Power management device, power management system, power management method, and program

Abstract

To keep electricity bills to a minimum while maintaining comfort and convenience for users who are consumers in a situation where electricity unit prices fluctuate.SOLUTION: A power management device 2 includes a unit price information acquisition unit 204 that acquires unit price information indicating the trend of the electricity unit price for the next day, an operation plan formulation unit 205 that formulates multiple operation plan candidates for the operation of each device for the next day on the basis of the unit price information, the target electricity price, and the usage history of each device, and a terminal I / F unit 203 that presents the formulated multiple operation plan candidates to a user via a user terminal 6 and confirms the candidate selected by the user as the operation plan for the next day.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power management device, a power management system, a power management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various techniques have been proposed for creating operation plans for each home electric appliance in order to reduce the amount of power used in the home.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology that predicts power consumption, compares the predicted power consumption value with a target value for power consumption, and, if there is a time period during which the target is not met, creates an operation plan for multiple home appliances so that the power consumption value for that time period falls within the target. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-215728 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the future, if renewable energy becomes widespread and electricity market trading becomes commonplace, general consumers will also need to consider operations in which electricity rates fluctuate depending on the day and time of day. Under such circumstances, even if a consumer uses the same equipment and behaves in the same way every day, the electricity rate will vary from day to day, making it difficult to formulate an operation plan based on the target electricity rate set by the consumer.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a power management device, a power management system, a power management method, and a program that are capable of minimizing increases in electricity bills while maintaining the comfort and convenience of electricity consumers in a situation where the unit price of electricity fluctuates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a power management device according to the present disclosure includes: A unit price information acquisition means for acquiring unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day; an operation plan formulation means for formulating a plurality of operation plan candidates for the next day's operation of the one or more appliances based on the unit price information, a target amount of an electricity charge set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means for presenting the formulated candidates of the operation plans to the consumer; and an operation plan determination means for determining a candidate selected by the consumer from the plurality of candidates as the operation plan for the next day. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to minimize increases in electricity charges while maintaining the comfort and convenience of users who are consumers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a power management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a power management device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a power management device and a user terminal according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a change in electricity rate per time period in an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a target electricity price setting screen in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a plan setting screen in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a table showing an example of an operation plan according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a table showing an example of another operation plan according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen according to the embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a candidate presentation screen according to an embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a details screen in the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a details screen in the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen according to the embodiment; [Figure 16] A flowchart showing a procedure of an operation plan determination process according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a candidate presentation screen according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a candidate presentation screen according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan development screen in a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a power management system 1 according to an embodiment. The power management system 1 is an example of a power management system according to the present disclosure. The power management system 1 is a system that manages the power used in a home H, which is each consumer's home. As shown in Fig. 1, the power management system 1 includes a power management device 2, a power market server 3, an energy measurement unit 4, an operating device identification device 5, a user terminal 6, one or more devices 7, one or more devices 8, and a router 9, which are installed in each home.

[0012] <Power management device 2> The power management device 2 is an example of a power management device according to the present disclosure. The power management device 2 is a so-called cloud server, and provides a service (hereinafter referred to as a "power management service") related to power management used in a house H, which is a consumer's home, to a user. As shown in Fig. 2, the power management device 2 includes, as hardware configuration, a communication unit 20, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 23, and an auxiliary storage device 24. These components are connected to each other via a bus 25.

[0013] The communication unit 20 is hardware for communicating with other devices via a network N such as the Internet, and is, for example, an interface based on Ethernet (registered trademark). The CPU 21 comprehensively controls the power management device 2. The functions of the power management device 2 realized by the CPU 21 will be described in detail later. The ROM 22 stores multiple pieces of firmware and data used when these firmware are executed. The RAM 23 is used as a working area for the CPU 21.

[0014] The auxiliary storage device 24 is composed of a readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. Examples of the readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, etc. The auxiliary storage device 24 stores a power management program, which is a program for managing the power used in each house H, and data used when the power management program is executed.

[0015] The power management device 2 is capable of acquiring a power management program or an update program for updating the power management program from another device through communication. These programs can also be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an optical magnetic disk, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a HDD, an SSD (Solid-State Drive), or a memory card. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to the power management device 2, the power management device 2 can read the power management program or the update program from the recording medium and install it in itself.

[0016] <Electricity Market Server 3> The electricity market server 3 is a computer installed and operated by an electricity retailer or the like, and is connected to the network N. In response to a request from the power management device 2, the electricity market server 3 transmits unit price information regarding the electricity unit price for a specified day to the power management device 2. The unit price information includes information indicating the change in the electricity unit price for each time period on that day.

[0017] <Energy Measurement Unit 4> The energy measuring unit 4 measures the total power consumption consumed in the house H. The energy measuring unit 4 has a communication interface for communicating with the power management device 2 via the router 9, and in response to a request from the power management device 2 at regular intervals, transmits power information including the current date and time (meaning the measurement date and time) and the measured value of the total power consumption of the house H to the power management device 2. Note that the energy measuring unit 4 may also transmit the power information voluntarily to the power management device 2 at regular intervals.

[0018] <Operating device identification device 5> The operating device identifying device 5 uses a known method to identify the currently operating device among the devices 7 and 8. For example, the operating device identifying device 5 stores a device information table in which identification information for identifying each device (each device 7 and each device 8), feature amounts, and operating states are registered. The operating device identifying device 5 then calculates feature amounts for each frequency component from the measurement results of the current and voltage in a power supply line (not shown) in the house H, and compares the calculated feature amounts with the feature amounts registered in the device information table to identify the operating device.

[0019] The operating device identifying device 5 has a communication interface for communicating with the power management device 2 via the router 9, and in response to a request at regular intervals from the power management device 2, transmits to the power management device 2 operating device information including the current date and time and identification information of each device identified as being in operation. Note that the operating device identifying device 5 may also transmit the operating device information to the power management device 2 at regular intervals of time on its own accord.

[0020] <User terminal 6> The user terminal 6 is an example of a terminal according to the present disclosure. The user terminal 6 is a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal used by a consumer. As shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 6 includes a display 60, an operation receiving unit 61, a first communication unit 62, a second communication unit 63, a CPU 64, a ROM 65, a RAM 66, and an auxiliary storage device 67. These components are connected to each other via a bus 68.

[0021] The display 60 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. The display 60 displays various screens and the like in response to user operations under the control of the CPU 64. The operation reception unit 61 includes one or more input devices such as a push button, a touch panel, a touch pad, etc., receives operation input from the user, and outputs a signal related to the received operation to the CPU 64.

[0022] The first communication unit 62 is hardware for a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) for connecting to a router 9 installed in the house H or an outdoor access point. The second communication unit 63 is hardware for mobile data communication. The CPU 64 comprehensively controls the user terminal 6. The functions of the user terminal 6 realized by the CPU 64 will be described in detail later. The ROM 65 stores multiple pieces of firmware and data used when these firmware are executed. The RAM 66 is used as a working area for the CPU 64.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 67 includes a readable / writable non-volatile semiconductor memory such as an EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, etc. The auxiliary storage device 67 stores various programs including an application program for using a power management service (hereinafter referred to as a "power management application"), and data used when these programs are executed.

[0024] The user terminal 6 is capable of acquiring a power management application or an update program for updating the power management application from the power management device 2 or another device through communication. These programs can also be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, optical magnetic disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, memory card, etc. and distributed. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to the user terminal 6, the user terminal 6 can read the power management application or the update program from the recording medium and install it in the user terminal 6.

[0025] <Device 7, Device 8> Device 7 and device 8 are examples of devices according to the present disclosure. Device 7 is an electrical device known as an IoT (Internet of Things) device, information appliance, network appliance, smart appliance, etc., such as an air conditioner, water heater, television, IH (Induction Heating) cooker, etc., and includes a communication interface for communicating with power management device 2 via router 9. Device 7 may be configured to be connected to router 9 via an external communication adapter (not shown). Device 8 is an electrical device that does not include a communication function and is not under the control of power management device 2, such as a dishwasher, microwave oven, washing machine, dryer, iron, etc.

[0026] The devices 7 and 8 perform operations in response to user operations using dedicated remote controls for the devices 7 and 8, or operations using operation panels, push buttons, switches, etc. provided on the devices 7 and 8. Furthermore, when the device 7 receives a control command from the power management device 2, it also performs operations in accordance with the control command.

[0027] <Functional configuration of power management device 2 and user terminal 6> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing functional configurations of the power management device 2 and the user terminal 6. As shown in Fig. 4, the power management device 2 includes a power information acquisition unit 200, an operating device information acquisition unit 201, a device control unit 202, a terminal I / F unit 203, a unit price information acquisition unit 204, an operation plan formulation unit 205, an electricity fee estimation unit 206, and a user notification unit 207. These functional units are realized by the CPU 21 of the power management device 2 executing the above-mentioned power management program stored in the auxiliary storage device 24.

[0028] The user terminal 6 includes a user I / F unit 600, an information transmitting unit 601, and an information receiving unit 602. These functional units are realized by the CPU 64 of the user terminal 6 executing the above-mentioned power management application stored in the auxiliary storage device 67.

[0029] The power information acquiring unit 200 acquires power information from the energy measuring unit 4 of each house H at regular intervals (e.g., every minute). Specifically, the power information acquiring unit 200 transmits a command requesting the energy measuring unit 4 of each house H to transmit power information at regular intervals, and receives and acquires the power information transmitted from each energy measuring unit 4 in response to the command. As described above, the power information includes the current date and time, the measured value of the total power consumption of the house H, and the like. The power information acquiring unit 200 sorts the acquired power information by user (i.e., by consumer) in chronological order and stores it in the information storage unit 240. The information storage unit 240 is a memory area provided by the auxiliary storage device 24.

[0030] The operating device information acquisition unit 201 acquires operating device information from the operating device identifying device 5 of each house H at regular intervals (for example, every minute). Specifically, the operating device information acquisition unit 201 transmits a command requesting the operating device identifying device 5 of each house H to transmit operating device information at regular intervals, and receives and acquires the operating device information sent from each operating device identifying device 5 in response to the command. As described above, the operating device information includes the current date and time, identification information of the operating device, etc. The operating device information acquisition unit 201 sorts the acquired operating device information by user in chronological order and stores it in the information storage unit 240.

[0031] The device control unit 202 controls the operation of each device 7. In detail, the device control unit 202 controls the operation of each device 7 according to an operation plan determined by the user. The operation plan will be described in detail later. The terminal I / F unit 203 is an example of an operation plan presentation means and an operation plan determination means according to the present disclosure. The terminal I / F unit 203 performs processing related to an interface with the user terminal 6. For example, the terminal I / F unit 203 receives operation information related to user operations, setting information related to user settings, and the like from the user terminal 6. In addition, the terminal I / F unit 203 transmits, to the user terminal 6, presentation information for presenting the formulated operation plan, estimated electricity charges, and the like to the user, notification information for calling attention to the use of the devices, and the like.

[0032] In the user terminal 6, the user I / F unit 600 performs processing related to the interface with the user. For example, the user I / F unit 600 displays on the display 60 a screen based on the presentation information sent from the power management device 2. The user I / F unit 600 also accepts input of information related to the use of the power management service from the user. The information transmitting unit 601 transmits information input by the user (operation information, setting information) to the power management device 2. The information receiving unit 602 receives information sent from the power management device 2 (presentation information, notification information).

[0033] The unit price information acquisition unit 204 is an example of a unit price information acquisition means according to the present disclosure. The unit price information acquisition unit 204 periodically (for example, once a day) acquires unit price information from the electricity market server 3. In detail, the unit price information acquisition unit 204 communicates with the electricity market server 3 at 10 p.m. every day, and acquires from the electricity market server 3 unit price information indicating the trend of the electricity unit price for each time period of the next day (see FIG. 5 ). The unit price information acquisition unit 204 stores the acquired unit price information in the information storage unit 240.

[0034] The operation plan formulation unit 205 is an example of an operation plan formulation means according to the present disclosure. The operation plan formulation unit 205 formulates an operation plan for the operation of each device 7 and each device 8 on the next day for each user. At that time, the operation plan formulation unit 205 formulates an operation plan corresponding to the user by taking into account the target electricity price corresponding to the user and the operation plan formulation plan. The user can set a target electricity price, which is a target amount of the electricity price, in advance via the user terminal 6. In this case, the user I / F unit 600 of the user terminal 6 displays a target electricity price setting screen as shown in FIG. 6 on the display 60. The terminal I / F unit 203 of the power management device 2 stores information indicating the target electricity price set by the user via the target electricity price setting screen (an example of setting information) in the information storage unit 240 for each user.

[0035] Similarly, a user can set an operation plan development plan in advance via the user terminal 6. In this case, the user I / F unit 600 of the user terminal 6 displays a plan setting screen as shown in Fig. 7 on the display 60. The terminal I / F unit 203 of the power management device 2 stores information indicating the operation plan development plan set by the user via the plan setting screen (an example of setting information) in the information storage unit 240 for each user.

[0036] In the power management service of this embodiment, two operation plan formulation plans are prepared: an electricity bill saving priority plan and a comfort priority plan. When the electricity bill saving priority plan is set by the user, an operation plan that does not exceed the target electricity bill set by the user is presented to the user. On the other hand, when the comfort priority plan is set by the user, an operation plan that does not exceed the allowable amount obtained by adding a certain amount to the target electricity bill is presented to the user. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the operation plan includes the time period during which each device (each device 7 and each device 8) is used and the power consumption during use. Note that information indicating the power consumption during use (i.e., during operation) of each device is stored in advance in the information storage unit 240.

[0037] The electricity fee estimation unit 206 estimates an electricity fee based on the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation unit 205. In detail, the electricity fee estimation unit 206 calculates an electricity fee when each device is used according to the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation unit 205 (see Figs. 8 and 9) and the unit price information for the next day (see Fig. 5).

[0038] A method for formulating an operation plan by the operation plan formulation unit 205 will be specifically described below. The operation plan formulation unit 205 first formulates an operation plan for the next day (hereinafter referred to as "operation plan 1") that assumes normal use of each device in the user's house H. In detail, the operation plan formulation unit 205 formulates operation plans according to each of the following conditions, for example, and causes the electricity fee estimation unit 206 to calculate the electricity fee corresponding to each of the formulated operation plans.

[0039] (1) It is matched with the usage record of each device today. However, weekdays and holidays are combined. For example, if today is a holiday and the next day is a weekday, it is matched with the usage record of each device on the most recent weekday, and if today is a weekday and the next day is a holiday, it is matched with the usage record of each device on the most recent holiday. (2) Match the usage record of each device on the same day of the previous week. (3) It is formulated based on the average usage record of each device over the previous week. For example, for each device, the time period during which the device was used is set to 1 and the time period during which the device was not used is set to 0, and the average value for each time period is calculated. If the calculated average value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 0.5), the time period is determined to be in use, and if the calculated average value is less than the threshold, the time period is determined to be not in use.

[0040] If the next day is a weekday, an operation plan is formulated based on the average usage of each device on weekdays of the previous week, and if the next day is a holiday, an operation plan is formulated based on the average usage of each device on holiday of the previous week (the same applies to (4) and (5) below).

[0041] (4) It shall be calculated based on the average usage record of each piece of equipment during the same month and week of the previous year. (5) It shall be calculated based on the average usage record of each piece of equipment during the same month of the previous year. (6) The AI ​​learns about the normal usage of each device in the user’s home H and formulates a plan based on the results.

[0042] (The following conditions are valid when the power management device 2 is configured to be able to acquire weather information from a weather server.) (7) Match the usage history of each device to the usage history for recent days with similar weather and temperature. (8) The weather forecast shall be based on the average usage record of each piece of equipment on days with similar weather conditions in the previous week. (9) It shall be calculated based on the average usage record of each piece of equipment on days with similar weather conditions during the same week of the same month of the previous year.

[0043] From among the multiple operation plans formulated under the above conditions, in the case of an electricity bill saving priority plan, the operation plan formulation unit 205 determines as operation plan 1 an operation plan that is less than the target electricity bill and closest to the target electricity bill, and in the case of a comfort priority plan, determines as operation plan 1 an operation plan that is less than the above-mentioned allowable amount and closest to the target electricity bill.

[0044] When the operation plan formulation unit 205 formulates the operation plan 1, it formulates at least one or more operation plans (operation plan 2, operation plan 3, ..., operation plan N) that are different from the operation plan 1. For example, in the case of an electricity bill saving priority plan, the operation plan formulation unit 205 formulates an operation plan n that results in a lower electricity bill than the previous operation plan n-1. On the other hand, in the case of a comfort priority plan, the operation plan formulation unit 205 formulates an operation plan n that results in an electricity bill that is different from the electricity bill of the previous operation plan n-1 within the range of the allowable amount from the target electricity bill.

[0045] In the case of the electricity fee saving priority plan, an algorithm used by the operation plan formulation unit 205 to formulate the operation plan n is shown below as an example.

[0046] (1) Extract devices that are scheduled to be used during times when the unit price of electricity is high, and move the usage time of those devices to times when the unit price of electricity is lower. In doing so, select a time period where the device has been used in the past and that is as close as possible to the original usage time period. (2) Identify appliances that have higher electricity bills than other appliances and appliances that are used continuously for long periods of time, and reduce the usage time of those appliances. (3) Try to use equipment that is used intermittently all at once. For example, instead of using the dishwasher in the morning and at night, use it only at night. (4) Changing the operating settings to reduce power consumption Example: Lower the temperature setting when heating. Raise the temperature setting when cooling. Change the operation mode from cooling to fan in early summer (before the heat has really set in). Change the fan speed from strong to automatic, etc.

[0047] For example, when the operation plan 1 in the electricity fee saving priority plan has the content shown in FIG. 9, the operation plan formulation unit 205 formulates the operation plan 2 having the content shown in FIG. 10. When the electricity fee unit price of the next day changes as shown in FIG. 5, the electricity fee in the operation plan 1 is 593.8 yen, but the electricity fee in the operation plan 2 is 525.6 yen, which can be reduced by 68.2 yen. Note that a priority may be set in advance for each device so that devices that are unlikely to affect the user's life even if the time period or operation setting value is changed and that are easy to change are preferentially extracted as the target of change. For example, a priority may be set for a device that does not need to be operated by the user after starting operation, such as a dishwasher, or the priority may be determined based on the user's life style and preferences.

[0048] When the operation plan formulation unit 205 formulates the operation plans 1 to n as described above, the operation plan formulation unit 205 classifies candidate information in which each operation plan is associated with an electricity rate and a remark for each user, and stores the information in the information storage unit 240. The remark includes the order in which the operation plans were formulated, key points, etc. For example, the key points include information indicating the basis for formulation in the case of operation plan 1, and information indicating the differences from operation plan 1 in the case of plans other than operation plan 1.

[0049] The user notification unit 207 is an example of a notification means according to the present disclosure. When a notification to a user is necessary, the user notification unit 207 generates notification information indicating the contents to be notified and transmits the notification information to the user terminal 6 of the user via the terminal I / F unit 203. For example, when an operation plan corresponding to the user is formulated, the user notification unit 207 transmits notification information indicating the same to the user terminal 6 of the user via the terminal I / F unit 203. The user terminal 6 that receives the notification information displays a notification screen as shown in FIG. 11 on the display 60 by, for example, a push notification.

[0050] When the notification screen is tapped by the user, the terminal I / F unit 203 generates presentation information for presenting operation plan candidates to the user based on each candidate information, and transmits the generated presentation information to the user terminal 6. At that time, the terminal I / F unit 203 generates a message for each candidate focusing on the use of the device, and transmits the presentation information including each generated message to the corresponding user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 that receives the presentation information displays a candidate presentation screen as shown in FIG. 12 on the display 60 by the user I / F unit 600. When the user performs an operation to request details on the candidate presentation screen shown in FIG. 12, the terminal I / F unit 203 of the power management device 2 transmits detailed information of the candidate to the user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 that receives the detailed information displays a detailed screen as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 on the display 60 by the user I / F unit 600.

[0051] 12, when any of the operation plans is selected and a decision operation is performed, the terminal I / F unit 203 of the power management device 2 stores the operation plan in the information storage unit 240 as a confirmed operation plan for tomorrow corresponding to the user. If the user does not confirm the notification even after a certain time has elapsed after the transmission of the notification information, or if the user does not select an operation plan even after a certain time has elapsed after the transmission of the presentation information, the terminal I / F unit 203 stores the operation plan 1 in the information storage unit 240 as a confirmed operation plan for tomorrow corresponding to the user.

[0052] In addition to the above notifications, the user notification unit 207 monitors the usage status of each device in the house H for each user in real time, and if the device is used during a time period different from the operation plan and an increase in electricity charges is expected, generates notification information to call attention to the use of the device and transmits it to the user terminal 6 of the user via the terminal I / F unit 203. The user terminal 6 that receives the notification information displays a notification screen as shown in Fig. 15 on the display 60 by, for example, push notification.

[0053] <Operation plan confirmation process> 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the operation plan determination process executed by the power management device 2. The power management device 2 executes the operation plan determination process periodically (for example, at 10 pm every day).

[0054] (Step S100) The power management device 2 acquires unit price information from the power market server 3. After that, the processing of the power management device 2 transitions to step S101.

[0055] (Step S101) The power management device 2 formulates an operation plan 1 assuming normal use of each device based on the usage record of each device, unit price information, target electricity rate, operation plan formulation plan, etc., and calculates the electricity rate. Thereafter, the processing of the power management device 2 transitions to step S102.

[0056] (Step S102) The power management device 2 formulates one or more operation plans different from the operation plan 1 based on the operation plan 1, the usage record of each device, the unit price information, the target electricity rate, the operation plan formulation plan, etc., and calculates the corresponding electricity rates. After that, the process of the power management device 2 transitions to step S103.

[0057] (Step S103) The power management device 2 notifies the user that an operation plan has been created. After that, the process of the power management device 2 transitions to step S104.

[0058] (Step S104) The power management device 2 determines whether or not the user has acknowledged the notification within a certain period of time. If the user has acknowledged the notification within the certain period of time (step S104; YES), the process of the power management device 2 transitions to step S105. If the user has not acknowledged the notification within the certain period of time (step S104; NO), the process of the power management device 2 transitions to step S108.

[0059] (Step S105) The power management device 2 presents the formulated operation plan candidates to the user. After that, the processing of the power management device 2 transitions to step S106.

[0060] (Step S106) The power management device 2 determines whether or not the user has determined an operation plan within the fixed time. If the user has determined an operation plan within the fixed time (step S106; YES), the process of the power management device 2 transitions to step S107. If the user has not determined an operation plan within the fixed time (step S106; NO), the process of the power management device 2 transitions to step S108.

[0061] (Step S107) The power management device 2 confirms the operation plan determined by the user as tomorrow's operation plan, and then ends the operation plan confirmation process.

[0062] (Step S108) The power management device 2 confirms the operation plan 1 as tomorrow's operation plan. After that, the power management device 2 ends the operation plan confirmation process. Note that the power management device 2 may notify the user that the operation plan for tomorrow has been confirmed, and transmit information indicating the confirmed operation plan to the user terminal 6 of the user, so that the operation plan is presented to the user via the user terminal 6.

[0063] As described above, in the power management system 1 of this embodiment, the power management device 2 formulates multiple candidate operation plans for the use of each device on the next day based on the electricity unit price for the next day, the usage history of each device, the target electricity price, and the operation plan formulation plan, and presents them to the user. Then, the power management device 2 manages the power used in the user's home H on the next day based on the operation plan determined by the user. Therefore, in a situation where the electricity unit price fluctuates, it is possible to minimize increases in electricity prices while maintaining the comfort and convenience of the user, who is a consumer.

[0064] In addition, the power management device 2 monitors the usage status of each device in real time, and when it detects the use of a device that is different from the operation plan and may lead to an increase in electricity charges, it notifies the user of the use. This allows the user to immediately recognize the use and take action, making it possible to prevent an unintended increase in electricity charges.

[0065] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, some of the data stored in information storage unit 240 (eg, usage records of each device, etc.) may be stored and managed by a file server separate from power management device 2.

[0066] (Variation 2) On the candidate presentation screen (see FIG. 12) displayed on the user terminal 6, for the electricity charges of the candidates corresponding to the operation plans 2 to N, the difference from the operation plan 1 may be displayed instead of the total amount.

[0067] (Variation 3) Instead of the power management device 2, a home controller (not shown) installed in the house H may have the functional unit shown in Fig. 4 and execute the operation plan determination process shown in Fig. 16. In this case, the home controller is an example of a power management device according to the present disclosure.

[0068] (Variation 4) When presenting operation plan candidates to the user, the terminal I / F unit 203 of the power management device 2 may generate a message focusing on the user's behavior corresponding to each candidate, and transmit presentation information including each generated message to the corresponding user terminal 6. The user terminal 6 that receives the presentation information displays a candidate presentation screen as shown in Fig. 17 on the display 60 by the user I / F unit 600. By presenting each candidate in this manner, the user can examine each candidate in comparison with his / her own behavior, and can select an operation plan that is more suited to his / her own lifestyle pattern.

[0069] (Variation 5) The power management device 2 may further include a function of supporting the user in formulating an operation plan for the next day. In this case, the terminal I / F unit 203 of the power management device 2 is an example of an operation plan formulation support means according to the present disclosure, and when presenting candidates for formulated operation plans to the user, the terminal I / F unit 203 adds the user-formulated operation plan to the options and presents the operation plan (see FIG. 18). When the user selects the check box 1800 of item 4 on the candidate presentation screen in FIG. 18 and taps or clicks on the text link 1801 labeled "here," the terminal I / F unit 203 causes the user terminal 6 to display an operation plan formulation screen for accepting the formulation of an operation plan by the user, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0070] Through the operation plan formulation screen of FIG. 19, the user can formulate a desired operation plan by customizing it based on the operation plan 1. For example, by tapping, clicking, or long pressing the device button, the user can select or delete the device in the house H that is recognized by the power management device 2. In addition, the use time period can be expanded or contracted or moved by operating the use time period bar. In addition, when the device is selected, the operation method may be changed by operating the use time period bar. For example, the cooling set temperature may be increased or the heating set temperature may be decreased by operating the use time period bar of the air conditioner. The estimated electricity fee is recalculated and the display is updated every time the device, the use time period, or the operation method is changed. After the user formulates an operation plan through the operation plan formulation screen, when the decision button is pressed, the screen returns to the candidate presentation screen of FIG. 18. At that time, the electricity fee corresponding to the operation plan formulated by the user is displayed in the "-- circle" portion of item 4 on the candidate presentation screen.

[0071] In addition, a "Delete all plans" button or a "Delete all devices" button may be added to the operation plan formulation screen in Fig. 19 so that the plan can be reset to a blank state. Also, an operation plan formulated by the user in the past may be presented so that the user can customize the operation plan.

[0072] (Variation 6) The configuration may be such that the operating devices are identified from the state of the power strips that are assigned to the devices in advance. In this case, the power management device 2 may identify whether the device 7 is operating or not by acquiring the operating state of the device 7 at regular intervals via communication.

[0073] (Variation 7) All or part of the functional units (see FIG. 4) of the power management device 2 may be realized by dedicated hardware, such as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of these.

[0074] The technical ideas according to the above-described modified examples may be realized either alone or in appropriate combination.

[0075] Various embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the scope of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0076] Various aspects of the present disclosure are set forth below.

[0077] (Appendix 1) A unit price information acquisition means for acquiring unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day; an operation plan formulation means for formulating a plurality of operation plan candidates for the next day's operation of the one or more appliances based on the unit price information, a target amount of an electricity charge set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means for presenting the formulated candidates of the operation plans to the consumer; and an operation plan determination means for determining a candidate selected by the consumer from the plurality of candidates as an operation plan for the next day. Power management device.

[0078] (Appendix 2) The system further includes a notification means for monitoring the usage status of the one or more devices, and notifying the consumer of the usage status when the usage status of the device is different from the confirmed operation plan and is expected to cause an increase in electricity charges. 2. A power management apparatus as described in claim 1.

[0079] (Appendix 3) The operation plan presentation means generates a message focusing on the use of the equipment or the behavior of the consumer corresponding to each of the plurality of candidates, and presents each of the generated messages to the consumer. 3. A power management device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0080] (Appendix 4) Further comprising an operation plan formulation support means for supporting the consumer in formulating an operation plan for the next day. 4. A power management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0081] (Appendix 5) A unit price information acquisition means for acquiring unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day; an operation plan formulation means for formulating a plurality of operation plan candidates for the next day's operation of the one or more appliances based on the unit price information, a target amount of an electricity charge set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means for presenting the formulated plurality of operation plan candidates to the consumer via a terminal of the consumer; and an operation plan determination means for determining a candidate selected by the consumer through the terminal from among the plurality of candidates as an operation plan for the next day. Power management system.

[0082] (Appendix 6) The unit price information acquiring means acquires unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day, An operation plan formulation means formulates a plurality of operation plan candidates for the operation of the one or more appliances on the next day based on the unit price information, a target amount of the electricity charge set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means presents the formulated candidates of the operation plans to the consumer; an operation plan determination means for determining a candidate selected by the consumer from among the plurality of candidates as an operation plan for the next day; Power management methods.

[0083] (Appendix 7) Computer, A unit price information acquisition means for acquiring unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day; an operation plan formulation means for formulating a plurality of operation plan candidates for the operation of the one or more appliances on the next day based on the unit price information, a target amount of an electricity charge set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means for presenting the formulated candidates of the operation plans to the consumer; functioning as an operation plan determination means for determining a candidate selected by the consumer from among the plurality of candidates as an operation plan for the next day; program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Power management system, 2 Power management device, 3 Power market server, 4 Energy measurement unit, 5 Operating device identification device, 6 User terminal, 7, 8 Device, 9 Router, 20 Communication unit, 21, 64 CPU, 22, 65 ROM, 23, 66 RAM, 24, 67 Auxiliary storage device, 25, 68 Bus, 60 Display, 61 Operation reception unit, 62 First communication unit, 63 Second communication unit, 200 Power information acquisition unit, 201 Operating device information acquisition unit, 202 Device control unit, 203 Terminal I / F unit, 204 Unit price information acquisition unit, 205 Operation plan formulation unit, 206 Electricity fee estimation unit, 207 User notification unit, 240 Information storage unit, 600 User I / F unit, 601 Information transmission unit, 602 Information reception unit, 1800 Check box, 1801 Text link

Claims

1. A unit price information acquisition means for acquiring unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day; an operation plan formulation means for formulating a plurality of operation plan candidates for the operation of the one or more appliances on the next day based on the unit price information, a target amount of an electricity charge set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means for presenting the formulated candidates of the operation plans to the consumer; and an operation plan determination means for determining a candidate selected by the consumer from the plurality of candidates as an operation plan for the next day. Power management device.

2. The system further includes a notification means for monitoring a usage status of the one or more devices, and notifying the consumer of the usage status when the usage status of the device is different from the confirmed operation plan and is expected to result in an increase in electricity charges. The power management apparatus of claim 1 .

3. The operation plan presentation means generates a message focusing on the use of the equipment or the behavior of the consumer corresponding to each of the plurality of candidates, and presents each of the generated messages to the consumer.

3. A power management device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further comprising an operation plan formulation support means for supporting the consumer in formulating an operation plan for the next day.

3. A power management device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A unit price information acquisition means for acquiring unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day; an operation plan formulation means for formulating a plurality of operation plan candidates for the operation of the one or more appliances on the next day based on the unit price information, a target amount of an electricity charge set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means for presenting the formulated plurality of operation plan candidates to the consumer via a terminal of the consumer; and an operation plan determination means for determining a candidate selected by the consumer through the terminal from among the plurality of candidates as an operation plan for the next day. Power management system.

6. The unit price information acquiring means acquires unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day, An operation plan formulation means formulates a plurality of operation plan candidates for the operation of the one or more appliances on the next day based on the unit price information, a target electricity rate set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means presents the formulated candidates of the operation plans to the consumer; An operation plan determination means determines a candidate selected by the consumer from the plurality of candidates as an operation plan for the next day. Power management methods.

7. Computer, A unit price information acquisition means for acquiring unit price information indicating a change in the electricity unit price for the next day; an operation plan formulation means for formulating a plurality of operation plan candidates for the operation of the one or more appliances on the next day based on the unit price information, a target amount of an electricity charge set by the consumer, and a usage record of the one or more appliances in the consumer's home; an operation plan presentation means for presenting the formulated candidates of the operation plans to the consumer; functioning as an operation plan determination means for determining a candidate selected by the consumer from among the plurality of candidates as an operation plan for the next day; program.

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