Control device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To prevent electricity from exceeding a contracted power amount with an electric utility company when multiple residences using the same building receive the electricity collectively, by causing each residence to use as much power generated by a solar power generation facility as possible to heat a water heater.SOLUTION: A control device 20 uses an estimated solar power generation amount PPV(t) for each time zone W, a first power consumption PHP(t) of a water heater 9 for each group, and a second power consumption PO(t) of loads other than the water heater 9 to predict a surplus power amount PS(t) of the solar power generation amount PPV(t) and an amount of power PM(t) that the water heater can operate, and controls the operation of the water heater 9 by allocating the operating time of the water heater 9 for each group in sequence to time zones W such that the total of the first power consumption amounts PHP(t) for each group is less than the amount of power PM(t) that the water heater can operate, the water heater 9 prioritizes consuming the surplus power amount PS(t), and the water heater 9 can operate continuously until the water heater is able to heat the water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and a control program for a heat pump water heater, and more particularly, to a control device, a control method, and a control program for controlling a plurality of heat pump water heaters installed in a building equipped with a solar power generation facility.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hot water supply control system that calculates a first predicted value of the power consumption of electrical equipment other than the heat pump water heater and a second predicted value of the solar power generation amount generated by a solar power generation facility in a condominium building where the solar power generation facility and a plurality of heat pump water heaters are installed, and determines the number of heat pump water heaters that can be boiled up from each predicted value and the upper limit power consumption set for the condominium building.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Among the total power consumption of the heat pump water heater and electrical equipment other than the heat pump water heater, the amount of power exceeding the predicted power generation amount generated by the solar power generation facility is covered by power equal to or less than the contract power contracted with the electric utility company, and the boiling operation of a plurality of heat pump water heaters may be planned.

[0005] However, since the predicted amount of power generated by the solar power generation facility is only a predicted value, for example, if the weather suddenly deteriorates, the predicted amount of power generated by the solar power generation facility may drop below the predicted value. In this case, if the heat pump water heater is operated to boil water as originally planned, it is necessary to supplement the decrease in the power generated by the solar power generation facility from the grid power supplied by the electric utility company. Therefore, it becomes necessary to receive power exceeding the contracted power with the electric utility company. When receiving power exceeding the contracted power, the basic charge set based on the contracted power increases, and the electricity bill paid by the contractor rises.

[0006] Also, for the boiling operation of the heat pump water heater, giving priority to using the power generated by the solar power generation facility rather than the grid power leads to a reduction in the electricity bill. However, when planning the boiling operation of the heat pump water heater using the difference between the power consumption of electrical equipment other than the heat pump water heater and the predicted power generation of the solar power generation facility, it is not possible to create a boiling operation plan for the heat pump water heater that gives priority to using the power generated by the solar power generation facility over the grid power.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above facts, and an object thereof is to provide a control device, a control method, and a control program that enable each residence to use as much as possible the power generated by the solar power generation facility for the boiling operation of the water heater so as not to exceed the contracted power with the electric utility company for a plurality of residences using the same building to receive power collectively.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the control device of the present disclosure uses the contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric power company to receive power collectively, and the solar power generation amount for each time zone on a specified day estimated from past performance data and supplied to the entire residence, the total power consumption of the water heaters used in the consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences for each time zone on the specified day, that is, the first power consumption for each consumption unit, and the total power consumption of loads other than the water heaters consumed in the building for each time zone on the specified day, that is, the second power consumption, to predict, for each time zone of the specified day, the surplus power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the solar power generation amount and the operable power amount of the water heater available for boiling the water heaters used in each of the residences, which is the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power; a prediction unit; for each consumption unit, according to a predetermined order of the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit, a plan is created to sequentially allocate to the time zones of the specified day such that the total of the first power consumption for each consumption unit assigned to the same time zone is equal to or less than the operable power amount of the water heater, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power amount and the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until the boiling is completed; a planning unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the water heater used in each of the residences according to the plan. Thus, according to the control device of the present disclosure, each residence can perform the boiling operation of the water heater by using as much as possible the power generated by the solar power generation facility without exceeding the contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric power company to receive power collectively.

[0009] Further, the planning unit of the control device of the present disclosure acquires, for each consumption unit, the first power consumption amount for each time period on the specified date of each water heater used in the consumption unit, and in order from the consumption unit with the largest maximum value of the first power consumption amount for each time period or the consumption unit with the largest first power consumption amount, allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit. Thus, according to the control device of the present disclosure, compared with the case of allocating the operation time of the water heater in order from the consumption unit with the smallest maximum value of the first power consumption amount for each time period or the consumption unit with the smallest first power consumption amount, surplus power can be effectively utilized.

[0010] Further, when a boiling completion deadline of the water heater is set, the planning unit of the control device of the present disclosure creates a plan to allocate the operation time of the water heater in each consumption unit so that the boiling of the water heater is completed by the boiling completion deadline. Thus, according to the control device of the present disclosure, an operation plan of the water heater that is completed by the boiling completion deadline can be created for each consumption unit.

[0011] Further, even if the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated to the time period of the specified date when the surplus power can be preferentially consumed, if the total of the first power consumption amounts of the water heaters for each consumption unit exceeds the operable power amount of the water heater in any of the time periods when the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated, the time period of the operation time of the water heater allocated to the consumption unit is changed according to a predetermined reallocation rule. Thus, according to the control device of the present disclosure, the period of the boiling operation of the water heater can be allocated to a time period when the first power consumption amount of the water heater does not exceed the operable power amount of the water heater.

[0012] In addition, the reallocation rule in the control device of the present disclosure allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit at a time zone earlier than the time zone of the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed and the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated. Thus, according to the control device of the present disclosure, compared with the case where the operation time of the water heater is allocated at a time zone later than the time zone of the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed, the frequency of occurrence of the situation where the boiling is not completed by the boiling completion deadline of the water heater can be reduced.

[0013] In addition, the reallocation rule in the control device of the present disclosure allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit at a time zone later than the time zone of the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed and the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated. Thus, according to the control device of the present disclosure, compared with the case where the operation time of the water heater is allocated at a time zone earlier than the time zone of the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed, the temperature of the hot water boiled by the water heater at the boiling completion deadline of the water heater can be kept high.

[0014] In addition, the control method of the present disclosure uses the contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric utility company to receive power collectively, and the solar power generation amount for each time zone on a specified day estimated from past performance data and supplied to the entire residence, the total power consumption of the water heaters used in the consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences for each time zone on the specified day, which is the first power consumption for each consumption unit, and the total power consumption of loads other than the water heaters consumed in the building for each time zone on the specified day, which is the second power consumption. Using the surplus power obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the solar power generation amount and the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power, which is the operable power amount of the water heater available for boiling up the water heaters used in each of the residences, predict for each time zone of the specified day, and for each consumption unit, in accordance with the order in which the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is predetermined, the sum of the first power consumption for each consumption unit assigned to the same time zone is equal to or less than the operable power amount of the water heater, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power, and create a plan to sequentially assign to the time zones of the specified day such that the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until boiling up is completed, and the computer executes a process of controlling the operation of the water heater used in each of the residences according to the plan. Thus, according to the control method of the present disclosure, each residence can use the power generated by the solar power generation facility as much as possible to perform the boiling-up operation of the water heater so as not to exceed the contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric utility company to receive power collectively.

[0015] In addition, the control program of the present disclosure causes a computer to use the contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric utility company to receive power collectively, and the solar power generation amount for each time zone on a specified date estimated from past performance data and supplied to the entire residence, the total power consumption amount for each time zone on the specified date of a water heater used in a consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences, which is the first power consumption amount for each consumption unit, and the total power consumption amount for each time zone on the specified date of loads other than the water heater consumed in the building, which is the second power consumption amount. Using these, the surplus power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the solar power generation amount and the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power, which is the power amount available for boiling the water heaters used in each of the residences, are predicted for each time zone of the specified date. For each consumption unit, in accordance with a predetermined order of the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit, the total of the first power consumption amounts for each consumption unit assigned to the same time zone is equal to or less than the power amount available for operating the water heater, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power amount, and a plan is created to sequentially assign to the time zones of the specified date such that the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until the boiling is completed. It is a program for executing a process of controlling the operation of the water heaters used in each of the residences according to the plan. Thus, according to the control program of the present disclosure, each residence can use the power generated by the solar power generation facility as much as possible to perform the boiling operation of the water heater so as not to exceed the contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric utility company to receive power collectively.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, there is an effect that each residence can use the power generated by the solar power generation facility as much as possible to perform the boiling operation of the water heater so as not to exceed the contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric utility company to receive power collectively.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components and the same processes are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a power management system 1 according to the present embodiment. The power management system 1 includes a building 2 that receives power supplied by an electric utility, that is, grid power 4, under a contract with the electric utility, and a weather data providing server 3.

[0020] For example, if the building 2 is an apartment building or a condominium, a plurality of dwellings 7 are provided in the building 2, and the residents of each dwelling 7 are consumers who consume power individually. In addition, in the building 2, for example, a solar power generation facility 10, a power receiving and transformation facility 6, a weather data measuring device 28, a shared load 29, and a control device 20 are installed.

[0021] In such a building 2, each consumer may individually contract with the electric utility to receive low-voltage power of 200 V or less. However, it is cheaper to receive high-voltage power such as 6600 V than to receive low-voltage power. Therefore, in the building 2, a bulk power reception method is adopted in which the grid power 4 is received at a high voltage by the power receiving and transformation facility 6, and the power is stepped down to low voltage by the power receiving and transformation facility 6 and supplied to each dwelling 7. Therefore, in order to measure the received power amount P R from the grid power, a smart meter 8A is installed between the grid power 4 and the power receiving and transformation facility 6.

[0022] In the bulk power reception method, the contract power P D of the building 2 unit is predetermined. When the power consumption in the entire building 2 exceeds the contract power P D , measures such as an increase in the basic charge compared to the initial basic charge associated with the magnitude of the contract power P D are taken. Therefore, in the building 2, the power consumption in the entire building 2 is the contract power P DThe control device 20 controls the boiling operation of the heat pump water heater 9 installed in each dwelling 7 while taking into account the solar power generation amount generated by the solar power generation facility 10 as follows.

[0023] The solar power generation amount generated by the solar power generation facility 10 depends on the weather. Also, as can be seen from the fact that, for example, cooling is performed when it is hot and heating is performed when it is cold, the power consumption amount in the building 2 also depends on the weather. Therefore, the control device 20 acquires the weather data of the area where the building 2 is located from the weather data providing server 3 connected by a communication line 5 such as the Internet.

[0024] The weather data acquired by the control device 20 from the weather data providing server 3 includes observation items that can be factors affecting the solar power generation amount and the power consumption amount in the building 2, such as the weather condition indicating the classification of sunny, cloudy, rainy, and snowy, the outside air temperature, the solar radiation amount, the outside air humidity, and the sunshine duration. The weather data includes predicted values of each observation item at a specific future time. Also, the control device 20 acquires the actual values of each past observation item from, for example, a device connected to the control device 20 and measuring the weather data around the building 2, i.e., the weather data measuring device 28, but the actual values of each observation item may be acquired from the weather data providing server 3. Note that the installation source of the weather data providing server 3 and the installation source of the control device 20 do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0025] In this way, for each dwelling 7 sharing the same building 2, the electric power generated by the solar power generation facility 10, that is, the solar power and the grid power 4 are supplied. The amount of solar power is measured by the smart meter 8D. Note that when surplus power is generated and the solar power cannot be consumed completely, reverse power flow to the grid power 4 occurs. In this case, the power consumption amount P R in the smart meter 8A takes a negative value.

[0026] In addition, a heat pump water heater 9 is installed in the exclusive area of each dwelling 7. The heat pump water heater 9 heats water up to the boiling completion deadline specified by, for example, the consumer living in the dwelling 7. The heat pump water heater 9 has a function of boiling water by absorbing heat in the air using a refrigerant, compressing the refrigerant that has absorbed heat by a compressor to increase the temperature of the refrigerant, and heating water using the refrigerant whose temperature has increased in a heat exchanger. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the heat pump water heater 9 is simply referred to as "water heater 9".

[0027] Naturally, in the exclusive area of each dwelling 7, in addition to the water heater 9, there are also devices used by consumers in their daily lives, such as televisions, lighting, and refrigerators. Hereinafter, each device other than the water heater 9 that is driven by electric power in the dwelling 7 is collectively referred to as "electric power device 11". That is, the devices that use electric power as a power source in the dwelling 7 are roughly classified into the water heater 9 and the electric power device 11.

[0028] A smart meter 8B is installed in each dwelling 7, and electric power is supplied to the water heater 9 and the electric power device 11 via the smart meter 8B. That is, the smart meter 8B measures the power consumption in the dwelling 7. On the other hand, a smart meter 8C is built into the water heater 9 to measure the power consumption of the water heater 9. Therefore, the value obtained by subtracting the power consumption measured by the smart meter 8C from the power consumption measured by the smart meter 8B is the power consumption of the electric power device 11. In this way, in the building 2, for each dwelling 7, the actual power consumption consumed by the water heater 9 and the actual power consumption consumed by the electric power device 11 are measured for each predetermined time period W.

[0029] Note that the total power consumption P of the entire building 2 T is represented by the sum of the power consumption P of the grid power measured by the smart meter 8A R and the power generation amount of the solar power generation facility 10 measured by the smart meter 8D. Also, the power consumption other than the water heater 9 in the entire building 2 is the total power consumption P of the entire building 2 TIt is represented by subtracting the sum of the power consumption measured by the smart meter 8C built into the water heater 9 installed in each dwelling 7.

[0030] There is no restriction on the length of the time period W which is the measurement unit of the power consumption, and it is set to any predetermined length such as in units of 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc. For example, when the time period W is set to 30 minutes, the smart meter 8B and the smart meter 8C measure the power consumption every 30 minutes in the water heater 9 and the power equipment 11 respectively. For the sake of convenience in explanation, it is assumed that the length of the time period W which is the measurement unit of the power consumption of the smart meter 8B and the smart meter 8C installed in each dwelling 7 is set to the same length in all the dwellings 7. Also, it is assumed that the length of the time period W which is the measurement unit of the power consumption of the smart meter 8A and the smart meter 8D is set to the same length in accordance with the smart meter 8B and the smart meter 8C.

[0031] On the other hand, in the common part of the building 2, there are common loads 29 such as the automatic door at the entrance and the corridor lighting. The power consumption consumed by the common load 29 is also included in the power consumption other than the water heater 9 consumed in the whole building 2.

[0032] Each of the smart meters 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D transmits the measured power consumption for each time period W to the control device 20 using, for example, wireless communication. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish the smart meters 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, they are simply described as "smart meter 8".

[0033] The solar power generation facility 10 generates electricity by converting solar light energy into electrical energy using, for example, solar panels. The solar power generation facility 10 measures the generated power amount for each predetermined time period W and transmits the generated power amount for each time period W to the control device 20. Thereby, the control device 20 acquires the generated power amount for each time period W in the solar power generation facility 10. The length of the time period W, which is the measurement unit of the generated power amount by the solar power generation facility 10, and the length of the time period W, which is the measurement unit of the power consumption amounts of the water heater 9 and the electric equipment 11, are both set to the same length.

[0034] The control device 20 that has acquired the weather data, the power consumption amounts of the water heater 9 and the electric equipment 11 for each time period W in each residence 7, and the generated power amount by the solar power generation facility 10 for each time period W creates a boiling operation plan for each water heater 9 using the acquired information. Further, the control device 20 controls the period of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 in each residence 7 based on the boiling operation plan.

[0035] Note that the configuration of the power management system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and it goes without saying that it is not limited to the configuration example shown in FIG. 1. Further, the residence 7 according to the present embodiment is not limited to a place where a person conducts daily life, and any place where a person exists may be sufficient. Therefore, for example, the division of the building 2 used in a store, an office, etc. is also included in the residence 7.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 20 includes functional units such as a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a prediction unit 23, a planning unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0037] The communication unit 21 performs data communication with various facilities such as, for example, the weather data providing server 3, the power receiving and transforming facility 6, the smart meter 8, the water heater 9 of each residence 7, the weather data measuring device 28, and the solar power generation facility 10, acquires various information from each facility, and transmits control data to each facility according to an instruction from the control unit 25.

[0038] The storage unit 22 stores various information acquired through the communication unit 21. Specifically, the storage unit 22 summarizes and stores daily the power generation amount of the solar power generation facility 10 for each time zone W, the power consumption amount of the water heater 9 for each time zone W in each dwelling 7, the observed value of the meteorological data for each time zone W observed by the meteorological data measuring device 28, and the power consumption amount other than the water heater 9 for each time zone W in the entire building 2. Also, the storage unit 22 stores the contract power P D of the grid power 4 contracted with the electric utility company.

[0039] Hereinafter, the power generation amount of the solar power generation facility 10 is expressed as the "solar power generation amount", the power consumption amount by the water heater 9 is expressed as the "first power consumption amount", and the power consumption amount other than the water heater 9 in the entire building 2 is expressed as the "second power consumption amount".

[0040] The solar power generation amount for each time zone W stored in the storage unit 22, the first power consumption amount for each time zone W in each dwelling 7, the second power consumption amount for each time zone W, and the meteorological data for each time zone W are past data that actually occurred. Therefore, the solar power generation amount for each time zone W stored in the storage unit 22, the first power consumption amount for each time zone W in each dwelling 7, the second power consumption amount for each time zone W, and the meteorological data for each time zone W are all performance data.

[0041] Therefore, the solar power generation amount for each time zone W stored in the storage unit 22 is referred to as the "actual solar power generation amount". Also, the first power consumption amount for each time zone W in each dwelling 7 stored in the storage unit 22 is referred to as the "actual first power consumption amount". Also, the power consumption amount for each time zone W by the loads other than the water heater 9 in the entire building 2 stored in the storage unit 22 is referred to as the "actual second power consumption amount". Also, the meteorological data for each time zone W stored in the storage unit 22 is referred to as the "actual meteorological data".

[0042] The prediction unit 23 uses the actual meteorological data, actual solar power generation amount, actual first power consumption amount, actual second power consumption amount, and contract power P stored in the storage unit 22 DUsing the meteorological data on a future specified date (hereinafter simply referred to as the "specified date"), the solar power generation amount, the first power consumption amount, and the second power consumption amount on the specified date are predicted for each time zone W.

[0043] Specifically, the prediction unit 23 predicts the solar power generation amount for each time zone W on the specified date using the predicted meteorological data, which is the meteorological data for each time zone W on the specified date, the actual meteorological data, and the actual solar power generation amount. Further, the prediction unit 23 predicts the first power consumption amount for each time zone W on the specified date for each consumption unit using the predicted meteorological data, the actual meteorological data, and the actual first power consumption amount in each dwelling 7.

[0044] The consumption unit is a management unit for the power consumption by the water heater 9 installed in at least one dwelling 7. When the control device 20 creates a heating operation plan for the water heater 9, it may create a heating operation plan for the water heater 9 for each dwelling 7, but it may be possible to shorten the time required for creating the plan by dividing each dwelling 7 into a plurality of groups and creating a heating operation plan for the water heater 9 for each group. Therefore, the control device 20 may, for example, group the dwellings 7 by floor of the building 2 and control the period of the heating operation of the water heater 9 for each floor according to the created heating operation plan for the water heater 9. Also in this embodiment, the description of the power management system 1 will be given by taking as an example the group control in which the control device 20 controls the period of the heating operation of the water heater 9 in group units. That is, the first power consumption amount for each time zone W of the group on the specified date is the total power consumption obtained by adding the first power consumption amounts in each dwelling 7 included in the group for each time zone W.

[0045] There are no restrictions on how to group each dwelling 7, and the number of dwellings 7 included in each group does not necessarily have to be the same. The group of dwellings 7 thus divided is an example of a consumption unit composed of at least one of the dwellings 7 according to this embodiment.

[0046] Further, the prediction unit 23 predicts the second power consumption amount for each time zone W on the specified date by using the predicted weather data, the actual weather data, and the actual second power consumption amount. As already explained, the second power consumption amount is the sum of the second power consumption amount consumed in each dwelling 7 sharing the building 2 and the power consumption amount in the shared load 29.

[0047] For convenience of explanation, the solar power generation amount predicted by the prediction unit 23 is denoted as "solar power generation amount P PV (t)", the first power consumption amount for each group predicted by the prediction unit 23 is denoted as "first power consumption amount P HP (t)", and the second power consumption amount predicted by the prediction unit 23 is denoted as "second power consumption amount P O (t)". The variable t (t is an integer) of the solar power generation amount P PV (t), the first power consumption amount P HP (t), and the second power consumption amount P O (t) represents an index indicating the order of the time zones W along the time series. When representing the time zone W while being aware of the order of the time zones W along the time series, it is expressed as "time zone Wt". As an example, the smaller the variable t, the closer the time zone W is to the start time of the prediction, and as the variable t increases, it represents a time zone W farther from the start time of the prediction. That is, the time zone W1 represents a time zone W closer to the start time of the prediction than the time zone W2. The variable t may take a negative value, and the time zone W corresponding to t = -1 may be denoted as "time zone W1 - ". The time zone W1 - represents a time zone W even closer to the start time of the prediction than the time zone W1. Note that the start time of the prediction may be any time as long as it is before the time zone W for which the solar power generation amount P PV (t), the first power consumption amount P HP (t), and the second power consumption amount P O (t) are to be predicted. However, if the time zone W to be predicted and the start time of the prediction are too close, a situation may occur where the prediction is completed after the time zone W to be predicted has started. Therefore, the start time of the prediction is preferably, for example, the night before the day including the time zone W to be predicted.

[0048] Furthermore, the prediction unit 23 subtracts the second power consumption amount P PV (t) from the solar power generation amount P O (t) for each time period W to predict the surplus power amount P S (t) for each time period W. The surplus power amount P S (t) is the surplus solar power generation amount remaining even if all the power consumed by the loads other than the water heater 9 in the entire building 2 is covered by the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 in the corresponding time period W.

[0049] Also, the prediction unit 23 subtracts the second power consumption amount P D (t) from the contract power amount P DD (t) uniquely determined by the magnitude of the contract power P for each time period W to predict the available power amount for the water heater operation P O (t) for each time period W. The available power amount for the water heater operation P M (t) is the remaining power amount that can be used to boil the water heater 9 without exceeding the contract power amount P M (t) in the corresponding time period W even if the loads other than the water heater 9 in the entire building 2 consume the second power consumption amount P O (t). DD (t) is the remaining power amount that can be used to boil the water heater 9 without exceeding the contract power amount P

[0050] Note that the contract power amount P DD (t) is uniquely calculated by the product of the contract power P D and the time period W. For example, if the contract power P D is 50 kW and the length of one time period W is 30 minutes, the contract power amount P DD (t) in the time period W is 25 kWh.

[0051] The planning unit 24 creates a boiling operation plan for the water heater 9 that is sequentially assigned to the time periods W of the specified day according to the order in which the boiling operation periods of the water heaters 9 in the group are predetermined for each group. When assigning the boiling operation period of the water heater 9 to the time periods W of the specified day, the planning unit 24 assigns it according to the predetermined creation rules. Details of the assignment order of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 and the creation rules of the boiling operation plan of the water heater 9 will be described later.

[0052] The control unit 25 controls, for each group, the period of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 used in each dwelling 7 according to the boiling operation plan of the water heater 9 created by the planning unit 24. Specifically, the control unit 25 controls, for each group, the period of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 by transmitting control data to the corresponding water heater 9 through the communication unit 21.

[0053] The control device 20 shown in FIG. 2 is configured using, for example, a computer 30. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main part configuration example of the electrical system of the control device 20 configured using the computer 30.

[0054] The computer 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 which is an example of a processor that executes the processing of each functional unit shown in FIG. 2. The computer 30 also includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32, a non-volatile memory 33, and an input / output interface (I / O) 34 which are used as a temporary working area of the CPU 31. The CPU 31, the RAM 32, the non-volatile memory 33, and the I / O 34 are each connected through a bus 35.

[0055] The non-volatile memory 33 is an example of a storage device that maintains the stored information even when the power supplied to the non-volatile memory 33 is cut off. For example, a semiconductor memory is used, but a hard disk may also be used. The non-volatile memory 33 stores, for example, a control program that causes the computer 30 to function as the control device 20, actual weather data, actual solar power generation amount, actual first power consumption amount, actual second power consumption amount, and contract power P D and other information that should not be erased every time the computer 30 restarts or there is a power outage.

[0056] The non-volatile memory 33 does not necessarily have to be built into the computer 30, and may be, for example, a portable storage device detachable from the computer 30.

[0057] In this embodiment, as an example, a control program, actual weather data, actual solar power generation amount, actual first power consumption amount, actual second power consumption amount, and contract power P D will be described in the form in which data such as these are stored in the nonvolatile memory 33. However, the storage destination of these data is not limited to the nonvolatile memory 33. For example, these data may be stored in a cloud server (not shown) connected to the communication line 5, and the CPU 31 may acquire the data from the cloud server as necessary.

[0058] For example, a communication unit 36, an input unit 37, and a display unit 38 are connected to the I / O 34 of the computer 30.

[0059] The communication unit 36 is connected to the communication line 5 and has a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving data to and from external devices such as the weather data providing server 3 connected to the communication line 5. Further, the communication unit 36 has a communication protocol for transmitting and receiving data to and from the facilities installed in the building 2, that is, the power receiving and transforming facility 6, the water heater 9, the weather data observation device 28, and the solar power generation facility 10. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), etc. may be used for transmitting and receiving data to and from the facilities installed in the building 2.

[0060] The input unit 37 is a device that receives a user's instruction and notifies the CPU 31. The user's instruction is notified, for example, through a button, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc.

[0061] The display unit 38 is a display device that displays the information processed by the CPU 31 as an image, and a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. is used.

[0062] Note that the units connected to I / O 34 are not limited to the communication unit 36, the input unit 37, and the display unit 38, and various units corresponding to the functions of the control device 20 are connected. Further, when remotely operating the control device 20 from an external device through the communication line 5, it is not always necessary to connect the input unit 37 and the display unit 38 to I / O 34.

[0063] Next, the operation of the control device 20 will be described in detail.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of prediction processing executed by the CPU 31 of the control device 20 when a specified date for performing the boiling operation of the water heater 9 is specified.

[0065] The control program that defines the prediction processing is stored in advance, for example, in the non-volatile memory 33 of the control device 20. The CPU 31 of the control device 20 reads the control program stored in the non-volatile memory 33 and executes the prediction processing.

[0066] Note that the non-volatile memory 33 stores in advance actual weather data, actual solar power generation amount, actual first power consumption amount, actual second power consumption amount, and contract power P D shall be stored.

[0067] In step S10, the CPU 31 acquires the predicted weather data on the specified date from the weather data providing server 3 through the communication unit 36.

[0068] In step S20, the CPU 31 uses the predicted weather data acquired in step S10, the actual weather data stored in the non-volatile memory 33, and the actual solar power generation amount to predict the solar power generation amount P PV (t) for each time zone W on the specified date.

[0069] For example, the CPU 31 inputs the predicted weather data into a prediction model obtained by machine learning the relationship between the actual weather data and the actual solar power generation amount, thereby obtaining the solar power generation amount P PVPredict (t).

[0070] Note that the solar power generation amount P for each time zone W on the specified date PV The prediction method of (t) is not limited to the above example. For example, the CPU 31 can calculate the solar power generation amount P for each time zone W on the specified date from the solar radiation amount (direct solar radiation amount and diffused solar radiation amount) for each time zone W included in the predicted weather data and the conversion efficiency of the solar panels in the solar power generation facility 10. PV (t) may be predicted.

[0071] In step S30, the CPU 31 uses the predicted weather data obtained in step S10, the actual weather data stored in the non-volatile memory 33, and the actual first power consumption in each dwelling 7 to predict the first power consumption amount P for each time zone W on the specified date. HP (t) for each group.

[0072] For example, the CPU 31 inputs the predicted weather data into a prediction model obtained by machine learning the relationship between the actual weather data and the actual first power consumption amount, thereby predicting the first power consumption amount P for each time zone W on the specified date for each group. HP (t) for each group.

[0073] Note that the first power consumption amount P for each time zone W on the specified date HP The prediction method for predicting (t) for each group is not limited to the above example. Among the weather data, the factor that most affects the power consumption of the water heater 9 is the outside air temperature. Therefore, for example, the CPU 31 can use the outside air temperature of the time zone W included in the predicted weather data specified in step S20 and the performance characteristics unique to the water heater 9 to predict the first power consumption amount P for each time zone W on the specified date. HP (t)) may be predicted for each group.

[0074] In step S40, the CPU 31 uses the predicted weather data obtained in step S10, the actual weather data stored in the non-volatile memory 33, and the actual second power consumption in each dwelling 7 to predict the second power consumption amount P for each time zone W on the specified date. OPredict (t).

[0075] For example, the CPU 31 inputs the weather data at the time of prediction into a prediction model obtained by machine learning the relationship between the actual weather data and the actual second power consumption amount, thereby obtaining the second power consumption amount P for each time zone W on the specified day O (t) using a known prediction method.

[0076] In step S50, the CPU 31 subtracts the second power consumption amount P predicted in step S40 from the solar power generation amount P predicted in step S20 for each time zone W, thereby predicting the surplus power amount P for each time zone W on the specified day PV (t). O (t). S (t).

[0077] That is, the surplus power amount P for each time zone W S (t) is predicted by equation (1). In equation (1), MAX(a, b) is an operator that outputs the larger of the values a and b.

[0078] (Equation 1) P S (t) = MAX(P PV (t) - P O (t), 0) ···(1)

[0079] In step S60, the CPU 31 multiplies the contract power P by the length of the time zone W to calculate the contract power amount P for each time zone W D (t), and subtracts the second power consumption amount P predicted in step S40 from the contract power amount P for each time zone W, thereby predicting the available power amount P for the water heater for each time zone W on the specified day DD (t). DD (t). O (t). M (t).

[0080] That is, the available power amount P for the water heater for each time zone W M (t) is predicted by equation (2).

[0081] (Number 2) P M (t) = MAX(P DD (t) - P O (t), 0) ···(2)

[0082] Thus, the prediction process shown in FIG. 4 is completed.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the solar power generation amount P PV (t), the second power consumption amount P O (t), the surplus power amount P S (t), and the power amount P M (t) that can be used to operate the water heater. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 represents the arrangement of time zones W along the time series, and the vertical axis represents the power amount.

[0084] The bar graph 12 is a graph representing the solar power generation amount P PV (t) for each time zone W. The bar graph 12 uses a notation that the larger the solar power generation amount P PV (t), the longer the bar graph 12 extends downward in FIG. 5. Note that the bar graph 15 described later is another bar graph that overlaps with a part of the bar graph 12. Therefore, the bar graph 12 represents the length including the bar graph 15.

[0085] The bar graph 13 is a graph representing the second power consumption amount P O (t) for each time zone W. The bar graph 13 uses a notation that the larger the second power consumption amount P O (t), the longer it extends upward in FIG. 5.

[0086] The line graph 14 is a graph showing the change in the value obtained by subtracting the solar power generation amount P O (t) from the second power consumption amount P PV (t) for each time zone W.

[0087] The bar graph 15 is a graph representing the surplus power amount P S (t) for each time zone W.

[0088] The straight line 16 is the contract power amount P DDrepresents (t). The contract power P D is constant regardless of the time zone W. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the contract power consumption P DD (t) is also constant regardless of the time zone W.

[0089] The bar graph 17 represents the available hot water heater operation power consumption P DD (t) minus the second power consumption P O (t) indicated by the bar graph 13, that is, the available power consumption P M (t) of the hot water heater.

[0090] The straight line 18 represents the completion deadline for heating up the hot water heater 9. The completion deadline for heating up the hot water heater 9 is, for example, a deadline uniquely set for the building 2, and represents the time when the heating up operation of all the hot water heaters 9 installed in the dwellings 7 is completed and hot water supply becomes possible at the latest. The completion deadline for heating up the hot water heater 9 is stored in advance in, for example, the non-volatile memory 33 and read out from the non-volatile memory 33 as needed. The completion deadline for heating up the hot water heater 9 can be changed by the user.

[0091] Next, the surplus power consumption P S (t), the available hot water heater operation power consumption P M (t), and the first power consumption P HP (t) for each group are used to explain the operation plan creation process for creating the heating up operation plan of the hot water heater 9.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the operation plan creation process executed by the CPU 31 of the control device 20 after the prediction process shown in FIG. 4 is completed.

[0093] The control program that defines the operation plan creation process is stored in advance in, for example, the non-volatile memory 33 of the control device 20. The CPU 31 of the control device 20 reads the control program stored in the non-volatile memory 33 and executes the operation plan creation process.

[0094] When creating the operation plan, the CPU 31 follows the following creation rules. The first creation rule is a rule for determining the order of the groups that allocate the period of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 according to a predetermined rule.

[0095] The second creation rule is a rule for continuously operating each water heater 9 included in the same group until the boiling is completed. Continuously operating the water heater 9 until the boiling is completed means that when the boiling operation of the water heater 9 is started, the boiling is continued without interrupting the boiling operation in the middle.

[0096] The third creation rule is that in each time period W, the total of the first power consumption amounts P HP (t) of each group is made not to exceed the operable power amount P M (t) of the water heater operation.

[0097] Hereinafter, the first creation rule is referred to as "creation rule A", the second creation rule is referred to as "creation rule B", and the third creation rule is referred to as "creation rule C".

[0098] In step S100, the CPU 31 acquires the first power consumption amount P HP (t) for each time period W on the designated date predicted by step S30 in FIG. 4 for each group.

[0099] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) for each time period W on the designated date for each group. An example in which there are five groups from group G1 to group G5 will be described.

[0100] The horizontal direction of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of each group shown in FIG. 7 represents the time period W, and the vertical direction represents the value of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) consumed in each time period W, that is, the magnitude of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) in each time period W. In other words, the first power consumption amount P divided by the dotted line 19 HPThe first power consumption P consumed by each block constituting (t) in each time period W HP represents (t).

[0101] Therefore, the area of the figure corresponding to the first power consumption P HP (t) of each group shown in FIG. 7 represents the first power consumption P HP (t) consumed in the water heater 9 of each group. The vertical length of the figure corresponding to the first power consumption P HP (t) of each group shown in FIG. 7, that is, the height of the figure, represents the magnitude of the first power consumption P HP (t) consumed in each time period W.

[0102] Since the boiling operation in the water heater 9 may start from the middle of the time period W and end in the middle of the time period W, the power consumption in the time period W including the start time and end time of the boiling operation in the water heater 9 is smaller than the power consumption in the time period W not including the start time and end time of the boiling operation, that is, the time period W of the steady operation. Therefore, when the first power consumption P HP (t) in each time period W is arranged in time series, as shown in FIG. 7, the first power consumption P HP (t) in the time period W of the steady operation is larger than the first power consumption P HP (t) in the time period W including the start time and end time of the boiling operation and shows a shape like a normal distribution.

[0103] In step S110 of FIG. 6, the CPU 31 rearranges the groups according to a predetermined rearrangement rule using the first power consumption P HP (t) for each group obtained in step S100.

[0104] The rearrangement rule can be set by the management user or the like. For example, a rule such as rearranging in order from the group with the largest maximum value in the first power consumption P HP (t) for each time period W is set as the rearrangement rule. The rearrangement rule can also be changed.

[0105] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the first power consumption amounts P HP (t) of each group shown in FIG. 7 are arranged in descending order of the maximum value of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) for each time period W from left to right. Since the height of the figure representing the first power consumption amount P HP (t) represents the magnitude of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) for each time period W, as shown in FIG. 8, the groups are arranged in the order of group G4, group G2, group G1, group G5, and group G3. The sorting rule is a rule that ensures the creation rule A for determining the order of the groups to which the boiling operation period of the water heater 9 is assigned.

[0106] In step S120 of FIG. 6, the CPU 31 obtains the surplus power amount P S (t) for each time period W on the specified date predicted in step S50 of FIG. 4, the operable power amount P M (t) of the water heater for each time period W on the specified date predicted in step S60 of FIG. 4, and the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9.

[0107] The CPU 31 uses the obtained surplus power amount P S (t), the operable power amount P M (t) of the water heater, and the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9 to create a framework table 27 for allocating the boiling operation period of each water heater 9 so that the boiling operation of each water heater 9 is completed by the boiling completion deadline.

[0108] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the framework table 27. As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 31 arranges the operable power amount P M (t) of the water heater for each time period W from the time period W before the time period W including the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9 on the specified date in time series. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the time period W8 is the time period W located immediately before the time period W including the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9 on the specified date.

[0109] On top of that, the CPU 31 sets the surplus power amount P M (t) in the same time zone W as the time zone W of the hot water supply device operable power amount P S (t) for each time zone W.

[0110] In this case, when the surplus power amount P S (t) in the time zone W exceeds the hot water supply device operable power amount P M (t), the CPU 31 limits the surplus power amount P S (t) to the upper limit value of the hot water supply device operable power amount P M (t). The surplus power amount P S (t) in the time zone W5 of FIG. 9 represents a state where it exceeds the hot water supply device operable power amount P M (t) in the time zone W5. Among the bar graphs 15 representing the surplus power amount P S (t) in the time zone W5, the portion 26 indicated by the dotted line is the surplus power amount P M exceeding the hot water supply device operable power amount P S (t). Therefore, the CPU 31 limits the surplus power amount P S (t) in the time zone W5 to the upper limit value of the hot water supply device operable power amount P M (t) in the time zone W5.

[0111] After creating the framework table 27 in this way, in step S130 of FIG. 6, the CPU 31 selects, in order, one unselected group with the largest maximum value among the first power consumption amounts P HP (t) for each time zone W in the groups sorted in step S110. That is, the CPU 31 selects each group shown in FIG. 8 one by one in the order from left to right. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 31 first selects the group G4.

[0112] In step S140, the CPU 31 causes the hot water supply devices 9 installed in each dwelling 7 included in the selected group to preferentially consume the surplus power amount P S (t), and the largest surplus power amount P SAllocate the first power consumption P HP (t) of the selected group to the available time period W.

[0113] FIG. 10 shows an example in which the first power consumption P HP (t) of group G4 is allocated to the framework table 27. To preferentially consume the surplus power P S (t), the CPU 31 allocates the first power consumption P HP (t) of group G4 to time periods W4 to W7. Note that when the CPU 31 allocates the first power consumption P HP (t) to the time period W of the framework table 27, in accordance with the creation rule B, the first power consumption P HP (t) is allocated to consecutive time periods W such as time periods W4 to W7. Therefore, even if allocating the first power consumption P HP (t) to time periods W4 to W6 and time period W8 would allow more surplus power P S (t) to be consumed, the CPU 31 does not perform an allocation such as allocating the first power consumption P HP (t) to time periods W4 to W6 and time period W8 skipping time period W7. That is, the CPU 31 allocates the first power consumption P HP (t) to the consecutive time periods W that can consume the most surplus power P S (t) among all combinations of allocating the first power consumption P HP (t) to consecutive time periods W.

[0114] Note that in step S140 of FIG. 6, when there is no surplus power P S (t) to be consumed, the CPU 31 allocates the first power consumption P HP (t) to any consecutive time period W.

[0115] In step S150, the CPU 31 calculates, for any time period W to which the first power consumption P HP (t) of the selected group is allocated, the sum of the first power consumption P HP (t) of each group allocated to the time period W, and checks if it is equal to the available power for the water heater operation PM Determine whether (t) is as follows. The total first power consumption P HP (t) of each assigned group M If there is even one time period W in which the total exceeds the hot water heater operable power amount P

[0116] The total first power consumption P HP (t) of each assigned group M If there is even one time period W in which the total exceeds the hot water heater operable power amount P D Power exceeding the contract power P is consumed. That is, even if the allocation of the first power consumption P HP (t) in step S140 is the allocation to the time period W that can consume the most surplus power amount P S (t), the creation rule C will not be satisfied.

[0117] Therefore, in step S160, the CPU 31 causes the hot water heaters 9 installed in each of the dwellings 7 included in the selected group to have the next most surplus power amount P S (t) to reallocate the first power consumption P HP (t) of the selected group to a continuous time period W in which it can be consumed.

[0118] When reallocating the first power consumption P HP (t) of the selected group, the CPU 31 reallocates the first power consumption P HP (t) according to a predetermined reallocation rule.

[0119] The reallocation rule can be set by an administrative user or the like. For example, the first power consumption P HP (t) is preferentially allocated from a time period W earlier than the time period W (hereinafter referred to as the "initial allocation time period") in which the first power consumption P HP (t) was allocated in step S140. The reallocation rule can be changed.

[0120] In addition, in a time zone W earlier than the initially assigned time zone, for the surplus power amount P S (t), when there are a plurality of destinations where the consumption amounts are the same, the CPU 31 assigns the first power consumption amount P HP (t) to the destination closer to the initially assigned time zone among the plurality of destinations.

[0121] In addition, in step S160, when there is no surplus power amount P S (t) to be consumed, the CPU 31 assigns the first power consumption amount P HP (t) to any time zone W according to the reallocation rule.

[0122] Even after reassigning the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of the selected group according to the reallocation rule in step S160, since it is necessary to satisfy the creation rule C, the CPU 31 proceeds to step S150. That is, the CPU 31, in any time zone W to which the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of the selected group is assigned, for each group assigned to the time zone W, the sum of the first power consumption amounts P HP (t) is the hot water heater operable power amount P M (t) or less, until the sum of the first power consumption amounts P S (t) of the surplus power amount P S (t) consumed next after the consumption amount in the immediately preceding assigned time zone W can be consumed, the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of the selected group is repeatedly reassigned in a continuous time zone W. The first power consumption amount P HP (t) is assigned to the time zone W during the boiling operation period of the hot water heater 9 installed in each dwelling 7 included in the selected group.

[0123] On the other hand, by the determination process in step S150, in any time zone W to which the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of the selected group is assigned, for each group assigned to the time zone W, the sum of the first power consumption amounts P HP (t) is the hot water heater operable power amount PM If it is determined to be (t) below, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0124] In step S170, the CPU 31 determines whether there is an unselected group among the groups rearranged in step S110. If there is an unselected group, the process proceeds to step S130. In step S130, the CPU 31 determines the first power consumption amount P HP For each time zone W, one unselected group with the next largest maximum value in (t) is selected, and the processes of steps S130 to S170 are repeatedly executed until it is determined by the determination process of step S170 that there is no unselected group. Thereby, the period of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 in all groups is allocated.

[0125] If it is determined by the determination process of step S170 that there is no unselected group, the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6 is terminated.

[0126] After the operation plan creation process is completed, the CPU 31 controls the start and stop of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 installed in each dwelling 7 sharing the building 2 for each group according to the created boiling operation plan of the water heater 9.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which, following the allocation of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of the group G4 shown in FIG. 8, the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of the group G2 is allocated to the framework table 27. The CPU 31 preferentially consumes the surplus power amount P S (t), and the sum of the first power consumption amounts P HP (t) of each group allocated to the time zone W satisfies the condition that it is equal to or less than the water heater operation available power amount P M (t). The first power consumption amount P HP (t) of the group G2 is allocated to the time zones W2 to W5.

[0128] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which, following the allocation of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G2 shown in FIG. 8, the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G1 is allocated to the framework table 27. The CPU 31 preferentially consumes the surplus power amount P S (t) and allocates the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of each group allocated to the time zone W such that the total thereof becomes equal to or less than the hot water heater operable power amount P M (t). The first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G1 is allocated to time zones W6 to W8 that satisfy this condition. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the allocation of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G1 results in the surplus power amount P S (t) being completely consumed.

[0129] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which, following the allocation of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G1 shown in FIG. 8, the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G5 is allocated to the framework table 27.

[0130] Since the surplus power amount P S (t) has already been completely consumed, the CPU 31 allocates the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G5 to time zones W1 to W3 that satisfy the condition that the total of the first power consumption amounts P M (t) of the respective groups allocated to the time zone W is equal to or less than the hot water heater operable power amount P HP (t).

[0131] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example in which, following the allocation of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G5 shown in FIG. 8, the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of group G3 is allocated to the framework table 27. In the example shown in FIG. 14, on the designated day, the first power consumption amount P HP (t) of each group allocated to the time zone W HP ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(t) total is less than or equal to the available power P for the water heater operation M Since there is no time period W where the total of (t) is less than or equal to the available power P for the water heater operation, the CPU 31 selects the time period W12 - ~ time period W10 - of the day before the specified day and assigns the first power consumption P HP (t) of group G3. In this way, when the CPU 31 cannot assign the first power consumption P HP (t) of the group to the specified day, it assigns the first power consumption P HP (t) to a time period W of the day before the specified day, preferably a time period during which the hot water usage in dwelling 7 is reduced, for example, the night time period from 0:00 am to 6:00 am.

[0132] In the example of the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6, the first power consumption P HP (t) is assigned to each group according to the reallocation rule of assigning it to a time period W earlier than the initially assigned time period so that the heating operation of the water heater 9 is completed. However, the content of the reallocation rule is not limited to this. For example, a reallocation rule such as assigning the first power consumption P HP (t) to a time period W later than the initially assigned time period so that the heating operation of the water heater 9 is completed may also be used. HP (t) is assigned to a time period W later than the initially assigned time period so that the heating operation of the water heater 9 is completed.

[0133] When assigning the first power consumption P HP (t) to a time period W earlier than the initially assigned time period so that the heating operation of the water heater 9 is completed, compared with the case of assigning the first power consumption P HP (t) to a time period W later than the initially assigned time period so that the heating operation of the water heater 9 is completed, the frequency of the situation where the heating is not completed by the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9 can be reduced. Also, when assigning the first power consumption P HP (t) to a time period W later than the initially assigned time period so that the heating operation of the water heater 9 is completed, the first power consumption P HPCompared with the case of allocating (t), the temperature of the hot water boiled by the water heater 9 can be kept higher at the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9.

[0134] Also, in the example of the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6, according to the sorting rule, from the group with the largest maximum value of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) for each time zone W in order, the first power consumption amount P of the group HP (t) is allocated to the time zone W of the framework table 27, but the content of the sorting rule is not limited to this. For example, from the group with the largest integrated value of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) for all time zones in order, the first power consumption amount P of each group HP (t) may be sorted using a sorting rule such as sorting. According to this sorting rule, the CPU 31 can, from the group with the largest integrated value of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) for all time zones in order, the first power consumption amount P of the group HP (t) is allocated to the time zone W of the framework table 27.

[0135] The first power consumption amount P for each time zone W HP (t) is allocated to the time zone W of the framework table 27 from the group with the largest maximum value in order, so that the first power consumption amount P for each time zone W HP (t) is allocated to the time zone W of the framework table 27, compared with the case of allocating the first power consumption amount P for each time zone W HP (t) to the time zone W of the framework table 27 from the group with the smallest maximum value in order, the surplus power amount P HP (t) can be efficiently used for the boiling operation of the water heater 9. Because, from the group with the smallest maximum value of the first power consumption amount P for each time zone W S (t) is allocated to the time zone W of the framework table 27, even if there is a surplus power amount P HP (t) in any time zone W, in that time zone W, the first power consumption amount P in a plurality of groups has been allocated HP (t) before. In this state, the surplus power amount P S (t) may be present. HP (t) may be allocated. In this state, the surplus power amount P SWhen the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) of a later group is assigned to a time period \(W\), the maximum value of the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) per time period \(W\) of the later group is larger. Therefore, compared with the case where the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) is assigned from the group with the larger maximum value of the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) per time period \(W\), the sum of the first power consumption amounts \(P(t)\) of each group assigned to the time period \(W\) is likely to exceed the available power amount \(P(t)\) of the water heater operation. Thus, even though there is surplus power amount \(P(t)\), a situation may occur where the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) of the group cannot be assigned. HP When the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) of a later group is assigned to a time period \(W\), HP since the maximum value of the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) in the time period \(W\) is large, HP from the group with the larger maximum value of the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) in the time period \(W\), HP compared with the case where the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) is assigned, the sum of the first power consumption amounts \(P(t)\) of each group assigned to the time period \(W\) HP is likely to exceed the available power amount \(P(t)\) of the water heater operation. Thus, M even though there is surplus power amount \(P(t)\), S a situation may occur where the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) of the group cannot be assigned. HP This is because of this.

[0136] For the same reason, in order, from the group with the larger integrated value of the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) for all time periods, HP when the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) of the group is assigned to the time period \(W\) in the framework table 27, HP compared with the case where the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) of the group is assigned to the time period \(W\) in the framework table 27 in order from the group with the smaller first power consumption amount \(P(t)\), HP the surplus power amount \(P(t)\) can be efficiently used for the heating operation of the water heater 9. HP compared with the case where the first power consumption amount \(P(t)\) of the group is assigned to the time period \(W\) in the framework table 27, S the surplus power amount \(P(t)\) can be efficiently used for the heating operation of the water heater 9.

[0137] Also, in the example of the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6, when creating the framework table 27 in step S120 of FIG. 6, the available power amount \(P(t)\) of the water heater operation for each time period \(W\) from the time period \(W\) before the time period \(W\) including the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9 on the specified day is arranged in time series to create the framework table 27. That is, in the framework table 27, the available power amount \(P(t)\) of the water heater operation in each time period \(W\) after the time period \(W\) including the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9 is included. M is arranged in time series to create the framework table 27. That is, in the framework table 27, the available power amount \(P(t)\) of the water heater operation in each time period \(W\) after the time period \(W\) including the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 9 is included. M(t) is not included. Therefore, a hot water heater boiling operation plan for the hot water heaters 9 in each group is created such that the boiling operation of each group of hot water heaters 9 is completed by the boiling completion deadline of the hot water heater 9 on the specified date. In other words, the control device 20 does not allocate the boiling operation period of the hot water heaters 9 in each group during a period exceeding the boiling completion deadline of the hot water heater 9.

[0138] Also, in the example of the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6, when creating the framework table 27 in step S120, even if the surplus power amount P S (t) in the time zone W exceeds the hot water heater operable power amount P M (t), the CPU 31 limits the surplus power amount P S (t) to the upper limit value of the hot water heater operable power amount P M (t) in the time zone W. Although the surplus power amount P M (t) exceeding the hot water heater operable power amount P S (t), that is, the portion 26 of the surplus power amount P S (t) in FIG. 9 can also be used for the boiling operation of the hot water heater 9, the CPU 31 deliberately does not use it. This is because if the surplus power amount P M (t) exceeding the hot water heater operable power amount P S (t) is used for the boiling operation of the hot water heater 9 until the surplus power amount P PV (t) of, for example, solar power generation decreases below the predicted value due to a deterioration in the weather contrary to the prediction, the total of the first power consumption amounts P HP (t) of each group may exceed the hot water heater operable power amount P M (t), resulting in a time zone W where power consumption exceeding the contract power P D occurs.

[0139] If the power management system 1 has a secondary battery such as a storage battery, for example, the CPU 31 may store the unused surplus power amount P S (t) in the secondary battery and use the power stored in the secondary battery for the boiling operation of the hot water heater 9 according to the situation.

[0140] Also, in the example of the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6, the allocation of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) was in units of groups, but the allocation of the first power consumption amount P HP (t) may be performed for each dwelling 7 sharing Building 2. In this case, each dwelling 7 becomes a consumption unit. Therefore, in the description of the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6, by replacing "group" with "dwelling 7", the CPU 31 can control the period of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 for each dwelling 7.

[0141] Thus, according to the control device 20 according to the present embodiment, after satisfying creation rules A to C, the period of the boiling operation of the water heater 9 is allocated for each consumption unit according to the sorting rule and the reallocation rule. Therefore, the control device 20 according to the present embodiment can perform the boiling operation of the water heater 9 by using as much as possible the power generated by the solar power generation facility 10 in each dwelling 7 while not exceeding the contract power P D .

[0142] As described above, one form of the control device 20 has been described using the embodiment, but the form of the disclosed control device 20 is an example, and the form of the control device 20 is not limited to the scope described in the embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be made to the embodiment without departing from the gist of the present disclosure, and the forms with such changes or improvements are also included in the technical scope of the disclosure.

[0143] For example, without departing from the gist described in the embodiment, the internal processing order in the prediction process shown in FIG. 4 and the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6 may be changed.

[0144] Also, in the above embodiment, as an example, the form in which the prediction process and the operation plan creation process are realized by software has been described. However, the processing equivalent to the flowcharts of the prediction process shown in FIG. 4 and the operation plan creation process shown in FIG. 6 may be processed by hardware. In this case, the processing speed can be increased compared to the case where the prediction process and the operation plan creation process are realized by software.

[0145] In the above embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU 31) and a dedicated processor (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0146] In the above embodiments, the operation of the processor may be achieved not only by one processor, but also by a plurality of physically separated processors cooperating with each other. For example, the control device 20 may be configured by cloud computing, and the control device 20 may control each water heater 9 through the communication line 5. That is, the control device 20 may be outside the site of the building 2. Also, the control device 20 may be installed inside the water heater 9.

[0147] In the above embodiments, an example in which the control program is pre-stored in the non-volatile memory 33 has been described. However, the storage destination of the control program is not limited to the non-volatile memory 33. The control program can also be provided in a form recorded on a storage medium readable by the computer 30.

[0148] For example, the control program may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and a Blu-ray disk. Also, the control program may be provided in a form recorded on a portable semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. The non-volatile memory 33, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Blu-ray disk, USB memory, and memory card are examples of non-transitory storage media.

[0149] Furthermore, the control device 20 may download a control program from an external device connected to the communication line 5 through the communication unit 36 and store the downloaded control program in the non-volatile memory 33.

[0150] The following is an appendix according to the present disclosure.

[0151] (Appendix 1) The contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric power company to receive power collectively, and the solar power generation amount for each time zone on a specified day supplied to the entire residence estimated respectively from past performance data, the total power consumption of the water heaters used in a consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences for each time zone on the specified day, and the second power consumption which is the total power consumption of loads other than the water heaters consumed in the building for each time zone on the specified day. Using these, a prediction unit that predicts, for each time zone of the specified day, the surplus power obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the solar power generation amount and the power amount available for boiling the water heaters used in each of the residences, which is the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power. For each consumption unit, in the order in which the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is predetermined, the total of the first power consumption for each consumption unit assigned to the same time zone is equal to or less than the power amount available for operating the water heater, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power, and a planning unit that creates a plan to sequentially assign to the time zones of the specified day such that the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until boiling is completed. A control unit that controls the operation of the water heaters used in each of the residences according to the plan. A control device comprising the above.

[0152] (Appendix 2) The planning unit acquires, for each consumption unit, the first power consumption amount for each time period on the specified date of each water heater used in the consumption unit, and allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit, in order, starting from the consumption unit with the largest maximum value among the first power consumption amounts for each time period, or the consumption unit with the largest first power consumption amount. The control device according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0153] (Supplementary Note 3) When a boiling completion deadline of the water heater is set, the planning unit creates a plan to allocate the operation time of the water heater in each consumption unit so that the boiling of the water heater is completed by the boiling completion deadline. The control device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2.

[0154] (Supplementary Note 4) Even if the planning unit allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit to a time period on the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed, if the total of the first power consumption amounts of the water heaters for each consumption unit exceeds the operable power amount of the water heater in any of the time periods when the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated, the time period of the operation time of the water heater allocated to the consumption unit is changed according to a predetermined reallocation rule. The control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0155] (Supplementary Note 5) The reallocation rule allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit to a time period earlier than the time period when the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated on the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed. The control device according to Supplementary Note 4.

[0156] (Supplementary Note 6) The reallocation rule allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit to a time period later than the time period when the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated on the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed. The control device described in Supplementary Note 4.

[0157] (Supplementary Note 7) The contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric power company to receive power collectively, and the solar power generation amount for each time zone on a specified day, estimated from past performance data, supplied to the entire residence, and the total power consumption amount for each time zone on the specified day of the water heaters used in a consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences. Using the first power consumption amount for each consumption unit, which is the total power consumption amount of the water heaters in the consumption unit, and the second power consumption amount, which is the total power consumption amount for each time zone on the specified day of the loads other than the water heaters consumed in the building, the surplus power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the solar power generation amount and the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power, which is the available power amount for boiling the water heaters used in each of the residences, are predicted for each time zone of the specified day. For each consumption unit, in accordance with the order in which the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is predetermined, the total of the first power consumption amounts for each consumption unit assigned to the same time zone is equal to or less than the available power amount for operating the water heater, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power amount, and a plan is created to sequentially assign to the time zones of the specified day such that the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until the boiling is completed. A computer executes a process of controlling the operation of the water heaters used in each of the residences according to the plan. Control method.

[0158] (Supplementary Note 8) To the computer, The contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric utility for receiving power in a lump sum, the amount of solar power generation for each time zone on a specified date, which is estimated for the entire residence from past performance data, the total power consumption of the water heaters used in a consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences for each time zone on the specified date, which is the first power consumption for each consumption unit, and the total power consumption of loads other than the water heaters consumed in the building for each time zone on the specified date, which is the second power consumption, are used to predict, for each time zone on the specified date, the surplus power obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the amount of solar power generation and the power amount for operating the water heaters available for boiling water in each of the residences, which is the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power. For each consumption unit, in accordance with the order in which the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is predetermined, allocate in order to the time zones on the specified date such that the total of the first power consumption for each consumption unit assigned to the same time zone is equal to or less than the power amount available for operating the water heater, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power and the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until the boiling is completed, and create a plan. A control program for executing a process of controlling the operation of the water heaters used in each of the residences according to the plan.

[0159] (Appendix 9) A non-transitory storage medium storing a program executable by a computer, The contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric power company to receive power collectively, the solar power generation amount for each time zone on a specified date supplied to the entire residence estimated from past performance data respectively, the total power consumption amount for each time zone on the specified date of the water heaters used in a consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences, and the total power consumption amount for each time zone on the specified date of loads other than the water heaters consumed in the building. Using the surplus power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the solar power generation amount and the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power, a prediction step of predicting the operable power amount of the water heater available for boiling for each water heater used in each of the residences for each time zone on the specified date, For each consumption unit, in the order in which the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is predetermined, the total of the first power consumption amounts for each consumption unit assigned to the same time zone is equal to or less than the operable power amount of the water heater, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power amount, and a creation step of creating a plan to sequentially assign to the time zones on the specified date such that the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until the boiling is completed, A control step of controlling the operation of the water heater used in each of the residences according to the plan, A non-transitory storage medium including the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0160] 1 Power management system 2 Building 3 Weather data providing server 4 Grid power 5 Communication line 6 Substation equipment 7 Residence 8(8A, 8B) Smart meter 9 Heat pump water heater (water heater) 10 Solar power generation equipment 11 Electric equipment 12 Solar power generation amount PPV Bar graph representing (t) 13 Second power consumption P O Bar graph representing (t) 14 Second power consumption P O (t) and solar power generation amount P PV Line graph representing the difference between (t) 15 Surplus power amount P S Bar graph representing (t) 16 Contract power amount P DD Straight line representing (t) 17 Power amount available for operation of water heater P M Bar graph representing (t) 18 Straight line representing the boiling completion deadline of the water heater 19 First power consumption P HP Dotted line dividing (t) for each time zone 20 Control device 21 Communication unit 22 Memory unit 23 Prediction unit 24 Planning unit 25 Control unit 26 Power amount available for operation of water heater P M Surplus power amount P exceeding (t) S Portion representing (t) 27 Framework table 30 Computer 31 CPU 32 RAM 33 Non-volatile memory 34 I / O 35 Bus 36 Communication unit 37 Input unit 38 Display unit Groups G1 to G5 P D Contract power P DD (t) Contract power amount P HP (t) First power consumption amount P M (t) Power amount available for operation of water heater P O (t) Second power consumption amount P PV(t) Solar power generation amount P S (t) Excess power amount W Time zone t Variable representing the order of time zones

Claims

1. The contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric utility company for receiving power collectively, the amount of photovoltaic power generation for each time period on a specified date, which is estimated for the entire residence from past performance data and is supplied to the residence, the total power consumption of the water heaters used in a consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences for each time period on the specified date, and the second power consumption, which is the total power consumption of loads other than the water heaters consumed in the building for each time period on the specified date. Using the surplus power obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the amount of photovoltaic power generation and the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power, a prediction unit that predicts, for each time period of the specified date, the operable power amount of the water heater that can be used to boil the water heaters used in each of the residences; For each consumption unit, in accordance with the order in which the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is predetermined, the total of the first power consumption amounts for each consumption unit assigned to the same time period is equal to or less than the operable power amount of the water heater, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power amount, and a planning unit that creates a plan to sequentially assign the time periods of the specified date such that the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until the boiling is completed; A control unit that controls the operation of the water heaters used in each of the residences according to the plan; A control device comprising the above.

2. The planning unit acquires, for each consumption unit, the first power consumption amount for each time period on the specified date of each water heater used in the consumption unit, and assigns the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit in order from the consumption unit with the largest maximum value in the first power consumption amount for each time period or the consumption unit with the largest first power consumption amount. The control device according to Claim 1.

3. When a boiling completion deadline of the water heater is set, the planning unit creates the plan to assign the operation time of the water heater in each consumption unit such that the boiling of the water heater is completed by the boiling completion deadline. The control device according to Claim 2.

4. Even if the planning unit allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit to the time period of the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed, if the total of the first power consumption amounts of the water heaters for each consumption unit exceeds the operable power amount of the water heater in any time period when the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated, the time period of the operation time of the water heater allocated to the consumption unit is changed according to a predetermined reallocation rule. The control device according to claim 3.

5. The reallocation rule allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit to a time period earlier than the time period when the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated on the time period of the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed. The control device according to claim 4.

6. The reallocation rule allocates the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit to a time period later than the time period when the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is allocated on the time period of the specified date when the surplus power amount can be preferentially consumed. The control device according to claim 4.

7. The contract power for which a plurality of residences using the same building have contracted with an electric power company to receive power collectively, and the solar power generation amount for each time period on the specified date supplied to the entire residence estimated from past performance data respectively, the total power consumption amount for each time period on the specified date of the water heaters used in a consumption unit composed of at least one of the residences, which is the first power consumption amount for each consumption unit, and the total power consumption amount for each time period on the specified date of the loads other than the water heaters consumed in the building, which is the second power consumption amount, are used to predict, for each time period of the specified date, the surplus power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the solar power generation amount, and the operable power amount of the water heater available for boiling the water heaters used in each of the residences, which is the power amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the upper limit power amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power. For each consumption unit, according to the order in which the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is predetermined, the sum of the first power consumption amounts for each consumption unit assigned to the same time period is equal to or less than the power consumption amount that the water heater can operate, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power, and a plan is created to sequentially assign to the time periods of the specified day such that the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until the boiling is completed. The computer executes a process of controlling the operation of the water heater used in each of the dwellings according to the plan. Control method.

8. To the computer, The contract power for which a plurality of dwellings using the same building have contracted with an electric power company to receive power collectively, and the solar power generation amount for each time period on the specified day supplied to the entire dwelling, estimated respectively from past performance data, the sum of the power consumption amounts for each time period on the specified day of the water heater used in a consumption unit composed of at least one of the dwellings, which is the first power consumption amount for each consumption unit, and the sum of the power consumption amounts for each time period on the specified day of the loads other than the water heater consumed in the building, which is the second power consumption amount, are used to predict, for each time period of the specified day, the surplus power obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the solar power generation amount and the power consumption amount that can be used for boiling the water heater used in each of the dwellings, which is the power consumption amount obtained by subtracting the second power consumption amount from the upper limit power consumption amount supplied to the building determined by the contract power. For each consumption unit, according to the order in which the operation time of the water heater in the consumption unit is predetermined, the sum of the first power consumption amounts for each consumption unit assigned to the same time period is equal to or less than the power consumption amount that the water heater can operate, and the water heater of the consumption unit preferentially consumes the surplus power, and a plan is created to sequentially assign to the time periods of the specified day such that the water heater of the consumption unit can perform continuous operation until the boiling is completed. A control program for causing the process of controlling the operation of the water heater used in each of the dwellings according to the plan to be executed.

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