Display system, and display method

Abstract

To provide a display system capable of supporting self-consumption of electricity.SOLUTION: A display system 10 includes: an acquisition unit 31a that acquires the power consumption by multiple loads 25 and the power generation amount by a photovoltaic power generation system 21 which is capable of supplying the electric power to multiple loads 25; a prediction unit 31b that predicts the time band when surplus electricity occurs, and the amount of surplus electricity in the time band based on the acquired power consumption and the power generation amount; and an output unit 31c that outputs a piece of first information for displaying the predicted time band and amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system and a display method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the introduction of EMS (Energy Management System) into houses has been progressing. According to EMS, "visualization" is realized, in which the amount of energy such as electricity or gas used in a house is monitored and displayed. As a technology related to EMS, Patent Document 1 discloses an equipment monitoring device for EMS that can accurately monitor the power consumption of equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a display system or the like that can assist in the self-consumption of electric power.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A display system according to an aspect of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption amounts of a plurality of loads and the power generation amount of a power generation system that can supply power to the plurality of loads; a prediction unit that predicts a time period during which surplus power is generated and the amount of surplus power in the time period based on the acquired power consumption amounts and the power generation amount; and an output unit that outputs first information for displaying the predicted time period and the amount.

[0006] A display method according to an aspect of the present invention is a display method executed by a computer, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring power consumption amounts of a plurality of loads and a power generation amount of a power generation system capable of supplying power to the plurality of loads, a prediction step of predicting a time period during which surplus power is generated and an amount of surplus power in the time period based on the acquired power consumption amounts and the power generation amount, and an output step of outputting first information for displaying the predicted time period and the amount.

[0007] A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the display method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] A display system or the like according to an aspect of the present invention can assist in self-consumption of electric power.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that all the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0011] Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [Configuration] First, the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control system according to the embodiment.

[0013] The display system 10 is a system capable of displaying the power consumption in the facility 70 on the display unit 36 of the control device 30. Also, the display system 10 is a system capable of controlling at least a part of the plurality of loads 25 provided in the facility 70 or displaying the state of at least a part of the plurality of loads 25 by communicating with at least a part of the plurality of loads 25. The facility 70 is, for example, a house such as a detached house or an apartment house, but may be a facility outside the house such as an office building or a factory.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the display system 10 includes a solar power generation system 21, a battery system 22, a power conditioner 23, a distribution board 24, a plurality of loads 25, a control device 30, a server device 40, a mobile terminal 50, and a weather information management server 60. The solar power generation system 21, the battery system 22, the power conditioner 23, the distribution board 24, the plurality of loads 25, and the control device 30 are installed within the site of the facility 70. Although the mobile terminal 50 is located within the facility 70 in FIG. 1, it may also be located outside the facility 70.

[0015] The solar power generation system 21 is a power generation system that generates electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy. The electric power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is output to the power conditioner 23. Specifically, the solar power generation system 21 is realized by a PV (Photovoltaic) panel or the like.

[0016] The battery system 22 stores the electric power generated by the solar power generation system 21. That is, the battery system 22 is charged by the electric power generated by the solar power generation system 21. In addition, the battery system 22 outputs (discharges) the stored electric power to the power conditioner 23. The battery system 22 is realized by a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery. Furthermore, the battery system 22 may be charged by the utility power source 80.

[0017] The power conditioner 23 is a power conversion device and may also be called a PCS (Power Conditioning System) or the like. The power conditioner 23 is realized by a power conversion circuit such as a DC-DC converter and a DC-AC converter.

[0018] The power conditioner 23 converts the DC power obtained from the solar power generation system 21 and the battery system 22 into AC power and supplies it to the load 25. In addition, the power conditioner 23 can also supply the AC power obtained from the utility power source 80 to the load 25.

[0019] In this embodiment, when the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 or the power discharged from the battery system 22 is input to the power conditioner 23, the power conditioner 23 supplies AC power based on the generated power or the discharged power to the load 25 via the distribution board 24. Further, when the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 or the power discharged from the battery system 22 is not input to the power conditioner 23, the power conditioner 23 supplies AC power obtained from the utility power supply 80 to the load 25 via the distribution board 24.

[0020] In addition, the power conditioner 23 converts the DC power obtained from the solar power generation system 21 into DC power suitable for charging the battery system 22 and charges the battery system 22. That is, the power conditioner 23 assists in storing the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 in the battery system 22.

[0021] The distribution board 24 distributes the AC power supplied from the utility power supply 80 or the AC power output by the power conditioner 23 to a plurality of branch circuits. Loads 25 and the like are connected to each of the plurality of branch circuits. Further, the distribution board 24 has a function of measuring the power consumption and can measure the power consumption for each branch circuit. The measured value of the power consumption is transmitted to the control device 30 (the first communication unit 33). Note that it is not essential for the distribution board 24 to have a function of measuring the power consumption, and the display system 10 may include a device for measuring the power consumption separately from the distribution board 24.

[0022] The plurality of loads 25 are electrical devices used by users of the facility 70 (residents if the facility 70 is a house). The plurality of loads 25 include lighting devices, air conditioning devices, ventilation devices, air cleaners, electric shutters, electric locks, heat pump water heaters, fuel cell power generation systems, chargers for electric vehicles, and home delivery boxes. Lighting devices, air conditioning devices, and air cleaners are examples of home appliances. The plurality of loads 25 may include at least one of a battery system, a charger for an electric vehicle, a heat pump water heater, and home appliances.

[0023] The control device 30 is an information terminal having an energy management function, and more specifically, is an EMS controller. The control device 30 displays information regarding the power consumption measured by the distribution board 24 on the display unit 36. That is, the control device 30 visualizes the power consumption. Further, the control device 30 can also perform control of the solar power generation system 21, the battery system 22, and the plurality of loads 25 communicatively connected to the control device 30. The control device 30 is not limited to an EMS controller, and may be another controller or a gateway device. The control device 30 includes an information processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, a first communication unit 33, a second communication unit 34, an operation reception unit 35, and a display unit 36.

[0024] The information processing unit 31 performs information processing related to visualization of the power consumption and control of the plurality of loads 25. The information processing unit 31 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 31 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 31a, a prediction unit 31b, an output unit 31c, and a control unit 31d. The functions of the acquisition unit 31a, the prediction unit 31b, the output unit 31c, and the control unit 31d are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 31 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 32. Specific operations performed by the acquisition unit 31a, the prediction unit 31b, the output unit 31c, and the control unit 31d will be described later.

[0025] The storage unit 32 is a storage device that stores a computer program executed by the information processing unit 31, performance information on past power generation amounts in the facility 70, and history information on power consumption amounts in the facility 70. The storage unit 32 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0026] The first communication unit 33 is a communication circuit for the control device 30 to communicate with the photovoltaic power generation system 21, the battery system 22, the distribution board 24, and a plurality of loads 25 via a local communication network. The first communication unit 33 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 33.

[0027] The second communication unit 34 is a communication circuit for the control device 30 to communicate with the server device 40, the mobile terminal 50, and the weather information management server 60 via the wide area communication network 90. The second communication unit 34 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 34.

[0028] The operation reception unit 35 receives the user's operation. The operation reception unit 35 is realized, for example, by a touch panel.

[0029] The display unit 36 displays an image. The display unit 36 is realized, for example, by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel.

[0030] The server device 40 is a cloud server installed outside the facility 70. The server device 40 performs information processing for displaying information regarding the power consumption in the facility 70 on the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50 by cooperating with the control device 30. The server device 40 can communicate with the control device 30, the mobile terminal 50, the weather information management server 60, etc. via the wide area communication network 90. The server device 40 is operated and managed, for example, by the manufacturer and seller of the control device 30. The server device 40 includes an information processing unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43.

[0031] The information processing unit 41 performs the above information processing. The information processing unit 41 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 41 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 41a, a prediction unit 41b, and an output unit 41c. The functions of the acquisition unit 41a, the prediction unit 41b, and the output unit 41c are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 41 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 42. Specific operations performed by the acquisition unit 41a, the prediction unit 41b, and the output unit 41c will be described later.

[0032] The storage unit 42 is a storage device that stores a computer program executed by the information processing unit 41, performance information on past power generation amounts, history information on power consumption amounts, and the like. The storage unit 42 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0033] The communication unit 43 is a communication circuit for the server device 40 to communicate with the control device 30, the mobile terminal 50, and the weather information management server 60 via the wide area communication network 90. The communication unit 43 is, for example, a wireless communication circuit that performs wired communication, but may also be a wired communication circuit that performs wireless communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 43 is not particularly limited.

[0034] The mobile terminal 50 is a portable information terminal possessed by a user, and specifically, is a smartphone or a tablet terminal, etc. The mobile terminal 50 includes a display unit 51. The display unit 51 displays an image. The display unit 51 is realized by, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

[0035] The weather information management server 60 is a cloud server installed outside the facility 70, and provides weather forecast information and past weather information to the control device 30. The weather information management server 60 may provide weather forecast information and weather information to the control device 30 via the server device 40. Each of the weather forecast information and the weather information includes solar radiation amount information, temperature information, and the like.

[0036] [Example 1 of Display Operation of Information on Excess Power] During the daytime on a sunny day, even if the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is consumed by a plurality of loads 25, there may still be some excess power. Regarding such excess power, for example, it is sold to an electric power company or the like (grid power source 80), but by consuming it with loads 25 that are not normally used during the daytime (so-called promoting self-consumption of power), there may be a cost advantage for the user. In addition, promoting self-consumption of power can lead to a decrease in the power generation amount of power plants, and as a result, it can be said that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be suppressed.

[0037] Therefore, the display system 10 predicts the time zone when excess power is generated and the amount of excess power in that time zone, and displays these on the display unit 36 to encourage the user to increase self-consumption of power. Hereinafter, the display operation of information on excess power will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of Example 1 of the display operation of information on excess power.

[0038] The user performs a predetermined operation for displaying information on excess power to the control device 30, and the operation reception unit 35 receives the predetermined operation (S11). The acquisition unit 31a acquires the power consumption amount generated in the entire facility 70 on the target day (for example, the day after the day when the predetermined operation is received) (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the power consumption amount on the target day) based on the received predetermined operation (S12). The acquisition in step S12 is in the sense of prediction.

[0039] For example, in the storage unit 32, past power consumption amounts (time series data of daily power generation power × number of days) in the facility 70 are database-formed after being associated with weather information. The past power consumption amounts are the power consumption amounts measured by the distribution board 24. The weather information can be acquired from the meteorological information management server 60.

[0040] The acquisition unit 31a acquires the weather forecast information for the target day from the weather information management server 60, and acquires from the storage unit 32 the power consumption amount of the past day with the closest conditions such as the weather predicted for the target day, the specific month and date (season) of the target day, and the day of the week of the target day, and predicts that the acquired power consumption amount for one day is the power consumption amount on the target day.

[0041] Note that the acquisition unit 31a may acquire the power consumption amount on the target day using a machine learning model. For example, the acquisition unit 31a can input the specific month and date of the target day, the day of the week of the target day, and the weather predicted for the target day into a machine learning model that has learned the content of the above database, thereby acquiring the power consumption amount on the target day.

[0042] In any of the above cases, it can be said that the acquisition unit 31a acquires the power consumption amount on the target day based on the measured data. Note that such a method for acquiring the power consumption amount is an example. Other existing methods may be used for acquiring (predicting) the power consumption amount.

[0043] Next, the acquisition unit 31a acquires the power generation amount of the solar power generation system 21 on the target day (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the power generation amount on the target day) based on the received predetermined operation (S13). The acquisition in step S13 is in the sense of prediction.

[0044] For example, in the storage unit 32, the past power generation amounts (time series data of the generated power for one day × number of days) in the facility 70 are database-ized after being associated with the weather information. The past power generation amounts are the power consumption amounts measured by the solar power generation system 21, the power conditioner 23, or the distribution board 24. The weather information can be acquired from the weather information management server 60. Note that when the power generation amount is measured by the distribution board 24, it can be said that the power consumption amount and the power generation amount are measured by the same device.

[0045] The acquisition unit 31a acquires the weather forecast information for the target day from the weather information management server 60, and acquires from the storage unit 32 the power generation amount of the past day with the closest conditions such as the weather predicted for the target day, the specific month and date (season) of the target day, and the day of the week of the target day, and predicts that the acquired power generation amount for one day is the power consumption amount on the target day.

[0046] Note that the acquisition unit 31a may acquire the power generation amount on the target day using a machine learning model. For example, the acquisition unit 31a can acquire the power generation amount on the target day by inputting the specific month and date of the target day, the day of the week of the target day, and the weather predicted for the target day into a machine learning model that has learned the content of the above database.

[0047] In any of the above cases, it can be said that the acquisition unit 31a predicts the power generation amount on the target day based on the measured data. Note that such a method for acquiring (predicting) the power generation amount is an example. Other existing methods may be used for acquiring (predicting) the power generation amount.

[0048] Next, the prediction unit 31b predicts the time zone when surplus power is generated and the amount of surplus power in that time zone based on the power consumption amount acquired in step S12 and the power generation amount acquired in step S13 (S14). The prediction unit 31b can predict the time zone when the power obtained by subtracting the power consumption from the power generation is greater than 0 as the time zone when surplus power is generated. Also, the amount of surplus power in that time zone can be predicted by integrating (integrating) the surplus power in that time zone.

[0049] Next, the output unit 31c outputs to the display unit 36 the first information for displaying the time zone when the predicted surplus power is generated and the amount of the predicted surplus power (S15). Note that the first information includes, as necessary, information indicating the unit price of the electricity charge for each time zone on the target day, the weather forecast information for the target day, information indicating the power consumption amount when automatic control (described later) is performed, and information indicating the presence or absence of a plan for automatic control.

[0050] As a result of the output of the first piece of information, the time zone in which predicted surplus power is generated and the amount of predicted surplus power (i.e., information regarding surplus power) are displayed on the display unit 36 (S16). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for information regarding surplus power.

[0051] At the upper part of the display screen in FIG. 3, the time zone in which surplus power is generated and the amount of predicted surplus power are indicated in characters. Further, in the display screen of FIG. 3, the power consumption amount (time-series data of power consumption) acquired in step S12 and the power generation amount (time-series data of generated power) acquired in step S13 are graphed.

[0052] On the time axis of the graph, the unit price of the electricity charge is indicated by a color bar along the time axis. The unit price of the electricity charge is, in other words, the purchase electricity price. The unit price of the electricity charge for each time zone is stored (set) in the storage unit 32, for example, by an operation on the user operation reception unit 35. The control device 30 (acquisition unit 31a) may display the unit price of the electricity charge, for example, by inquiring a server (not shown) that manages the unit price of the electricity charge.

[0053] At the upper part of the graph, a weather forecast for the target day indicated by weather forecast information provided by the weather information management server 60 is illustrated by icons. Further, at the upper part of the graph in the time zone in which surplus power is generated, numerical icons indicating the amount of surplus power (3: a large amount of surplus power, 0: a small amount of surplus power) are shown.

[0054] Incidentally, the control device 30 (control unit 31d) has a function of executing automatic control of devices in a time zone in which surplus power is predicted to be generated. The devices here are a battery system, a charger for an electric vehicle, a heat pump water heater, etc. included in the plurality of loads 25, and the automatic control of the devices means control such as charging of the battery system, charging from the charger to the electric vehicle, and boiling of water by the heat pump water heater.

[0055] On the display screen of FIG. 3, a line L indicating how much the power consumption increases when this automatic control function is set to be effective is shown. As a result, the user can grasp how much surplus power remains when the automatic control is made effective.

[0056] As described above, the display system 10 (control device 30) acquires the power consumption amounts of the plurality of loads 25 and the power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation system 21 that can supply power to the plurality of loads 25, and based on the acquired power consumption amounts and power generation amount, predicts the time zone in which surplus power is generated and the amount of surplus power in the time zone, and outputs the first information, thereby displaying the predicted time zone and amount.

[0057] According to such a display system 10, since the time zone in which surplus power is generated and the amount of surplus power in the time zone are visualized, self-consumption of power can be supported.

[0058] In addition, in Example 1 of the display operation of the information regarding the surplus power, reception of a predetermined operation may be performed by the mobile terminal 50, and the information regarding the surplus power may be displayed on the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50. In this case, the control device 30 and the mobile terminal 50 may communicate through a local communication network or a wide area communication network 90.

[0059] [Modification Example of Display Screen of Information Regarding Surplus Power] The display screen displayed in step S16 is not limited to the display screen as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen of the information regarding the surplus power.

[0060] Also in the display screen of FIG. 4, the time zone in which the predicted surplus power is generated and the amount of the predicted surplus power are displayed. In addition, the unit price of the electricity bill, the weather forecast, and the presence or absence of a schedule for automatic control are also displayed. Regarding the presence or absence of a schedule for automatic control, in the example of FIG. 4, icons of the devices to be automatically controlled are displayed in the column of the time zone in which there is a schedule for automatic control.

[0061] Also, on the display screen of FIG. 4, icons of devices (operation-recommended devices in FIG. 4) that are recommended to operate using surplus power are displayed. To achieve such a display, the output unit 31c outputs, in addition to the above-described first information, second information for displaying devices that are recommended to operate using surplus power. Note that the devices that are recommended to operate using surplus power are devices that can operate within the range of surplus power (without purchasing power from the grid power source 80), i.e., devices with power consumption smaller than the surplus power. During the time period when the above-described automatic control is scheduled, the recommended devices are devices that can operate using the remaining power obtained by subtracting the power required for automatically controlling the devices from the surplus power in that time period.

[0062] For example, if device list information associating the identification information of a device, the icon of the device, and the standard power consumption amount of the device is stored in the storage unit 32, the output unit 31c can identify devices that can operate using surplus power. Therefore, the output unit 31c can output second information for displaying such devices.

[0063] The device list information is created, for example, by an operation on the user operation reception unit 35, but may also be created by the control unit 31d based on the control history information of past devices (loads 25). If the device list information includes priority information, when multiple devices are all operable in a certain time period, the icon of the device with the higher priority can be displayed as the icon of the recommended device. Note that it is not essential for the recommended devices to be displayed as icons, and the identification information of the devices (such as the name of the device) may be displayed in characters or the like.

[0064] In this way, if devices that are recommended to operate using surplus power are displayed, the user can easily grasp the devices to be operated.

[0065] By the way, whether to actually operate the device using surplus power (whether to consume the power at home) is left to the user. Therefore, a stamp sheet screen may be displayed to encourage the user to consume the power at home. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the stamp sheet screen.

[0066] On the stamp sheet screen, if a recommended device is actually operated in a certain time period, one stamp is added. According to such a stamp sheet screen, the user's motivation to operate the recommended device can be improved.

[0067] [Example 1 of Display Operation of Information on Surplus Power] The prediction of surplus power, etc. is performed by the server device 40, and the display screen of the information on surplus power may be displayed on the display unit 51 of the mobile terminal 50. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram of Example 2 of the display operation of the information on surplus power. In the following description of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the server device 40 and the control device 30 have communicated in advance, and the latest information equivalent to the storage unit 32 of the control device 30 is stored (uploaded) in the storage unit 42 of the server device 40.

[0068] The user performs a predetermined operation on the mobile terminal 50 to display the information on surplus power, and the mobile terminal 50 receives the predetermined operation (S21). The mobile terminal 50 transmits an information providing request to the server device 40 based on the received predetermined operation (S22).

[0069] The communication unit 43 of the server device 40 receives the information providing request. The acquisition unit 41a acquires the amount of power consumption generated in the entire facility 70 on the target day (for example, the day after the day when the predetermined operation is received, etc.) based on the received information providing request (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the power consumption amount on the target day) (S23). The acquisition in step S23 is in the sense of prediction.

[0070] For example, in the storage unit 42, the past power consumption in the facility 70 (time series data of the generated power for one day × number of days) is database-formed after being associated with the weather information. The past power consumption is the power consumption measured by the distribution board 24. The weather information can be obtained from the meteorological information management server 60.

[0071] The acquisition unit 41a acquires the weather forecast information for the target day from the meteorological information management server 60, and acquires from the storage unit 42 the power consumption of the past one day with the closest conditions such as the weather expected on the target day, the specific month and date (season) of the target day, and the day of the week of the target day, and predicts that the acquired power consumption for one day is the power consumption on the target day.

[0072] Note that the acquisition unit 41a may acquire the power consumption on the target day using a machine learning model. For example, the acquisition unit 41a can input the specific month and date of the target day, the day of the week of the target day, and the weather expected on the target day into a machine learning model that has learned the content of the above database, thereby acquiring the power consumption on the target day.

[0073] In any of the above cases, it can be said that the acquisition unit 41a acquires the power consumption on the target day based on the measured data. Note that such a method for acquiring the power consumption is an example. Other existing methods may be used for acquiring (predicting) the power consumption.

[0074] Next, the acquisition unit 41a acquires the power generation amount of the solar power generation system 21 on the target day (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the power generation amount on the target day) based on the received predetermined operation (S24). The acquisition in step S24 is in the sense of prediction.

[0075] For example, in the storage unit 32, the past power generation amount (time series data of power generation power for one day × number of days) in the facility 70 is database-ized after being associated with weather information. The past power generation amount is the power consumption amount actually measured by the solar power generation system 21, the power conditioner 23, or the distribution board 24. The weather information can be acquired from the meteorological information management server 60. When the power generation amount is measured by the distribution board 24, it can be said that the power consumption amount and the power generation amount are actually measured by the same device.

[0076] The acquisition unit 41a acquires the weather forecast information for the target day from the meteorological information management server 60, and acquires from the storage unit 42 the power generation amount of the past one day with the closest conditions such as the weather expected on the target day, the specific month and date (season) of the target day, and the day of the week of the target day, and predicts that the acquired power generation amount for one day is the power consumption amount on the target day.

[0077] Note that the acquisition unit 41a may acquire the power generation amount on the target day using a machine learning model. For example, the acquisition unit 41a can acquire the power generation amount on the target day by inputting the specific month and date of the target day, the day of the week of the target day, and the weather expected on the target day into the machine learning model that has learned the content of the above database.

[0078] In any of the above cases, it can be said that the acquisition unit 41a predicts the power generation amount on the target day based on the actual measurement data. Note that such a method for acquiring (predicting) the power generation amount is an example. Other existing methods may be used for acquiring (predicting) the power generation amount.

[0079] Next, the prediction unit 41b predicts the time zone in which surplus power is generated and the amount of surplus power in the time zone based on the power consumption amount acquired in step S23 and the power generation amount acquired in step S24 (S25). The prediction unit 41b can predict the time zone in which the power obtained by subtracting the power consumption from the power generation is greater than 0 as the time zone in which surplus power is generated. Also, the amount of surplus power in the time zone can be predicted by integrating (integrating) the surplus power in the time zone.

[0080] Next, the output unit 41c outputs (transmits) first information for displaying the time period when the predicted surplus power is generated and the amount of the predicted surplus power to the mobile terminal 50 using the communication unit 43 (S26). Note that the first information includes, as necessary, information indicating the unit price of the electricity charge for each time period on the target day, weather forecast information on the target day, information indicating the power consumption amount when automatic control (described later) is performed, and information indicating the presence or absence of a plan for automatic control.

[0081] The mobile terminal 50 receives the first information and displays, on the display unit 51, the time period when the predicted surplus power is generated and the amount of the predicted surplus power (that is, information regarding the surplus power) based on the received first information (S27). In step S27, a display screen such as that in FIG. 3 described above is displayed on the display unit 51, but a display screen such as that in FIG. 4 may also be displayed. When a display screen such as that in FIG. 4 is displayed, the server device 40 outputs (transmits) second information for displaying devices recommended to operate using the surplus power to the mobile terminal 50 in addition to the first information.

[0082] As described above, the display system 10 (server device 40) acquires the power consumption amounts of the plurality of loads 25 and the power generation amount of the solar power generation system 21 that can supply power to the plurality of loads 25, predicts the time period when surplus power is generated and the amount of the surplus power in the time period based on the acquired power consumption amounts and power generation amount, and outputs the first information, thereby displaying the predicted time period and amount.

[0083] According to such a display system 10, since the time period when surplus power is generated and the amount of the surplus power in the time period are visualized, it is possible to assist in the self-consumption of electricity.

[0084] In Example 2 of the display operation of information regarding surplus power, reception of a predetermined operation may be performed by the control device 30 (operation reception unit 35), and the information regarding surplus power may be displayed on the display unit 36 of the control device 30. In this case, the control device 30 and the server device 40 communicate through the wide area communication network 90.

[0085] [Effects, etc.] Hereinafter, the invention obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be exemplified, and the effects and the like obtained from the invention will be described.

[0086] Invention 1 is an acquisition unit (acquisition unit 31a or acquisition unit 41a) that acquires the power consumption amounts of a plurality of loads 25 and the power generation amount of a photovoltaic power generation system 21 that can supply power to the plurality of loads 25, and based on the acquired power consumption amounts and power generation amounts, a prediction unit (prediction unit 31b or prediction unit 41b) that predicts the time zone in which surplus power occurs and the amount of surplus power in the time zone, and an output unit (output unit 31c or output unit 41c) that outputs first information for displaying the predicted time zone and amount. It is a display system 10.

[0087] Such a display system 10 can assist in the self-consumption of power by displaying the time zone in which surplus power occurs and the amount of surplus power in the time zone.

[0088] Invention 2 is the display system 10 of Invention 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the power consumption amount and the power generation amount based on past measured data.

[0089] Such a display system 10 can predict surplus power based on past measured data.

[0090] Invention 3 is the display system 10 of Invention 1 or 2, wherein the output unit further outputs second information for displaying devices that can operate within the range of surplus power in the predicted time zone.

[0091] According to such a display system 10, the user can grasp which devices need to be operated to promote self-consumption within the range of surplus power.

[0092] Invention 4 is the display system 10 of Invention 3, wherein the second information is information for displaying, in the form of icons, devices that can operate within the range of surplus power.

[0093] According to such a display system 10, the user can easily grasp which devices need to be operated to promote self-consumption within the range of surplus power.

[0094] Invention 5 is the display system 10 of any one of Inventions 1 to 4, further comprising a control unit 31d capable of executing automatic control of devices in a predicted time period, and the first information includes information indicating the presence or absence of a plan for automatic control of devices in the predicted time period.

[0095] According to such a display system 10, the user can grasp whether automatic control is planned in a time period when surplus power occurs.

[0096] Invention 6 is the display system 10 of any one of Inventions 1 to 5, further comprising a control unit 31d capable of executing automatic control of devices in a predicted time period, and the first information includes information indicating the power consumption amount when automatic control of the devices is performed.

[0097] According to such a display system 10, the user can grasp the power consumption amount when automatic control is executed in a time period when surplus power occurs.

[0098] Invention 7 is the display system 10 of any one of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of loads includes at least one of a battery system, a charger for an electric vehicle, a heat pump water heater, and household appliances.

[0099] Such a display system 10 can assist in the self - consumption of power using at least one of an electric vehicle charger, a heat pump water heater, and home appliances.

[0100] Invention 8 is a display method executed by a computer such as the display system 10, including acquisition steps S12 and S13 (or S23 and S24) of acquiring the power consumption of a plurality of loads 25 and the power generation amount of a solar power generation system 21 capable of supplying power to the plurality of loads 25, a prediction step S14 (or S25) of predicting the time zone when surplus power occurs and the amount of surplus power in the time zone based on the acquired power consumption and power generation amount, and an output step S15 (or S26) of outputting first information for displaying the predicted time zone and amount.

[0101] Such a display method can assist in the self - consumption of power by displaying the time zone when surplus power occurs and the amount of surplus power in the time zone.

[0102] Invention 9 is a program for causing a computer to execute the display method of Invention 8.

[0103] According to such a program, a computer can assist in the self - consumption of power by displaying the time zone when surplus power occurs and the amount of surplus power in the time zone.

[0104] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above - described embodiments.

[0105] For example, in the above - described embodiment, the display system is realized by a plurality of devices. In this case, the components included in the display system may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. For example, the control device may include a part of the acquisition unit, the prediction unit, and the control unit, and the server device may include the other part of the acquisition unit, the prediction unit, and the control unit.

[0106] Further, the control system may be implemented by a single device. For example, the control system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to a control device or a server device.

[0107] Also, in the above embodiment, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of a plurality of processes may be changed, or a plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

[0108] Also, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0109] Also, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits respectively. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0110] Also, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Also, it may be realized by any combination of a system, a device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0111] For example, the present invention may be implemented as the display system, control device, server device, or mobile terminal according to the above-described embodiment. Further, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by the display system, control device, server device, or mobile terminal, or may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. The present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0112] In addition, forms obtained by making various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to each embodiment, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0113] 10 Display system 21 Solar power generation system 22 Battery system 23 Power conditioner 24 Distribution board 25 Load 30 Control device 31, 41 Information processing unit 31a, 41a Acquisition unit 31b, 41b Prediction unit 31c, 41c Output unit 31d Control unit 32, 42 Storage unit 33 First communication unit 34 Second communication unit 35 Operation reception unit 36, 51 Display unit 40 Server device 43 Communication unit 50 Mobile terminal 60 Weather information management server 70 Facility 80 Utility power 90 Wide area communication network

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of a plurality of loads and the power generation amount of a power generation system capable of supplying power to the plurality of loads; A prediction unit that predicts a time period during which surplus power is generated and the amount of surplus power during the time period based on the acquired power consumption and power generation amount; And an output unit that outputs first information for displaying the predicted time period and the amount. A display system.

2. The acquisition unit acquires the power consumption and the power generation amount based on past measured data. The display system according to Claim 1.

3. The output unit further outputs second information for displaying devices that can operate within the range of the surplus power during the predicted time period. The display system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The second information is information for displaying devices that can operate within the range of the surplus power as icons. The display system according to Claim 3.

5. Furthermore, it includes a control unit capable of executing automatic control of devices during the predicted time period, The first information includes information indicating the presence or absence of a plan for automatic control of the devices during the predicted time period. The display system according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. Furthermore, it includes a control unit capable of executing automatic control of devices during the predicted time period, The first information includes information indicating the power consumption when the automatic control of the devices is performed. The display system according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. The plurality of loads includes at least one of a battery system, a charger for an electric vehicle, a heat pump water heater, and home appliances. The display system according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. A display method executed by a computer, An acquisition step of acquiring the power consumption of a plurality of loads and the power generation amount of a power generation system capable of supplying power to the plurality of loads; A prediction step of predicting a time period during which surplus power is generated and the amount of surplus power during the time period based on the acquired power consumption and power generation amount; And an output step of outputting first information for displaying the predicted time period and the amount. A display method.

9. A program for causing the computer to execute the display method according to Claim 8.

Images