WO2019102515A1

WO2019102515A1 - Control device, control system, control method, and program

Info

Publication number: WO2019102515A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/041754
Authority: WO
Inventors: 光宇留野
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2017-11-21
Filing date: 2017-11-21
Publication date: 2019-05-31
Also published as: JP6746012B2; JPWO2019102515A1

Abstract

A control unit (110) stores the power consumption at a customer site in association with weather information and estimates future power consumption from the stored information and the weather information. The control unit (110) estimates, from power generation amount estimation information of power generation equipment (200) installed at the customer site and the estimated future power consumption, the occurrence of surplus power in which the power generated by the power generation equipment (200) exceeds the power consumption. When detecting the operation of an electric device (400) by the user, the control unit (110) obtains a function equal to the operation in an operation mode after the change, determines whether or not there is time or a combination in which the amount of the power consumption covered by the surplus power is more increased by at least one of changes in the combinations of change in operation time in the operation mode after the change and a plurality of operation modes than by being continuously operated in the operation mode after the change, and, if there is the time or the combination, presents the time or the combination.

Description

Control device, control system, control method and program

The present invention relates to a control device, a control system, a control method, and a program.

BACKGROUND In recent years, power generation systems using various renewable energy such as solar power generation systems have been introduced to small-scale consumers such as homes. In addition, it is expected that the introduction of a power generation system using renewable energy will increase in the future.

Since the power generation system using renewable energy initially had a high introduction cost, a fixed price purchase system was introduced to promote the spread, and the purchase price was set high. However, the purchase price is gradually lowered with the spread of the power generation system, and it is more economical to self-consume generated power than to sell it.

In anticipation of this, various methods have been proposed to make effective use of the generated power. For example, the management apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 reduces the electricity bill for watching television by promoting the watching in the time slot where the electricity bill is low and the time slot where the surplus power is generated by the power generation facility. Plan. Moreover, the electric power control system currently disclosed by patent document 2 automatically controls the electric equipment containing a storage battery, when the surplus of the electric power generated using natural energy generate | occur | produces.

JP, 2013-88397, A JP, 2011-061992, A

The management device disclosed in Patent Document 1 only performs notification according to the power at that time. Therefore, the convenience is low, and the reduction effect of the electricity rate is small.

Further, according to the control system disclosed in Patent Document 2, although surplus power can be effectively used, there is a possibility that the device that the user wants to use can not be used as intended.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a control device, a control system, and a control method that contribute to more economically performing a device operation desired by a user. Do.

In order to achieve the above object, a control device according to the present invention includes an actual result storage unit, a device information storage unit, a power generation prediction unit, a power consumption prediction unit, an operation mode change acquisition unit, a surplus power prediction unit, A determination unit and a presentation unit are provided. The result storage unit stores the result of the weather information and the power consumption of the customer. The device information storage unit stores the consumer's electrical device and its operation mode and power consumption in the operation mode. The power generation prediction unit acquires a predicted value of the power generated by the power generation facility of the customer. The power consumption prediction unit predicts future power consumption at the customer from the actual results stored in the actual result storage unit and the future weather information. When the operation mode of the electric device is changed, the operation mode change acquisition unit acquires information of the operation mode of the electric device after the change. The surplus power prediction unit generates the surplus power whose generated power exceeds the consumption power and the timing at which the surplus power is generated from the future power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction unit and the future power generation acquired by the power generation prediction unit. And estimate the amount of surplus power. The determination unit changes the operation time in the operation mode after the change of the electric device and the plurality of operations from the information on the power consumption stored in the device information storage unit and the changed operation mode acquired by the operation mode change acquisition unit There is a combination of time or operation mode in which the amount of power that can be covered by the surplus power increases more than when the power consumption is operated as it is in the operation mode acquired by the operation mode change acquisition unit by at least one of the combination change with the mode. Determine if it is or not. The presentation unit presents the information when there is a combination of time or operation mode in which the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases.

The control device of the present invention presents information on an operation method in which the amount of power that can be covered by the power generation facility is increased. Thus, the control device can help the user to use the device more economically.

System configuration diagram of control system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Functional block diagram of power generation equipment according to the first embodiment Functional block diagram of distribution board according to Embodiment 1 Functional block diagram of the electric device according to the first embodiment Functional block diagram of control device according to the first embodiment A diagram showing an example of data stored in the result storage unit of the storage unit according to the first embodiment A diagram showing an example of data stored in the device information storage unit of the storage unit according to Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of data memorize | stored in the electricity charge memory | storage part of the memory | storage part which concerns on Embodiment 1. Flow chart of the basic operation of the control device according to the first embodiment Flow chart of storage and prediction process of control device according to the first embodiment Flow chart of results storage process of control device according to the first embodiment Flow chart of surplus power prediction processing of control device according to the first embodiment Flow chart of economy judgment processing of control device according to the first embodiment Graph of power consumption and electricity cost according to operation mode of the rice cooker according to the first embodiment Flow chart of operating condition presentation processing of control device according to the first embodiment A diagram of a notification message display screen of the electric device (rice cooker) according to the first embodiment A diagram of an example of a notification message display screen of the electric device (television) according to the first embodiment Functional block diagram of control system according to modification 1 of embodiment 1 of the present invention A diagram showing an example of data stored in the device information storage unit of the storage unit according to the first modification of the first embodiment Flow chart of operating condition presentation processing of control device according to modification 1 of embodiment 1 A diagram of an example of a notification screen of an information terminal according to a first modification of the first embodiment A diagram of an example of a notification and setting change screen of an information terminal according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention Sequence diagram of the operation mode changing operation according to the second modification of the first embodiment FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of an information terminal notification and setting change screen according to the second modification of the first embodiment FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a notification and setting change screen of the information terminal according to the second modification of the first embodiment. The figure which shows the hardware structural example of the control apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, a control device, a control system, a control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Embodiment 1
As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 1 according to the first embodiment is a power management system that manages power, and when the user operates a certain device, while guaranteeing the result desired by the user, It has the function of proposing to the user a more power efficient operation method. The control system 1 includes a control device 100 that generates a control signal, a distribution board 300 connected to load equipment of a customer, and a plurality of electrical devices 400 of the customer. Control system 1 is connected to power generation facility 200 and system power supply 800. Also, the control system 1 is connected to the server device 900 via the network NW. In FIG. 1, solid arrows indicate the flow of information, and double arrows indicate the flow of power.

The control device 100 acquires actual power consumption information indicating the power actually consumed in the customer from the distribution board 300, acquires weather information from the server device 900, stores them in association, and stores the power consumption pattern. learn.

Further, the control device 100 acquires weather forecast information from the server device 900 via the network NW, and predicts the power consumption in the customer from the acquired weather forecast information. Further, the control device 100 also acquires, from the server device 900, power generation amount prediction information indicating a predicted value of the power generation amount of the power generation facility 200 in the customer. The control device 100 obtains the difference between the acquired power generation amount prediction information and the predicted value of power consumption at the same time, and determines whether the power generation amount by the power generation facility 200 exceeds power consumption, ie, whether surplus power is generated, surplus power Calculate the time of occurrence of and the surplus power to occur. Hereinafter, these pieces of information are referred to as surplus power information.

Further, when the operation mode of the electric device 400 is changed by the user operation, the control device 100 detects the change and acquires operation mode information indicating the operation mode before and after the change. Here, the operation mode refers to power ON / OFF, operation reservation, for example, a state specific to the device such as ON / OFF timer ON / OFF, air conditioning air conditioning heating / cooling blowing and electric pot heat retention etc. Refers to the state of operations to consume.

The power generation facility 200 supplies the generated power to the electric equipment 400 and the like in the customer via the distribution board 300 or reversely flows to the system power supply 800. The power supplied from the power generation facility 200 to the load may be alternating current or direct current.

The power generation facility 200 generates DC power, orthogonally transforms the generated power, and feeds the power into the customer. As shown in FIG. 2, the power generation facility 200 is to separate the power generation facility 200 from the customer's distribution board 300 at the time of abnormality as the solar cell module 210 that generates DC electricity, the inverter 220 that performs orthogonal transformation of power, And the circuit breaker 230 of FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the power generation facility 200 is a solar power generation system. In this case, the inverter 220 is formed of a power conditioner (PCS). Moreover, the circuit breaker 230 is comprised from a connection box etc. The power generation facility 200 is not limited to a solar cell system, and may be a wind power generation system, a fuel cell system, another type of power generation facility, or a combination of two or more of these. In the case of a power generation facility that supplies DC power, the inverter 220 is a DC (direct current) / DC (direct current) converter.

The distribution board 300 is a facility for dividing the power supplied from the system power supply 800 and the power generation facility 200 into each wire in the facility and interrupting the load of each wire when the load exceeds a specified value. is there. In the present embodiment, distribution board 300 is connected to the amount of electric power purchased from system power supply 800 (hereinafter referred to as purchased amount) and the electric power generated by power generation facility 200 (hereinafter referred to as generated electric power) The measurement function to measure the power consumed by the electric equipment 400 in the customer (hereinafter referred to as power consumption), and the communication function to transmit information indicating the measured power purchase amount, generated power and power consumption to the control device 100 Prepare.

The functional block diagram of the electricity distribution panel 300 is shown in FIG. As illustrated, the distribution board 300 includes a wiring unit 310 connected to the wiring, a power generation facility connection unit 320 connected to the power generation facility 200, a master connection unit 330 connected to the system power supply 800, and a control device. And a communication unit 340 in communication with 100. The number of wiring parts 310 may be one or more depending on the number of wirings.
The AC power supplied from the power generation facility 200 is supplied to the wiring unit 310 via the power generation facility circuit breaker 321 of the power generation facility connection unit 320. The AC power supplied from the system power supply 800 is supplied to the wiring unit 310 via the main circuit breaker 331 of the main connection unit 330. The AC power supplied from the system power supply 800 and the AC power supplied from the power generation facility 200 are supplied from the wiring breaker 311 of the wiring unit 310 to the electric device 400 via the wiring. The purchase power meter 332 included in the master connection unit 330 measures the power supplied from the system power supply 800. A generated power meter 322 included in the power generation facility connection unit 320 measures power supplied from the power generation facility 200. The power measurement device 312 included in the wiring unit 310 measures the power consumption in each wiring. The power measurement device 312, the generated power meter 322, and the purchased power meter 332 transmit measurement information indicating the measured power to the communication unit 340. The communication unit 340 aggregates measurement information and transmits the measurement information to the control device 100.

In addition, the arrangement position in the actual environment of the electric power measurement apparatus 312, the generated power meter 322, the power purchase meter 332, and the communication part 340 is arbitrary, and may be arrange | positioned out of the housing | casing of the electricity distribution panel 300. For example, the generated power meter 322 may be included in the power generation facility 200, and the power measurement device 312 and the communication unit 340 may be disposed in an apparatus called an energy measurement unit installed in the vicinity of the distribution board 300. In the present embodiment, they are also collectively represented as a distribution board 300.

The electric device 400 shown in FIG. 1 has a main function as the electric device, an operation function for receiving an operation such as changing the operation mode by the user, and a communication function for transmitting the operation mode change by the user operation to the control device 100. Prepare.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electric device 400 includes a main function unit 410, an operation unit 420, and a communication unit 430, and also includes a power supply unit (not shown) depending on the device.

The main function unit 410 is a portion that implements the main function as an electrical device. The main function unit 410 includes, for example, a refrigeration cycle such as a compressor and a heat exchanger when the electric device 400 is an air conditioner, and a blower mechanism, and a tuner unit when the electric device 400 is a television receiver. , An image display unit and a speaker unit.

The operation unit 420 is a user interface for switching on / off of the main function of the electric device 400 by the user, switching of other operation modes, changing of settings, and the like. The operation unit 420 is configured in various forms by the electric device 400 such as switches provided in the electric device, an infrared remote control, and the like.

The communication unit 430 communicates with the control device 100. The communication unit 430 may use any communication method such as wired / wireless or a standard as long as communication with the control device 100 is possible. The communication unit 430 may be configured to double as the operation unit 420.

The server device 900 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a server device that distributes weather information, power generation amount prediction information, and the like and exists outside a customer. The server device 900 may be configured of a plurality of different servers for each piece of information to be delivered.

The control device 100 is a device that performs control that proposes a preferred method of using the electrical device 400. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 100 controls the operation of the control device 100, the communication unit 120 which communicates with other devices, the time measurement unit 130 which measures the current date and time, and various data. And a storage unit 140 for storing.

Control unit 110 executes control processing described later using data received via communication unit 120 and data stored in storage unit 140 according to a program stored in storage unit 140. The control unit 110 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a crystal oscillator that generates a reference clock signal, and the like. The control unit 110 is connected to the communication unit 120, the clock unit 130, and the storage unit 140.

The communication unit 120 communicates with the power generation facility 200, the distribution board 300, the electric device 400, and the server device 900. The communication unit 120 includes, for example, a communication interface connectable to a wired or wireless LAN, a communication interface conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, and the like.

The clock unit 130 clocks the current date and time. The timer unit 130 includes, for example, a crystal oscillator that generates a clock signal, a divider circuit that divides the clock signal, and a storage element that stores a charge. The timer unit 130 functions as an RTC (Real Time Clock) by these configurations. Even when a power failure occurs, the timer unit 130 runs by power supply from the storage element and holds date and time information. The clocking time of the clocking unit 130 may be appropriately corrected based on time information provided from the server device 900 according to Network Time Protocol (NTP), time information obtained by receiving a standard radio wave, and the like.

The timer unit 130 is not limited to the RTC. For example, the clock unit 130 i) acquires date and time information from the server device 900 and holds it as reference information, and ii) after acquiring the date and time information, the clock signal from the clock source included in the control unit 110 is Iii) The current date and time may be calculated by adding the date and time corresponding to the counted clock number to the date and time indicated by the reference information. In this case, the clock unit 130 is included in the control unit 110, and an element independent of the control unit 110 is not necessary. Therefore, the product cost can be reduced by that amount, and there is an advantage that it is not necessary to first set the date and time information in order to obtain the reference date and time information from the server device 900.

The storage unit 140 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and the like. The storage unit 140 stores various data including a program used for control processing to be described later, control information to be described later, performance information, electricity charge information, and the like. In addition, the storage unit 140 includes an actual result storage unit that stores actual information including weather information and actual results of power consumption of customers, and includes information on electric devices 400 of the consumers and power consumption in the operation mode and the operation mode It functions as a device information storage unit that stores device information, and an electricity charge storage unit that stores electricity charge information. The actual performance information will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, the device information with reference to FIG. 7, and the electricity rate information with reference to FIG.

Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the control unit 110 will be described.
The control unit 110 executes a program to obtain power information acquisition unit 111 that acquires power information, weather information acquisition unit 112 that acquires weather information and weather forecast information, and a consumption pattern prediction unit that predicts a consumption pattern of power 113, a power generation amount prediction acquisition unit 114 that acquires power generation amount prediction information, a surplus power prediction unit 115 that predicts surplus power, a device information acquisition unit 116 that acquires state information such as an operation mode from the electric device 400, It functions as a cost calculation unit 117 that calculates the cost required for operation, and a control execution unit 118 that performs control to display information on the display unit of the electric device 400 or the information terminal.

The consumption pattern prediction unit 113 is a power consumption prediction unit in the claims, the power generation amount prediction acquisition unit 114 is a power generation prediction unit in the claims, the surplus power prediction unit 115 is a surplus acquisition unit in the claims, and the device information acquisition unit 116 is in the claims The operation mode change acquisition unit and the control execution unit 118 are examples of the determination unit and the presentation unit in the claims.

In the following description, “acquisition” refers to the case where information is directly acquired by receiving from an external device, and the information is indirectly processed by the own device processing based on a reception signal from an external device. Including when and to get to. The “prediction” includes the case of obtaining by receiving prediction information from an external device and the case of performing prediction by processing by the own device.

The power information acquisition unit 111 acquires power information indicating the power actually consumed by the consumer. Specifically, the power information acquisition unit 111 acquires power information by receiving measurement data of the power measurement device 312 of the distribution board 300 via the communication unit 120. In addition, the power information acquisition unit 111 acquires generated power information indicating the power actually generated by the power generation facility 200. Specifically, the power information acquisition unit 111 acquires the generated power information by receiving measurement data of the generated power meter 322 of the distribution board 300 via the communication unit 120.

The weather information acquisition unit 112 acquires past or present weather information and weather forecast information. Specifically, the weather information acquisition unit 112 acquires weather information by receiving weather information from the server device 900 via the communication unit 120. The weather information acquisition unit 112 acquires weather forecast information by the same method.

The weather information includes, for example, the time and date information indicating the time zone and the weather conditions in the time zone such as fine weather in the time zone from 16:00 to 18:00 on January 3, and the temperature 23 ° C. Be The weather forecast information includes date and time information indicating a future time zone and weather conditions predicted for the time zone. The weather conditions include, for example, information such as weather, temperature, humidity and the like.

The power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 111 and the past or current weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 112 are powers acquired by the power information acquisition unit 111 in a time zone close to the date and time information included in the weather information. It is associated with the information and stored in the storage unit 140 as performance information.

The consumption pattern prediction unit 113 uses the power information and weather information stored in the storage unit 140 and the weather forecast information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 112 to determine the power of the customer in a future predetermined period. Predict consumption patterns of Specifically, the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 searches for weather information having weather conditions close to the weather conditions indicated by the weather forecast information from the actual performance information stored in the storage unit 140, and is associated with the weather conditions. The power consumption indicated by the power information is predicted as the future power consumption.

The consumption pattern prediction unit 113 predicts a future consumption pattern of power, that is, a series of power consumption in a future predetermined period, by determining the power consumption over the future predetermined period. The predetermined period is set to, for example, an integral multiple of the time of the time zone of the date and time information included in the weather information.

In addition, the prediction method of a consumption pattern is not restricted to a specific method, Arbitrary methods can be used. For example, the consumption pattern may be predicted by weighting various parameters. As various parameters, date and time information and weather information included in the record information, the type of the connected electric device 400, or the like may be used.

For example, if the date and time information indicates 4:00 to 6:00 on January 5, and the weather forecast information is snow, it is known that the environment is cold and the user is sleeping. Therefore, the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 can predict the power consumption by weighting the ratio of the air conditioner in the electric device 400, the ratio of the device not used by the user while sleeping, and the like. In addition, the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 may perform prediction using machine learning that feeds back the result of comparing the prediction and the actual result.

The power generation amount prediction acquisition unit 114 acquires prediction information indicating generated power generated by the power generation facility 200 of the customer at a predetermined time in the future. Specifically, the power generation amount prediction acquisition unit 114 acquires the prediction information by receiving the prediction information distributed from the server device 900 via the communication unit 120.

For example, the storage unit 140 previously stores information such as the area to which the customer belongs, the specifications of the power generation facility 200, and the installation conditions. The power generation amount prediction acquisition unit 114 requests the server device 900 for prediction information that matches the conditions indicated by the information stored in the storage unit 140. The server device 900 returns prediction information in response to this request. Thus, the power generation amount prediction acquisition unit 114 acquires the power generation amount prediction information.

Based on the consumption pattern of the power predicted by the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 and the prediction information of the generated power acquired by the power generation amount prediction acquisition unit 114, the surplus power prediction unit 115 determines the timing at which the surplus power occurs and the surplus power. Predict the size and. Specifically, the surplus power prediction unit 115 sets a value obtained by subtracting the power consumption indicated by the consumption pattern of power from the generated power indicated by the prediction information as the size of the surplus power.

The device information acquisition unit 116 acquires information on the state after the change when the main function of the electric device 400 is switched ON / OFF by the user operation and when the operation mode is changed. Specifically, the device information acquisition unit 116 acquires information by receiving operation mode change information transmitted from the electrical device 400 via the communication unit 120.

The cost calculation unit 117 calculates the operation cost required for each operation mode of the electric device 400 from the surplus power information, the information on electricity rates in each time zone, and the information on the operation mode of the electric device 400. Specifically, information of surplus power predicted by surplus power prediction unit 115, information of electricity rates stored in storage unit 140, and power consumption of each operation mode of electric device 400 stored in storage unit 140 are included. From the information, the electricity charges required to operate the electric device 400 in each operation mode are calculated.

The control execution unit 118 determines whether or not there is a combination of operation modes that is more economical than the operation mode changed by the user operation. More specifically, when the device information acquisition unit 116 acquires the change information of the operation mode, the control execution unit 118 calculates the operation cost required in the changed operation mode and the plurality of operations calculated by the cost calculation unit 117. The operating cost of the mode is compared to determine whether there is a time or a combination of operating modes in which the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases rather than operating in the changed operating mode. If there is a time or a combination of operation modes in which the amount covered by the surplus power increases rather than operating in the changed operation mode, the control execution unit 118 notifies or informs the user of the information on the combination Control one of the electric devices 400.

Here, if there is a function of displaying information on the electric device 400 whose operation mode has been changed, it is preferable to display information of a recommended operation mode using the function. However, there are cases where the electric device 400 does not have a display function and the amount of information that can be displayed is small. In such a case, control is made to display the recommendation information on another electrical device 400 capable of displaying a large amount of information, or connected directly to the control device 100 or via the network NW, not shown in FIG. Control may be performed to display recommendation information on an information terminal such as a personal computer or a mobile phone.

Hereinafter, the performance information and the device information stored in the storage unit 140 described above will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, the performance information includes date and time information indicating date and time, weather information indicating weather, temperature and humidity at the date and time indicated by the date and time information, and power consumption in the customer at the date and time indicated by the date and time information. Contains. The performance information is shown in time series based on the hourly date and time information.

FIG. 6 is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the date and time information may be indicated in units of years or seconds, and the weather information may include wind power, wave power, rainfall, wind direction, wind speed, solar radiation amount, and the like. In any case, it is preferable that the meteorological information includes meteorological information that greatly affects the amount of power generation of the power generation facility 200 in the actual performance information. The interval of the date and time information is not limited to one hour, but may be every 30 minutes, every three hours, or the like.

The device information, as shown in FIG. 7, is information including device type, identification number, notification function, notification method, operation mode, and power consumption (peak power, power amount, consumption pattern) . The device type is information indicating the type of the electric device 400. The identification number is information used as a destination when the control device 100 communicates with the electric device 400. The notification function is information indicating whether the electric device 400 has a function of notifying the user of the information. The notification method is information indicating a method of notifying the user of information by the notification function. The operation mode is an operation mode provided to the electric device 400. The power consumption is information on power consumption for each operation mode, and is composed of a peak power value, an amount of power, and a consumption pattern of power. Since a plurality of devices of the same type may be registered, a column of identification names may be provided separately from these pieces of information, and the user may be able to set an arbitrary identification name for each electrical device 400.

The information on the amount of electric power indicates the amount of electric power (Wh) required for the operation in the operation mode when the operation in a certain operation mode ends in a predetermined time and then transitions to the operation in the standby mode, and the operation mode Indicates the amount of power per hour, that is, the power (W), if the time for which is continued is not constant. In addition, the consumption pattern is stored as constant (that is, power consumption = peak power) when the power consumption is constant throughout the operation mode, and how it is per hour when the power consumption fluctuates during operation in the operation mode Stores the pattern of power consumption change. It is considered that these pieces of information change depending on the environment in which the electric device 400 is used. For this reason, the power consumption is a typical value. However, when the electric device 400 is a device such as an air conditioner whose power consumption changes significantly due to multiple environmental conditions such as the outside temperature or room temperature, the power consumption is determined using the environmental conditions such as weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 112 as variables. The configuration may be such that the information of is calculated as needed.

FIG. 7 is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, although the column of the notification method exemplifies “character display” and “infrared remote control” for each of the electric devices 400, more specifically, information necessary to generate a signal for operating each notification function It is. For example, in the case of a notification by means of television character display, it is a character display instruction of a common protocol such as ECHONET. In addition, the column of the notification means may be configured to have a name such as "character display" for identification and the above-described specific information separately from other columns.

The electricity bill information includes a time zone and the electricity bill in the time zone, as shown in FIG. The distinction between the electricity rates is not limited to the time zone, and may be differentiated according to the month, the day of the week, and the like.

The configuration of the control device 100 has been described above. The control processing executed by the control device 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13 and 15.

When control device 100 is activated, control unit 110 starts the basic operation shown in FIG.
When the basic operation is started, the control unit 110 first executes storage and prediction processing (step S200).

Details of the storage and prediction process will be described with reference to FIG.
The control unit 110 determines whether the current date and time counted by the clock unit 130 is the first processing time (step S100). The first processing time is the time at which the record information is stored in the storage unit 140, and is, for example, zero every hour.

If the control unit 110 determines that it is the first processing time (step S100; Yes), the control unit 110 executes the record information storage process (step S110). If the control unit 110 determines that it is not the first processing time (step S100; No), the control unit 110 skips step S110.

Here, the details of the record information storage process (step S110) will be described with reference to FIG.
When the performance information storage process is started, the power information acquisition unit 111 of the control unit 110 acquires power information indicating the power consumption of the electric device 400 (step S111).

Specifically, the power information acquisition unit 111 communicates with the distribution board 300 via the communication unit 120, and receives measurement data of the power measurement device 312 of the distribution board 300. Thereby, the power information acquisition unit 111 acquires information of the power consumed by the electric device 400 of the customer. In addition, the power consumption to be acquired may be an instantaneous value at hourly zero minutes, or even if it is an average value obtained by averaging the instantaneous values of the power consumption between 1 hour to 1 hour and the next hour on an hour basis. Good.

Next, the weather information acquisition unit 112 of the control unit 110 acquires weather information (step S112). Specifically, the weather information acquisition unit 112 communicates with the server device 900 via the communication unit 120, and receives the weather information distributed by the server device 900. The weather information is, for example, weather, temperature and humidity in the area to which the consumer at the time of acquisition belongs.

The control unit 110 associates the acquired power information and the weather information, and stores them in the storage unit 140 as performance information (step S113). In this example, the power information and the weather information are associated based on the acquisition date and time of the power information and the date and time indicated by the date and time information included in the weather information. The power information acquisition unit 111 of the control unit 110 sets the current date and time kept by the clock unit 130 at the time of acquisition of the power information as the acquisition date and time.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 110 of the control device 100 determines whether or not the current date and time kept by the clock unit 130 is the second processing time (step S120). The second processing time is a time at which surplus power prediction processing is performed, and is, for example, every hour zero minute and thirty minutes every hour. The determination process of step S100 and step S120 may be performed in parallel.

If the control unit 110 determines that it is the second processing time (step S120; Yes), the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 of the control unit 110 executes surplus power prediction processing (step S130). If the control unit 110 determines that the processing time is not the second processing time (step S120; No), the control processing skips the surplus power prediction processing S130, and proceeds to step S210 of the basic processing shown in FIG.

The details of the surplus power prediction process (step S130) will be described with reference to FIG.
When the surplus power prediction process is started, the weather information acquisition unit 112 of the control unit 110 acquires weather forecast information (step S121). Specifically, the weather information acquisition unit 112 communicates with the server device 900 via the communication unit 120, and receives the weather forecast information distributed by the server device 900. The weather forecast information is, for example, information indicating the weather, temperature, and humidity in a region to which a consumer predicted in the future from the acquisition time belongs.

The consumption pattern prediction unit 113 of the control unit 110 refers to the record information stored in the storage unit 140 (step S122). The consumption pattern prediction unit 113 predicts the future consumption pattern of the consumer based on the weather forecast information acquired in step S121 and the performance information referred to in step S122 (step S123).

This will be described with reference to a specific example. Here, it is assumed that the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 predicts patterns of power consumption at 13:00 on January 5 and 14:00 on an hour after the current date and time. First, the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 refers to the weather forecast information, and acquires a combination of [weather, temperature, humidity] at 14:00 on January 5. Next, the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 specifies a combination of [weather, air temperature, humidity] having the highest similarity to the acquired [weather, air temperature, humidity] combination in the track record information. Next, the power consumption corresponding to the identified weather condition is identified as the expected value. Next, the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 acquires a combination of [weather, air temperature, humidity] included in 14:30 weather forecast information on January 5, and selects the weather [air temperature, air temperature, The combination of humidity is identified in the performance information, and the power consumption corresponding to the identified weather condition is identified as the expected value. Next, the consumption pattern prediction unit 113, 15:00 on January 5, 15:30. . . The combination of [weather, air temperature, humidity] included in the weather forecast information is sequentially acquired, and the combination of [weather, air temperature, humidity] with the highest similarity with these is sequentially specified as an expected value from the performance information. Next, the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 arranges the identified prediction values in time series to set it as a consumption pattern. In addition, this prediction method is an example and is not limited to this.

The power generation amount prediction acquisition unit 114 of the control unit 110 acquires, from the server device 900, prediction information of the power generation amount of the power generation facility 200 in the time zone of the consumption pattern predicted by the consumption pattern prediction unit 113 (step S124). The surplus power prediction unit 115 of the control unit 110 predicts the surplus power and the time zone in which the surplus power is generated by taking the difference between the consumption pattern predicted in step S123 and the power generation amount predicted in step S124 (step S125). Thus, the surplus power prediction process and the storage / prediction process are completed, and the process proceeds to step S210 in FIG.

Next, the device information acquisition unit 116 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the user's operation of the electric device 400 has been detected (step S210). When the electric device 400 voluntarily transmits the operation by the user, the device information acquisition unit 116 uses the information for determination, and when the electric device 400 does not spontaneously transmit the state, the state of the electric device 400 Are periodically acquired and used for discrimination.

When the device information acquisition unit 116 determines that the electric device 400 is not operated (step S210; No), the control process returns to step S200. On the other hand, when the device information acquisition unit 116 determines that the electric device 400 has been operated (step S210; Yes), the device information acquisition unit 116 acquires the operation content of the electric device 400 by the user (step S220).

Subsequently, the device information acquisition unit 116 determines whether the operation content acquired in step S220 is a change of the operation mode of the electric device 400 (step S230). If the device information acquisition unit 116 determines that the operation mode of the electric device 400 is not changed (step S230; No), the control process returns to step S200. On the other hand, when the device information acquisition unit 116 determines that the operation mode of the electric device 400 has been changed (step S230; Yes), the cost calculation unit 117 of the control unit 110 executes the economy judgment process (step S240). .

Here, the details of the economics determination process (step S240) will be described with reference to FIG.
When the cost calculation unit 117 of the control unit 110 starts the economical efficiency determination process, the cost calculation unit 117 reads the device information from the storage unit 140 (step S241). Specifically, the cost calculation unit 117 reads, from the storage unit 140, the power consumption information for each operation mode of the electric device 400 that has detected the change of the operation mode.

Subsequently, the cost calculation unit 117 calculates the operation cost required to use the electric device 400 in the set operation mode from the operation content acquired in step S220 and the read device information (step S242). Specifically, the cost calculation unit 117 compares the power consumption information for each operation mode read in step S241 with the surplus power predicted in step S125 to determine whether the operation mode after change can be covered by surplus power. Do. Next, when the power consumption exceeds the surplus power, the cost calculator 117 obtains the excess power and time. Next, the cost calculation unit 117 calculates the electricity bill required to operate the electric device 400 in the changed operation mode from the excess power and time and the electricity bill information of the storage unit 140.

Next, the cost calculation unit 117 is a combination of operation modes that can achieve the same purpose as the changed operation mode, in other words, an operation mode that realizes a function equivalent to or substantially equal to the operation in the changed operation mode. A combination is obtained (step S243). Whether or not the same object can be achieved may be determined, for example, by previously determining a determination rule for each electrical device and referring to the determination rule. The cost calculation unit 117 calculates the consumption pattern for each combination of the obtained operation modes (step S244), and further calculates the operation cost for each combination (step S245).

For example, it is assumed that the user sets the operation mode (hereinafter referred to as case A) so as to complete cooking at 17:30 by reservation cooking of the rice cooker. In this case, in order to realize the purpose of completing cooking by 17:30, a method of completing cooking at 14:45 as an example and continuing the heat retention until 17:30 after completion of cooking (hereinafter referred to as Case B) However, the same purpose and equivalent functions can be realized. In the case B, the consumption pattern calculated in step S244 is a pattern of cooking rice from the start of cooking to 14:45, and a pattern of heat retention from completion of cooking to 17:30.

The graph of the example of the power consumption pattern of Case A and Case B and an electricity bill is shown in FIG.
In FIG. 14, the solid line is the predicted value of surplus power, the dashed-dotted line and circle symbols are patterns of power consumption in case A, and the electricity cost calculated in step S 242, and the broken line and triangle symbols in case B It is the pattern of power consumption and the electricity cost calculated at step S245. In this example, the electricity cost, that is, the operation cost is lower in case B than in case A.

After execution of the economy judgment processing step S240, the control execution unit 118 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not there is a combination of operation modes more economical than the operation mode changed by the user operation (step S250). . More specifically, control execution unit 118 compares the operation cost required for the changed operation mode with the operation costs of the plurality of operation modes calculated by cost calculator 117 and operates in the changed operation mode. Rather, it is determined whether there is a combination of time or operation mode in which the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases. If the control execution unit 118 determines that there is no more economical combination of operation modes (step S250; No), the control process returns to step S200. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a more economical combination of operation modes (step S250; Yes), the control execution unit 118 executes the operation condition presentation process of notifying or notifying the user of the information of the combination (step S260). ).

Here, the driving condition presentation processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
When the operation condition presentation process (step S260) is started, the control execution unit 118 reads the device information from the storage unit 140 (step S261). Specifically, the control execution unit 118 reads the presence or absence of the notification function of each of the registered electric devices 400 from the storage unit 140.

Subsequently, the control execution unit 118 determines the presence or absence of the notification function of the electric device 400 whose operation mode has been changed, from the read device information (step S262). If it is determined that there is a notification function (step S262; Yes), the control execution unit 118 selects the electric device 400 as a notification destination (step S263a). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no notification function (step S262; No), the control execution unit 118 selects any one of the electrical devices 400 having the notification function from the read device information as a notification destination (step S263b).

Next, control execution unit 118 generates a control signal for operating the notification function of the selected electric device 400 (step S264), and transmits it via communication unit 120 (step S265). Here, the control signal is generated based on the device information stored in the storage unit 140. Thereafter, the control processing returns to step S200, and the processing from step S200 to step S260 described above is repeatedly executed.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a notification message displayed on the display screen (liquid crystal screen) of the rice cooker which is the electric device 400 that has received the control signal. The rice cooker notifies the control device 100 of the setting of reserved rice cooking by the detected user, that is, the change of the operation mode, and as a result, receives the control signal for displaying characters on the display device transmitted from the control device 100. This message is displayed on the display screen immediately upon receipt. The text of the message is, for example, "It is possible to cook rice at a lower price. After changing the reservation cooking time: 14: 45".

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a notification message displayed on the display screen of the television that is the electric device 400 that has received the control signal. When the television receives a control signal for displaying characters, the notification message is displayed, and the message is erased when the user operates the television or the elapse of a predetermined time. In addition, more detailed information and conditions of operation modes other than the most economical operation mode can be displayed on the electric device 400 such as a television that can display more information than a display screen of a rice cooker or the like. You may do so. The more detailed information is, for example, the operation cost of each of the operation mode set by the user and the mode presented by the control device 100.

By viewing notification messages such as these, the user can know how to use electrical appliance 400 more economically. In addition, in order to prevent a user from missing a message, a buzzer of a rice cooker or a speaker of a television may be sounded together with the display of the message. The realization method may be a method in which a control signal includes a signal for a buzzer or a television ring, or a specification that automatically rings when a rice cooker or a television receives a control signal may be provided. Further, at step S262, control execution unit 118 selects electric device 400 and another electric device 400 having the notification function as the notification destination even if electric device 400 has the notification function. It is also good.

In the above, as an example of the notification method, an example in which the notification message is displayed in characters on the electric device 400 has been described. The notification method is not limited to the above, and may be a method of conveying information by the user's hearing such as reading of characters by voice or notification by beep sound pattern. Alternatively, a method may be used in which information is transmitted by the user's sense of touch based on the vibration pattern of the electric device 400. Or it may be a combination of these.

As described above, the control system 1 can present a method of more economically carrying out the user's desired device operation with more surplus power. Further, the operation mode is not automatically changed, and the operation mode capable of executing the electric device 400 inexpensively is presented to the user, and the determination as to whether or not to adopt it is left to the user. This can also prevent an operation that does not conform to the user's intention.

In the above-described example, the weather information is described as being acquired from the server device 900. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control system 1 may include a weather information sensor that acquires weather information such as temperature and humidity, and in step S112, the weather information may be acquired using the weather information sensor. As a result, the weather information of the actual environment of the customer can be stored as the performance information, and improvement in the consumption pattern prediction accuracy in step S123 can be expected.

Further, in the above-described example, the performance information includes only information indicating the performance of power consumption in relation to power. The generated power prediction information acquired in step S124 may be corrected using the information including the information indicating the power generated by the power generation facility 200 in the actual performance information. Further, instead of acquiring the power generation amount prediction information in step S124, the control device 100 may predict the power generation amount based on the actual value of the generated power. By these processes, improvement in the accuracy of the power generation predicted value can be expected.

In addition, the electric equipment 400 which the control apparatus 100 can manage, and its operation mode are arbitrary, and are not limited. For example, the electric device 400 is not limited to the television with recording function, recorder, air conditioner, rice cooker, electric pot illustrated in FIG. 7, but may be a refrigerator, a washing machine, a water heater, an electric car, a plug-in hybrid car, or the like. Further, as an operation mode to be controlled by the control device 100, as exemplified in FIG. 7, a recording mode for recording an image of a television with a recording function, a format of a recorded program after conversion, a recording mode, cooling of an air conditioner There are an operation mode, a heating operation mode, a pre-cooling operation mode and their reserved operation mode, a reserved rice cooking mode of a rice cooker, a heating mode of an electric pot, and the like. Furthermore, various operation modes include a rapid freezing mode of a refrigerator, a boiling mode of a water heater, and a filling mode of a bath, and a charging mode of an electric car and a plug-in hybrid car.

(Modification 1)
Hereinafter, the control system 2 according to the first modification will be described. In the first modification and the second modification to be described later, the components common to the components described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a control system 2 of the first modification. Control system 2 differs from control system 1 according to the first embodiment in that information terminal 700 is connected via an NW in addition to the configuration of FIG. 1.

The control device 100 included in the control system 2 communicates with the information terminal 700, and notifies the user via the information terminal 700. Information required when the control device 100 communicates with the information terminal 700 is stored in the storage unit 140.

Here, the device information of the storage unit 140 in this modification will be described with reference to FIG.
The device information of the storage unit 140 is obtained by adding the information of the information terminal 700 to FIG. 7 of the first embodiment, and the device information of the information terminal 700 does not include the operation mode and the power consumption.

The operation of the control device 100 in the present modification is basically the same, but differs only in the operating condition presentation process (step S260). The operating condition presentation process (step S260a) in the present modification will be described using FIG.

When the operating condition presentation process (step S260a) is started, the control device 100 reads the device information from the storage unit 140 (step S261). Here, what is read out is information on the notification method of the information terminal 700.

Next, control execution unit 118 of control device 100 generates a control signal for operating the notification function of information terminal 700 (step S 264), and transmits it to information terminal 700 via communication unit 120 (step S265).

FIG. 21 shows an example of a notification message displayed on the screen of the information terminal 700 that has received the control signal. In this example, the information terminal is a smartphone, and software for receiving a control signal and displaying its contents is installed, and a Push notification is displayed with the function of the software triggered by the reception of the control signal. Do. Further, conditions such as the user operation and the contents thereof are the same as those in the example of the first embodiment.

When the rice cooker is set to reserved rice cooking by the user operation, a Push notification indicating that there is a notification shown in FIG. 21A is displayed on the screen of the smartphone that has received the control signal transmitted from the control device 100. . Here, when the user taps the "view" button, Fig. 21 (b) is displayed.

Although the control signal is transmitted to the information terminal 700 as an example of the notification method and the notification message is displayed in characters on the information terminal 700, the transmission destination of the control signal is not limited to the information terminal 700. As in the first embodiment, it may be transmitted to the electric device 400 as well. By this configuration, even when the information terminal 700 is not at hand, the user is less likely to miss the notification message, and the information can be notified to the user more reliably.

In addition, in the control system 2, the software installed in the above-described smartphone may have a function of operating the electric device 400 via the control device 100. In this case, depending on whether the information terminal 700 is operated or the operation unit 420 of the electric device 400 is operated, the control signal generated by the control execution unit 118 may be switched as follows. For example, in the control system 2, when the information terminal 700 is operated to change the operation mode of the electric device 400, the control execution unit 118 generates a control signal for operating the notification function of the information terminal 700 as described above. Generate On the other hand, in the control system 2, when the operation unit 420 of the electric device 400 is operated to change the operation mode of the electric device 400 as in the control system 1, the control execution unit 118 controls the electric device 400. And generates a control signal for operating the notification function.

As described above, the control system 2 according to the first modification transmits, to the information terminal 700, a control signal for presenting a method of causing the user to more economically execute a desired device operation. This makes it possible to notify the user of information by a variety of presentation methods such as sight, hearing, touch, etc., as compared to the case of transmitting the control signal to the electric device 400.

So far, the example of displaying the notification message on the electric device 400 or the information terminal 700 in response to the control signal generated and transmitted by the control device 100 has been described, but the configuration method of the control system of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electric device 400 may be configured to be able to be set to the operation mode presented by the control device 100 by a simple operation. This variation will be described below.

(Modification 2)
Hereinafter, the control system 3 according to the second modification will be described. The functional blocks of the control system 3 are the same as the configuration of the control system 2 described with reference to FIG.

In the present modification, the flow of screen display of information terminal 700 that has received a control signal from control device 100 will be described using FIG. 21 and FIG.

First, the notification message shown in FIG. 21A is displayed on the screen of the information terminal 700 that has received the control signal. Here, when “view” is tapped, in the present embodiment, the screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. On this screen, in addition to the information shown in FIG. 21B of the first modification, a “setting change” button is displayed.

When the “setting change” button is tapped on the screen of FIG. 22 (a), the screen transitions to FIG. 22 (b), which is a screen for changing the setting of the electric device 400. The screen shown in FIG. 22 (b) is displayed in a state where an operation mode more economical than the initial user setting presented by the control device 100 is selected, and the user sets it by simply tapping the "send" button. It is preferable to be changeable.

When the “send” button is tapped on the screen of FIG. 22 (b), a control signal for changing the setting change of the operation mode of the electric device 400 is transmitted from the information terminal 700 via the control device 100. At this time, the information terminal 700 displays a processing screen (not shown) indicating that transmission is in progress. Then, the information terminal 700 receives the response of the setting completion from the electric device 400 via the control device 100, and displays the screen shown in FIG. 22C for notifying the completion of the setting change.

The operation of this modification will be described using the sequence diagram of FIG. First, when the operation mode of the electric device 400 is changed by the user operation (step S301), a state notification indicating that the operation mode has been changed is transmitted from the electric device 400 to the control device 100.

Subsequently, the control device 100 receives the state notification, and in response to this, executes the economic judgment and the operating condition presentation processing described in the embodiment and the first modification thereof (step S302). The control device 100 has a combination of time or operation mode in which the amount of power that can be covered by the surplus power increases more than when the power consumption is operated as it is in the operation mode acquired by the device information acquisition unit 116 based on the processing result. When it is determined that the control signal is determined, a control signal for displaying a notification message is transmitted to the information terminal 700.

Information terminal 700 displays a notification message based on the received control signal (step S303). The sequence up to here is the same as that of the first modification.

Subsequently, when a setting change operation by the user is performed from the screen of the information terminal 700 of FIG. 22 (b) described above (step S304), a control signal for changing the setting is transmitted from the information terminal 700 to the control device 100. , The received control device 100 transfers the control signal to the electric device 400. At this time, the control unit 110 and the communication unit 120 of the control device 100 transmit a control signal to the electric device 400, and a control signal reception unit that receives the control signal for changing the operation mode of the electric device 400. It functions as a transfer unit.

The electric device 400 having received the control signal changes the operation mode in accordance with the control signal (step S305), and transmits a response message indicating the completion of the setting change, that is, a status notification indicating the setting change completion to the control device 100. Control device 100 transfers this response message to information terminal 700. The information terminal 700 receives this response message, and displays the screen of FIG. 22 (c) (step S306).

Note that the example of screen transition of the information terminal 700 is not limited to the examples of FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 described above, and for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 24 may be used instead of FIG. In this case, instead of the “change setting” button, the “automatic setting” button is selected, and by tapping this button, the screen of FIG. 22 (b) is omitted, and the initial user setting presented by the control device 100 is A control signal for changing the operation mode to the economical operation mode is transmitted to make transition to FIG. 22 (c).

This makes it possible to change the setting by one operation less than the example described above.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 25 (a), the Push notification screen is provided with an “automatic setting” button, and by tapping this button, the screen transitions to FIG. 25 (b) via a processing screen showing transmission not shown. By making it possible to change the operation mode of the electric device 400, it is possible to change the operation mode with a minimum operation.

Also in this control system, the software installed in the above-described smartphone may have a function of operating the electric device 400 via the control device 100. In this case, whether the information terminal 700 was operated or the electric device Depending on whether the operation unit 420 of 400 is operated, the control signal generated by the control execution unit 118 may be switched as follows. For example, in the control system 2, when the information terminal 700 is operated to change the operation mode of the electric device 400, the control execution unit 118 generates a control signal for operating the notification function of the information terminal 700 as described above. Generate On the other hand, in the control system, when the operation unit 420 of the electric device 400 is operated to change the operation mode of the electric device 400 as in the control system 1, the control execution unit 118 controls the electric device 400. And generates a control signal for operating the notification function.

In the above, the example which installs and uses software for exclusive use to a smart phone as information terminal 700 was explained in Drawing 21, Drawing 22, Drawing 24, and Drawing 25, but the notification from control device 100 is mail, a short message, other messages The same screen may be displayed on the web page provided by the control device 100 by accessing the control device 100 from the web browser, and the same screen may be displayed. These pieces of information may be displayed on the device 400 so that the electric device 400 can be controlled.

As described above, the control system 3 according to the second modification transmits, to the information terminal 700, a control signal for presenting a method of causing the user to more economically execute a desired device operation. The control signal for changing the operating mode of 400 can be received, and based on that, the operating mode of the electric device 400 can be changed. Thus, the operation mode of the electric device 400 can be changed more easily from the information terminal 700 having a user interface that is generally more versatile and easier to use than the electric device 400.

In the above embodiment, an example is presented in which a more efficient driving candidate is presented in response to a change of the driving mode by the user. However, it is always or periodically that the currently designated driving mode and timing are specified. Compare the fluctuation pattern of the power consumption by the operation of the electrical equipment with the power consumption by the operation at other operation timing or time of the other currently specified operation mode or the operation in other operation modes, and can cover the surplus power If there is a combination of operation timing or time or operation mode in which the amount increases, information indicating this may be presented.

The hardware of the control device 100 is configured of, for example, a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003, as shown in FIG. Each function of control device 100 is realized by processor 1001 executing a program stored in memory 1002. The interface 1003 is for connecting the control device 100 and the components such as the power generation facility 200, the distribution board 300, the electric device 400, the server device 900, etc. to establish communication, and a plurality of types of interfaces as necessary. May be composed of Although FIG. 26 illustrates an example in which one processor 1001 and one memory 1002 are provided, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may cooperate to execute the above function. In addition, control device 100 may be configured as a single united configuration, or may be configured as a system that realizes the functions and operations described above by a plurality of devices operating in cooperation with each other. Good.

Further, in any of the above-described embodiments, each function can be implemented by a normal computer. Specifically, in the above embodiment, the program executed by the control unit 110 is described as being stored in advance in the ROM of the storage unit 140. However, the program is distributed by being stored in a computer readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and a magneto-optical disc (MO). May be read and installed in a computer to configure a computer capable of realizing the functions described above. When each function is realized by sharing of an OS (Operating System) and an application, or by cooperation of an OS and an application, only parts other than the OS may be stored in the recording medium.

In any of the above-described embodiments, each part included in the control device 100 does not have a part of the control device 100, and another control device 100 connected via a communication network, a storage device, It may be acquired from a cloud server or the like. For example, only the communication unit 120 of the control device 100 is provided in the customer, and the remaining functions are provided on the cloud server, and the communication unit 120 in the customer is a component of the control system, the cloud server, and the server. By relaying only with the device 900, the components of the control device 100 provided in the customer can be minimized, and the initial cost required for the introduction of the control device 100 and the consumption of the operation of the control device 100. The burden on each consumer of electricity can be minimized.

Furthermore, it is also possible to superimpose each program on a carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board (BBS, Bulletin Board System) on a communication network, and the program may be distributed via the network. Then, these programs may be activated, and may be configured to be able to execute the above-described processing by executing them as other application programs under control of the OS.

The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the embodiment described above 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 indicated not by the embodiments but by the claims. And, various modifications applied within the scope of the claims and within the meaning of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is widely applicable to a system that operates an electric device using power supplied from a power generation facility and a grid power source.

1, 2 control system, 100 control unit, 110 control unit, 111 power information acquisition unit, 112 weather information acquisition unit, 113 consumption pattern prediction unit, 114 power generation prediction acquisition unit, 115 surplus power prediction unit, 116 equipment information acquisition unit , 117 cost operation unit, 118 control execution unit, 120 communication unit, 130 clock unit, 140 storage unit, 200 power generation facility, 210 solar battery module, 220 inverter, 230 circuit breaker, 300 distribution board, 310 wiring unit, 311 wiring Circuit breakers, 312 power measuring devices, 320 power generation equipment connection parts, 321 power generation equipment circuit breakers, 322 power generation electricity meters, 330 main connection parts, 331 main power circuit breakers, 332 purchase electricity meters, 340 communication parts, 400 electricity Equipment, 410 main function parts, 420 operation parts, 430 Department, 700 information terminal, 800 a system power supply, 900 server, 1001 processor, 1002 Memory, 1003 interface.

Claims

The results storage unit that stores the results of weather information and the power consumption of customers,
A power generation prediction unit that acquires a predicted value of power generated by a power generation facility of the customer;
A power consumption prediction unit that predicts future power consumption at the customer from the actual results stored in the actual result storage unit and future weather information;
A device information storage unit that stores information related to the consumer's electrical equipment and its operation mode and power consumption in the operation mode;
An operation mode change acquisition unit that acquires information on the operation mode of the electric device after the change when the operation mode of the electric device is changed;
From the future power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction unit and the future power generation obtained by the power generation prediction unit, the generation of surplus power whose power generation exceeds the power consumption and the timing and surplus power generation of the surplus power A surplus power prediction unit that predicts the magnitude;
The change of the operation time in the operation mode after the change of the electric device and the plurality of operations from the operation mode after the change acquired by the operation mode change acquisition unit and the information on the power consumption stored in the device information storage unit The time or time at which the amount of power that can be covered by the surplus power increases more than when the power consumption is operated as it is in the operation mode acquired by the operation mode change acquisition unit by at least one of the combination change with the mode A determination unit that determines whether or not there is a combination;
A presentation unit that presents the information when there is a time or a combination of the operation modes in which the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases.
Control device.
The presentation unit notifies the information using a notification unit provided in the electric device whose operation mode change is detected by the operation mode change acquisition unit or a device different from the electric device.
The control device according to claim 1.
The judgment unit
The same function as the operation in the changed operation mode acquired by the operation mode change acquisition unit is realized, and the change in operation time and a plurality of operation modes in the changed operation mode acquired by the operation mode change acquisition unit The time or the combination of the operation modes in which the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases more than the operation in the operation mode acquired by the operation mode change acquisition unit due to at least one of the combinations of the operation mode and Determine if there is,
The control device according to claim 1.
A control signal receiving unit that receives a control signal for changing the operation mode of the electrical device;
The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a control signal transfer unit that transfers the control signal to the electrical device.
An electric device provided in a consumer and operating in a plurality of operation modes with different power consumption,
A power generation prediction unit that acquires a predicted value of power generated by a power generation facility of the customer;
A power consumption prediction unit that predicts future power consumption at the customer;
A device information storage unit that stores information of power consumption in each operation mode of the electric device;
An operation mode change acquisition unit that acquires information on the operation mode of the electric device after the change when the operation mode of the electric device is changed;
From the future power consumption predicted by the power consumption prediction unit and the future power generation obtained by the power generation prediction unit, the generation of surplus power whose power generation exceeds the power consumption and the timing and surplus power generation of the surplus power A surplus power prediction unit that predicts the magnitude;
From the operation mode after the change acquired by the operation mode change acquisition unit and the information on the power consumption stored by the device information storage unit, it is possible to use the surplus power more than operating in the operation mode after the change of the electric device A determination unit that determines whether there is a time for which the amount that can be increased increases or a combination of the operation modes;
A presentation unit that presents the information when there is a time or a combination of the operation modes in which the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases.
Control system.
Predict the future of power generated by power generation facilities,
Predict future fluctuations in power consumption when the electrical equipment is operated in multiple operation modes,
Changing at least one of the operation timing and the operation mode in the operation mode of the electric device from the currently designated operation mode from the predicted future generation power fluctuation and the predicted future power consumption fluctuation It is determined whether or not there is an operation timing or a combination of the operation modes in which the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases, rather than operating the electric device as it is in the currently designated operation mode.
When it is determined that there is a time when the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases or the combination of the operation modes, information indicating the same is presented.
Control method characterized by
On the computer
Process to predict the future future of the power generated by the power plant,
Processing to predict future fluctuations in power consumption when the electrical device is operated in multiple operation modes,
Changing at least one of the operation timing and the operation mode in the operation mode of the electric device from the currently designated operation mode from the predicted future generation power fluctuation and the predicted future power consumption fluctuation A process of determining whether there is an operation timing or a combination of the operation modes in which the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases rather than operating the electric device as it is in the currently designated operation mode.
Processing that presents information indicating that there is a time when the amount that can be covered by the surplus power increases or a combination of the operation modes.
A program that runs