WO2015072029A1 - Controller, energy management system, power equipment, energy management method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

In a home energy management system (HEMS) controller (100), a storage unit stores multiple schedules in which users and time inputted by users are associated with one another. An identification unit identifies an equipment (160A, 160B, 160C, 160D) which is associated with a user as indicated in the schedule. A control unit controls the identified equipment at the time corresponding to the schedule. When a surplus of power is generated, the control unit advances the time of schedules classified in a permitted group in which the advancement of time is permitted from among the schedules stored in the storage unit, and lets the identified equipment begin to implement a control at the advanced time.

Description

Controller, energy management system, power equipment, energy management method, and program

The present invention relates to a controller, an energy management system, an electric power device, an energy management method, and a program for managing electric power in a house.

A HEMS (Home Energy Management System) is installed in a home having at least one device, and controls power supply to the device. The HEMS includes a power generation system using natural energy such as solar power generation, and a power storage system that stores power generated by the power generation system and power from a commercial power source. The HEMS can supply power to devices by linking a power generation system and a power storage system in a house and a commercial power supply, or can operate independently by disconnecting a power line in the house from the commercial power supply.

The amount of power consumed by the device, the amount of power generated by the power generation system, and the amount of power stored in the power storage system change sequentially depending on the use of the device, time zone, weather, switching between cooperation and independence. At that time, surplus may occur in the electric power generated by the power generation system.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that operates a device and consumes surplus power when surplus power is generated. According to Patent Literature 1, the system predicts a time when surplus power is generated and a surplus power amount, and selects a combination of devices that can use the predicted surplus power amount most efficiently.

JP 2011-061992 A

However, according to the above-described conventional technology, the combination of devices is selected according to the surplus power, and the user's schedule and preferences are not considered. Accordingly, just because the surplus power can be consumed most efficiently does not necessarily mean that the device is conveniently controlled by the user.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can reduce a power generation waste loss and conveniently use surplus power for a user, an energy management system, a power device, an energy management method, and The purpose is to provide a program.

In order to solve the above problems, a controller according to the present invention provides:
A storage unit for storing a plurality of schedules for associating a user and a time input by the user;
A determination unit for determining a device associated with the user indicated by the schedule;
A control unit that controls the identified device at a time associated with the schedule;
With
When the surplus power is generated, the control unit advances the time of the schedule classified into the permitted group permitted to advance the time among the stored schedules, and controls the determined device. Let the device start at an earlier time.

廃 棄 Power generation waste loss can be reduced and surplus power can be used conveniently for the user.

It is a figure which shows the structure of an energy management system. It is a figure which shows the structure of a HEMS controller. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a layout definition table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which receives the input of basic information. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an apparatus-room correlation table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which receives the input of matching with a room and an apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a room-user matching table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which receives the input of matching with a room and a user. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a schedule table. It is a figure explaining the schedule ahead. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the past power consumption and the schedule which is not advanced. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the past power consumption and the schedule brought forward. It is a figure which shows the log | history of operation | movement of an apparatus. It is a figure explaining the characteristic of the power consumption by an apparatus. It is a figure explaining transition of the amount of power consumption before and behind change of an operation mode. It is a figure explaining the characteristic of the power consumption by an apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure of a state table. It is a figure explaining the structure of a setting table. It is a flowchart explaining an apparatus control process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an energy management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The energy management system 1 monitors the power consumption, state, and the like of various devices installed in a house (inside a customer) and controls the operation of various devices.

The HEMS controller 100 controls the entire energy management system 1. The HEMS controller 100 communicates with a device 160 installed in a home such as an air conditioner (described as 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D in FIG. 1) by wireless or wired, and acquires information indicating the state of the device 160. . For example, the HEMS controller 100 acquires information such as the temperature set in the air conditioner, the setting of cooling and heating in the air conditioner, and whether or not the television receiver is turned on.

The device 160 operates with electric power. Specifically, the device 160 is, for example, an air conditioner, a television receiver, a floor heating system, a hot water supply system, a ventilation system, a refrigerator, a lighting fixture, or an IH (Induction Heating) cooking heater.

Also, the HEMS controller 100 causes the device 160 to execute processing based on information indicating the state acquired from the device 160. The HEMS controller 100 operates the device 160 according to the operation mode switched by the distribution board 140.

There are two types of operation modes of the energy management system 1. One is a cooperative mode in which the power line 170 is connected to a commercial power source and receives power supply from the commercial power source. In the cooperation mode, in addition to power from the commercial power source, power generated by the power generation system 120 and power stored by the power storage system 130 can be supplied to the home. In the cooperation mode, the power generated by the power generation system 120 can be supplied to a commercial power source (sold to a power company or the like).

The other is that the power line 170 is disconnected from the commercial power supply, and the power generated by the power generation system 120 and / or the power stored in the power storage system 130 is supplied to the house without receiving power supply from the commercial power supply. This is a self-supporting mode. In the self-supporting mode, the HEMS controller 100 restricts the functions that can be used by the device 160 so that the user can use the device 160 and the like for as long as possible while suppressing the power consumption of the entire energy management system 1. Details will be described later.

Switching of the operation mode is performed by the distribution board 140 based on the measurement result indicating the supply state of power from the commercial power source. Typically, the linkage mode is set when the commercial power supply is not interrupted, and the self-sustained mode is set when a commercial power failure is detected.

The power conditioner 110 includes a control unit 111, a DC / AC switching device (PCS) 112, and a bidirectional PCS 113.

The control unit 111 controls charging and discharging by the PCS 112 and the bidirectional PCS 113.

The PCS 112 converts the direct current generated by the power generation system 120 into an alternating current and supplies it to the power line 170.

The bidirectional PCS 113 supplies the direct current generated by the power generation system 120 to the power storage system 130 or converts the alternating current supplied from the commercial power source into a direct current and supplies the direct current to the power storage system 130. In addition, the bidirectional PCS 113 converts the electric power stored in the power storage system 130 into an alternating current and supplies it to the power line 170.

The power generation system 120 generates power by solar power generation. However, the power generation method is not limited by the present invention.

The power storage system 130 stores the power generated by the power generation system 120 and the power supplied from the commercial power source. An electric vehicle can also be used as part of the power storage system 130.

The distribution board 140 includes a plurality of breakers, and connects the commercial power supply and the power line 170. The commercial power source and the power line 170 can be connected or disconnected by opening and closing the main breaker. Moreover, the power line 170 is branched to each room in the house by a branch breaker connected to each branch circuit branched from the distribution board 140.

The measuring unit 150 measures the amount of power consumed in the home and the amount of power generated by the power generation system 120.

Next, the configuration of the HEMS controller 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

The input unit 201 includes input devices such as a keyboard and buttons. The input unit 201 receives an instruction input from the user.

The display unit 202 includes a display device such as a display.

The storage unit 203 includes a nonvolatile memory. In addition to the program executed by the control unit 205, the storage unit 203 includes a layout definition table 300 for defining the layout of the room in the house shown in FIG. 3A and each device or system to be controlled by the HEMS controller 100 shown in FIG. 4A. A device-room association table 400 that defines installation locations in the home, a room-user association table 500 that defines associations between devices and systems and users shown in FIG. 5A, and a schedule table 600 shown in FIG. Remember. Details will be described later.

The communication unit 204 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) and communicates with the device 160 and the measurement unit 150.

The control unit 205 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs such as an operating system, a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as a work area, and the like. The control unit 205 executes the program stored in the storage unit 203 and controls the entire HEMS controller 100.

As the HEMS controller 100, a general server, mainframe, personal computer, or the like can be used.

FIG. 3A shows a configuration example of a layout definition table 300 in a two-story single-family house. The layout definition table 300 stores a room identification number, the number of floors in which the room is located, the name of the room, and the size of the room in association with each other. The control unit 205 can appropriately change the layout definition table 300 based on an input from the user.

FIG. 3B shows a configuration example of a screen that accepts input of basic information from the user in the energy management system 1. This screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display when the energy management system 1 is set up, for example. The user uses this screen to input basic information such as a house layout and family structure. The control unit 205 creates or updates the layout definition table 400 based on the input content from the user.

FIG. 4A shows a configuration example of the device-room association table 400. In the device-room association table 400, the identification number of the device 160 installed in the room and the name of the device 160 are stored in association with the identification number of the room. A characteristic value such as the rated power of the device 160 may be further stored.

For example, when the user purchases a new device 160 and installs it in a room, the user operates the HEMS controller 100 to display a screen for editing the device-room association table 400, and the room and device in which the device 160 is installed. Enter a name of 160 or the like. The control unit 205 appropriately changes the device-room association table 400 based on input from the user.

FIG. 4B shows a configuration example of a screen on which the user inputs the association between the room and the device 160. The user drags and moves an icon 401 representing the device 160 (three icons 401A, 401B, and 401C in the figure) into a frame representing the installed room. The control unit 205 generates or updates the device-room association table 400 based on an input from the user.

The HEMS controller 100 may update the device-room association table 400 by acquiring information from a server on the outside network. The HEMS controller 100 receives an input of the model number and serial number of the device 160 from the user and transmits it to the server, and the server acquires a characteristic value such as the rated power of the device 160 corresponding to the model number and serial number from the server. The device-room association table 400 may be updated using the characteristic value acquired from the server by the HEMS controller 100.

For example, when the user drags an icon 401A representing an air conditioner into the living area on the screen shown in FIG. 4B, the control unit 205 arranges an image representing the air conditioner in the living area. The image representing the device 160 does not have to faithfully reproduce the appearance of the device 160 actually installed by the user. Further, the position where the image is arranged does not have to faithfully reproduce the place where the user actually installed.

FIG. 5A shows a configuration example of the room-user association table 500. The room-user association table 500 stores information indicating the person who mainly uses the room in association with the identification number of the room. For example, the living room having the identification number “103” is associated with four persons, a father, a mother, a son, and a daughter.

FIG. 5B shows a configuration example of a screen for inputting a correspondence between a room and a user. The user drags and moves icons 501 representing the users (in the figure, 501A, 501B, and 501C) into a frame representing the room, and designates a user who mainly uses the room. The control unit 205 generates or updates the room-user association table 500 based on the input content using this screen.

When the device-room association table 400 and the room-user association table 500 are combined, since the room identification number is a common key, the correspondence between the device 160 and the user can be obtained.

For example, according to the device-room association table 400 shown in FIG. 4A, the study with the identification number “102” includes the air conditioner with the identification number “0001” and the home appliance (the television receiver) with the identification number “0002”. TV) and the floor heating system with the identification number “0003” are associated with each other. Further, according to the room-user association table 500 shown in FIG. 5A, “Father” is associated with the study with the identification number “102”. Therefore, the control unit 205 associates three of the air conditioner with the identification number “0001”, the home appliance with the identification number “0002”, and the floor heating system with the identification number “0003” with “Father”. Determine. Similarly, the control unit 205 determines a user associated with the device 160 for all the devices 160.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the schedule table 600. The schedule table 600 is input by the user using the input unit 201 or the terminal device (not shown) of the HEMS controller 100 and stored in the storage unit 203. One schedule is associated with the user, the contents of the schedule, the start date / time of the schedule, and the end date / time of the schedule.

The control unit 205 of the HEMS controller 100 can control the device 160 based on the schedule stored in the schedule table 600. For example, according to the schedule table 600 shown in FIG. 6, “Father” will be away from work at home from 7:30 on October 31, 2013 to 19:30 on October 31, 2013. Is included. Therefore, the control unit 205 stops the cooling of the air conditioner installed in the room “study (identification number 102)” associated only with “father” at the scheduled start date and time.

Instead of being associated with a specific user, a schedule with which a specific device 160 is associated may be registered in the schedule table 600. The control unit 205 causes the device 160 to start executing the set processing when the start date / time of the schedule associated with the specific device 160 is reached. In addition, when the end time of the schedule is reached, the control unit 205 causes the device 160 to end the execution of the process set for the device 160. In this case, the control unit 205 does not need to refer to the device-room association table 400 and the room-user association table 500.

Next, device control processing performed by the HEMS controller 100 will be described. The amount of power generated by the power generation system 120 varies depending on the weather, time zone, and the like. Further, the amount of power stored in the power storage system 130 varies depending on the operation status of the device 160, the operation mode of the energy management system 1, and the like.

When power generation by the power generation system 120 is possible and there is a surplus capacity in the power storage system 130, electricity generated by the power generation system 120 can be stored in the power storage system 130. However, there is a limit to the amount of power that can be stored. If there is no free capacity in the power storage system 130, power cannot be stored, and there is a possibility that an electric waste loss will occur. Therefore, the HEMS controller 100 of the present embodiment generates as little loss as possible by changing the operation schedule of the device 160 or adjusting the operation mode of the device 160.

(1) Power storage When the amount of power generated by the power generation system 120 exceeds the power consumption of the entire energy management system 1 and there is a free capacity in the power storage system 130, the energy management system 1 sends the generated surplus power to the power storage system 130. store. When there is no more free space in the power storage system 130, power storage is stopped and the schedule change described below is performed.

(2) Change of schedule When surplus power is generated and there is no more free space in the power storage system 130, the control unit 205 refers to the schedule registered in the schedule table 600, and the device 160 set by the schedule. The device 160 is made to consume surplus power by accelerating the time at which the operation starts. In the following description, that the HEMS controller 100 advances the start time of the schedule set by the user is expressed as “schedule ahead”.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a schedule registered in the schedule table 600. In the schedule S1, a scheduled start time T2 and an end time T4 are set in association with the user U1. The control unit 205 determines a room associated with the user U1 based on the room-user association table 500. Further, the control unit 205 determines the device P associated with the determined room based on the device-room association table 400. That is, the control unit 205 determines that the target to be controlled according to the schedule S1 is the device P.

In the schedule S2, a scheduled start time T3 and an end time T5 are set in association with the device Q. The object to be controlled according to the schedule S2 is the device Q.

When the control unit 205 determines that surplus power has occurred at time T1 earlier than the start time T2 set in the schedule S1, the control unit 205 is classified into a group that is allowed to advance (hereinafter referred to as “permitted group”). Determine if there is a schedule.

The schedule includes a schedule that is classified into a permitted group that is allowed to be advanced and a schedule that is classified as a group that is not allowed to be advanced (hereinafter referred to as “non-permitted group”).

Permission schedules are grouped with schedules that are associated with processing that can realize a more comfortable living environment for the user by advancing the start time without affecting the user's life even if the start time is advanced. It is desirable that a schedule for performing a process having a high effect of storing energy is classified into a permission group. For example, schedules such as advancing the time for starting cooling and heating, advancing the time for starting cooling water in the hot water supply system, and the like are classified into the permission group.

However, if there is a large gap between the time when surplus power is generated and the start time of the schedule, the schedule may be classified as an unauthorized group. The control unit 205 is a schedule in which the start time is set within a preset time width after the time when the surplus power is generated and after the time when the surplus power is generated. Classify schedules into allowed groups. This time width serving as the threshold may be determined in advance by the control unit 205 or may be designated by the user.

For example, if a schedule for starting heating is set, but it is scheduled to start 12 hours after surplus power is generated, this schedule should not be advanced. If the start time is set within a preset time width from the time when surplus power is generated, the control unit 205 classifies the schedule for starting heating into a permission group. However, the control unit 205 classifies the schedule for starting the heating into the non-permitted group if the start time is set in addition to the preset time width from the time when the surplus power is generated.

In the non-permitted group, schedules that do not necessarily realize a comfortable environment for the user and advance a waste of electricity are classified by advancing the start time. For example, the schedule for turning on the lighting device is usually meaningless if the user is absent or in the daytime, even if the start time is advanced. In addition, the effect of storing energy is small. Therefore, in this embodiment, the schedule for lighting the lighting device is classified into the non-permitted group.

When surplus power is generated and a schedule that is classified into a permission group is registered, the control unit 205 first advances the schedule associated with the user among all schedules included in the permission group. Candidate for schedule. When there are a plurality of schedules associated with the user, each of the plurality of schedules is a candidate.

The control unit 205 selects at least one schedule from the candidates. Then, the control unit 205 advances the start time of the selected schedule.

When the two schedules shown in FIG. 7 are registered, the control unit 205 selects the schedule S1 associated with the user as the schedule to be brought forward. The control unit 205 changes the time T1 earlier than the start time T2 set in the schedule S1 to the start time of the schedule S1. That is, execution of the process associated with the schedule S1 is started at time T1 when surplus power is generated.

When there are a plurality of schedules classified into permission groups, the control unit 205 advances the schedule one by one in accordance with a predetermined priority order, and repeats the advance until all surplus power is consumed. Good.

Next, the control unit 205 sets a schedule associated with the device 160 among all schedules included in the permission group as a schedule candidate to be moved forward. When there are a plurality of schedules with which the device 160 is associated, each of the plurality of schedules is a candidate. Then, the control unit 205 selects at least one schedule from the candidates, and advances the start time of the selected schedule.

For example, the control unit 205 selects the schedule S2 associated with the device Q when there is surplus power after the schedule S1 is moved forward at time T1 and the process is started. The control unit 205 further advances the schedule S2.

In this embodiment, the schedule with which the user is associated is advanced with priority over the schedule with which the device 160 is associated. However, the control unit 205 may advance the schedule associated with the device 160 in preference to the schedule associated with the user.

For example, the energy management system 1 further includes a sensor that detects whether or not there is a user in the house, and the control unit 205 determines that the user exists in the house (there is a family member in the house). Priority is given to the schedule with which the user is associated, and if it is determined that there is no user in the house (the whole family is out), the schedule with which the device 160 is associated is prioritized. May be.

The control unit 205 may detect the user with an infrared sensor, or may detect the user based on whether a tag owned by the user can communicate with the HEMS controller 100 or not.

The control unit 205 may classify the schedule into a permitted group or a non-permitted group based on an input from the user. For example, on the screen that accepts schedule input, the control unit 205 may accept an input designating whether or not to allow advance for each schedule, and classify the schedule based on the accepted input.

Alternatively, the control unit 205 may classify the schedule into a permitted group or a non-permitted group according to the content of the schedule. For example, when a schedule associated with the start of cooling or the start of heating is registered, the control unit 205 automatically classifies the schedule into a permission group, and the schedule associated with lighting lighting is registered. In some cases, the schedule may be automatically classified into an unauthorized group.

In addition, the control unit 205 classifies schedules in which the start time is set within a preset time range from the current date and time into a permission group, and the start time is set within a preset time range from the current date and time. Unscheduled schedules may be classified into non-permitted groups.

(3) Estimation of surplus duration Even if surplus power is generated, surplus may disappear immediately due to various factors, or surplus may continue for a long time. Therefore, when surplus power is generated, the control unit 205 can estimate the time during which the surplus continues and determine whether to advance the schedule according to the estimation result.

The surplus duration time is estimated by the control unit 205 based on, for example, the date and time when surplus power occurs, the weather, temperature, and humidity when surplus power occurs, the past actual value of power consumption by the device 160, and the like. The

Specifically, the control unit 205 acquires the sunset time, that is, the time when power generation can no longer be performed from a database stored in the storage unit 203 in advance. The control unit 205 estimates the time from the time when the surplus power is generated to the time of sunset as the maximum value of the surplus duration.

Then, when the estimated maximum value of the duration time is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 205 determines that the surplus power is temporary and does not continue for a long time, and does not advance the schedule. On the other hand, when the estimated maximum value of the duration time is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that the generation of surplus power is not temporary and may continue for a long time, and the schedule classified into the permission group is advanced.

Further, the control unit 205 may acquire weather information including a weather forecast from a server on an external network such as the Internet, and estimate the surplus duration based on the acquired weather information.

For example, if the surplus occurs at 12:00 noon and sunset is at 18:00, the surplus may last up to 6 hours. However, if it is predicted that it will rain from 13:00 and stable power generation will not be possible, the surplus duration is estimated to be about 1 hour, and the surplus is likely to be eliminated soon. Therefore, when the estimated surplus duration is shorter than the threshold, the control unit 205 determines that the surplus will not last long even if the surplus occurs, and does not advance the schedule. On the other hand, if the estimated surplus duration is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 205 determines that the surplus continues for a long time, and advances the schedule classified into the permission group. Note that the threshold may be determined by the control unit 205 or may be specified by the user.

Further, the control unit 205 acquires the temperature and humidity measured by the thermometer and hygrometer installed in the energy management system 1, and estimates the surplus duration based on the acquired temperature and humidity. Good.

For example, if the temperature or humidity at the time when surplus power is generated is higher than the reference value and there is a user in the house, the power consumption increases due to execution of processing that is not on the schedule, such as turning on the user There is a high possibility of doing. Therefore, when the measured temperature or humidity is higher than the reference value and there is a user in the house, the control unit 205 estimates that the surplus does not last long and does not advance the schedule. On the other hand, when the measured temperature or humidity is equal to or less than the reference value and there is a user in the house, the control unit 205 estimates that the surplus will last for a long time, and advances the schedule classified into the permission group. The reference value may be determined by the control unit 205 or specified by the user.

In addition, even if the temperature or humidity at the time when the surplus power is generated is higher than the reference value, the control unit 205 determines that the surplus duration is based on the date and time, the weather, or the like as described above when there is no user in the house. It is possible to determine whether to advance the schedule based on the estimation result.

Further, the control unit 205 may store a history representing the transition of the past power consumption by the device 160 in the storage unit 203, and when surplus power is generated, the control unit 205 may estimate the surplus duration based on this history.

If surplus power is generated at a certain time, but the power consumption tends to increase around the same time in the past, or if the surplus is resolved immediately, it is highly probable that the surplus will not last long. Therefore, even if surplus power is generated, the control unit 205 determines that the surplus duration is short if the power consumption tends to increase around the same time in the past, and does not advance the schedule. On the other hand, the control unit 205 estimates that the surplus will continue for a long time if the power consumption tends to decrease or the surplus continues around the same time in the past, and advances the schedule classified into the permitted group. .

Note that the control unit 205 determines that the increase in power consumption per unit time is greater than the reference value, and determines that the increase is not greater than the reference value. Is determined. The reference value may be determined by the control unit 205 or specified by the user.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that surplus power is generated at time T1, and a schedule that starts at time T2 is registered. When the slope (= tan θ) of the approximate straight line 800 representing the transition of power consumption near the same time T1 in the past is a positive value, the control unit 205 estimates that the surplus generated at time T1 does not last long, and the schedule Do not advance S1.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the slope of the approximate straight line 800 is a negative value, the control unit 205 estimates that the surplus generated at time T1 will continue in the future, and sets the schedule S1 classified into the permission group. Move forward.

Note that the control unit 205 may determine that the power consumption does not increase even if the slope of the approximate straight line 800 is a positive value as long as it is equal to or less than a predetermined allowable value.

The control unit 205 may cancel the energy saving mode in which the capability of the device P is limited, and shift to the normal mode in which the capability of the device P is not limited, instead of moving forward the schedule. The HEMS controller 100 can reduce the power loss loss while canceling the energy saving mode and realizing an ideal environment for the user. The HEMS controller 100 can control the device according to the user's preference.

(4) Improvement of comfort The user may voluntarily reduce the capability of the device 160 in consideration of energy saving. For example, the user may be willing to cool more if possible, but may endure with a higher temperature set to reduce electricity bills. Therefore, in the case where surplus power is generated and it is estimated that there is an opening between the setting that the user considers ideal and the current setting, the user is requested to fill in the opening. Move closer to the ideal setting.

The control unit 205 stores the operation history of the device 160 in the storage unit 203 as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows an operation history of the air conditioner. The operation history is information in which the date and time when the process is executed and the process content are associated with each other. The control unit 205 stores not only the operation history of the device 160 when instructed by the HEMS controller 100 but also the operation history of the device 160 when instructed by the user in the storage unit 203.

The control unit 205 estimates a setting that the user considers ideal based on the operation history stored in the storage unit 203.

For example, if the number of times that the temperature set at the time of cooling is 27 degrees Celsius (hereinafter, all temperature units are in degrees Celsius) is most frequent, the control unit 205 is the most ideal for the user. It is estimated that the set temperature during cooling is 27 degrees.

If the cooling is in operation when surplus power is generated and the set temperature is 28 degrees, it is assumed that the user sets the temperature higher in consideration of power saving. The control unit 205 determines whether or not there is a gap between the current set temperature (28 degrees) and the estimated ideal temperature (27 degrees). In this case, the temperature opening is 1 degree. Therefore, the control unit 205 causes the air conditioner to lower the set temperature once in order to eliminate this opening. However, when the current set temperature is lower than the estimated ideal temperature, the control unit 205 does not change the set temperature.

For example, if the number of times that the temperature set at the time of heating is 20 degrees Celsius is the largest, the control unit 205 estimates that the most ideal setting temperature at the time of heating is 20 degrees.

If heating is in operation when surplus power is generated and the set temperature is 18 degrees, it is estimated that the user has set the temperature lower in consideration of power saving. The control unit 205 determines whether or not there is a gap between the current set temperature (18 degrees) and the estimated ideal temperature (20 degrees). In this case, the temperature opening is 2 degrees. Therefore, the control unit 205 causes the air conditioner to raise the set temperature twice in order to eliminate this opening. However, when the current set temperature is higher than the estimated ideal temperature, the control unit 205 does not change the set temperature.

The control unit 205 may treat the temperature specified in advance by the user as the ideal set temperature for the user, instead of estimating the ideal set temperature for the user based on the operation history.

・ Parameters representing the ideal environment for users are not limited to temperature. For example, in an indoor lighting fixture in which the brightness can be specified in a range from 0% (off) to 100%, when the brightness is set to 100% most frequently, the control unit 205 is most ideal for the user. The brightness is estimated to be 100%.

If surplus power is generated and the lighting fixture is on and the brightness is 50%, it is assumed that the user has set the brightness lower in consideration of power saving. The control unit 205 determines whether or not there is an opening between the current brightness (50%) and the estimated ideal brightness (100%). In this case, the brightness opening is 50%. Therefore, the control unit 205 causes the luminaire to increase the brightness to 100% in order to eliminate this opening. However, when the current brightness is larger than the estimated ideal brightness, the control unit 205 does not change the brightness of the lighting fixture.

Also, the parameter representing the ideal environment for the user may be represented by a combination of temperature and brightness. For example, when the cooling is set to 27 degrees and the illumination brightness is set to 100% most frequently, the control unit 205 has the most ideal environment for the user as the cooling is 27 degrees and the brightness. Is estimated to be 100%.

When surplus power is generated, if both cooling and lighting are turned on, and the cooling is set to 28 degrees and the brightness is set to 50%, the control unit 205 estimates that the current environment. It is determined whether or not there is a gap between the ideal environment to be used. In this case, the temperature opening is 1 degree and the brightness opening is 50%. Therefore, the control unit 205 causes the air conditioner to lower the set temperature by 1 degree, and causes the lighting fixture to increase the brightness to 100% in order to eliminate this opening.

The control unit 205 may execute the change of the set temperature of the cooling and the change of the brightness at the same time, but may execute them step by step with priority.

The control unit 205 may determine whether to give priority to the change in the cooling set temperature or the change in brightness based on the priority designation from the user. And the control part 205 may perform the change of the preset temperature of a cooling, or the change of a brightness in steps based on the determined priority.

For example, when the priority of the change in the set temperature of the cooling is set higher than the change in the brightness, when the surplus power is generated, the control unit 205 first sets the set temperature of the cooling to the air conditioner for the user. If there is still surplus power, the brightness of the luminaire is made closer to the ideal environment for the user.

Here, the set temperature of the air conditioner and the brightness of the lighting fixture are taken up as parameters representing the environment. However, the parameters representing the environment are not limited to these, and in addition, the strength of the air blow, the set temperature of the floor heating, There are strong and weak ventilation.

(5) Characteristics of power consumption by devices The categories into which the devices 160 are classified include various categories such as air conditioners, lighting fixtures, television receivers, floor heating systems, hot water supply systems, refrigerators, and IH cooking heaters. Even if they are included in the same category, the detailed characteristics may differ for each manufacturer, model number, and production lot. For example, even in the device 160 included in the category of air conditioner, the rated power and the like may differ between the latest air conditioner and the air conditioner released several years ago. The HEMS controller 100 according to the present embodiment can select a target device whose operation setting is to be changed when surplus power is generated, according to a difference in characteristics of each device 160.

FIG. 11 shows a transition of power consumption after startup, which is one of the characteristics of the device 160. In the first device corresponding to the characteristic curve 1101, the power consumption reaches a maximum value immediately after activation, and then gradually decreases. On the other hand, in the second device corresponding to the characteristic curve 1102, the power consumption gradually increases upon activation, and eventually reaches the maximum value in the stable state.

Activating means starting some operation from the standby state. For example, in the case of an air conditioner, cooling or heating is started from a standby state in which both cooling and heating are stopped.

In FIG. 11, in the case of the first device, the amount of power consumption immediately after startup is large, and it is efficient to immediately consume surplus power. In the case of the second device, the amount of power consumption immediately after startup is small, and it is inefficient to immediately consume surplus power. For this reason, the first device has a greater effect of reducing the disposal loss in a shorter time than the second device.

On the other hand, it is also possible to see differences in characteristics from different viewpoints. In other words, although the first device consumes a large amount of power immediately after startup, the second device exceeds the amount of power consumed by the second device when it is in a stable state. For this reason, the second device is more effective than the first device in reducing the disposal loss over a long period of time.

The control unit 205 can select whether to activate the first device or the second device depending on the situation when surplus power is generated.

For example, the control unit 205 preferentially activates the first device having a large amount of power consumption immediately after activation, and activates the second device having a small amount of power consumption immediately after activation if there is still surplus power.

Alternatively, in the estimation of the surplus duration described above, if it is estimated that the estimated duration is equal to or less than the threshold (the duration is relatively short), the control unit 205 determines that the power consumption immediately after startup is Many first devices are activated. On the other hand, when it is estimated that the duration is longer than the threshold (the duration is relatively long), the control unit 205 activates the second device that consumes a large amount of power when entering the stable state.

Alternatively, when the surplus power amount is larger than the threshold (the surplus power amount is relatively large), the control unit 205 activates the first device that consumes a large amount of power immediately after activation. On the other hand, when the surplus power amount is equal to or less than the threshold value (the surplus power amount is relatively small), the control unit 205 activates the second device that consumes less power immediately after activation.

The characteristic of the device 160 is not only the transition of power consumption after startup. For example, in the device 160 having a plurality of operation modes, the transition of power consumption when shifting from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, and when shifting from the second operation mode to the third operation mode. This is different from the trend of power consumption. Therefore, the control unit 205 selects an optimum operation mode in consideration of the combination of the operation mode at the time when surplus power is generated and the operation mode after the transition.

In a broad sense, the standby state in which the device 160 consumes only standby power and waits for an instruction from the user or the HEMS controller 100 is also one of the operation modes.

It is desirable that the control unit 205 selects an operation mode in which the increase in power consumption caused by changing the operation mode is closest to the surplus power. Ideally, it is desirable that the increase in power consumption caused by shifting the operation mode matches the surplus power. In addition, it is desirable that power purchase from a commercial power source does not occur as much as possible.

FIG. 12 illustrates the relationship between the operation mode before transition, the operation mode after transition, and the transition of power consumption. Data representing these relationships is stored in the storage unit 203 in advance. The transition of power consumption when the first device shifts from the standby state (OFF) to mode M1 is different from the transition of power consumption when the first device shifts from mode M3 to mode M2. Similarly, the transition of power consumption at the time of transition between the modes is different.

For example, when the first device is in a standby state (OFF) when surplus power is generated, the control unit 205 increases the amount of power consumption when shifting to the mode M1 and when shifting to the mode M2. The increase amount of power consumption is compared with the increase amount of power consumption when shifting to mode M3, and the mode whose increase amount is closest to the surplus power amount is selected. Then, the control unit 205 activates the first device in the selected mode.

When the surplus power can be eliminated more efficiently by changing the mode of the second device than changing the mode of the first device, the control unit 205, instead of changing the mode of the first device, The mode of the second device may be changed.

For example, when surplus power is generated when the first device is OFF and the second device is operating in mode M3, the control unit 205 increases the expected increase in power consumption for each of the five transition patterns. Calculate That is, (1) an increase in power consumption when shifting the first device from OFF to mode M1, (2) an increase in power consumption when shifting the first device from OFF to mode M2, (3 ) Increase in power consumption when shifting the first device from OFF to mode M3, (4) Increase in power consumption when shifting the second device from mode M3 to mode M2, (5) Second The amount of increase in power consumption when the device is shifted from mode M3 to mode M1. When the second device shifts from mode M3 to OFF, power consumption does not increase and is excluded.

If the control in which the amount of increase in power consumption is closest to the surplus power amount is control for shifting the second device from mode M3 to mode M2, the control unit 205 performs the second operation after surplus power is generated. Are moved from mode M3 to mode M2.

Further, the control unit 205 may estimate the surplus duration and select a transition pattern suitable for the duration.

For example, when it is estimated that the surplus duration is 30 minutes, the control unit 205 acquires the increase in power consumption after 30 minutes from the storage unit 203 for each of the five transition patterns described above. Then, the control unit 205 selects a transition pattern in which the increase in power consumption after 30 minutes is closest to the surplus power.

Alternatively, the control unit 205 acquires the power consumption for 30 minutes from the storage unit 203 for each of the five transition patterns described above. Then, the control unit 205 selects a transition pattern in which the total power consumption for 30 minutes is closest to the surplus power amount.

(6) Calculation of priority The HEMS controller 100 can digitize the magnitude of the influence on the entire energy management system 1 by moving the schedule forward and calculate the priority of the schedule to be moved forward. In the present embodiment, the parameters to be digitized include (a) a parameter Pa representing the degree of influence due to advance, (b) a parameter Pb representing the proximity of the schedule, (c) a parameter Pc representing the effect of the stored energy, ( d) There is a parameter Pd that represents the characteristic of power consumption. Each parameter Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd is comprehensively taken into consideration and the priority is determined.

(A) Parameter Pa representing the degree of influence due to advance
The control unit 205 quantifies the magnitude of the influence due to the advance in multiple stages. The control unit 205 discriminates the magnitude of the influence in four stages, for example, none, small, medium, and large. Then, the control unit 205 assigns points such as Pa = 1 if there is no influence, Pa = 2 if it is small, Pa = 3 if medium, Pa = 4 if large, and so on. Specific numerical values are arbitrary.

The size of the parameter Pa may depend on the number of users associated with the schedule in a schedule associated with one or more users. As the number of users associated with the schedule increases, the parameter Pa increases.

For example, if the number of users associated with the first schedule is 1 and the number of users associated with the second schedule is 3, the parameter Pa in the second schedule is the parameter in the first schedule. Greater than Pa.

Alternatively, the parameter Pa may depend on the length from the start time to the end time of the schedule. The longer the schedule period, the greater the parameter Pa.

For example, if the period of the first schedule is 1 hour and the period of the second schedule is 2 hours, the parameter Pa in the second schedule is larger than the parameter Pa in the first schedule.

Further, the size of the parameter Pa may depend on the number of devices 160 controlled by execution of the schedule. As the number of devices 160 controlled by execution of a certain schedule increases, the parameter Pa increases.

For example, if one air conditioner is controlled in the first schedule and one air conditioner and one hot water supply system are controlled in the second schedule, the parameter Pa in the second schedule is the same as that in the first schedule. It is larger than the parameter Pa.

(B) Parameter Pb representing the closeness of the schedule
The control unit 205 quantifies the closeness of the schedule, that is, the length of time from the time when the surplus power is generated to the start time of the schedule in a plurality of stages. For example, if the control unit 205 is 1 hour or more, Pb = 1, 30 minutes or more and less than 1 hour, Pb = 2, 15 minutes or more and less than 30 minutes, Pb = 3, if less than 15 minutes, Pb = 4, and so on. Points are given. Specific numerical values are arbitrary.

In this embodiment, the control unit 205 sets the parameter Pb to be larger as the time from the time when surplus power is generated to the start time of the schedule is shorter.

For example, if the time from the occurrence of surplus power to the start time of the first schedule is 30 minutes and the time from the occurrence of surplus power to the start time of the second schedule is 10 minutes, The parameter Pb is larger than the parameter Pb in the first schedule.

(C) Parameter Pc representing energy storage effect
The duration of the effect on the environment due to the operation of the device 160 differs for each device 160. For example, in cooling, once the air is cooled, the cooled air continues for a certain period of time even if the cooling is stopped. In the hot water supply system, once the cold water is warmed, the hot water state continues for a certain period of time even if the heating is stopped. On the other hand, lighting fixtures do not become too bright just because they are lit up quickly, but they quickly become dark when turned off. In other words, the effect of storing energy is small. The HEMS controller 100 determines the parameter Pc based on the duration of the effect, in other words, the magnitude of the energy storage effect.

The control unit 205 determines in advance the magnitude of the energy storage effect for each device 160 based on the duration of the effect, and sets the parameter Pc for each device 160 or each operation mode.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 205 classifies the magnitude of the effect into stages of less than 3 hours, 3 hours or more and less than 6 hours, 6 hours or more and less than 12 hours, and 12 hours or more. = 1, Pc = 2 if 3 hours or more and less than 6 hours, Pc = 3 if 6 hours or more and less than 12 hours, Pc = 4 if 12 hours or more, etc. Specific numerical values are arbitrary.

For example, in the first schedule, cooling is operated for 1 hour, in the second schedule, the hot water supply system is operated for 1 hour, and the duration of the cooling effect is 3 hours. If the time is 6 hours, the parameter Pc in the second schedule is larger than the parameter Pc in the first schedule.

(D) Parameter Pd representing the characteristic of power consumption
As described above, the method of changing the power consumption differs for each device 160. Further, even if the same device 160 is used, if there are a plurality of operation modes, the method of changing the power consumption amount differs for each operation mode. The HEMS controller 100 determines a parameter Pd representing the characteristic of the power consumption for each device or each operation mode.

The control unit 205 determines the parameter Pd based on the time required for the increase in power consumption to reach the target value when the operation mode of the device 160 is shifted.

For example, if the time required for the power consumption to reach the target value is 20 minutes or more, the control unit 205 is Pd = 1, if it is 10 minutes or more and less than 20 minutes, Pd = 2, if it is 1 minute or more and less than 10 minutes, Pd = 3 If it is less than 1 minute, a score is given such as Pd = 4. Specific numerical values are arbitrary.

FIG. 13 shows an example of the relationship between the passage of time and the power consumption. The first device corresponding to the line 1301 requires time TA until the power consumption reaches the target value. On the other hand, the second device corresponding to the line 1302 requires a time TB longer than the time TA until the power consumption reaches the target value. The first schedule controls the first device according to the transition of the power consumption amount indicated by the line 1301, and the second schedule controls the second device according to the transition of the power consumption amount indicated by the line 1302. If so, the parameter Pd in the first schedule is larger than the parameter Pd in the second schedule.

Using the parameters Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd described above, the control unit 205 calculates the priority based on [Equation 1].

Priority = Wa * Pa + Wb * Pb + Wc * Pc + Wd * Pd
... [Formula 1]
However, the operator “*” represents multiplication.

Wa, Wb, Wc, Wd are weighting factors and are positive values. The weighting factor is determined in advance by the control unit 205 or by the user. The control unit 205 may set a relatively large value for the weighting factor corresponding to the parameter that increases the contribution to the priority among the parameters Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd.

The control unit 205 may change the weighting factors Wa, Wb, Wc, and Wd according to the estimated surplus duration.

The control unit 205 advances the schedule in descending order of the calculated priority.

Parameters used for the priority calculation are not limited to Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd. For example, the control unit 205 can employ parameters Pe and Pf shown below.

(E) Parameter Pe representing the operation mode
The control unit 205 determines the operation mode of the device 160 set when surplus power is generated, and determines the parameter Pe.

For example, when there are three operation modes of the device 160 in the descending order of power consumption, a normal mode, a weak energy saving mode, and a strong energy saving mode, Pe = 1 if the normal mode is set when surplus power is generated. If the weak energy saving mode is set, Pe = 2, if the strong energy saving mode is set, Pe = 3, and so on. Specific numerical values are arbitrary.

(F) Parameter Pf representing power consumption
The control unit 205 determines the parameter Pf based on the power consumption that increases due to the change of the operation mode.

For example, for each device 160, the control unit 205 increases the amount of power consumption when shifting from the standby state to the first operation mode, and consumption when shifting from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. The amount of increase in power, the amount of increase in power consumption when shifting from the second operation mode to the third operation mode, and the like are stored in the storage unit 203 in advance. The control unit 205 acquires from the storage unit 203 an increase in power consumption when shifting from the operation mode when surplus power is generated to another operation mode. Then, the control unit 205 calculates the parameter Pf for each schedule classified into the permission group.

The control unit 205 can calculate the priority by freely combining the parameters Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd, Pe, and Pf.

The control unit 205 may change the calculation formula for calculating the priority according to whether the device 160 is in an operating state or a standby state.

For example, when the device 160 is in an operating state, the control unit 205 calculates the priority for changing the operation mode of the device 160 based on [Expression 2].

Priority = Wc * Pc + We * Pe + Wd * Pd + Wf * Pf
... [Formula 2]

That is, when the device 160 is in the operating state, the priority is determined based on the magnitude of the energy storage effect, the operation mode, the characteristics of the power consumption, and the magnitude of the power consumption.

On the other hand, when the device 160 is in the standby state, the control unit 205 calculates the priority for changing the operation mode of the device 160 based on [Equation 3].

Priority = Wa * Pa + Wc * Pc + We * Pe + Wd * Pd + Wf * Pf
... [Formula 3]

That is, when the device 160 is in a standby state, the priority is further determined based on the influence of the schedule.

FIG. 14 shows a state table 1400 stored in the storage unit 203. The control unit 205 determines whether the device 160 is in an operating state (ON) or a standby state (OFF) at every predetermined time interval, or whether or not the user preferentially performs processing (user designation). It is determined whether or not there is a difference from the ideal setting for the user (difference). Then, the control unit 205 updates the determination results, the values of the parameters Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd, Pe, and Pf and the current power consumption.

The cycle in which the control unit 205 updates the state table 1400 is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, the control unit 205 updates the state table 1400 at 1 minute intervals.

The control unit 205 may store the state table 1400 when the device 160 is in standby and the state table 1400 when the device 160 is in operation in the storage unit 203 separately.

FIG. 15 shows a setting table 1500 stored in the storage unit 203. The setting table 1500 stores, for each device 160, a time width for classifying into a permission group, an ideal setting temperature for cooling, an ideal setting temperature for heating, and an ideal brightness.

As described above, the schedule is classified into a permission group if it is within the time range set in the setting table 1500 from the time when surplus power is generated.

In the setting table 1500, values previously input by the user are stored. The control unit 205 changes the schedule or controls the device 160 using the setting values stored in the setting table 1500.

Next, device control processing executed by the HEMS controller 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The control unit 205 acquires the operation state and the like of each device 160 in the energy management system 1 and updates the above-described state table 1400 (step S1601).

The status table 1400 is updated at regular timing. The control unit 205 may update the state table 1400 in the background in parallel with the device control process shown in FIG.

The control unit 205 determines whether there is surplus power based on the amount of power consumed by the entire energy management system 1 and the amount of power generated by the power generation system (step S1602).

When there is no surplus power (step S1602; NO), the control unit 205 ends the device control process.

When there is surplus power (step S1602; YES), the control unit 205 determines whether there is a free capacity in the power storage system 130 (step S1603).

The control unit 205 determines that there is no free capacity if the charged amount has reached an upper limit value (for example, 95%), and determines that there is a free capacity if the charged amount has not reached the upper limit value.

If there is free capacity (step S1603; YES), the control unit 205 causes the power storage system 130 to store surplus power (step S1604), and returns to the process of step S1602.

If there is no free space (step S1603; NO), the control unit 205 estimates the surplus duration and determines whether the estimated duration is equal to or greater than a threshold (step S1605).

If the estimated duration is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S1605; YES), the control unit 205 determines whether there is a device 160 in operation based on the state table 1400 (step S1606). The standby state is a state in which the device 160 consumes only standby power and waits for an instruction from the HEMS controller 100 or an instruction from the user. In operation, the device 160 is not in a standby state.

When there is an operating device 160 (step 1606; YES), the control unit 205 changes the operation of the operating device 160 (step S1607) and returns to the process of step S1601.

For example, the control unit 205 causes the device 160 to consume surplus power by moving forward the schedule for changing the operation mode of the operating device 160 among the registered schedules.

Also, the control unit 205 operates the device 160 that is operating at a setting value different from the ideal setting value for the user among the operating devices 160 with the ideal setting value for the user. The excess power may be consumed by the device 160.

Further, the control unit 205 may cause the device 160 to consume surplus power by canceling peak cut control, that is, control for reducing power consumption during a time period in which power demand is at a peak.

Further, the control unit 205 may cause the device 160 to consume surplus power by changing the operation mode of the device 160 designated to be preferentially processed by the user based on the state table 1400.

It should be noted that if the surplus power is consumed by changing the operation mode of the device 160 in step S1607, but there is still surplus power, the control unit 205 repeats the processing in steps S1601 to S1607 until there is no surplus power.

Next, the control unit 205 changes the operation of the standby device 160 (step S1608). That is, the control unit 205 prioritizes the change in the operation of the operating device 160, and changes the operation of the standby device 160 if the surplus is not resolved.

For example, the control unit 205 causes the device 160 to consume surplus power by moving forward the schedule for starting the standby device 160 among the registered schedules.

Further, the control unit 205 may cause the device 160 to consume surplus power by activating the device 160 designated to be preferentially processed by the user based on the state table 1400.

In step S1605, when the estimated duration is less than the threshold (step S1605; NO), the control unit 205 suppresses power generation by the power generation system 120 (step S1609), and ends the device control process.

According to the present embodiment, in the energy management system 1, the HEMS controller 100 can reduce the waste loss of power generation and can utilize surplus power conveniently for the user.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Moreover, it is also possible to freely combine the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

The transition of power consumption by the device 160 generally includes an error. The control unit 205 may store an expected error for each of the power consumption amounts shown in FIG.

The transition of power consumption by the device 160 may change depending on the environment in which the device 160 is installed (for example, in a cold region or a warm region), the number of days that have elapsed since the device 160 is installed, and the like. The control unit 205 may update the data representing the transition of the power consumption amount shown in FIG. 12 as needed using the actually measured power consumption amount.

The control unit 205 acquires data representing the power consumption characteristic of the device 160 from a server on an external network such as the Internet via the communication unit 204, and represents the transition of the power consumption amount illustrated in FIG. May be updated.

Instead of installing the HEMS controller 100 in the energy management system 1, at least one device 160 may have the functions of the HEMS controller 100 described above.

Also, each of the devices 160 may have the functions of the HEMS controller 100 described above. The device 160 receives an input of a schedule for designating the operation of the device 160 itself from the user and stores it in a memory. When surplus power is generated, the device 160 executes the schedule classified into the permission group as described above. May be. In this case, since the control target according to the schedule input to the device 160 is the device 160 itself, even if the energy management system 1 includes a plurality of devices 160, the device 160 is associated with the user indicated by the schedule. There is no need to determine the device to be used.

The device 160 to be controlled and the processing content according to the schedule registered in the schedule table 600 are not limited by the present invention. For example, the types and processing contents of the device 160 include the following.

-Air conditioner: Operating state (ON) and standby state (OFF) in cooling, heating, dehumidification, and ventilation, changing the set temperature, cleaning the filter, precooling, preheating.
・ Floor heating: ON and OFF, set temperature change, pre-warming.
・ Hot-water supply system: Water heater. Change the amount of water. Temperature change.
・ Electric car: Charging.
-Refrigerated refrigerator ... ice making, defrosting.
・ Lighting equipment: ON and OFF, brightness change.
・ Television receiver: Change of brightness.
・ IH cooking heater: Start and release of thermal power limitation.
・ Ventilation system: ON and OFF, change of air volume.
・ Rice cooker: ON and OFF.
-Electric pot: ON and OFF, re-boiling.
・ Washing machine, dryer ... ON and OFF.
・ Toilet: ON / OFF of hot water toilet seat, automatic cleaning.
・ Personal computer: ON and OFF, charging.
・ Cleaning robot: ON and OFF, charging.

Each of these processes can be registered in the schedule table 600. The control unit 205 can advance a schedule associated with any one or more of these processes.

A program for operating a computer as all or part of the energy management system 1 is stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, or MO (Magneto Optical Disk). Then, it may be installed in another computer and operated as the above-described means, or the above-described steps may be executed.

Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power generation waste loss and to utilize surplus power conveniently for the user.

1 energy management system, 100 HEMS controller, 110 power conditioner, 111 control unit, 112 PCS, 113 bidirectional PCS, 120 power generation system, 130 power storage system, 140 distribution board, 150 measuring unit, 160 equipment, 170 power line, 201 Input unit, 202 display unit, 203 storage unit, 204 communication unit, 205 control unit, 300 layout definition table, 400 device-room association table, 500 room-user association table, 600 schedule table, 1400 status table, 1500 setting table

Claims (14)

1. A storage unit for storing a plurality of schedules for associating a user and a time input by the user;
   A determination unit for determining a device associated with the user indicated by the schedule;
   A control unit that controls the identified device at a time associated with the schedule;
   With
   When the surplus power is generated, the control unit advances the time of the schedule classified into the permitted group permitted to advance the time among the stored schedules, and controls the determined device. Let the device start at an earlier time,
   controller.
2. The storage unit further stores data indicating characteristics of power consumption by the device,
   When the surplus power is generated, the control unit determines a schedule for advancing the time based on characteristics of power consumption by the determined device.
   The controller according to claim 1.
3. When the surplus power is generated, the control unit calculates the priority of the schedule based on the characteristics of power consumption by the device, and advances the time of the schedule having the highest priority among the schedules.
   The controller according to claim 2.
4. When the surplus power is generated, the control unit calculates the priority of the schedule based on a degree of environmental effect obtained by controlling the device, and the priority is the highest among the schedules. Advance the time of high schedules,
   The controller according to claim 1.
5. When the surplus power is generated, the control unit includes a length of time from a time at which the schedule is started to a time at which the schedule is ended, a number of users associated with the schedule, and a number of the determined devices. , Calculating the priority of the schedule based on at least one of them, and advancing the time of the schedule with the highest priority among the schedules,
   The controller according to claim 1.
6. When the surplus power is generated, the control unit calculates a priority of the schedule based on a length of time from a time when the surplus power is generated to a time when the schedule is started, Advance the time of the schedule with the highest priority,
   The controller according to claim 1.
7. There are multiple modes of operation of the device,
   The characteristic represents a transition of power consumption when shifting from the first mode to the second mode,
   When the surplus power is generated, the control unit calculates the priority of the schedule based on the amount of surplus power and the transition of the power consumption indicated by the characteristic, and the priority of the schedule is calculated. Advance the time of the highest schedule,
   The controller according to claim 1.
8. When the surplus power is generated, the control unit estimates a duration of generation of the surplus power, and when the estimated duration is larger than a threshold, advances the time of the schedule classified into the permission group.
   The controller according to claim 1.
9. When the surplus power is generated, the control unit estimates a preference of the user based on a past operation history of the device, and a time of a schedule classified into the permission group based on the estimated preference Speed up,
   The controller according to claim 1.
10. When the surplus power is generated, the control unit determines the permission group based on a comparison result between the set value of the device input from the user and the set value of the device when the surplus power is generated. Advance the time of schedules classified as
    The controller according to claim 1.
11. An energy management system having a controller and a plurality of devices,
    A storage unit for storing a plurality of schedules for associating a user and a time input by the user;
    A determination unit that determines a device associated with the user indicated by the schedule from the plurality of devices;
    A control unit that controls the identified device at a time associated with the schedule;
    With
    When the surplus power is generated, the control unit advances the time of the schedule classified into the permitted group permitted to advance the time among the stored schedules, and controls the determined device. Let the device start at an earlier time,
    Energy management system.
12. A storage unit for storing a plurality of schedules for associating a time input by the user with an action;
    A control unit that controls an operation associated with the schedule at a time associated with the schedule;
    With
    When the surplus power is generated, the control unit advances the time of the schedule classified into the permitted group permitted to advance the time among the stored schedules, and the control of the operation is advanced. Start at time,
    Electric power equipment.
13. A storage step of storing a plurality of schedules in the memory for associating the user with the time input by the user;
    A determination step of determining a device associated with the user indicated by the schedule;
    A control step of controlling the identified device at a time associated with the schedule;
    With
    In the control step, when surplus power is generated, among the schedules stored in the memory, the time of the schedule classified into the permitted group permitted to advance the time is advanced, and the control of the determined device is performed. Causes the device to start at the advanced time,
    Energy management method.
14. Computer
    A storage unit for storing a plurality of schedules for associating a user and a time input by the user;
    A determination unit for determining a device associated with the user indicated by the schedule;
    A control unit that controls the identified device at a time associated with the schedule;
    Function as
    When the surplus power is generated, the control unit advances the time of the schedule classified into the permitted group permitted to advance the time among the stored schedules, and controls the determined device. Let the device start at an earlier time,
    program.

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