as appropriate.

As the storage medium 200, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory), USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory card, FD (Flexible Disk), Hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, MO (Magnetic Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (excluding memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only A medium for storing the program in a nonvolatile manner, such as Memory).

The home controller 10 includes

valve motors

53A, 54A, 55A, and 57A that are motors for adjusting the degree of opening and closing of the

adjustment valves

53, 54, 55, and 57, respectively. The home controller 10 also includes a motor driver 106 for driving the

valve motors

53A, 54A, 55A, 57A. The CPU 110 controls the driving of the

valve motors

53A, 54A, 55A, and 57A by the motor driver 106. By controlling the drive of each valve motor, the open / closed state of each regulating

valve

53, 54, 55, 57 is adjusted.

The memory 111 and the like store data for predicting the power consumption of each home appliance on the next day and data for predicting the power generation amount of the solar power generation device 20. As an example of the data for predicting the power consumption of each household appliance on the next day, the power consumption of each household appliance in the past specific period (for example, for one year) is mentioned. Tables 1 to 4 show examples of stored contents of power consumption of each home appliance.

Table 1 stores the daily electricity consumption of the air conditioner 41. In Table 1, the power consumption of each day is represented by symbols such as “WA001” and “WA002”.

Table 2 shows a history of power consumption per day of the television 42. In Table 2, the power consumption of each day of the television 42 is indicated by symbols such as “WT001” and “WT002”.

Table 3 shows the daily power consumption history of the refrigerator 43. In Table 3, the power consumption of each day of the refrigerator 43 is indicated by symbols such as “WR001” and “WR002”.

Table 4 shows a history of power consumption for each day of the washing machine 44. In Table 4, the power consumption of each day of the washing machine 44 is indicated by symbols such as “WW001” and “WW002”.

For example, the CPU 110 communicates with the power conditioner 30 via the communication interface 105 to acquire the amount of power supplied to each home appliance for each day, measured by the power conditioner 30. 4 is stored in the memory 111 or the like as the power consumption of each day as shown in FIG.

Further, the home controller 10 stores the amount of power generated (that is, the amount of power generation) in the solar power generation device 20 for each day. An example of the stored data is shown in Table 5.

Referring to Table 5, in the memory 111 and the like, the power generation amount of each day of the solar power generation device 20 is represented by symbols such as “WG001” and “WG002”. In Table 5, information specifying the day's weather (such as “sunny” and “cloudy”) is stored along with the power generation amount of each day. As shown in Table 5, the CPU 110 records the weather of each day together with the power generation amount of each day by acquiring the weather information of each day via the communication interface 105.

[Water supply treatment]
As described above, in the control system 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of water supplied to the hot water storage tank 51 is controlled by the CPU 110 by controlling the driving state of the valve motor 53A, thereby controlling the open / closed state of the regulating valve 53. Thus, the amount of water supplied to the hot water storage tank 51 is controlled. Moreover, in the control system 1, as described above, the amount of hot water the next day to supply hot water for the washing water in the washing machine 44 is determined based on the power generation amount of the solar power generation device 20 and the predicted value of the power consumption amount of the home appliance group 40. calculate. Here, a process for calculating the amount of hot water that the CPU 110 can supply to the washing machine 44 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 which is a flowchart of the process.

Referring to FIG. 3, CPU 110 executes the processing when a specific time (for example, 5:00 am) arrives on each day.

Referring to FIG. 3, for example, if CPU 110 determines that the specific time has arrived, CPU 110 first predicts the amount of power generated by solar power generation apparatus 20 on that day in step SA10. CPU110 reads the electric power generation amount of the same day of the same month of the previous year memorize | stored in the memory 111 grade | etc., For example, and makes the read said electric power generation amount the predicted value of electric power generation amount.

In addition, the CPU 110 acquires the weather forecast information for the day from a server on the network via the communication interface 105, and generates power generation from the sunshine time derived based on the weather forecast information. The amount can also be predicted. The sunshine hours can be obtained from, for example, sunrise time and sunset time. In addition, information (table or function) that associates the sunshine time with the power generation amount is registered in the memory 111 or the like in advance, and the CPU 110 calculates the power generation amount using the information.

In addition, the CPU 110 generates power in the same weather as the weather specified by the weather forecast information for the day acquired through the communication interface 105 in the record of power generation for about a week before and after the same day of the same month in the previous year. The predicted value of the power generation amount for the day may be calculated by calculating the average value of.

Here, the CPU 110 can acquire weather prediction information from the storage medium 200 via the touch sensor 102 and / or the input unit 104 or the memory interface 109 if the weather prediction information can be acquired via the communication interface 105. You can also

After predicting the power generation amount of the day at step SA10, the CPU 110 predicts the power consumption of the day for each home appliance included in the home appliance group 40 at step SA20.

Here, for example, the CPU 110 can predict the power consumption of each home appliance by using the power consumption history as described with reference to Tables 1 to 4 for each home appliance. Specifically, the power consumption amount on the same day of the same month of the previous year can be read, and the read consumption amount can be used as a predicted value.

In addition, the CPU 110 reads the power consumption of each home appliance for about one week before and after the same day of the same month of the previous year, and calculates the average power consumption of the same day and / or the day of the same weather as the power consumption of each home appliance. It can be a predicted value of consumption.

And in step SA20, CPU110 acquires the predicted value of the power consumption of the household appliance group 40 of the day by calculating | requiring the sum of the predicted value of the power consumption of the day acquired about each household appliance.

Next, in step SA30, the CPU 110 calculates a surplus power amount. Specifically, the surplus power amount is calculated by subtracting the predicted power consumption value of the household appliance group 40 acquired in step SA20 from the predicted power generation amount acquired in step SA10.

Next, in step SA40, the CPU 110 calculates a surplus hot water amount that is an amount of hot water that can be acquired from the surplus power amount calculated in step SA30.

In addition, calculation of the amount of surplus hot water in step SA40 is implement | achieved by calculating the quantity of the tap water which can be heated to the hot water supply temperature in the heat pump 52 by the surplus electric power calculated in step SA30, for example.

[Adjustment of degree of opening of valve for hot water supply to washing machine]
In the control system 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of hot water supplied to the washing machine 44 for washing is determined based on the amount of surplus hot water calculated as described above. In the control system 1, the degree of opening of the regulating valve 57 and the degree of opening are adjusted according to the amount of hot water supply. Hereinafter, such adjustment of the adjustment valve will be described with reference to FIG. 4 which is a flowchart of processing for the adjustment. In addition, the control valve 55 shall be adjusted to the predetermined fixed opening degree, when the control system 1 operate | moves normally.

CPU110 starts the process shown in FIG. 4 after the hot water volume calculation process demonstrated with reference to FIG. 3, for example. In step SB10, CPU 110 reads the surplus amount of hot water calculated in step SA40, and proceeds to step SB20.

In step SB20, the CPU 110 determines the amount of hot water that can be supplied as washing water to the washing machine 44 on the day of the surplus hot water amount acquired in step SB10, and advances the process to step SB30.

In step SB20, for example, the amount of hot water that can be supplied as washing water to the washing machine 44 on the day is calculated by subtracting the predicted value of the amount of hot water consumed via the faucets 62 to 64 from the amount of surplus hot water. In addition, the predicted value of the amount of hot water supplied through the taps 62 to 64 is stored in the memory 111 or the like in the past, and the amount of hot water supplied on the same day of the same month in the previous year, It can be obtained by obtaining the average value of the hot water supply amount for about one week before and after the same day of the same month as the previous year.

Note that the amount of hot water supplied from each faucet is, for example, a meter for each faucet, or the history of opening / closing operations (and / or opening / closing control) of the valve motor 54A, valve motor 55A, and valve motor 57A, Can be calculated.

Next, in step SB30, the CPU 110 obtains the opening time of the faucet 61 for supplying hot water to the washing machine 44 during the washing operation in the washing machine 44, and advances the process to step SB40. Note that the release time is stored in advance in the memory 111 or the like.

In step SB40, the CPU 110 opens the regulating valve (regulating valve 57) for supplying hot water to the washing machine 44 for supplying the amount of hot water calculated in step SB20 to the washing machine 44 with the opening time acquired in step SB30. The degree is calculated, and the process proceeds to step SB50.

In step SB40, the memory 111 or the like stores information that specifies the relationship between the degree of opening of the regulating valve 57 and the amount of hot water supplied from the tap 61 per unit time. In step SB40, the degree of opening of the adjustment valve 57 is calculated based on the amount of hot water acquired in step SB20, the opening time acquired in step SB30, and the relationship stored in the memory 111 or the like.

In step SB50, the CPU 110 drives the valve motor 57A to finish the process.

[Modifications, etc.]
In this Embodiment demonstrated above, the electric power generation amount per day by the solar power generation device (solar power generation device 20) which generate | occur | produces with sunlight is estimated by step SA10. In the present embodiment, “one day” is an example of “a specific period” in the controller according to the present invention. The period for which the amount of power generation is predicted is not limited to one day in the present embodiment, but may be every month, every two weeks, or the like.

Moreover, in this Embodiment, the process of step SA20 WHEREIN: The said specific of the electric power of electric appliances other than the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus (hot water supply apparatus 50) included in the household appliances group which a solar power generation device supplies electric power. Power consumption for the period is predicted. Note that the period for predicting the power consumption is not limited to “one day” described in this embodiment as long as it is the same as the period for predicting the power generation amount of the solar power generation device.

In step SB20, the amount of hot water that the hot water storage type hot water supply device (hot water supply device 50) can supply to a specific device is predicted.

The controller (home controller 10) controls the degree of opening and closing of the adjustment valve 57 for adjusting the amount of hot water supplied to the device based on the amount of hot water predicted as described above.

In the present embodiment, the amount of power consumed by the home appliance group is predicted in advance among the amount of power generated by the solar power generation device, and surplus power is calculated.

Then, the amount of hot water that can be supplied with surplus power is calculated.
Control is performed so that the amount of hot water that can be supplied by the surplus power can be supplied as much as the washing water in the washing machine 44.

Thereby, in the washing machine 44, hotter water (hot water) can be used as washing water. Since the washing machine 44 can use high-temperature water as washing water, the washing efficiency of the laundry (clothing, etc.) in the washing machine 44 can be improved.

There are the following advantages when the amount of hot water supplied to the washing machine 44 is changed in accordance with the amount of hot water supplied by surplus power. That is, since the washing water in the washing machine 44 does not directly touch the human body like a shower or a bathtub, the temperature control does not need to be strictly performed. Therefore, it is considered that the washing water of a washing machine that does not require strict temperature control is suitable as an apparatus for determining the amount of hot water supply by surplus power that is considered to vary greatly from day to day.

It should be noted that the device that sets the maximum amount of hot water supplied according to the surplus power is not limited to the washing machine 44. For example, the amount of hot water supplied by surplus power may be determined for uses such as washing water used for car washing.

[Variation of adjustment of degree of opening of valve for hot water supply to washing machine]
In the process described with reference to FIG. 4, the washing machine 44 is a device that sets the maximum amount of hot water supplied according to the surplus power. In addition, the apparatus to which the amount of hot water is set in this way may be determined by being designated by the user.

(System configuration)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system 1 changed in this way. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the home controller 10 of the control system 1 of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the present modification, the following changes are made to control system 1 with respect to control system 1 described with reference to FIG.

The distributor 56 and the faucet 62 are provided with an adjusting valve 58 for controlling the amount of hot water supplied to the faucet 62 per unit time. A hot water supply path from the distributor 56 to the adjustment valve 58 is a path 6K, and a hot water supply path from the adjustment valve 58 to the faucet 62 is a path 6P.

Also, the distributor 56 and the faucet 63 are provided with an adjusting valve 59 for controlling the amount of hot water supplied to the faucet 63 per unit time. A hot water supply path from the distributor 56 to the adjustment valve 59 is a path 6L, and a hot water supply path from the adjustment valve 59 to the faucet 63 is a path 6Q.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the present modification, the control system 1 further includes a valve motor 58 </ b> A that controls the opening / closing of the regulating valve 58 and the regulating valve as compared to the control system 1 described with reference to FIG. 1. Further included is a valve motor 59A for controlling opening and closing of 59. The motor driver 106 further drives the valve motor 58A and the valve motor 59A.

(Adjustment processing of regulating valve)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for adjusting the adjustment valve for hot water supply to a designated device, which is executed by the CPU 110 of the home controller 10 in the control system 1 of the present modification. FIG. 7 corresponds to a flowchart of a modification of the process shown in FIG. The CPU 110 of the present modification starts the process shown in FIG. 7 after the hot water amount calculation process described with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 7, in step SC10, CPU 110 reads the surplus hot water amount calculated in step SA40, and further receives input of information (designated hot water destination) for specifying a supply destination for supplying hot water generated by surplus power. Then, the process proceeds to step SC20. The designated hot water supply destination is input by the user operating the touch panel 103 and / or the input unit 104, for example. In the present modification, the designated hot water supply destination is selected from any of a washing machine (faucet 61), a kitchen (faucet 62), and a shower (faucet 63).

In step SC20, CPU 110 determines the amount of hot water that can be supplied as washing water to the designated hot water supply destination from the surplus hot water amount acquired in step SC10 on the day, and advances the process to step SC30.

In step SC20, for example, the amount of hot water that can be supplied to the designated hot water supply destination on the day is calculated by subtracting the predicted value of the amount of hot water consumed via the faucets 62 to 64 from the amount of surplus hot water. Note that the predicted value of the amount of hot water supplied through the taps 62 to 64 is the same as in step SB20, the past hot water supply amount from each tap is stored in the memory 111, and the same day of the same month of the previous year is stored. It can be obtained by obtaining the hot water supply amount or the average value of the hot water supply amount for about one week before and after the same day of the same month as the previous year.

Next, in step SC30, CPU 110 obtains the time predicted to be opened on the day of the designated hot water supply faucet, and proceeds to step SC40. It is assumed that the opening time (opening accumulated time) of each faucet each day is stored in advance in the memory 111 or the like. In step SC30, CPU 110 obtains, for example, the opening time of the previous day of the faucet at the specified hot water supply destination as a predicted value of the opening time of the faucet on that day. Instead of the opening time of the previous day, the opening time of the same day in the same month of the previous week or the previous year may be acquired as a predicted value of the opening time.

In step SC40, the CPU 110 adjusts the hot water supplied to the designated hot water supply destination (adjustment valve 57, adjustment valve) for supplying the hot water amount calculated in step SC20 to the designated hot water supply destination with the opening time acquired in step SC30. 58 and / or the opening degree of the regulating valve 59) is calculated, and the process proceeds to step SC50.

In step SC40, in the memory 111 or the like, for each of the regulating valve 57, the regulating valve 58, and the regulating valve 59, the degree of opening and the amount of hot water supplied from the

taps

61, 62, 63 per unit time are set. It is assumed that information specifying the relationship is stored. In step SC40, based on the amount of hot water acquired in step SC20, the opening time acquired in step SC30, and the relationship stored in the memory 111 or the like, the adjustment valve 57, the adjustment valve 58, and / or The degree of opening of the regulating valve 59 is calculated.

In step SC50, CPU 110 determines whether or not the opening degree of each regulating valve determined in step SC40 exceeds the range set for each opening degree. If it is determined that it has not exceeded, the process proceeds to step SC70. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has exceeded, the process proceeds to step SC60.

In this modification, an upper limit is set for the temperature of the hot water supplied from the faucet for each of the faucet 62 and the faucet 63. Based on this, the degree of opening of the regulating valve 58 corresponding to the upper limit temperature of the hot water supplied from the faucet 62 is stored in the memory 111 or the like as the first upper limit value. In addition, in the memory 111 and the like, the degree of opening of the regulating valve 59 corresponding to the upper limit temperature of hot water supplied from the faucet 62 is stored as the second upper limit value.

In step SC50, when the opening degree of the adjustment valve 58 is calculated in step SC40, the CPU 110 determines whether the opening degree exceeds the first upper limit value, and in step SC40, the adjustment valve 58 When the degree of opening 59 is calculated, it is determined whether the degree of opening exceeds the second upper limit value. Then, if it is determined that neither of them has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step SC70, and if it is determined that at least one has exceeded, the process proceeds to step SC60.

In step SC60, CPU 110 changes the degree of opening determined to be permitted to the maximum value in the allowable range, and proceeds to step SC70. Specifically, in step S60, CPU 110 changes the opening degree to the first upper limit value if the opening degree of regulating valve 58 calculated in step SC40 exceeds the first upper limit value, and step SC40. If the opening degree of the regulating valve 59 calculated in (1) exceeds the second upper limit value, the opening degree is changed to the second upper limit value.

In step SC70, CPU 110 drives the valve motor corresponding to the designated hot water supply destination to the degree of opening calculated in step SC40 (or the degree of opening changed in step SC60), and ends the process. Let

According to this modification described above, hot water from surplus power can be supplied to the specified hot water supply to the maximum extent. Furthermore, according to this modification, when an upper limit value is set for the temperature of hot water supplied to each designated hot water supply destination, hot water can be supplied so as not to exceed the upper limit value.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

10 home controller, 20 solar power generator, 30 power conditioner, 40 household appliances group, 41 air conditioner, 42 TV, 43 refrigerator, 44 washing machine, 50 hot water supply device, 51 hot water storage tank, 52 heat pump.

Claims

A controller (10) for controlling the operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply device,
A memory (111, 200) for storing a history of power consumption of the electric device;
A processor (110),
The processor predicts a power generation amount for a specific period of a solar power generation device that generates power with sunlight,
The solar power generation device supplies power to the hot water storage hot water supply device and the electrical equipment,
The processor is
Based on the history stored in the memory, predict the power consumption of the electrical device for the specific period,
Based on the predicted power generation amount in the specific period and the predicted consumption amount in the specific period, the hot water storage hot water supply device can supply hot water in the specific period by supplying power from the solar power generation device. Predict the controller.
The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus can supply hot water to the washing machine,
The controller according to claim 1, wherein the processor controls a hot water supply amount from the hot water storage type hot water supply device to the washing machine based on the predicted hot water amount.
The controller according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor controls a water supply amount to the hot water storage type hot water supply device based on the predicted hot water amount.
Further comprising a designating unit for designating a hot water supply destination to be supplied to the hot water storage type hot water supply device;
The controller according to claim 1, wherein the processor controls a hot water supply amount to the designated hot water supply destination based on the predicted hot water amount.
It further includes an acquisition unit that acquires weather forecast information,
The controller according to claim 1, wherein the processor predicts the power generation amount based on the acquired weather prediction information.
A computer-readable storage medium (111, 200) in which a program that can be executed by a controller that controls the operation of a hot water storage type hot-water supply device is recorded temporarily.
The program is stored in the controller.
A step of predicting the amount of power generated in a specific period of the solar power generation device that generates power with sunlight,
The solar power generation device supplies power to the hot water storage hot water supply device and the electrical equipment,
The program is further stored in the controller.
Predicting power consumption of the electrical device for the specific period based on a history stored in the memory;
Based on the predicted power generation amount in the specific period and the predicted consumption amount in the specific period, the hot water storage hot water supply device can supply hot water in the specific period by supplying power from the solar power generation device. A storage medium that further executes the step of predicting.
A control method of a controller for controlling the operation of a hot water storage type hot water supply device,
Predicting a power generation amount for a specific period of a solar power generation device that supplies power to a group of household electrical appliances including the hot water storage type hot water supply device;
Predicting the consumption amount of electric power of the electric appliances other than the hot water storage type hot water supply device in the household electrical appliance group, and
Based on the predicted power generation amount in the specific period and the predicted consumption amount in the specific period, the hot water supply type hot water supply device can supply hot water in the specific period by supplying power from the solar power generation device. A method for controlling the controller.