Control device, preparation method and program

Abstract

To provide a control device capable of preparing an operation schedule of a gas hot water supply system while considering generation electric power of a photovoltaic generation system.SOLUTION: A control device 30 includes: an acquisition section 35 that acquires prediction information on a solar radiation amount in a region in which a facility 90 having a photovoltaic generation system 21 and a gas hot water supply system 40 capable of generating electric power during boiling-up of hot water is located; and a preparation section 38 that prepares an operation schedule of the gas hot water supply system 40 on the basis of the acquired prediction information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device that creates a schedule for the heating operation of a gas hot water supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Heat pump hot water supply control systems are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control device that creates a schedule for the heating operation of a heat pump hot water supply system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-121016 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A gas hot water supply system that generates electricity when hot water is boiled is known as a hot water supply control system that differs from a heat pump type hot water supply control system.

[0005] The present invention provides a control device and the like that can create an operation schedule (power generation schedule) for a gas hot water supply system taking into consideration the power generated by a solar power generation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires predicted information on the amount of solar radiation in an area where a facility equipped with a solar power generation system and a gas hot water supply system that can generate electricity when boiling water is located, and a creation unit that creates an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system based on the acquired predicted information.

[0007] A creation method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for creating an operation schedule for a gas hot water system, executed by a computer, wherein the gas hot water system is capable of generating electricity when boiling water, and the creation method includes an acquisition step of acquiring predicted information on solar radiation in an area where a solar power generation system and a facility in which the gas hot water system is installed are located, and a creation step of creating an operation schedule for the gas hot water system based on the acquired predicted information.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the creation method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The control device and the like of the present invention can create an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system taking into account the power generated by the solar power generation system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a hot water supply control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a first operation example of the hot water supply control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the predicted results of the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system and the power consumption in the facility when the weather is good on a target day. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the predicted results of the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system and the power consumption in the facility when the weather is bad on a target day. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a second operation example of the hot water supply control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the conditional boil-up control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0012] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a hot water supply control system according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a hot water supply control system according to an embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, the hot water supply control system 10 includes a solar power generation system 21, a power conditioner 22, a distribution board 23, a plurality of devices 24, a control device 30, a gas hot water supply system 40, and a weather forecast information distribution server 50. Fig. 1 also shows a power grid 70 and a wide area communication network 80. Each of the components included in the hot water supply control system 10, except for the weather forecast information distribution server 50, is provided in a facility 90. The facility 90 is, for example, a detached house, but may be any other facility.

[0015] The solar power generation system 21 is a power generation system that generates power by converting sunlight into electrical energy. The power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is output to a power conditioner 22. Specifically, the solar power generation system 21 is realized by a PV (Photovoltaic) panel or the like.

[0016] The power conditioner 22 is a power conversion device that converts DC power generated by the solar power generation system 21 into AC power, and is sometimes called a PCS (Power Conditioning System). The power conditioner 22 is realized by power conversion circuits such as a DC-DC converter and a DC-AC converter. The power conditioner 22 measures the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 and transmits generated power information indicating the measured generated power to the control device 30. The power conditioner 22 also supplies the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 to multiple devices 24 via a distribution board 23.

[0017] The distribution board 23 is a device that distributes power supplied from the system power supply 70 to a plurality of branch circuits. Devices 24 are connected to the branch circuits. The distribution board 23 is equipped with power measurement elements such as CTs (Current Transformers) and measures the power consumption of the entire facility 90 (power consumption of the main circuit) and the power consumption of each branch circuit. The distribution board 23 also has a communication function and transmits power consumption information indicating the measured power consumption to the control device 30.

[0018] It is not essential that the distribution board 23 has a power measurement function and a communication function. For example, the hot water supply control system 10 may include a smart meter (a power meter with a communication function) in addition to the distribution board 23, and power consumption information indicating the power consumption of the entire facility 90 may be transmitted from the smart meter to the control device 30.

[0019] The devices 24 are devices installed in the facility 90. The multiple devices 24 include lighting equipment, air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment, air purifiers, electric shutters, electric locks, delivery boxes, and chargers / dischargers for electric vehicles. The multiple devices 24 may also include environmental sensors such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors. The multiple devices 24 may also include sensors other than environmental sensors, such as a window sensor that senses whether a window is open or closed.

[0020] The control device 30 is an information terminal with an energy management function, and more specifically, an EMS controller. The control device 30 manages the amount of power consumption in the facility 90 measured by the distribution board 23. The control device 30 can also control the gas hot water supply system 40. The control device 30 is not limited to an EMS controller, and may be another controller or a gateway device. The control device 30 includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, an information processing unit 33, and a memory unit 34. Like the device 24, the control device 30 operates using power supplied from the distribution board 23.

[0021] The first communication unit 31 is a communication circuit that enables the control device 30 to communicate with the power conditioner 22, the distribution board 23, the gas hot water supply system 40, and the like via a local communication network. The first communication unit 31 performs, for example, wireless communication, but may also perform wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the first communication unit 31.

[0022] The second communication unit 32 is a communication circuit that enables the control device 30 to communicate with the weather forecast information distribution server 50 via the wide area communication network 80. The second communication unit 32 performs, for example, wireless communication, but may also perform wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication by the second communication unit 32.

[0023] The information processing unit 33 processes information related to the management of power consumption in the facility 90. The information processing unit 33 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 33 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 35, a first prediction unit 36, a second prediction unit 37, a creation unit 38, and a control unit 39. The functions of the acquisition unit 35, the first prediction unit 36, the second prediction unit 37, the creation unit 38, and the control unit 39 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 33 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 34.

[0024] The memory unit 34 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the information processing unit 33. The memory unit 34 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The control device 30 periodically receives power consumption information by communicating with the distribution board 23, and the memory unit 34 stores past power consumption information (power consumption history information) for the facility 90.

[0025] Gas hot water supply system 40 is a system for supplying hot water to users of facility 90. Specifically, gas hot water supply system 40 includes a fuel cell power generation unit 41, a hot water storage tank 42, and a hot water supply control device 43. Gas hot water supply system 40 can also be called a fuel cell power generation system. Like device 24, hot water supply control device 43 operates using power supplied from distribution board 23.

[0026] The fuel cell power generation unit 41 generates electricity using gas such as city gas or LP gas. The heat generated during electricity generation is transferred to water via a heat exchanger to boil the water. The hot water storage tank 42 is a tank that stores water heated by the fuel cell power generation unit 41 (i.e., hot water).

[0027] The hot water supply control device 43 controls the fuel cell power generation unit 41 to heat hot water using the fuel cell power generation unit 41. The hot water supply control device 43 is realized by a communication unit that communicates with the control device 30, an information processing unit realized by a microcomputer or processor, a memory unit, a user interface that accepts user operations, and a display unit that displays an image showing the operating status of the gas hot water supply system 40. Like the device 24, the hot water supply control device 43 operates using power supplied from the distribution board 23.

[0028] The power generated by the gas hot water supply system 40 is supplied to the plurality of devices 24 via the distribution board 23. That is, the plurality of devices 24 are supplied with power from any of the system power supply 70, the power conditioner 22 (photovoltaic power generation system 21), and the gas hot water supply system 40.

[0029] The weather forecast information distribution server 50 is a server (cloud server) that distributes weather forecast information to the control device 30. The weather forecast information is, for example, solar radiation amount prediction information that indicates the amount of solar radiation for each unit time for the next day. In other words, the weather forecast information distribution server 50 distributes the solar radiation amount prediction information to the control device 30.

[0030] [Example 1] The facility 90 (plurality of devices 24) is supplied with power from any of the grid power supply 70, the power conditioner 22 (photovoltaic power generation system 21), and the gas hot water supply system 40. Generally, the selling price of the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 21 when sold to the grid power supply 70 (electric power company) is cheaper than the purchasing price of the power when purchasing it from the grid power supply 70. Therefore, during the day, the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 21 is supplied to the plurality of devices 24 for self-consumption, thereby making it possible to save on electricity bills.

[0031] In the case of self-consumption, when the power generated by solar power generation system 21 becomes low in the evening, it becomes necessary to purchase power from grid power supply 70. However, by starting operation (power generation) of gas hot water supply system 40 at this timing and supplying the power generated by solar power generation system 21 and the power generated by gas hot water supply system 40 to multiple devices 24, it is possible to reduce the amount of power purchased from grid power supply 70. However, if the total power generated by solar power generation system 21 and the power generated by gas hot water supply system 40 exceeds the power consumption of multiple devices 24 (hereinafter also referred to as the power consumption of entire facility 90), there is a problem in that the excess power will be wasted.

[0032] Therefore, the hot water supply control system 10 (control device 30) appropriately schedules the timing to start operation (power generation) of the gas hot water supply system 40, thereby preventing the power generated by the gas hot water supply system 40 from going to waste. Below, an operation example 1 of such a hot water supply control system 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of operation example 1 of the hot water supply control system 10. In operation example 1, an example will be described in which a schedule is created to start operation of the gas hot water supply system 40 on a target day during the period from the day before the target day to the morning of the target day.

[0033] The acquisition unit 35 of the control device 30 uses the second communication unit 32 to send an information request to the weather forecast information distribution server 50 (S11). When the weather forecast information distribution server 50 receives the information request, it sends forecast information on the amount of solar radiation for the next day (target day) in the area where the facility 90 is located in response to the received information request (S12). The forecast information on the amount of solar radiation is, for example, information that indicates the forecast value of the amount of solar radiation for the target day for each unit time, and the unit time is, for example, 30 minutes. However, there is no particular limitation.

[0034] The second communication unit 32 of the control device 30 receives the prediction information. The acquisition unit 35 acquires the received prediction information (S13). The first prediction unit 36 ​​predicts the power generation amount (time change in the power generation amount) of the solar power generation system 21 on the target day based on the acquired prediction information (S14). The first prediction unit 36 ​​predicts the power generation amount on the target day based on, for example, the acquired solar radiation information and specification information of the solar power generation system 21 (information indicating the power generation efficiency, etc.) stored in advance in the storage unit 34. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the prediction results of the power generation amount of the solar power generation system 21 and the power consumption in the facility 90 on the target day. (a) of FIG. 3 shows the prediction result of the power generation amount of the solar power generation system 21 on the target day. Note that the power generation amount of the solar power generation system 21 may be predicted based on other known methods.

[0035] Next, the second prediction unit 37 predicts the power consumption of the entire facility 90 on the target day (S15). For example, based on historical information of power consumption in the facility 90 stored in advance in the storage unit 34, the second prediction unit 37 predicts the power consumption of the target day as the power consumption of the target day based on the power consumption of the day (approximate day) that is most similar to the target day in terms of month, day, day of the week, whether it is a holiday, etc. ((b) of FIG. 3) shows the power consumption of the facility 90 on the target day. Note that the power consumption of the facility 90 may also be predicted based on other known methods.

[0036] Here, the storage unit 34 pre-stores, as specification information for the gas hot water supply system 40, the power generation capacity E [W / h] (specifically, a representative value of the power generation capacity) according to the specifications of the gas hot water supply system 40 while the gas hot water supply system 40 is operating. The creation unit 38 determines, for example, time T1 (see FIG. 3 ) when the power generation capacity of the solar power generation system 21 predicted in step S14 is on a downward trend (e.g., monotonically decreasing) and the power consumption in the facility 90 predicted in step S15 matches the sum of the power generation capacity E according to the specifications of the gas hot water supply system 40 and the power generation capacity of the solar power generation system 21 predicted in step S14, as the timing for starting to heat water in the gas hot water supply system 40 (hereinafter also referred to as the operation start timing) (S16). In the example of FIG. 3 , after time T1, the sum of the power generation capacity E according to the specifications of the gas hot water supply system 40 and the predicted power generation capacity of the solar power generation system 21 becomes less than the predicted power consumption. Therefore, it is expected that the total power is consumed by the multiple devices 24. Therefore, the power generated by the gas hot water supply system 40 is prevented from going to waste.

[0037] While Fig. 3 shows an example in which the weather is good (high solar radiation) on the target day, there may also be a case in which the weather is bad (low solar radiation) on the target day and the predicted power generation does not exceed the predicted power consumption throughout the day. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the predicted power generation of the solar power generation system 21 and the power consumption in the facility 90 when the weather is bad on the target day. In such a case, the creation unit 38 determines a predetermined timing T2 in the morning as the operation start timing.

[0038] The creation unit 38 creates an operation schedule that defines the operation start timings determined in step S16 (S17), and stores the created operation schedule in the storage unit 34 (S18).

[0039] Thereafter, when the operation start timing indicated in the operation schedule arrives, control unit 39 transmits an operation start command to gas hot water supply system 40 using first communication unit 31 (S19).

[0040] When the hot water supply control device 43 of the gas hot water supply system 40 receives the operation start command, it starts up the fuel cell power generation unit 41 and starts boiling hot water (S20).

[0041] As described above, control device 30 acquires forecast information on the amount of solar radiation in the area where facility 90 is located, predicts the power generation amount of solar power generation system 21 and the power consumption amount of facility 90 based on the acquired forecast information, and creates an operation schedule for gas hot water supply system 40 based on the prediction results. If gas hot water supply system 40 starts generating power when the power generation amount of solar power generation system 21 decreases, the power generated by gas hot water supply system 40 can be used effectively.

[0042] Furthermore, gas hot water supply system 40 typically requires approximately 8 to 16 hours to boil water and also generates electricity. For this reason, gas hot water supply system 40 is preferably operated during the daytime when power consumption in facility 90 is relatively high, but there is a risk of surplus power being generated in relation to the amount of power generated by solar power generation system 21.

[0043] In the hot water supply control system 10, by grasping predicted information such as the amount of solar radiation in advance, an operation schedule is created to balance the power supply with the solar power generation system 21. In this way, the hot water supply control system 10 can prevent the total power generated by the solar power generation system 21 and the gas hot water supply system 40 from exceeding the power consumption in the facility 90 (the generation of surplus power) while ensuring the necessary amount of hot water.

[0044] [Example 2] The control device 30 can execute conditional boil-up control, which starts operation of the gas hot water supply system 40 when a predetermined condition is met, that is, the actual measured value of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is less than a predetermined value on the target day. The determination of whether the predetermined condition is met is repeated, for example, at regular time intervals until boil-up starts. The control device 30 schedules the timing to start this determination (hereinafter also referred to as the determination start timing) during the period from the day before the target day to the morning of the target day. An operation example 2 of the hot water supply control system 10 will be described below. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of operation example 2 of the hot water supply control system 10.

[0045] The acquisition unit 35 of the control device 30 uses the second communication unit 32 to send an information request to the weather forecast information distribution server 50 (S21). Upon receiving the information request, the weather forecast information distribution server 50 sends forecast information on the amount of solar radiation for the next day (target day) in the area where the facility 90 is located in response to the received information request (S22).

[0046] The second communication unit 32 of the control device 30 receives the prediction information. The acquisition unit 35 acquires the received prediction information (S23). The first prediction unit 36 ​​predicts the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation system 21 on the target day based on the acquired prediction information (S24). The processes of steps S21 to S24 above are the same as the processes of steps S11 to S14 in the first operation example.

[0047] The creation unit 38 determines, for example, timing T3 (see FIG. 3) when a predetermined period has elapsed since the timing when the power generation of the solar power generation system 21 predicted in step S14 reaches its peak, as the determination start timing (S25). The predetermined period is, for example, a period of about 30 minutes to several hours, such as one hour, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0048] The creation unit 38 creates an operation schedule that defines the determination start timing determined in step S25 (S26), and stores the created operation schedule in the storage unit 34 (S27).

[0049] In this way, the control device 30 can predict the power generation amount of the solar power generation system 21 based on the predicted information on the amount of solar radiation, and determine the start timing of determining whether or not the specified conditions in the conditional heating control have been met.

[0050] Alternatively, more simply, the creation unit 38 may determine, as the determination start timing, the timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since the timing when the amount of solar radiation indicated by the prediction information reaches its peak, without predicting the power generation power of the solar power generation system 21. This allows the control device 30 to reduce the amount of information processing required to determine the determination start timing.

[0051] The determination start timing may also be determined manually by the user. For example, the user can manually determine the determination start timing by performing a predetermined operation on a user interface (not shown) provided in the control device 30.

[0052] [Conditional boiling control] Next, the conditional boil-up control will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the conditional boil-up control. As described above, the conditional boil-up control is performed on the target day, and the above-mentioned judgment start timing is determined for the period from the day before the target day to the morning of the target day, as described in the above operation example 2.

[0053] When the acquisition unit 35 of the control device 30 detects in step S27 that the determination start timing indicated by the operation schedule stored in the storage unit 34 has arrived (S31), the acquisition unit 35 communicates with the power conditioner 22 using the first communication unit 31 to acquire generated power information indicating the actual measured value of the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 21 over the most recent predetermined period (S32). The predetermined period here is, for example, 30 minutes, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0054] The control unit 39 determines whether the generated power has been less than a predetermined value for the most recent predetermined period (S33). The predetermined value is determined empirically or experimentally by, for example, a designer of the hot water supply control system 10 (control device 30).

[0055] If the control unit 39 determines that the generated power has exceeded the predetermined value during the most recent predetermined period (No in S33), it continues to acquire the generated power information in step S32 and make the determination in step S33. On the other hand, if the control unit 39 determines that the amount of power generated during the most recent predetermined period is less than the predetermined value (Yes in S33), it sends an operation start command to the gas hot water supply system 40 using the first communication unit 31 to cause the gas hot water supply system 40 to start operation (power generation) (S34).

[0056] Although not shown, upon receiving the operation start command, the gas hot water supply system 40 starts generating electricity and boiling hot water, and when a predetermined amount of hot water has been boiled, it sends a completion notification to the control device 30.

[0057] The first communication unit 31 of the control device 30 receives the completion notification (S35). The control unit 39 stores the fact that the boiling of water based on the conditional boiling control has been completed in the storage unit 34 as operation history information (S36).

[0058] According to the conditional water-heating control described above, if the weather worsens contrary to the weather forecast, gas hot water supply system 40 starts to heat water at the timing of the worsening weather. When the weather worsens, the power generated by solar power generation system 21 decreases, but in addition to this generated power, gas hot water supply system 40 can supply the power generated when boiling water to multiple devices 24. This reduces the amount of power purchased from grid power supply 70 (electric power company), allowing users to save on electricity bills.

[0059] In step S32, the acquisition unit 35 may acquire information on the power consumption of the facility 90 during the most recent predetermined period, in addition to the actual measured value of the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 21, and in step S33, the control unit 39 may determine whether the amount of power generated during the most recent predetermined period is less than the amount of power consumed (or whether the actual measured value of power generated at a certain timing is less than the actual measured value of power consumption). In addition, in step S33, the control unit 39 may determine whether the amount of power generated during the most recent predetermined period is less than the amount of power consumed by a predetermined value (>0) or more (or whether the actual measured value of power generated at a certain timing is less than the actual measured value of power consumption by a predetermined value or more). In other words, in step S33, the control unit 39 may determine whether a condition is satisfied that the actual measured value of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation system 21 has a predetermined relationship with the actual measured value of power consumption in the facility 90.

[0060] In this way, in step S33, the control unit 39 only needs to determine whether the actual measured value of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 satisfies a predetermined condition, and examples of the predetermined condition include a condition that the actual measured value of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is less than a predetermined value, and a condition that the actual measured value of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 has a predetermined relationship with the actual measured value of the power consumption in the facility 90.

[0061] Furthermore, whether the control device 30 schedules the operation start time of the gas hot water supply system 40 as in Operation Example 1 or schedules the determination start time of the conditional boil-up control as in Operation Example 2 is set by, for example, a user. For example, the user can change the settings related to scheduling by performing a predetermined operation on a user interface (not shown) provided in the control device 30.

[0062] [Variations] In step S26 of the second operation example, the creation unit 38 may create an operation schedule indicating not only the timing for starting the judgment but also the timing for ending the judgment. The timing for ending the judgment is specified, for example, by a user's operation on the control device 30, but may also be determined by the creation unit 38 based on a predetermined algorithm, such as n hours after the timing for starting the judgment.

[0063] In this way, when the timing for ending the judgment is specified in the operation schedule, when the timing for ending the judgment arrives, the control unit 39 forcibly causes the gas hot water supply system to start boiling water regardless of the result of the judgment.

[0064] As a result, regardless of what conditions are set as the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, the heating of hot water will always start at the timing when the judgment ends, thereby preventing situations where the hot water is not heated. In other words, no matter how the actual value of the power generation by the solar power generation system 21 and the actual value of the power consumption in the facility 90 change, the amount of hot water can be reliably secured, making it less likely that a user will encounter a problem where there is not enough hot water when they try to use it.

[0065] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from these inventions will be explained.

[0066] Invention 1 is a control device 30 that includes an acquisition unit 35 that acquires predicted information on the amount of solar radiation in an area where a facility 90 is located, which is equipped with a solar power generation system 21 and a gas hot water supply system 40 that can generate electricity when boiling water, and a creation unit 38 that creates an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system 40 based on the acquired predicted information.

[0067] Such a control device 30 can create an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system 40 taking into consideration the power generated by the solar power generation system 21.

[0068] Invention 2 is the control device 30 of Invention 1, further comprising a first prediction unit 36 ​​that predicts the power generation of the solar power generation system 21 based on the acquired prediction information, and a second prediction unit 37 that predicts the power consumption in the facility 90, and a creation unit 38 that creates an operation schedule based on the predicted power generation of the solar power generation system 21 and the predicted power consumption in the facility 90.

[0069] Such a control device 30 can create an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system 40 taking into consideration the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 and the power consumption in the facility 90.

[0070] Invention 3 is the control device 30 of Invention 2, in which the creation unit 38 creates an operation schedule that defines the timing T1 at which the predicted power generation of the solar power generation system 21 is on a downward trend and the predicted power consumption in the facility 90 matches the sum of the power generation power E of the gas hot water supply system 40 and the predicted power generation power of the solar power generation system 21 as the operation start timing of the gas hot water supply system 40.

[0071] Such a control device 30 can determine the timing to start operation of the gas hot water supply system 40 so that the total of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 and the power generated by the gas hot water supply system 40 does not exceed the power consumption in the facility 90.

[0072] Invention 4 is the control device 30 of Invention 1, further comprising a control unit 39 that determines whether the actual measured value of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 satisfies a predetermined condition, and performs conditional boiling control that causes the gas hot water supply system 40 to start boiling hot water when it is determined that the actual measured value satisfies the predetermined condition, and a creation unit 38 that creates an operation schedule indicating the start timing of the determination based on the acquired prediction information.

[0073] Such a control device 30 can create an operation schedule that indicates the start timing of determining whether or not to boil water.

[0074] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the control device 30 of the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the predetermined condition is that the actual measurement value is less than a predetermined value.

[0075] Such a control device 30 can create an operation schedule in which boiling of hot water starts when the actual measured value of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 drops below a predetermined value.

[0076] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the control device 30 of the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the predetermined condition is a condition that the actual measured value has a predetermined relationship with the actual measured value of the power consumption in the facility 90.

[0077] Such a control device 30 can create an operation schedule in which boiling of water begins when the actual measured value of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 has a predetermined relationship with the actual measured value of the power consumption in the facility 90.

[0078] Invention 7 is a control device 30 of any of Inventions 4 to 6, in which the creation unit 38 creates an operation schedule indicating the start timing of the judgment as well as the end timing of the judgment based on the acquired prediction information, and the control unit 39 causes the gas hot water supply system 40 to start boiling water when the end timing of the judgment arrives, regardless of the result of the judgment.

[0079] Such a control device 30 can always start boiling water at the timing when the determination is completed, regardless of what conditions are set as the above-mentioned predetermined conditions.

[0080] Invention 8 is the control device 30 of Invention 4, further comprising a first prediction unit 36 ​​that predicts the power generation of the solar power generation system 21 based on the acquired prediction information, and the creation unit 38 creates an operation schedule that defines the timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since the timing when the predicted power generation of the solar power generation system 21 reaches its peak as the start timing of judgment.

[0081] The control device 30 can determine the timing at which the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is predicted to start decreasing as the timing to start the determination.

[0082] In the invention 9, the creation unit 38 determines the timing at which the amount of solar radiation indicated by the acquired forecast information will peak. The control device 30 of the fourth aspect of the present invention creates an operation schedule that specifies the timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the determination as the timing to start the determination.

[0083] The control device 30 can determine the timing at which the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is predicted to start decreasing as the timing to start the determination.

[0084] Invention 10 is a method for creating an operation schedule for a gas hot water supply system 40, executed by a computer, wherein the gas hot water supply system 40 is capable of generating electricity when boiling water, and the method includes an acquisition step S13 or S23 for acquiring predicted information on the amount of solar radiation in the area where the solar power generation system 21 and the facility 90 in which the gas hot water supply system 40 is installed are located, and a creation step S17 or S26 for creating an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system 40 based on the acquired predicted information.

[0085] Such a creation method makes it possible to create an operation schedule for gas hot water supply system 40 taking into consideration the power generated by solar power generation system 21.

[0086] Invention 11 is a program for causing a computer to execute the creation method of Invention 10.

[0087] According to such a program, the computer can create an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system 40 taking into consideration the power generated by the solar power generation system 21.

[0088] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiment, the hot water supply control system is realized by multiple devices. In this case, the components of the hot water supply control system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner. For example, some or all of the processing performed by the control device may be performed by the hot water supply control device. Furthermore, the hot water supply control system may be realized by a single device. For example, the hot water supply control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to the control device.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0091] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0092] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0093] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0094] For example, the present invention may be realized as the hot water supply control system or control device according to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a method executed by a computer, such as the hot water supply control system or the control device, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0095] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Hot water supply control system 21 Solar power generation system 22 Power conditioner 23 Distribution board 24 Equipment 30 Control device 31 First Communications Department 32 Second Communications Department 33 Information Processing Department 34 Storage section 35 Acquisition Department 36 First Prediction Department 37 Second Prediction Department 38 Creation Department 39 Control Unit 40 Gas hot water system 41 Fuel Cell Power Generation Unit 42 Hot water tank 43 Hot water supply control device 50 Weather forecast information distribution server 70 Grid power supply 80 Wide Area Communication Network 90 facilities

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires predicted information on the amount of solar radiation in an area where a facility equipped with a solar power generation system and a gas hot water supply system that can generate electricity when boiling hot water is located; a creation unit that creates an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system based on the acquired prediction information. Control device.

2. moreover, a first prediction unit that predicts the power generation power of the photovoltaic power generation system based on the acquired prediction information; a second prediction unit that predicts power consumption in the facility; The creation unit creates the operation schedule based on the predicted power generation power of the photovoltaic power generation system and the predicted power consumption in the facility. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The creation unit creates the operation schedule, which defines, as the operation start timing of the gas hot water supply system, a timing when the predicted power generation power of the photovoltaic power generation system is on a decreasing trend and the predicted power consumption in the facility matches the sum of the power generation power of the gas hot water supply system and the predicted power generation power of the photovoltaic power generation system. The control device according to claim 2 .

4. Furthermore, a control unit is provided that determines whether an actual measurement value of the power generated by the solar power generation system satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the actual measurement value satisfies the predetermined condition, performs conditional boiling control that causes the gas hot water supply system to start boiling hot water; The creation unit creates the operation schedule indicating the start timing of the determination based on the acquired prediction information. The control device according to claim 1 .

5. The predetermined condition is that the actual measurement value is less than a predetermined value. The control device according to claim 4.

6. The predetermined condition is a condition that the actual measurement value has a predetermined relationship with the actual measurement value of power consumption in the facility. The control device according to claim 4.

7. the creation unit creates the operation schedule indicating an end timing of the determination in addition to the start timing of the determination based on the acquired prediction information, When the end timing of the determination arrives, the control unit causes the gas hot water supply system to start boiling hot water regardless of the result of the determination. The control device according to claim 4.

8. further comprising a first prediction unit that predicts the power generation amount of the solar power generation system based on the acquired prediction information, The creation unit creates the operation schedule in which the timing at which a predetermined period has elapsed since the timing at which the predicted power generation power of the photovoltaic power generation system reaches its peak is defined as the start timing of the determination. The control device according to claim 4.

9. The creation unit creates the operation schedule, which defines a timing when a predetermined period has elapsed since a timing when the amount of solar radiation indicated by the acquired forecast information reaches a peak as a start timing of the determination. The control device according to claim 4.

10. 1. A computer-implemented method for creating an operation schedule for a gas hot water system, comprising: The gas hot water supply system can generate electricity when boiling water, The method for producing the same comprises: an acquisition step of acquiring predicted information on the amount of solar radiation in an area where a facility in which the solar power generation system and the gas hot water supply system are installed is located; and creating an operation schedule for the gas hot water supply system based on the acquired prediction information. How to create it.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the creation method according to claim 10.

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