Equipment control system

Abstract

Because it is impossible to know the difference between the power consumption of the device corresponding to the DR request and the power consumption of the device when no DR request is received, there is a problem that aggregators and users cannot judge the appropriateness of the reward. The device control system includes a hot water supply device (100) and a server (200). The server (200) controls the hot water supply device (100) according to the DR request. The server (200) controls the hot water supply device (100) through a first operating setting during a first period set according to the DR request. The server (200) outputs first information based on the operating data (D1) of the hot water supply device (100). The first information includes the difference between the power consumption of the hot water supply device (100) when the hot water supply device (100) is controlled through the first operating setting during the first period and the predicted power consumption of the hot water supply device (100) when the hot water supply device (100) is controlled through a second operating setting during the first period. The second operating setting is the operating setting when no DR request is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to equipment control systems. Background Technology

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-170925), there is a known system in which a user adjusts the power consumption of the device's commercial power system according to a request from an aggregator, and the user receives a reward from the aggregator based on the amount of adjustment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In Patent Document 1, since it is impossible to know the difference between the power consumption of the device corresponding to the request for a demand response and the power consumption of the device when no demand response is received, there is a problem that aggregators and users cannot judge the appropriateness of the reward.

[0005] Methods for solving problems

[0006] The first-viewpoint device control system comprises one or more devices and a server. The server has a control unit. The control unit controls the device based on requests received from aggregators. During a first period, the control unit controls the device using a first operating setting. The first period is a period set according to the request. The first period is a period for adjusting the device's power consumption. The control unit outputs first information based on device operating data obtained from the device. The first information includes the difference between a first power consumption and a second power consumption. The first power consumption is the device's power consumption when the device is controlled using the first operating setting during the first period. The second power consumption is the predicted device power consumption when the device is controlled using a second operating setting during the first period. The second operating setting is the operating setting when the control unit does not receive a request.

[0007] In the equipment control system of the first viewpoint, the control unit outputs first information based on the equipment's operating data obtained from the equipment. The first information includes the difference between a first power consumption and a second power consumption. The first power consumption is the power consumption of the equipment when it is controlled by a first operating setting during a first period. The second power consumption is the predicted power consumption of the equipment when it is controlled by a second operating setting during the first period. The second operating setting is the operating setting when the control unit does not receive a request. Therefore, the equipment control system can output the difference between the first power consumption of the equipment corresponding to a request for demand response and the second power consumption of the equipment when a request for demand response is not received to the aggregator and the user. As a result, the aggregator and the user can understand the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption and determine the appropriateness of the reward.

[0008] In the second viewpoint's equipment control system, the request is a second request. The second request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the equipment during the first period compared to when the control unit did not receive the request. Compared to the second operating setting, the first operating setting results in less power consumption of the equipment during the first period. The difference is the amount of power reduction in the equipment's power consumption during the first period compared to when the control unit did not receive the request.

[0009] In the third viewpoint's equipment control system, the request is the first request. The first request is a request that increases the power consumption of the equipment during the first period compared to when the control unit does not receive the request. Compared to the second operating setting, the first operating setting results in more power consumption of the equipment during the first period. The difference is the amount of increase in power consumption of the equipment during the first period compared to when the control unit does not receive the request.

[0010] In the equipment control system of the fourth viewpoint, in the equipment control system of any one of the first to third viewpoints, the first information also includes the second power consumption.

[0011] The fourth perspective's equipment control system, through this structure, can provide aggregators and users with additional information to determine the appropriateness of rewards.

[0012] In the equipment control system of the fifth viewpoint, in any of the equipment control systems of the first to fourth viewpoints, the first information further includes the setting content of the first operation setting and whether the first operation setting is executed.

[0013] The fifth perspective's equipment control system, through this structure, can provide aggregators and users with additional information to determine the appropriateness of rewards.

[0014] In the equipment control system of the sixth viewpoint, in any of the first to fifth viewpoints, the control unit outputs first information for each of the multiple devices.

[0015] In the equipment control system of the seventh viewpoint, the control unit determines the settings for the first operation of each of the multiple devices in the equipment control system of the sixth viewpoint.

[0016] The equipment control system of the eighth viewpoint is set daily for any of the equipment control systems of the first to seventh viewpoints. The control unit outputs the first information daily.

[0017] In the equipment control system of the ninth viewpoint, in any of the equipment control systems of the first to eighth viewpoints, the request is a second request. The second request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the equipment compared to when the control unit does not receive the request. The first operating time set in the first period, i.e., the first operating time, is shorter than the second operating time set in the second period, i.e., the second operating time.

[0018] In the equipment control system of the ninth viewpoint, the first information in the tenth viewpoint also includes the difference between the first operating time and the second operating time.

[0019] In the equipment control system of the eleventh viewpoint, the request is a second request in any of the equipment control systems of the first to tenth views. The second request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the equipment compared to when the control unit does not receive the request. The operating capacity of the first operation setting in the first period is lower than the operating capacity of the second operation setting in the first period.

[0020] In the equipment control system of the twelfth viewpoint, the control unit outputs the first information to the aggregator in the equipment control system of any of the first to eleventh viewpoints.

[0021] The equipment control system of the thirteenth viewpoint, in any of the equipment control systems of the first to twelfth viewpoints, also includes a display unit. The control unit outputs first information to the display unit. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the equipment control system.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a hot water supply system.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of a hot water supply device.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of the server.

[0026] Figure 5 This diagram shows the settings for the second operation of the hot water supply device.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the settings for the first operation when the DR request is increased.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the settings for the first operation when the DR request is reduced.

[0029] Figure 8 It is a flowchart used to illustrate the processing of the equipment control system.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the settings of the first operation setting when the DR request is reduced in the case of variant 1D. Detailed Implementation

[0031] (1) Overall structure

[0032] The equipment control system 1 controls one or more devices based on a demand response request (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a DR request).

[0033] Demand response is the process by which users (demanders) who receive electricity from a commercial power system adjust their electricity consumption in response to requests from aggregators such as power companies supplying the commercial power system. The aggregator then pays users a reward for their demand response based on the amount of the adjusted electricity consumption.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment control system 1. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the equipment control system 1 includes a hot water supply device 100 (equipment) and a server 200. The hot water supply device 100 and the server 200 are connected communicatively via a network NW2. The server 200 receives DR requests for the hot water supply device 100 used by the user from an aggregator 90 via the Internet or other NW1. The server 200 sends the received DR requests to the hot water supply device 100 via the network NW2 and controls the hot water supply device 100 according to the received DR requests. Furthermore, the server 200 can also send the received DR requests to a portable information terminal such as a smartphone 91 owned by the user via the network NW2, thereby notifying the user of the DR request.

[0035] (2) Detailed structure

[0036] (2-1) Hot water supply device

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the hot water supply device 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the hot water supply device 100 mainly includes a heat pump unit 110, a hot water storage unit 120, a remote controller 130, and a control unit 190. The hot water storage unit 120 is connected to the hot water supply unit 140, the bathtub 150, and the water stop valve 160.

[0038] The heat pump unit 110 heats the cold / hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120 and supplies the heated cold / hot water back to the hot water storage unit 120. The hot water storage unit 120 stores the heated cold / hot water supplied from the heat pump unit 110 and mixes the stored cold / hot water with water supplied from the stop valve 160 before supplying it to the hot water supply section 140 and the bathtub 150. The hot water supply section 140 is, for example, a faucet and a shower. The stop valve 160 is connected to an external water supply source such as tap water. The stop valve 160 is operated to supply water to the hot water storage unit 120.

[0039] Here, "cold / hot water" refers to at least one of hot water and water. Therefore, both the water before and after being heated by the heat pump unit 110 are referred to as cold / hot water.

[0040] (2-1-1) Heat pump unit

[0041] The heat pump unit 110 mainly includes a compressor 11, a water heat exchanger 12, an expansion valve 13, and an air heat exchanger 14. The compressor 11, water heat exchanger 12, expansion valve 13, and air heat exchanger 14 are connected in a ring via refrigerant piping to form a heat pump cycle. The discharge side of the compressor 11 is connected to the water heat exchanger 12, and the suction side of the compressor 11 is connected to the air heat exchanger 14. One end of the expansion valve 13 is connected to the water heat exchanger 12, and the other end of the expansion valve 13 is connected to the air heat exchanger 14. Furthermore, the heat pump unit 110 includes a first control device 10.

[0042] The refrigerant circulating in the heat pump cycle has a critical temperature higher than the temperature of the heated cold / hot water supplied from the heat pump unit 110 to the hot water storage unit 120. The critical temperature of the refrigerant is preferably at least 10°C higher than the temperature of the heated cold / hot water. Examples of refrigerants include R32 (critical temperature 78.1°C), HFO-1234yf (critical temperature 95.0°C), and R410 (critical temperature 71.4°C).

[0043] The compressor 11 has a compression mechanism that compresses the refrigerant by driving a motor 11a. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 is delivered to the water heat exchanger 12. The capacity of the heat pump unit 110 can be adjusted by controlling the operating frequency of the motor 11a.

[0044] The water-heat exchanger 12 heats the cold / hot water by exchanging heat between the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 and the cold / hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120. The water-heat exchanger 12 is, for example, a double-tube heat exchanger consisting of an outer tube and an inner tube inserted inside the outer tube. The water-heat exchanger 12 can also be a plate heat exchanger, etc. The capacity of the heat pump unit 110 is, for example, the amount of heat transferred by the water-heat exchanger 12 to the cold / hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120 per unit time.

[0045] Expansion valve 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange with the water heat exchanger 12. Expansion valve 13 may be, for example, an electrically operated expansion valve. Expansion valve 13 may also be a capillary tube, etc.

[0046] The air heat exchanger 14 heats the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant, which has been depressurized by the expansion valve 13, and the outside air. Outside air is supplied to the air heat exchanger 14, for example, via an external air fan. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange through the air heat exchanger 14 is then sent to the compressor 11.

[0047] (2-1-2) Hot water storage unit

[0048] The hot water storage unit 120 mainly comprises a hot water storage tank 21, a first drain valve 22, an inlet valve 23, a heat pump 24, a bypass valve 25, a heating valve 26, a first mixing valve 27, a second mixing valve 28, a pressure reducing valve 29, a first flow sensor 30, a hot water injection solenoid valve 31, a second drain valve 32, a second flow sensor 33, a reheating pump 34, and a reheating heat exchanger 35. These components are connected via piping L1-L19 for supplying cold / hot water flow. Temperature sensors T1-T10 are installed in the hot water storage tank 21 and on piping L10, L13, L14, and L16. Furthermore, the hot water storage unit 120 includes a second control device 20.

[0049] The hot water storage tank 21 stores cold / hot water. Six temperature sensors T1-T6 are installed in the hot water storage tank 21. These six temperature sensors T1-T6 consist of a first hot water volume temperature sensor T1, a second hot water volume temperature sensor T2, a third hot water volume temperature sensor T3, a fourth hot water volume temperature sensor T4, a fifth hot water volume temperature sensor T5, and an upper temperature sensor T6. The upper temperature sensor T6 is located near the upper surface of the hot water storage tank 21. The first to fifth hot water volume temperature sensors T1-T5 are spaced apart from top to bottom on the side of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0050] The density of water changes with temperature, thus the cold / hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 forms a layer with a high temperature on top and a low temperature on the bottom. Therefore, based on the output signals of temperature sensors T1-T6, the temperature distribution of the cold / hot water in the vertical direction within the hot water storage tank 21 is detected, thereby obtaining the amount of cold / hot water (hot water storage volume) in the hot water storage tank 21. The number of temperature sensors installed in the hot water storage tank 21 to obtain the hot water storage volume can be any number other than 6.

[0051] One end of the inlet pipe L1 is connected to the lower end face of the hot water storage tank 21, and the other end of the inlet pipe L1 is connected to the inlet side of the water heat exchanger 12 of the heat pump unit 110. From the hot water storage tank 21 toward the water heat exchanger 12, the inlet pipe L1 is equipped with an inlet valve 23, a heat pump 24, and a bypass valve 25. The inlet valve 23 and the bypass valve 25 are electric three-way valves.

[0052] The first drain pipe L2 branches off from the inlet pipe L1 between the hot water storage tank 21 and the inlet valve 23. A first drain valve 22 is installed on the first drain pipe L2. The first drain pipe L2 is connected to a drainage pipe outside the hot water storage unit 120. For example, the first drain valve 22 is operated to discharge cold / hot water from the hot water storage tank 21 to the outside.

[0053] One end of the hot water outlet pipe L3 is connected to the outlet side of the water heat exchanger 12 of the heat pump unit 110, and the other end of the hot water outlet pipe L3 is connected to the heating valve 26. The heating valve 26 is an electric three-way valve.

[0054] One end of the first return pipe L4 is connected to the heating valve 26, and the other end of the first return pipe L4 is connected to the upper surface of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0055] One end of the second return pipe L5 is connected to the heating valve 26, and the other end of the second return pipe L5 is connected to the lower end face of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0056] One end of the bypass pipe L6 is connected to the bypass valve 25, and the other end of the bypass pipe L6 is connected to the hot water outlet pipe L3.

[0057] One end of the first heating pipe L7 is connected to the upper surface of the hot water storage tank 21, and the other end of the first heating pipe L7 is connected to the first mixing valve 27. The first mixing valve 27 is an electric three-way valve.

[0058] One end of the second heating pipe L8 is connected to the upper surface of the hot water storage tank 21, and the other end of the second heating pipe L8 is connected to the second mixing valve 28. The second mixing valve 28 is an electric three-way valve.

[0059] One end of the water supply pipe L9 is connected to the stop valve 160 outside the hot water storage unit 120, and the other end of the water supply pipe L9 is connected to the lower end face of the hot water storage tank 21. A pressure reducing valve 29 is provided on the water supply pipe L9. The pressure reducing valve 29 is operated to adjust the pressure (supply pressure) of the water supplied to the hot water storage unit 120 via the stop valve 160.

[0060] Branch water supply pipe L10 branches off from tank water supply pipe L9 between pressure reducing valve 29 and hot water storage tank 21. Branch water supply pipe L10 branches into a first mixing water pipe L11 and a second mixing water pipe L12. The first mixing water pipe L11 is connected to the first mixing valve 27. The second mixing water pipe L12 is connected to the second mixing valve 28. A mixing water temperature sensor T7 is installed in branch water supply pipe L10. The mixing water temperature sensor T7 detects the temperature of the cold / hot water flowing in branch water supply pipe L10.

[0061] One end of the first hot water supply pipe L13 is connected to the first mixing valve 27, and the other end of the first hot water supply pipe L13 is connected to the hot water supply unit 140. A first flow sensor 30 is installed in the first hot water supply pipe L13. The first flow sensor 30 detects the flow rate of cold / hot water in the first hot water supply pipe L13. Between the first flow sensor 30 and the hot water supply unit 140, a first hot water supply temperature sensor T8 is installed in the first hot water supply pipe L13. The first hot water supply temperature sensor T8 detects the temperature of the cold / hot water flowing in the first hot water supply pipe L13.

[0062] One end of the second hot water supply pipe L14 is connected to the second mixing valve 28, and the other end is connected to the bathtub 150. A hot water injection solenoid valve 31 and a second flow sensor 33 are installed on the second hot water supply pipe L14, extending from the second mixing valve 28 towards the bathtub 150. The second flow sensor 33 detects the flow rate of cold / hot water within the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0063] The second drain pipe L15 branches off from the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the hot water injection solenoid valve 31 and the second flow sensor 33. A second drain valve 32 is provided on the second drain pipe L15. The second drain pipe L15 is connected to a drainage pipe outside the hot water storage unit 120. The second drain valve 32 is operated, for example, to discharge a portion of the cold / hot water flowing in the second hot water supply pipe L14 to the outside to adjust the amount of cold / hot water flowing in the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0064] One end of the first bathtub return pipe L16 is connected to the bathtub 150, and the other end is connected to the inlet side of the reheating heat exchanger 35. A reheating pump 34 is installed in the first bathtub return pipe L16. Between the bathtub 150 and the reheating pump 34, a bathtub return temperature sensor T10 is installed in the first bathtub return pipe L16. The bathtub return temperature sensor T10 detects the temperature of the cold / hot water flowing in the first bathtub return pipe L16.

[0065] One end of the second bathtub return pipe L17 is connected to the outlet side of the reheating heat exchanger 35, and the other end of the second bathtub return pipe L17 is connected to the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the second flow sensor 33 and the bathtub 150. A second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 is installed on the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the connection point of the second bathtub return pipe L17 and the second hot water supply pipe L14 and the bathtub 150. The second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 detects the temperature of the cold / hot water flowing within the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0066] The first reheating pipe L18 branches off from the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the second mixing valve 28 and the hot water injection solenoid valve 31. The first reheating pipe L18 is connected to the inlet side of the reheating heat exchanger 35.

[0067] One end of the second reheating pipe L19 is connected to the outlet side of the reheating heat exchanger 35, and the other end of the second reheating pipe L19 is connected to the inlet valve 23.

[0068] (2-1-3) Remote Control

[0069] Remote control 130 is a user interface used to control the hot water supply device 100. Remote control 130 is installed, for example, in the kitchen and bathroom. Figure 2 As shown, the remote controller 130 is connected to the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 in a manner that enables bidirectional data communication via wireless or wired communication. Signals for instructing the operation of the hot water supply device 100 are input from the remote controller 130 to the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 via wireless or wired communication. In addition to the remote controller 130, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone 91 can also be used as the user interface for the hot water supply device 100.

[0070] The remote control 130 has a display unit 130a and an operation unit 130b. The display unit 130a is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0071] Display unit 130a displays information related to the status of the hot water supply device 100 and information related to the settings of the hot water supply device 100. For example, display unit 130a displays the set values ​​of the temperatures (hot water supply temperatures) of the cold / hot water supplied to the hot water supply unit 140 and the bathtub 150, as well as the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21. Display unit 130a also displays, for example, DR requests received from the server 200 and first information received from the server 200 (described later).

[0072] The operation unit 130b includes buttons, knobs, and keys for operation by the user of the hot water supply device 100. The user of the hot water supply device 100 operates the operation unit 130b to input information such as the set value of the hot water supply temperature. The display unit 130a may also be a touch screen that also has the functions of the operation unit 130b.

[0073] The remote control 130 may also include a speaker, a microphone, etc. In this case, the remote control 130 can communicate the information displayed on the display unit 130a through the speaker and obtain the information input through the operation unit 130b through the microphone.

[0074] (2-1-4) Control Department

[0075] The control unit 190 mainly consists of a first control device 10 for the heat pump unit 110 and a second control device 20 for the hot water storage unit 120. The first control device 10 and the second control device 20 typically consist of a microcomputer with a control processing unit and a storage device, along with input / output circuitry. The control processing unit is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control processing unit reads the control program stored in the storage device and controls the operation of the hot water supply device 100 according to the control program. The control processing unit can write the calculation results to the storage device or read the information stored in the storage device according to the control program.

[0076] However, the structure of the control unit 190 is not limited to the above-described structure. For example, the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 can also communicate with each other to coordinate their operations. Furthermore, the hot water supply device 100 can also replace the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 by having a device that has the functions of both the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 and is provided in either the heat pump unit 110 or the hot water storage unit 120. Such a device can also be provided outside the hot water supply device 100 and connected to the heat pump unit 110 and the hot water storage unit 120 via a network.

[0077] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the hot water supply device 100. (For example...) Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 190 controls the compressor 11, expansion valve 13, inlet valve 23, heat pump 24, bypass valve 25, heating valve 26, first mixing valve 27, second mixing valve 28, hot water injection solenoid valve 31, and reheat pump 34 based on signals from temperature sensors T1-T10, first flow sensor 30, and second flow sensor 33. Furthermore, the control unit 190 is connected to the server 200 in a communicable manner.

[0078] The control unit 190 mainly performs heating operation, hot water supply operation, hot water injection operation, and reheating operation. Furthermore, the control unit 190 primarily has the function of transmitting operation data.

[0079] (2-1-4-1) Heating and Operation

[0080] The heating operation involves heating the cold / hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 using the heat pump unit 110. During heating operation, the cold / hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 is guided to the water heat exchanger 12 via the inlet pipe L1 and heated by driving the heat pump 24. The heated cold / hot water in the water heat exchanger 12 returns to the hot water storage tank 21 via the outlet hot water pipe L3, the first return pipe L4, and the second return pipe L5. Thus, during heating operation, the cold / hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 circulates through the inlet pipe L1, the outlet hot water pipe L3, the first return pipe L4, and the second return pipe L5 while being heated in the water heat exchanger 12.

[0081] Based on the operating settings received from the server 200, the control unit 190 controls the compressor 11, expansion valve 13, inlet valve 23, heat pump 24, bypass valve 25, and heating valve 26 to perform heating operation. The control unit 190 controls the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 to adjust the capacity of the heat pump unit 110 and the temperature of the cold / hot water heated in the water heat exchanger 12 (outlet hot water temperature). The control unit 190 controls the rotational speed of the heat pump 24 to adjust the outlet hot water temperature, the hot water storage capacity of the hot water storage tank 21, and the flow rate of cold / hot water supplied to the hot water storage tank 21 (storage flow rate).

[0082] During normal heating operation, which circulates the cold / hot water in the hot water storage tank 21, the control unit 190 controls the inlet valve 23 such that the inlet pipe L1 is not connected to the second reheat pipe L19, and controls the bypass valve 25 such that the inlet pipe L1 is not connected to the bypass pipe L6. As will be described later, the control unit 190 controls the inlet valve 23 during reheating operation.

[0083] The control unit 190 can control the bypass valve 25 to switch between a state where cold / hot water flowing in the inlet pipe L1 is supplied to the outlet hot water pipe L3 via the water heat exchanger 12, and a state where cold / hot water flowing in the inlet pipe L1 bypasses the water heat exchanger 12 and is supplied to the outlet hot water pipe L3. In the state where the water heat exchanger 12 is bypassed, the inlet pipe L1 is connected to the bypass pipe L6, and the cold / hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 circulates in the water heat exchanger 12 without being heated.

[0084] The control unit 190 controls the heating valve 26, which can switch between supplying cold / hot water from the water heat exchanger 12 to the hot water storage tank 21 via the first return pipe L4 and supplying cold / hot water from the water heat exchanger 12 to the hot water storage tank 21 via the second return pipe L5.

[0085] The control unit 190 can also obtain the hot water temperature, hot water storage capacity and storage flow rate based on the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 13, the speed of the heat pump 24, the status of the bypass valve 25 and the heating valve 26, and the output signals of the temperature sensors T1-T6 of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0086] The control unit 190 can also provide feedback control on the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 13, the speed of the heat pump 24, and the status of the bypass valve 25 and the heat pump valve 26, so as to obtain the hot water temperature, water storage volume and storage flow rate as specified target values.

[0087] The hot water supply device 100 performs nighttime heating operation and daytime heating operation. Nighttime heating operation refers to heating operation performed during at least a portion of the nighttime period. Daytime heating operation refers to heating operation performed during at least a portion of the daytime period. The daytime period is the period other than the nighttime period. In this embodiment, the nighttime period is from 11 PM to 7 AM the next day, and the daytime period is from 7 AM to 11 PM. In this embodiment, the nighttime and daytime heating operations are performed based on operation settings received from the server 200.

[0088] In this embodiment, the hot water supply device 100 uses electricity from a commercial power system to perform heating operation.

[0089] (2-1-4-2) Hot water supply operation

[0090] The hot water supply operation involves discharging the cold / hot water from the hot water storage tank 21 through the hot water supply unit 140. During hot water supply operation, when the hot water supply unit 140 is a faucet, by opening the faucet, water from outside is supplied to the hot water storage tank 21 from the lower part through the tank supply pipe L9 using water supply pressure. Consequently, the high-temperature cold / hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 is pushed out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 through the first heating pipe L7.

[0091] Furthermore, hot / cold water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 21 to the first mixing valve 27 via the first heating pipe L7, and external water is supplied to the first mixing valve 27 via the tank supply pipe L9, the branch supply pipe L10, and the first mixing water pipe L11. In the first mixing valve 27, the hot / cold water from the first heating pipe L7 mixes with the water from the first mixing water pipe L11. The mixed hot / cold water then flows out from the hot water supply unit 140 via the first hot water supply pipe L13.

[0092] When the user turns on the hot water supply unit 140 and the first flow sensor 30 detects an increase in the flow rate of the cold / hot water in the first hot water supply pipe L13, the control unit 190 starts the hot water supply operation. During the execution of the hot water supply operation, the control unit 190 controls the first mixing valve 27 based on the temperature of the cold / hot water exiting the hot water supply unit 140. The control unit 190 may also use the temperature detected by the first hot water supply temperature sensor T8 as the temperature of the cold / hot water exiting the hot water supply unit 140.

[0093] The control unit 190 can also perform feedback control on the mixing ratio of high-temperature cold / hot water and water in the first mixing valve 27 based on the output signals of the mixing water temperature sensor T7 and the first hot water supply temperature sensor T8, so that the temperature of the cold / hot water coming out of the hot water supply unit 140 becomes a predetermined target value.

[0094] (2-1-4-3) Hot water injection operation

[0095] The hot water injection operation supplies cold / hot water from the hot water storage tank 21 to the bathtub 150. During hot water injection, by opening the hot water injection solenoid valve 31, water from outside is supplied to the hot water storage tank 21 from the lower part via the tank supply pipe L9, using water supply pressure. Consequently, the high-temperature cold / hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 is pushed out from the upper part of the tank via the second heating pipe L8.

[0096] Furthermore, hot / cold water from the hot water storage tank 21 is supplied to the second mixing valve 28 via the second heating pipe L8, and external water is supplied to the second mixing valve 28 via the tank supply pipe L9, the branch supply pipe L10, and the second mixing water pipe L12. In the second mixing valve 28, the hot / cold water from the second heating pipe L8 is mixed with the water from the second mixing water pipe L12. The mixed hot / cold water is then supplied to the bathtub 150 via the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0097] When the control unit 190 receives a start signal for hot water injection operation via user operation of the remote control 130, it opens the hot water injection solenoid valve 31. Thus, when the second flow sensor 33 detects an increase in the flow rate of cold / hot water in the second hot water supply pipe L14, the hot water injection operation begins. During the execution of the hot water injection operation, the control unit 190 controls the second mixing valve 28 based on the temperature of the cold / hot water supplied to the bathtub 150. Alternatively, the control unit 190 may use the temperature detected by the second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 as the temperature of the cold / hot water supplied to the bathtub 150.

[0098] The control unit 190 can also perform feedback control on the mixing ratio of hot / cold water and water in the second mixing valve 28 based on the output signals of the mixing water temperature sensor T7 and the second hot water supply temperature sensor T9, so that the temperature of the hot / cold water supplied to the bathtub 150 is a predetermined target value.

[0099] Furthermore, during the execution of hot water injection operation, the control unit 190 can also close the hot water injection solenoid valve 31 to end the hot water injection operation by receiving a signal indicating the end of the hot water injection operation through the user's operation of the remote control 130, or by closing the hot water injection solenoid valve 31 when the water level in the bathtub 150 detected by the water level sensor (not shown) installed in the bathtub 150 reaches the predetermined target value.

[0100] (2-1-4-4) Reheating operation

[0101] Reheating operation refers to the process of heating the cold / hot water in the bathtub 150 in the reheating heat exchanger 35 and returning it to the bathtub 150. During reheating operation, a portion of the cold / hot water in the bathtub 150 is guided to the reheating heat exchanger 35 via the first bathtub return pipe L16 and heated by driving the reheating pump 34. The heated cold / hot water in the reheating heat exchanger 35 is then returned to the bathtub 150 via the second bathtub return pipe L17 and the second hot water supply pipe L14. Thus, during reheating operation, the cold / hot water in the bathtub 150 is circulated through the first bathtub return pipe L16, the second bathtub return pipe L17, and the second hot water supply pipe L14 while being heated in the reheating heat exchanger 35.

[0102] The reheating heat exchanger 35 performs heat exchange between high-temperature cold / hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 21 via the second hot water supply pipe L14 and the first reheating pipe L18, and low-temperature cold / hot water supplied from the bathtub 150 via the first bathtub return pipe L16. Thus, the reheating heat exchanger 35 heats the cold / hot water supplied from the bathtub 150 via the first bathtub return pipe L16. The high-temperature cold / hot water supplied to the reheating heat exchanger 35 via the first reheating pipe L18, after heat exchange, is supplied to the inlet pipe L1 via the second reheating pipe L19 and the inlet valve 23. The reheating heat exchanger 35 may also be, for example, a convection heat exchanger where high-temperature and low-temperature cold / hot water flow in opposite directions for heat exchange.

[0103] When a start signal for heating operation is received via user operation of remote control 130, control unit 190 controls inlet valve 23 to connect inlet pipe L1 to second reheat pipe L19, driving heating pump 24 and reheat pump 34 to begin heating operation. During reheating operation, control unit 190 controls the speed of heating pump 24 and reheat pump 34 based on the temperature of the cold / hot water in bathtub 150 and the temperature of the cold / hot water returning from reheat heat exchanger 35 to bathtub 150. Control unit 190 may also use the temperature detected by bathtub return temperature sensor T10 as the temperature of the cold / hot water in bathtub 150, and the temperature detected by second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 as the temperature of the cold / hot water returning from reheat heat exchanger 35 to bathtub 150.

[0104] The control unit 190 can also perform feedback control on the rotation speed of the heating pump 24 and the reheating pump 34 based on the output signals of the second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 and the bathtub return temperature sensor T10, so that the temperature of the cold / hot water in the bathtub 150 reaches the specified target value.

[0105] Furthermore, during the execution of reheating operation, the control unit 190 can also receive a signal indicating the end of reheating operation through the user's operation of the remote control 130, or when the temperature of the cold / hot water in the bathtub 150 reaches the predetermined target value, and control the inlet valve 23 so that the reheating pump 34 stops and the reheating operation ends by disconnecting the second reheating pipe L19 from the inlet pipe L1.

[0106] (2-1-4-5) Operational data transmission function

[0107] The control unit 190 periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds) sends the operation data D1 of the hot water supply device 100 to the server 200.

[0108] The operational data D1 sent to the server 200 includes the measured values ​​of temperature sensors T1-T10, the measured values ​​of the first flow sensor 30, the measured values ​​of the second flow sensor 33, the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 13, the status of the inlet valve 23, the speed of the heat pump 24, the status of the bypass valve 25, the status of the heating valve 26, the opening degree of the first mixing valve 27, the opening degree of the second mixing valve 28, the status of the hot water injection solenoid valve 31, and the speed of the reheating pump 34, etc.

[0109] (2-2) Server

[0110] Server 200 is a computer set up in the cloud. Figure 4 This is the control block diagram of server 200. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the server 200 mainly includes a storage unit 41, an input unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, and a control unit 49.

[0111] Storage unit 41 is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, and HDD. Storage unit 41 stores the program executed by control unit 49, data required for program execution, etc. Storage unit 41 specifically stores the operation data D1 sent from the hot water supply device 100. Input unit 42 is a keyboard and mouse. Various instructions and information for server 200 can be input using input unit 42. Display unit 43 is a monitor. Various data stored in storage unit 41 can be displayed on display unit 43. Communication unit 44 is a network interface device for communicating with aggregator 90, hot water supply device 100, etc., via networks NW1 and NW2.

[0112] (2-2-1) Control Department

[0113] The control unit 49 is a processor such as a CPU and GPU. The control unit 49 reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 41 to implement various functions of the server 200. Furthermore, the control unit 49 can write the calculation results to the storage unit 41 or read the information stored in the storage unit 41 according to the program.

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 49 is a functional block that includes an acquisition unit 491, an operation control unit 492, a calculation unit 493, and an output unit 494.

[0115] (2-2-1-1) Obtaining the Department

[0116] The acquisition unit 491 receives a DR request for the hot water supply device 100 from the aggregator 90 via network NW1. The DR request includes a first period. The first period is a period set according to the DR request. Furthermore, the first period is the period during which the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 is adjusted.

[0117] A DR request consists of a first request and a second request.

[0118] The first request is a request to increase the power consumption of the hot water supply unit 100 during the first period compared to when no DR request was received. The aggregator 90 makes the first request to the server 200 in response to demand before the arrival of the first period, which is predicted to be a period of surplus power in the commercial power system. Hereinafter, the first request will sometimes be referred to as an DR increase request.

[0119] The second request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the hot water supply unit 100 during the first period compared to when no DR request was received. The aggregator 90 makes a second demand response request to the server 200 before the first period, which is predicted to be a period of power shortage for the commercial power system. Hereinafter, the second request will sometimes be referred to as a DR reduction request.

[0120] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the server 200 receives the DR request before the nighttime period when the hot water supply device 100 is in heating operation. Furthermore, it is assumed that the first period is the time period from 11:00 to 15:00 during the daytime period following the nighttime period.

[0121] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 491 obtains operating data D1 from the hot water supply device 100 periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds) via network NW2.

[0122] (2-2-1-2) Operation Control Department

[0123] The operation control unit 492 controls the hot water supply device 100 by sending the operation settings of the hot water supply device 100 to the hot water supply device 100. In this embodiment, the operation settings of the hot water supply device 100 are the operation settings for the heating operation of the hot water supply device 100.

[0124] The operation settings include a first operation setting and a second operation setting.

[0125] If the operation control unit 492 does not receive a DR request from the aggregator 90, it controls the hot water supply device 100 through a second operation setting.

[0126] Figure 5 This diagram shows the settings of the second operating setting for the heating operation of the hot water supply device 100. Figure 5 In the graph, the bar chart represents the electricity consumption P1, and the solid line graph G3 represents the hot water storage capacity of the hot water storage tank 21. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in the second operation setting, the night heating operation is performed from 11 PM to 5 AM the next day, and the daytime heating operation is performed from 11 AM to 1 PM.

[0127] Upon receiving a DR request from the aggregator 90, the operation control unit 492 determines the setting content of the first operation setting of the hot water supply device 100 based on the DR request, and controls the hot water supply device 100 through the first operation setting. In other words, the operation control unit 492 controls the hot water supply device 100 through the first operation setting during the first period.

[0128] Figure 6 This diagram shows the settings for the first operation when the DR request is increased. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in the first operating setting, compared to the second operating setting, the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period is increased. Therefore, the nighttime heating operation performed from 4:00 to 5:00 in the second operating setting is changed to a daytime heating operation performed from 1:00 to 14:00, and the nighttime heating operation performed from 23:00 to 24:00 in the second operating setting is changed to a daytime heating operation performed from 14:00 to 15:00. Figure 6 In the graph, the solid line G1 represents the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 based on the first operating setting, and the dashed line G3 represents the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 based on the second operating setting. In this case, the hot water supply device 100 consumes more electricity during the first period compared to the second operating setting.

[0129] Figure 7 This diagram shows the settings for the first operation when the DR request is lowered. (Example:) Figure 7 As shown, in the first operating setting, in order to reduce the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period compared to the second operating setting, the daytime heating operation performed from 11:00 to 13:00 in the second operating setting is changed to a nighttime heating operation performed from 5:00 to 7:00. In other words, in the first operating setting, the hot water supply device 100 does not perform heating operation during the first period. Figure 7 In the graph, the solid line G2 represents the hot water storage capacity of the hot water storage tank 21 based on the first operating setting, and the dashed line G3 represents the hot water storage capacity of the hot water storage tank 21 based on the second operating setting. Compared with the second operating setting, the hot water supply device 100 consumes less power during the first period.

[0130] (2-2-1-3) Calculation Department

[0131] The calculation unit 493 calculates the first information based on the operating data D1 of the hot water supply device 100 obtained from the hot water supply device 100. The first information includes the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption.

[0132] The first power consumption is the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 when the hot water supply device 100 is controlled by the first operating setting during the first period. For example, after the first period, the calculation unit 493 calculates the first power consumption using a prescribed mathematical formula based on the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 and the speed of the heat pump 24, which are included in the operating data D1 during the first period.

[0133] The second power consumption is the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 predicted when the hot water supply device 100 is controlled by the second operation setting during the first period. For example, after the first period has elapsed, the calculation unit 493 predicts the second power consumption during the first period using a prescribed mathematical formula, based on the operation data D1 during the same time period as the first period on the date when no DR request was received.

[0134] When the DR request is to increase the DR, the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption is the increase in the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period compared to when no DR request was received.

[0135] When the DR request is to lower the DR, the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption is the reduction in the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period compared to when no DR request was received.

[0136] The first information may also include the predicted second power consumption. Furthermore, the first information may also include the settings of the first operating setting and whether the first operating setting is executed.

[0137] (2-2-1-4) Output section

[0138] The output unit 494 outputs the first information calculated by the calculation unit 493. In this embodiment, the output unit 494 sends the first information to the hot water supply device 100, thereby displaying (outputting) the first information to the display unit 130a of the hot water supply device 100. The output unit 494 may also send the first information to a portable information terminal such as a smartphone 91 owned by the user, thereby displaying the first information on the screen of the portable information terminal. The output unit 494 may also output the first information to the aggregator 90 by sending the first information to the aggregator 90.

[0139] Furthermore, the output unit 494 sends the DR request received by the acquisition unit 491 to the hot water supply device 100, thereby displaying the DR request on the display unit 130a of the hot water supply device 100. The output unit 494 can also notify the user of the DR request by sending it to a portable information terminal such as a smartphone 91 owned by the user.

[0140] (3) Processing

[0141] use Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates an example of the processing of the equipment control system 1. As a prerequisite, the server 200 periodically obtains operating data D1 from the hot water supply device 100. Furthermore, the server 200 controls the hot water supply device 100 through a second operating setting.

[0142] As shown in step S1, server 200 receives a DR request for hot water supply device 100 from aggregator 90.

[0143] When step S1 ends, as shown in step S2, the server 200 determines the setting content of the first operation setting of the hot water supply device 100 according to the received DR request, and controls the hot water supply device 100 through the first operation setting.

[0144] When step S2 ends, as shown in step S3, after the first period, server 200 calculates the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption.

[0145] When step S3 ends, as shown in step S4, the server 200 displays first information, including the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption, on the display unit 130a of the hot water supply device 100.

[0146] (4) Characteristics

[0147] (4-1)

[0148] Previously, there were known systems where users adjusted the power consumption of their devices’ commercial power systems based on DR requests from aggregators, and the users received rewards from aggregators based on the amount of adjustment.

[0149] However, since it is impossible to know the difference between the power consumption of the device corresponding to the DR request and the power consumption of the device when no DR request is received, there is a problem that aggregators and users cannot judge the appropriateness of the reward.

[0150] The device control system 1 of this embodiment includes a hot water supply device 100 and a server 200. The server 200 has a control unit 49. The control unit 49 controls the hot water supply device 100 according to a DR request. The control unit 49 receives the DR request from the aggregator 90. The control unit 49 controls the hot water supply device 100 through a first operating setting during a first period. The first period is a period set according to the DR request. The first period is a period for adjusting the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100. The control unit 49 outputs first information based on the operating data D1 of the hot water supply device 100 obtained from the hot water supply device 100. The first information includes the difference between a first power consumption and a second power consumption. The first power consumption is the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 when the hot water supply device 100 is controlled through the first operating setting during the first period. The second power consumption is the predicted power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 when the hot water supply device 100 is controlled through the second operating setting during the first period. The second operating setting is the operating setting when the control unit 49 does not receive a DR request.

[0151] In the equipment control system 1, the control unit 49 outputs first information based on the equipment operation data D1 obtained from the hot water supply device 100. The first information includes the difference between a first power consumption and a second power consumption. The first power consumption is the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 when it is controlled by a first operation setting during a first period. The second power consumption is the predicted power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 when it is controlled by a second operation setting during the first period. The second operation setting is the operation setting when the control unit 49 does not receive a DR request.

[0152] Therefore, the equipment control system 1 can output the difference between the first power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 corresponding to a DR request and the second power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 when no DR request is received to the aggregator 90 or the user. As a result, the aggregator 90 and the user can grasp the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption and determine the appropriateness of the reward.

[0153] (4-2)

[0154] In the device control system 1 of this embodiment, the DR request is a second request. The second request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period compared to when the control unit 49 does not receive the DR request. Compared to the second operating setting, the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period is less. The difference is the amount of reduction in the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period compared to when the control unit 49 does not receive the DR request.

[0155] (4-3)

[0156] In the device control system 1 of this embodiment, the DR request is a first request. The first request is a request to increase the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during a first period compared to when the control unit 49 does not receive the DR request. Compared to the second operating setting, the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period is greater in the first operating setting. The difference is the amount by which the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 during the first period increases compared to when the control unit 49 does not receive the DR request.

[0157] (4-4)

[0158] In the device control system 1 of this embodiment, the first information further includes the second power consumption. As a result, the device control system 1 can provide the aggregator 90 and the user with additional information for judging the appropriateness of the reward.

[0159] (4-5)

[0160] In the device control system 1 of this embodiment, the first information further includes the setting content of the first operation setting and whether the first operation setting is executed. As a result, the device control system 1 can provide the aggregator 90 and the user with additional information for judging the appropriateness of the reward.

[0161] (4-6)

[0162] In the device control system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 49 outputs first information to the aggregator 90.

[0163] (4-7)

[0164] The device control system 1 of this embodiment also includes a display unit 130a. The control unit 49 outputs first information to the display unit 130a.

[0165] (5) Variations

[0166] (5-1) Variation 1A

[0167] In this embodiment, the equipment control system 1 includes a hot water supply device 100 as a device controlled according to a DR request. However, the device controlled according to a DR request may also be a device other than the hot water supply device 100, such as an air conditioner.

[0168] Furthermore, the equipment control system 1 can also control multiple devices according to the DR request. At this time, the control unit 49 determines the setting content of the first operation setting for each of the multiple devices according to the DR request, and outputs the first information.

[0169] (5-2) Variation 1B

[0170] In this embodiment, the first period is set to a specific period within a day. However, the first period can also be set daily. In this case, the control unit 49 can also output the first information daily.

[0171] (5-3) Variation 1C

[0172] In the first operation setting where the DR request is reduced in this embodiment, the hot water supply device 100 does not perform heating operation during the first period. However, the hot water supply device 100 may also perform heating operation during the first period using the surplus power of the solar power generation device. Since the heating operation is performed using surplus power, the hot water supply device 100 does not consume power from the commercial power system.

[0173] The solar power generation device is installed on the roof or other part of the facility where the hot water supply device 100 is installed. The solar power generation device is connected to the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 in a manner that enables bidirectional data communication via wireless or wired communication. The hot water supply device 100 and other electrical equipment used in the facility can be operated by the electricity generated by the solar power generation device.

[0174] (5-4) Variation 1D

[0175] In the first operation setting where the DR request is reduced in this embodiment, the hot water supply device 100 does not perform heating operation during the first period. However, the hot water supply device 100 may also perform heating operation for a portion of the first period.

[0176] Figure 9 This diagram shows the settings of the first operation setting in the case where the DR request is reduced in this variation. Figure 9 In, with Figure 7 Unlike other systems, the hot water supply unit 100 operates during the daytime heating period from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The first operating time set during the first period is the first operating time (…). Figure 9 The middle is 1 hour) compared to the second operation time set in the first period, i.e., the second operation time ( Figure 9 The first operating time is 2 hours, which is shorter. Therefore, in the first operating setting, compared with the second operating setting, the power consumption of the hot water supply device 100 is reduced during the first period. At this time, the first information may also include the difference between the first operating time and the second operating time (in...). Figure 9 (The middle is 1 hour).

[0177] (5-5) Variation 1E

[0178] In this embodiment, when the DR request is a downgrade DR request, the first operation time set in the first period, i.e., the first operation time, is shorter than the second operation time set in the second period, i.e., the second operation time.

[0179] However, for example, the first operating time in the first period can be the same as the second operating time in the first period, and the operating capacity of the heating operation set in the first period can be lower than the operating capacity of the heating operation set in the second period.

[0180] For example, in the heating operation with the first operating setting during the first period, the upper limit of the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 is reduced compared to the heating operation with the second operating setting during the first period. Furthermore, for example, in the heating operation with the first operating setting during the first period, the outlet hot water temperature is reduced compared to the heating operation with the second operating setting during the first period.

[0181] (5-6)

[0182] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes in manner and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0183] Label Explanation

[0184] 1 Equipment Control System

[0185] 49 Control Department

[0186] 90 Aggregator

[0187] 100 Hot water supply device (equipment)

[0188] 130a Display Unit

[0189] 200 servers

[0190] D1 Operation Data

[0191] Existing technical documents

[0192] Patent documents

[0193] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-170925

Claims

1. A device control system (1), comprising: One or more devices (100); and The server (200) has a control unit (49) that controls the device in response to requests based on demand. The control unit Receive the request from the aggregator (90). During a first period, set according to the request, in which the power consumption of the device is adjusted, the device is controlled by a first operating setting. First information is output based on the device's operation data (D1) obtained from the device. The first information includes the difference between the device's first power consumption when the device is controlled by the first operation setting during the first period and the second power consumption predicted when the device is controlled by the second operation setting during the first period. The second operation setting is the operation setting when the control unit does not receive the request.

2. The equipment control system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The request is a second request to reduce the power consumption of the device during the first period compared to when the control unit had not received the request. Compared to the second operating setting, the first operating setting results in less power consumption of the device during the first period. The difference is the reduction in the power consumption of the device during the first period compared to when the control unit did not receive the request.

3. The equipment control system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The request is a first request to increase the power consumption of the device during the first period compared to when the control unit had not received the request. Compared to the second operating setting, the first operating setting results in higher power consumption of the device during the first period. The difference is the increase in the power consumption of the device during the first period compared to when the control unit did not receive the request.

4. The equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first information also includes the second power consumption.

5. The equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first information also includes the settings of the first operation setting and whether the first operation setting is executed.

6. The equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The control unit outputs the first information to each of the plurality of devices.

7. The equipment control system (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit determines the settings for the first operation setting for each of the plurality of devices.

8. The equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first period is set on a daily basis. The control unit outputs the first information daily.

9. The equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The request is a second request to reduce the power consumption of the device compared to when the control unit does not receive the request. The first operating time set in the first period, i.e., the first operating time, is shorter than the second operating time set in the second period, i.e., the second operating time.

10. The equipment control system (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The first information also includes the difference between the first operating time and the second operating time.

11. The equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The request is a second request to reduce the power consumption of the device compared to when the control unit does not receive the request. The operating capacity of the first operating setting during the first period is lower than the operating capacity of the second operating setting during the first period.

12. The equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The control unit outputs the first information to the aggregator.

13. The equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The equipment control system (1) also includes a display unit (130a). The control unit outputs the first information to the display unit.

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