Electric power system

Abstract

To control utilization of surplus electric power by a device and use of commercial power upon a DR raise request.SOLUTION: An electric power system 1 includes one or more devices 100. The device(s) may receive electric power from both a natural energy power generator 170 and a commercial power source. The device(s) may perform a first operation and a second operation. In the first operation, the device(s) uses or use electric power supplied from the natural energy power generator. In the second operation, the device(s) uses or use electric power supplied from the commercial power source. A control part 190 controls the power usage of the device(s) based on whether a first period and a second period overlap. The first period is a period during which the device(s) performs or perform the first operation. The second period is a period during which power consumption by the device(s) is requested due to a demand response request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Relates to a power system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a mechanism has been studied in which a power supplier (power company) requests a demand response (DR) regarding power consumption or suppression from a power consumer, and the power consumer adjusts the power consumption amount to adjust the power supply-demand balance.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-018021) discloses a storage water heater capable of responding to a DR implementation request from a power company. When the storage water heater of Patent Document 1 receives a DR implementation request, it controls the boiling operation on the reception day according to the DR implementation request.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, conventionally, a storage water heater that efficiently performs a boiling operation using surplus power from a natural energy power generation device such as a solar power generation device is known. However, when performing a boiling operation using surplus power, there is a possibility that the power consumption required by the DR request cannot be responded to.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a power system that controls the use of surplus power by a device and the use of commercial power for an increase DR request.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The power system from the first perspective includes a control unit. The power system also includes one or more devices. The devices can receive power from both the power supplied by the natural energy power generation device and the power supplied by the commercial power source. The devices can perform a first operation and a second operation. In the first operation, the devices use the power supplied by the natural energy power generation device. In the second operation, the devices use the power supplied by the commercial power source. The control unit controls the power usage content of the devices according to whether the first period and the second period overlap. The first period is the period during which the devices perform the first operation. The second period is the period during which the power consumption of the devices is required due to the demand response requirement.

[0007] The power usage content refers to the content of the control regarding the power used by the devices. With such a configuration, it is possible to control the utilization of surplus power by the devices and the use of commercial power for the upward DR requirement.

[0008] The power system from the second perspective is the power system from the first perspective, and in the period when the first period and the second period overlap, the control unit prioritizes the second operation of the devices.

[0009] With such a configuration, it is possible to respond to the upward DR requirement.

[0010] The power system from the third perspective is the power system from the first perspective, and in the period when the first period and the second period overlap, the control unit prioritizes the first operation of the devices.

[0011] With such a configuration, it is possible to utilize the surplus power.

[0012] The power system from the fourth perspective is any of the power systems from the first to the third perspectives. When there are a first period and a second period within a predetermined period and there is no overlapping period between the first period and the second period, the control unit does not cause the devices to operate during the first period and causes the devices to perform the second operation during the second period.

[0013] With such a configuration, it is possible to respond to the upward DR requirement.

[0014] The power system from the fifth perspective is any one of the power systems from the first to the fourth perspectives. When there is a period in which the first period and the second period overlap, and the start time of the second period is earlier than that of the first period, the control unit causes the device to perform the second operation according to the start time of the second period.

[0015] With such a configuration, it is possible to respond to the upward DR request.

[0016] The power system from the sixth perspective is any one of the power systems from the first to the fourth perspectives. When there is a period in which the first period and the second period overlap, and the start time of the first period is earlier than that of the second period, the control unit causes the device to perform the first operation according to the start time of the first period.

[0017] With such a configuration, it is possible to utilize surplus power.

[0018] The power system from the seventh perspective is any one of the power systems from the first to the sixth perspectives. When there is a period in which the first period and the second period overlap, and the start time of the first period is earlier than that of the second period, the control unit restricts the use of power by the first operation of the device.

[0019] With such a configuration, it is possible to respond to the upward DR request while utilizing surplus power.

[0020] The power system from the eighth perspective is any one of the power systems from the first to the seventh perspectives, and the device is a water heater having a hot water storage tank.

[0021] The power system from the ninth perspective is the power system from the eighth perspective, and the control unit makes the heating capacity of the device in the second period larger than the heating capacity in the night boiling operation of the device.

[0022] With such a configuration, it is possible to increase the power consumption in the second period. As a result, it is possible to respond to the upward DR request.

[0023] The power system from the 10th perspective is a power system from any of the 1st to 3rd perspectives, with two or more devices, including a water heater having a hot water storage tank and an electrical device without a hot water storage tank.

[0024] The power system from the 11th perspective is the power system from the 10th perspective, and the control unit preferentially operates the water heater during the second period.

[0025] With such a configuration, it is possible to respond to the upward DR request without affecting the electrical devices. The electrical devices are, for example, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.

[0026] The power system from the 12th perspective is the power system from the 10th or 11th perspective, and the control unit restricts the use of power by the electrical devices during the second period.

[0027] With such a configuration, for example, even when the upward DR request includes a target value regarding power consumption, it is possible to suppress the consumption of power exceeding the target value. As a result, it is possible to respond to the upward DR request.

[0028] The power system from the 13th perspective is a power system from any of the 10th to 12th perspectives, and the control unit preferentially operates the electrical devices during the first period.

[0029] With such a configuration, surplus power can be utilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] <First Embodiment> The power system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the power system 1 mainly includes a storage water heater (device, water heater) 100 and a solar power generation device (natural energy power generation device) 170.

[0032] (1) Storage-type hot water supply device The storage-type hot water supply device 100 includes a heat pump unit 110, a hot water storage unit 120, a remote controller 130, and a control unit 190. A hot water supply section 140, a bathtub 150, and a stop valve 160 are connected to the hot water storage unit 120.

[0033] The heat pump unit 110 heats the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120 and supplies the heated hot water to the hot water storage unit 120. The hot water storage unit 120 stores the heated hot water supplied from the heat pump unit 110, mixes the stored hot water with the water supplied from the stop valve 160, and supplies it to the hot water supply section 140 and the bathtub 150. The hot water supply section 140 is, for example, a faucet and a shower. The stop valve 160 is connected to an external water supply source such as a water supply. The stop valve 160 is operated to supply water to the hot water storage unit 120.

[0034] Here, "hot water" means at least one of hot water and water. Therefore, both the water before being heated by the heat pump unit 110 and the water after being heated by the heat pump unit 110 are referred to as hot water.

[0035] (1-1) Heat pump unit The heat pump unit 110 mainly includes a compressor 11, a water heat exchanger 12, an expansion valve 13, and an air heat exchanger 14. The compressor 11, the water heat exchanger 12, the expansion valve 13, and the air heat exchanger 14 are connected in a loop by refrigerant pipes to form a heat pump cycle. The discharge side of the compressor 11 is connected to the water heat exchanger 12, and the suction side of the compressor 11 is connected to the air heat exchanger 14. One end of the expansion valve 13 is connected to the water heat exchanger 12, and the other end of the expansion valve 13 is connected to the air heat exchanger 14. Further, the heat pump unit 110 has a first control device 10.

[0036] The refrigerant circulating in the heat pump cycle has a critical temperature higher than the temperature of the heated hot water supplied from the heat pump unit 110 to the hot water storage unit 120. The critical temperature of the refrigerant is preferably 10°C or more higher than the temperature of the heated hot water. The refrigerant is, for example, R32 (critical temperature 78.1°C), HFO-1234yf (critical temperature 95.0°C), and R410 (critical temperature 71.4°C).

[0037] The compressor 11 has a compression mechanism that compresses the refrigerant by driving the motor 11a. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 is sent to the water heat exchanger 12. The heating capacity of the heat pump unit 110 can be adjusted by controlling the operating frequency of the motor 11a.

[0038] The water heat exchanger 12 performs heat exchange between the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 and the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120 to heat the hot water. The water heat exchanger 12 is, for example, a double-tube heat exchanger composed of an outer tube and an inner tube inserted inside the outer tube. The water heat exchanger 12 may be a plate-type heat exchanger or the like. The heating capacity of the heat pump unit 110 is, for example, the amount of heat that the water heat exchanger 12 imparts to the hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 120 per unit time.

[0039] The expansion valve 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the water heat exchanger 12 and undergone heat exchange. The expansion valve 13 is, for example, an electric expansion valve. The expansion valve 13 may be a capillary tube or the like.

[0040] The air heat exchanger 14 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13 and been depressurized and the outside air to heat the refrigerant. The outside air is supplied to the air heat exchanger 14 by, for example, an outside air fan. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange through the air heat exchanger 14 is sent to the compressor 11.

[0041] (1-2) Hot water storage unit The hot water storage unit 120 mainly includes a hot water storage tank 21, a first drain valve 22, a water inlet valve 23, a boiling pump 24, a bypass valve 25, a boiling valve 26, a first mixing valve 27, a second mixing valve 28, a pressure reducing valve 29, a first flow sensor 30, a hot water supply solenoid valve 31, a second drain valve 32, a second flow sensor 33, a reheating pump 34, and a reheating heat exchanger 35. These elements are connected by pipes L1 to L19 through which hot and cold water flows. Temperature sensors T1 to T10 are provided in the hot water storage tank 21 and pipes L10, L13, L14, and L16. The hot water storage unit 120 also has a second control device 20.

[0042] The hot water storage tank 21 stores hot and cold water. Six temperature sensors T1 to T6 are provided in the hot water storage tank 21. The six temperature sensors T1 to T6 are composed of a first hot water volume temperature sensor T1, a second hot water volume temperature sensor T2, a third hot water volume temperature sensor T3, a fourth hot water volume temperature sensor T4, a fifth hot water volume temperature sensor T5, and an upper temperature sensor T6. The upper temperature sensor T6 is provided near the upper end face of the hot water storage tank 21. The first to fifth hot water volume temperature sensors T1 to T5 are provided on the side surface of the hot water storage tank 21 at intervals from the upper side to the lower side.

[0043] Since the density of water changes according to temperature, the hot and cold water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 forms a layer with a high temperature on the upper side and a low temperature on the lower side. Therefore, based on the output signals of the temperature sensors T1 to T6, by detecting the temperature distribution of the hot and cold water in the hot water storage tank 21 in the vertical direction, the amount of hot and cold water (hot water storage amount) in the hot water storage tank 21 can be obtained. The number of temperature sensors provided in the hot water storage tank 21 to obtain the hot water storage amount of the hot water storage tank 21 may be any number other than 6.

[0044] One end of the water inlet pipe L1 is connected to the lower end face of the hot water storage tank 21, and the other end of the water inlet pipe L1 is connected to the inlet side of the water heat exchanger 12 of the heat pump unit 110. An inlet valve 23, a boiling pump 24, and a bypass valve 25 are provided in the water inlet pipe L1 from the hot water storage tank 21 toward the water heat exchanger 12. The inlet valve 23 and the bypass valve 25 are electric three-way valves.

[0045] The first drain pipe L2 branches from the water inlet pipe L1 between the hot water storage tank 21 and the water inlet valve 23. A first drain valve 22 is provided in the first drain pipe L2. The first drain pipe L2 is connected to a drain pipe outside the hot water storage unit 120. The first drain valve 22 is operated, for example, to discharge the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 to the outside.

[0046] One end of the hot water outlet pipe L3 is connected to the outlet side of the water heat exchanger 12 of the heat pump unit 110, and the other end of the hot water outlet pipe L3 is connected to the boiling-up valve 26. The boiling-up valve 26 is an electric three-way valve.

[0047] One end of the first return pipe L4 is connected to the boiling-up valve 26, and the other end of the first return pipe L4 is connected to the upper end surface of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0048] One end of the second return pipe L5 is connected to the boiling-up valve 26, and the other end of the second return pipe L5 is connected to the lower end surface of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0049] One end of the bypass pipe L6 is connected to the bypass valve 25, and the other end of the bypass pipe L6 is connected to the hot water outlet pipe L3.

[0050] One end of the first boiling-up pipe L7 is connected to the upper end surface of the hot water storage tank 21, and the other end of the first boiling-up pipe L7 is connected to the first mixing valve 27. The first mixing valve 27 is an electric three-way valve.

[0051] One end of the second boiling-up pipe L8 is connected to the upper end surface of the hot water storage tank 21, and the other end of the second boiling-up pipe L8 is connected to the second mixing valve 28. The second mixing valve 28 is an electric three-way valve.

[0052] One end of the tank water supply pipe L9 is connected to the stop valve 160 outside the hot water storage unit 120, and the other end of the tank water supply pipe L9 is connected to the lower end surface of the hot water storage tank 21. A pressure reducing valve 29 is provided in the tank water supply pipe L9. The pressure reducing valve 29 is operated to adjust the pressure of the water (water supply pressure) supplied to the hot water storage unit 120 via the stop valve 160.

[0053] The branched water supply pipe L10 branches from the tank water supply pipe L9 between the pressure reducing valve 29 and the hot water storage tank 21. The branched water supply pipe L10 branches into a first mixed water pipe L11 and a second mixed water pipe L12. The first mixed water pipe L11 is connected to the first mixing valve 27. The second mixed water pipe L12 is connected to the second mixing valve 28. A mixed water temperature sensor T7 is provided in the branched water supply pipe L10. The mixed water temperature sensor T7 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing in the branched water supply pipe L10.

[0054] One end of the first hot water supply pipe L13 is connected to the first mixing valve 27, and the other end of the first hot water supply pipe L13 is connected to the hot water supply unit 140. A first flow rate sensor 30 is provided in the first hot water supply pipe L13. The first flow rate sensor 30 detects the flow rate of the hot water in the first hot water supply pipe L13. A first hot water supply temperature sensor T8 is provided in the first hot water supply pipe L13 between the first flow rate sensor 30 and the hot water supply unit 140. The first hot water supply temperature sensor T8 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing in the first hot water supply pipe L13.

[0055] One end of the second hot water supply pipe L14 is connected to the second mixing valve 28, and the other end of the second hot water supply pipe L14 is connected to the bathtub 150. In the second hot water supply pipe L14 from the second mixing valve 28 towards the bathtub 150, a hot water discharge solenoid valve 31 and a second flow rate sensor 33 are provided. The second flow rate sensor 33 detects the flow rate of the hot water in the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0056] The second drain pipe L15 branches from the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the hot water supply solenoid valve 31 and the second flow sensor 33. A second drain valve 32 is provided in the second drain pipe L15. The second drain pipe L15 is connected to a drain pipe outside the hot water storage unit 120. The second drain valve 32 is operated to discharge a part of the hot water flowing through the second hot water supply pipe L14 to the outside, for example, to adjust the amount of hot water flowing through the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0057] One end of the first bathtub return pipe L16 is connected to the bathtub 150, and the other end of the first bathtub return pipe L16 is connected to the inlet side of the afterburner heat exchanger 35. An afterburner pump 34 is provided in the first bathtub return pipe L16. A bathtub return temperature sensor T10 is provided in the first bathtub return pipe L16 between the bathtub 150 and the afterburner pump 34. The bathtub return temperature sensor T10 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing in the first bathtub return pipe L16.

[0058] One end of the second bathtub return pipe L17 is connected to the outlet side of the afterburner heat exchanger 35, and the other end of the second bathtub return pipe L17 is connected to the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the second flow sensor 33 and the bathtub 150. A second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 is provided in the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the connection point of the second bathtub return pipe L17 and the second hot water supply pipe L14 and the bathtub 150. The second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing in the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0059] The first afterburner pipe L18 branches from the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the second mixing valve 28 and the hot water supply solenoid valve 31. The first afterburner pipe L18 is connected to the inlet side of the afterburner heat exchanger 35.

[0060] One end of the second afterburner pipe L19 is connected to the outlet side of the afterburner heat exchanger 35, and the other end of the second afterburner pipe L19 is connected to the water inlet valve 23.

[0061] (1 - 3) Control unit The control unit 190 mainly consists of the first control device 10 of the heat pump unit 110 and the second control device 20 of the hot water storage unit 120. The first control device 10 and the second control device 20 typically consist of a microcomputer equipped with a control arithmetic unit and a storage device, and an input / output circuit. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control arithmetic unit reads out the control program stored in the storage device and controls the operation of the storage-type water supply device 100 according to the control program. The control arithmetic unit can write the calculation result into the storage device or read out the information stored in the storage device according to the control program.

[0062] However, the configuration of the control unit 190 is not limited to the above. For example, the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 may communicate with each other to perform cooperative operations. Also, instead of including the first control device 10 and the second control device 20, the storage-type water supply device 100 may include a device that has the functions of both the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 and is provided in either the heat pump unit 110 or the hot water storage unit 120. Such a device may be installed outside the storage-type water supply device 100 and connected to the heat pump unit 110 and the hot water storage unit 120 via a network.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 190 controls the compressor 11, the expansion valve 13, the inlet valve 23, the boiling pump 24, the bypass valve 25, the boiling valve 26, the first mixing valve 27, the second mixing valve 28, the hot water discharge solenoid valve 31, the afterburner pump 34, etc. based on the signals from the temperature sensors T1 to T10, the first flow sensor 30, and the second flow sensor 33.

[0064] The control unit 190 has a communication unit 191. The communication unit 191 receives a demand response (DR) request regarding power consumption or suppression from the power company. To increase the power demand, a DR request that requests power consumption is called an up DR request. To reduce the power consumption amount, a DR request that suppresses power consumption is called a down DR request. The period during which DR is requested is called the second period. The DR request includes the start time and end time of the second period. Note that the DR request may include the duration of the second period instead of the end time of the second period.

[0065] (1-4) Remote Controller The remote controller 130 is a user interface for controlling the storage water heater 100. The remote controller 130 is installed, for example, in the kitchen and the bathroom. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 130 is connected to the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 so as to be capable of two-way data communication by wireless communication or wired communication. Signals for instructing the operation of the storage water heater 100 are input from the remote controller 130 to the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 by wireless communication or wired communication. In addition to the remote controller 130, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone may be used as a user interface of the storage water heater 100.

[0066] The remote controller 130 has a display unit 130a and an operation unit 130b. The display unit 130a is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0067] The display unit 130a displays information regarding the state of the storage water heater 100 and information regarding the settings of the storage water heater 100. The display unit 130a displays, for example, the set value of the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot water supply unit 140 and the bathtub 150 (hot water supply temperature) and the amount of stored hot water in the storage tank 21.

[0068] The operation unit 130b includes buttons, dials, keys, etc. for the user of the storage - type water heater 100 to operate. The user of the storage - type water heater 100 operates the operation unit 130b to input information such as the set value of the hot - water supply temperature. The display unit 130a may be a touch screen that also has the function of the operation unit 130b.

[0069] The remote controller 130 may further have a speaker, a microphone, etc. In this case, the remote controller 130 may notify the information displayed on the display unit 130a through the speaker, and acquire the information input by the operation unit 130b via the microphone.

[0070] (2) Solar power generation device The solar power generation device 170 is installed on the roof of the facility where the storage - type water heater 100 is installed. As shown in FIG. 2, the solar power generation device 170 is connected to the control unit 190 so as to be capable of two - way data communication by wireless communication or wired communication. The storage - type water heater 100 and other electrical devices used in the facility can be operated by the electric power generated by the solar power generation device 170.

[0071] The electric power generated by the solar power generation device 170 is input to the distribution board 175 through a power conditioner (not shown), and is supplied from the distribution board 175 to each device. Also, commercial power is supplied to each device through the distribution board 175. The distribution board 175 is for distributing the electric power generated by the solar power generation device 170 and commercial power to each device. Also, the power conditioner is for converting the DC power generated by the solar power generation device 170 into AC power.

[0072] (3) Operation of the storage - type water heater The storage - type water heater 100 mainly performs boiling operation, hot - water supply operation, water filling operation, and supplementary heating operation. The control unit 190 controls these operations performed by the storage - type water heater 100.

[0073] (3 - 1) Boiling operation The boiling operation is an operation in which the heat pump unit 110 heats the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21. In the boiling operation, by driving the boiling pump 24, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 is guided to the water heat exchanger 12 through the water inlet pipe L1 and heated. The hot water heated in the water heat exchanger 12 is returned into the hot water storage tank 21 through the hot water outlet pipe L3, the first return pipe L4, and the second return pipe L5. Thus, in the boiling operation, while circulating the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 through the water inlet pipe L1, the hot water outlet pipe L3, the first return pipe L4, and the second return pipe L5, it is heated in the water heat exchanger 12.

[0074] The control unit 190 performs the boiling operation by controlling the compressor 11, the expansion valve 13, the water inlet valve 23, the boiling pump 24, the bypass valve 25, and the boiling valve 26. The control unit 190 controls the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 to adjust the heating capacity of the heat pump unit 110 and the temperature (hot water outlet temperature) of the hot water heated in the water heat exchanger 12, etc. The control unit 190 controls the rotation speed of the boiling pump 24 to adjust the hot water outlet temperature, the hot water storage amount in the hot water storage tank 21, and the flow rate of the hot water supplied to the hot water storage tank 21 (storage flow rate), etc.

[0075] In the normal boiling operation of circulating the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21, the control unit 190 controls the water inlet valve 23 so that the water inlet pipe L1 does not communicate with the second reheating pipe L19, and controls the bypass valve 25 so that the water inlet pipe L1 does not communicate with the bypass pipe L6. The control unit 190 controls the water inlet valve 23 when performing the reheating operation as described later.

[0076] The control unit 190 can control the bypass valve 25 to switch between a state where the hot water flowing through the water inlet pipe L1 passes through the water heat exchanger 12 and is supplied to the hot water outlet pipe L3, and a state where the hot water flowing through the water inlet pipe L1 bypasses the water heat exchanger 12 and is supplied to the hot water outlet pipe L3. In the state of bypassing the water heat exchanger 12, the water inlet pipe L1 communicates with the bypass pipe L6, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 circulates without being heated in the water heat exchanger 12.

[0077] The control unit 190 can control the boiling-up valve 26 to switch between a state where hot water is supplied from the water heat exchanger 12 to the hot water storage tank 21 via the first return pipe L4 and a state where hot water is supplied from the water heat exchanger 12 to the hot water storage tank 21 via the second return pipe L5.

[0078] The control unit 190 may acquire the hot water outlet temperature, the hot water storage amount, and the storage flow rate based on the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 13, the rotation speed of the boiling-up pump 24, the states of the bypass valve 25 and the boiling-up valve 26, and the output signals of the temperature sensors T1 to T6 of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0079] The control unit 190 may perform feedback control on the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 13, the rotation speed of the boiling-up pump 24, and the states of the bypass valve 25 and the boiling-up valve 26 so that the hot water outlet temperature, the hot water storage amount, and the storage flow rate reach predetermined target values.

[0080] (3-2) Hot water supply operation The hot water supply operation is an operation of discharging the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 from the hot water supply unit 140. In the hot water supply operation, when the hot water supply unit 140 is a faucet, by opening the faucet tap, water from the outside is supplied into the hot water storage tank 21 from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21 via the tank water supply pipe L9 by the water supply pressure. As a result, the high-temperature hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 is pushed out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 via the first boiling-up pipe L7.

[0081] Then, high-temperature hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 21 to the first mixing valve 27 via the first boiling-up pipe L7, and water from the outside is supplied to the first mixing valve 27 via the tank water supply pipe L9, the branch water supply pipe L10, and the first mixed water pipe L11. In the first mixing valve 27, the high-temperature hot water from the first boiling-up pipe L7 is mixed with the water from the first mixed water pipe L11. The mixed hot water is discharged from the hot water supply unit 140 via the first hot water supply pipe L13.

[0082] (3-3) Draining operation The hot water supply operation is an operation of supplying the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 into the bathtub 150. In the hot water supply operation, by opening the hot water supply solenoid valve 31, water from the outside is supplied into the hot water storage tank 21 from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21 through the tank water supply pipe L9 by the water supply pressure. As a result, the high-temperature hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 is pushed out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 through the second boiling-up pipe L8.

[0083] Then, the high-temperature hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 21 to the second mixing valve 28 through the second boiling-up pipe L8, and at the same time, water from the outside is supplied to the second mixing valve 28 through the tank water supply pipe L9, the branch water supply pipe L10, and the second mixed water pipe L12. In the second mixing valve 28, the high-temperature hot water from the second boiling-up pipe L8 is mixed with the water from the second mixed water pipe L12. The mixed hot water is supplied into the bathtub 150 through the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0084] (3-4) Afterburner operation The afterburner operation is an operation of heating the hot water in the bathtub 150 in the afterburner heat exchanger 35 and returning it to the bathtub 150. In the afterburner operation, by driving the afterburner pump 34, a part of the hot water in the bathtub 150 is guided to the afterburner heat exchanger 35 through the first bathtub return pipe L16 and heated. The hot water heated in the afterburner heat exchanger 35 is returned into the bathtub 150 through the second bathtub return pipe L17 and the second hot water supply pipe L14. Thus, in the afterburner operation, the hot water in the bathtub 150 is heated in the afterburner heat exchanger 35 while being circulated through the first bathtub return pipe L16, the second bathtub return pipe L17, and the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0085] The supplementary combustion heat exchanger 35 performs heat exchange between the high-temperature hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 21 via the second hot water supply pipe L14 and the first supplementary combustion pipe L18, and the low-temperature hot water supplied from the inside of the bathtub 150 via the first bathtub return pipe L16. As a result, the supplementary combustion heat exchanger 35 heats the hot water supplied from the inside of the bathtub 150 via the first bathtub return pipe L16. The high-temperature hot water supplied to the supplementary combustion heat exchanger 35 via the first supplementary combustion pipe L18 is supplied to the water supply pipe L1 via the second supplementary combustion pipe L19 and the water inlet valve 23 after heat exchange. The supplementary combustion heat exchanger 35 may be, for example, a countercurrent heat exchanger in which high-temperature hot water and low-temperature hot water flow in opposite directions for heat exchange, or the like.

[0086] (4) Control of the storage type water supply device The storage type water supply device 100 can execute a boiling operation using commercial power and surplus power. Commercial power is the power that can be used by the storage type water supply device 100 among the power supplied from a commercial power source connected to the power grid owned by an electric power company or the like. Surplus power is the power that can be used by the storage type water supply device 100 among the power other than commercial power. In the present embodiment, the surplus power is the power that can be used by the storage type water supply device 100 among the power generated by the solar power generation device 170. The storage type water supply device 100 can execute a boiling operation using surplus power during the time period when power generation by the solar power generation device 170 is possible. Note that the operation in which the storage type water supply device 100 uses surplus power is called the first operation, and the operation in which commercial power is used is called the second operation.

[0087] The hot water storage type water supply device 100 executes a night boiling operation and a daytime boiling operation. The night boiling operation is a boiling operation executed during at least a part of the time period in the night time zone. The daytime boiling operation is a boiling operation executed during at least a part of the time period in the daytime time zone. The daytime time zone is a time zone other than the night time zone. Usually, the unit price of commercial power purchased from an electric power company or the like is lower in the night time zone than in the daytime time zone. The night time zone and the daytime time zone are preset according to the unit price for each time zone determined by an electric power company or the like which is the purchaser of commercial power. In this case, the night time zone and the daytime time zone may be set by the user of the hot water storage type water supply device 100 operating the remote controller 130. Or, it may be automatically set based on data received from a server or the like connected to the hot water storage type water supply device 100 via a network. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the night time zone is the time zone from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. of the next day, and the daytime time zone is the time zone from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Note that the night time zone and the daytime time zone are not limited to the above time zones. The night time zone and the daytime time zone may be time zones determined by the electric power company.

[0088] The hot water storage type water supply device 100 executes a night boiling operation using commercial power. Let the heating capacity of the night boiling operation be the night heating capacity Hn. The night heating capacity Hn is a heating capacity smaller than the standard heating capacity Hs. The standard heating capacity Hs indicates the heating capacity by the rated power (the maximum value of the power that can be used in a continuous operation state at a specified ambient temperature) using commercial power. The control unit 190 calculates the night heating capacity Hn, the first heating capacity H1 described later, and the second heating capacity H2 described later based on the target values of the hot water discharge temperature, the hot water storage amount, and the storage flow rate, the start time and the duration of the boiling operation, and the like.

[0089] The hot water storage type water supply device 100 executes a daytime boiling operation using at least one of commercial power and surplus power based on the power usage content. Specifically, the control unit 190 controls the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 based on the power usage content to adjust the heating capacity of the heat pump unit 110 and execute the daytime boiling operation.

[0090] Note that the power usage details are a schedule regarding power usage. In the present embodiment, the power usage details include the start time of the daytime boiling operation and the heating capacity of the heat pump unit 110 for each time zone. The power usage details may include the end time of the daytime boiling operation or information on the duration of the daytime boiling operation. Further, instead of the heating capacity, target values of power consumption or heat storage amount may be included, or a limit value of power consumption may be included. The heating capacity may be an absolute value or a relative value with respect to the standard heating capacity Hs.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the daytime boiling operation is preset to be executed using surplus power during the time zone from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (the first period). Note that the start time and end time of the first period may be set by the user of the storage water heater 100 operating the remote controller 130. Also, the start time and end time of the first period may be automatically set based on data input from the outside. The data input from the outside is, for example, forecast data regarding the sunshine duration of the next day. Note that when the hot water outlet temperature, the stored hot water amount, and the storage flow rate reach predetermined target values, the storage water heater 100 may end the boiling operation. Also, when performing the boiling operation in the second period, it is preset so that a boiling operation (the second operation) using commercial power is performed.

[0092] The control unit 190 controls whether to cause the storage water heater 100 to perform the first operation or the second operation depending on whether to perform the boiling operation in the first period or the second period.

[0093] Next, based on FIGS. 3 to 10, the process by which the control unit 190 determines the power usage content during the daytime boiling operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process by which the control unit 190 determines the power usage content during the daytime boiling operation. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example and may be appropriately changed within a non - contradictory range. For example, before and after each step, other steps not shown in the figure may be included, and the order of each step may be appropriately changed within a non - contradictory range. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the overlapping pattern of the first period and the second period. FIGS. 5 to 9 show an example of the power usage content of the storage - type water heater 100 in patterns A to F. In FIGS. 5 to 9, the vertical axis represents the heating capacity of the storage - type water heater 100, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0094] First, in step S11, the control unit 190 determines the overlapping pattern of the first period and the second period (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 190 determines whether there are a first period and a second period within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, the time period from 0:00 am to 11:59 pm on the same day. If there are a first period and a second period within the predetermined period, the control unit 190 determines whether the first period and the second period overlap. Also, the control unit 190 compares the start time of the first period and the start time of the second period to determine which is earlier. Further, the control unit 190 compares the end time of the first period and the end time of the second period to determine which is earlier.

[0095] Based on the overlapping pattern of the first period and the second period, the control unit 190 creates the power usage content. Specifically, the control unit 190 determines the start time of the daytime boiling operation (step S12). Also, the control unit 190 determines the heating capacity of the heat pump unit 110 for each time period when performing the daytime boiling operation (step S13).

[0096] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the overlapping pattern between the first period and the second period. For example, in pattern A, there are a first period and a second period within a predetermined period, but the first period and the second period do not overlap, and the second period comes after the first period. FIG. 5 is an example of the power usage details of the storage water heater 100 in pattern A. In the case of pattern A, the control unit 190 determines not to perform the boiling operation (first operation) in the first period and to perform the boiling operation (second operation) in the second period. In other words, the control unit 190 prioritizes the second operation using commercial power. Specifically, the control unit 190 determines the start time of the second period based on the raised DR request as the start time of the boiling operation (step S12). The control unit 190 determines the heating capacity of the boiling operation in the second period as the second heating capacity H2 (step S13). The second heating capacity H2 is a heating capacity greater than the nighttime heating capacity Hn. Also, the second heating capacity H2 is a heating capacity less than or equal to the standard heating capacity Hs.

[0097] Also, for example, in pattern B, there are a first period and a second period within a predetermined period, but the first period and the second period do not overlap, and the first period comes after the second period. FIG. 6 is an example of the power usage details of the storage water heater 100 in pattern B. In the case of pattern B, the control unit 190 determines not to perform the boiling operation (first operation) in the first period and to perform the boiling operation (second operation) in the second period. In other words, the control unit 190 prioritizes the second operation using commercial power. Specifically, the control unit 190 determines the start time of the second period as the start time of the boiling operation (step S12). The control unit 190 determines the heating capacity of the boiling operation in the second period as the second heating capacity H2 (step S13).

[0098] In addition, when there is no first period and second period within the predetermined period, the control unit 190 determines to perform the boiling operation (first operation) in the first period.

[0099] Also, for example, in Pattern C, the first period and the second period overlap, the start time of the first period is earlier than the start time of the second period, and the end time of the first period is earlier than the end time of the second period. FIG. 7 is an example of the power consumption details of the storage water heater 100 in Pattern C. In the case of Pattern C, the control unit 190 determines to perform a boiling operation (first operation) in accordance with the start time of the first period (step S12). In other words, the control unit 190 prioritizes the first operation using surplus power. Specifically, the control unit 190 determines the start time of the boiling operation as the start time of the first period that has been preset as the time zone for performing the boiling operation using surplus power (step S12). The control unit 190 determines the heating capacity in the first operation as the first heating capacity H1 (step S13). The first heating capacity H1 is a heating capacity smaller than the second heating capacity H2. In the present embodiment, the first heating capacity H1 is smaller than the nighttime heating capacity Hn, but the first heating capacity H1 may be larger than the nighttime heating capacity Hn.

[0100] After the start time of the second period has passed, the control unit 190 determines to perform the second operation. In other words, the control unit 190 determines to perform a boiling operation using commercial power after the start time of the second period has passed, even before the end time of the first period. At this time, the control unit 190 determines the heating capacity in the second operation as the second heating capacity H2.

[0101] Also, for example, in Pattern D, the first period and the second period overlap, the start time of the second period is earlier than the start time of the first period, and the end time of the second period is earlier than the end time of the first period. FIG. 8 is an example of the power usage details of the storage water heating apparatus 100 in Pattern D. In the case of Pattern D, the control unit 190 determines to perform the boiling operation (second operation) in accordance with the start time of the second period. In other words, the control unit 190 prioritizes the second operation using commercial power. Specifically, the control unit 190 determines the start time of the second period as the start time of the boiling operation (step S12). The control unit 190 determines the heating capacity in the second operation as the second heating capacity H2 (step S13). Also, after the second period ends, if the first period has not ended, the control unit 190 may determine to continue the boiling operation.

[0102] Also, for example, in Pattern E, the start time of the first period is earlier than the start time of the second period, and the end time of the second period is earlier than the end time of the first period. FIG. 9 is an example of the power usage details of the storage water heating apparatus 100 in Pattern E. In the case of Pattern E, the control unit 190 determines to perform the boiling operation (first operation) in accordance with the start time of the first period. In other words, the control unit 190 prioritizes the first operation using surplus power. Specifically, the control unit 190 determines the start time of the first period as the start time of the boiling operation (step S12). The control unit 190 determines the heating capacity in the first operation as the first heating capacity H1 (step S13).

[0103] After the start time of the second period has passed, the control unit 190 determines to perform the second operation. In other words, even before the end time of the first period, after the start time of the second period has passed, the control unit 190 determines to perform the boiling operation using commercial power. At this time, the control unit 190 determines the heating capacity in the second operation as the second heating capacity H2. Also, after the second period ends, if the first period has not ended, the control unit 190 may determine to continue the boiling operation.

[0104] Also, for example, in pattern F, the start time of the second period is earlier than the start time of the first period, and the end time of the first period is earlier than the end time of the second period. FIG. 10 is an example of the power usage details of the storage water heater 100 in pattern F. In the case of pattern F, the control unit 190 determines to perform a boiling operation (second operation) in accordance with the start time of the second period. In other words, the control unit 190 prioritizes the second operation using commercial power. Specifically, the control unit 190 determines the start time of the second period as the start time of the boiling operation (step S12). The control unit 190 determines the heating capacity in the second operation as the second heating capacity H2 (step S13).

[0105] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 190 includes a storage unit 192. The control unit 190 stores the power usage details determined as described above in the storage unit 192 (step S14).

[0106] The stored power usage details may be updatable by the user operating the remote controller 130.

[0107] (5) Features (5-1) The control unit 190 controls the power usage details of the storage water heater 100 according to whether the first period and the second period overlap. The first period is the period during which the storage water heater 100 performs the first operation. The second period is the period during which power consumption of the storage water heater 100 is required due to a demand response request. In the first operation, the storage water heater 100 uses the power supplied from the solar power generation device 170. In the second operation, the storage water heater 100 uses commercial power.

[0108] By controlling the power usage details of the storage water heater 100, it is possible to control the utilization of surplus power by the device and the use of commercial power for the uplink DR request.

[0109] (5-2) When there is an overlapping period between the first period and the second period, the control unit 190 prioritizes the second operation of the storage water heater 100. This enables it to respond to the upward DR request. Also, compared to the case of prioritizing the first operation of the storage water heater 100, more surplus power can be sold.

[0110] (5-3) When there is an overlapping period between the first period and the second period, the control unit 190 prioritizes the first operation of the storage water heater 100. This enables effective utilization of surplus power.

[0111] (5-4) When there are a first period and a second period within a predetermined period and there is no overlapping period between the first period and the second period, the control unit 190 does not cause the storage water heater 100 to operate during the first period, and causes the storage water heater 100 to perform the second operation during the second period. This enables it to respond to the upward DR request. Also, compared to the case of operating the storage water heater 100 during the first period, more surplus power can be sold.

[0112] (5-5) When there is an overlapping period between the first period and the second period and the start time of the second period is earlier than the start time of the first period, the control unit 190 causes the storage water heater 100 to perform the second operation in accordance with the start time of the second period. This enables it to respond to the upward DR request.

[0113] (5-6) When there is an overlapping period between the first period and the second period and the start time of the first period is earlier than the start time of the second period, the control unit 190 causes the storage water heater 100 to perform the first operation in accordance with the start time of the first period. This enables effective utilization of surplus power.

[0114] (5-7) When there is a period during which the first period and the second period overlap, and the start time of the first period is earlier than the start time of the second period, the control unit 190 restricts the use of power by the first operation of the storage water heating apparatus 100. Thereby, while utilizing surplus power, it is possible to respond to the upward DR request.

[0115] (5-8) The control unit 190 makes the heating capacity of the storage water heating apparatus 100 in the second period larger than the heating capacity in the night boiling operation. Thereby, the power consumption in the second period can be increased. As a result, it is possible to respond to the upward DR request.

[0116] (6) Modification (6-1) Modification 1A In the present embodiment, when there are a first period and a second period within a predetermined period and the first period and the second period do not overlap, the control unit 190 determines not to perform the boiling operation (first operation) in the first period and to perform the boiling operation (second operation) in the second period.

[0117] However, when the time from the end time of the first operation to the start time of the second operation is a predetermined time or more, the control unit 190 may determine to perform the boiling operation also in the first period. When the time from the end time of the second operation to the start time of the first operation is a predetermined time or more, the control unit 190 may determine to perform the boiling operation also in the first period. Thereby, while responding to the upward DR request, surplus power can be effectively utilized.

[0118] (6-2) Modification 1B In the present embodiment, when performing the boiling operation in the second period, it is preset so that the boiling operation (second operation) using commercial power is performed.

[0119] However, for the time zone in which the first period and the second period overlap, it may be preset so that the boiling operation (first operation) using surplus power is performed. Thereby, surplus power can be effectively utilized.

[0120] (6-3) Modification 1C When there are a first period and a second period within a specified period and the first period and the second period do not overlap, the control unit 190 may select a period for performing the boiling-up operation based on the forecast data regarding the sunshine duration of the next day. Thereby, power usage content advantageous to the user of the storage water heating apparatus 100 can be created.

[0121] <Second Embodiment> The power system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The power system 2 according to the second embodiment is different from the power system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes electrical equipment other than the storage water heating apparatus 200. The electrical equipment without a storage tank 21 includes, but is not limited to, various electrical equipment such as an air conditioner 210, a refrigerator, a ventilation device, and a lighting device. In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 210 that cools or heats the target space will be described as an example of the electrical equipment. Note that the type and number of the equipment can be changed as appropriate.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 11, the power system 2 mainly includes a storage water heating apparatus (equipment) 200, an air conditioner (electrical equipment) 210, and a solar power generation apparatus (natural energy power generation apparatus) 270.

[0123] The basic configurations and operations of the storage water heating apparatus 200 and the solar power generation apparatus 270 are the same as those of the storage water heating apparatus 100 and the solar power generation apparatus 170 in the first embodiment.

[0124] The air conditioner 210 has a refrigerant circuit composed of a compressor, a heat exchanger, etc. (not shown). The air conditioner 210 also has an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units. An outdoor unit control unit and an indoor unit control unit are provided in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, respectively. Various sensors are appropriately attached to predetermined locations on the air conditioner 210. These sensors detect the room temperature, the ambient outside air temperature, the discharge temperature and discharge pressure of the refrigerant, etc. Then, based on the detection values of the various sensors, the outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit cooperate to control the operation of each part of the air conditioner 210. The power consumption in the operating state of the air conditioner 210 varies depending on differences in the operating mode such as the cooling mode / heating mode, differences in the set temperature, and differences in the environment such as the outside air temperature.

[0125] Hereinafter, the differences from the power system 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0126] (1) Control unit The control unit 290 typically includes a microcomputer including a control arithmetic unit and a storage device, and an input / output circuit. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control arithmetic unit reads out the control program stored in the storage device and controls the operation of the storage water heater 100 according to the control program. The control arithmetic unit can write the calculation result into the storage device or read out the information stored in the storage device according to the control program.

[0127] In the present embodiment, the control unit 290 is installed outside the storage water heater 200 and is connected to the heat pump unit 110 and the storage unit 120 via a network. Further, the control unit 290 is connected to the control device (outdoor unit control unit and indoor unit control unit) of the air conditioner 210 via a network. The control unit 290 controls the operating state of the air conditioner 210 by transmitting a control command to the air conditioner 210. The command content included in the control command includes commands for starting and stopping such as operation or stop, or setting commands such as temperature setting.

[0128] The control unit 290 has a communication unit 291. Since the communication unit 291 is the same as the communication unit 191, the description thereof is omitted.

[0129] (2) Control of the storage water heater and the air conditioner The storage water heater 200 and the air conditioner 210 can execute operations using commercial power and surplus power. Commercial power is the power that can be used by the storage water heater 200 and the air conditioner 210 among the power supplied from a commercial power source connected to the power grid held by an electric power company or the like. Surplus power is the power that can be used by the storage water heater 200 and the air conditioner 210 among the power other than commercial power. In the present embodiment, the surplus power is the power that can be used by the storage water heater 200 and the air conditioner 210 among the power generated by the solar power generation device 270. Note that the operation in which the storage water heater 200 and the air conditioner 210 use the power supplied from the solar power generation device 270 is called the first operation, and the operation in which the power supplied from the commercial power source is used is called the second operation.

[0130] The control unit 290 controls the use of power by the air conditioner 210 by transmitting a control command regarding the operation mode and the set temperature to the air conditioner 210. When the control unit 290 determines that the comfort of the user decreases due to a change in the operation mode or the set temperature, the control unit 290 may operate the indoor unit installed in the target space where the user is not present based on the detection value of the human presence sensor included in the air conditioner 210. The control unit 290 controls whether to cause the air conditioner 210 to perform the first operation or the second operation depending on whether to perform the operation in the first period or the second period.

[0131] Next, based on FIGS. 12 to 18, the process by which the control unit 290 determines the power usage details will be described. In the present embodiment, the power usage details include the start time of the daytime boiling operation, the heating capacity of the heat pump unit 110 for each time zone, and the limit value of the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 for each time zone. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process by which the control unit 290 determines the power usage details. The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is merely an example and may be appropriately changed within a non - contradictory range. For example, other steps not shown may be included before and after each step, and the order of each step may be appropriately changed within a non - contradictory range. FIGS. 13 to 18 show examples of the power usage details of the air conditioner 210 during the first period and the second period in Patterns A to F. In FIGS. 13 to 18, the vertical axis represents the limit value of the power consumption of the air conditioner 210, and the horizontal axis represents time. For example, let the maximum power consumption of the air conditioner 210 be the first power consumption P1. The maximum power consumption is the maximum value of the power consumed when the air conditioner 210 is operated at its maximum air - conditioning capacity. Therefore, the fact that the limit value of the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 is the first power consumption P1 means that the operation of the air conditioner 210 is not restricted.

[0132] Steps S21 to S23 are the same as steps S11 to S13, so the description will be omitted. In steps S21 to S23, the power usage details of the storage - type water heater 200 in each pattern are created.

[0133] In step S24, the control unit 290 determines the time zone in which the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 is restricted to a predetermined value or less. In the present embodiment, for example, let the predetermined value be the second power consumption P2. The time zone in which the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 is restricted to the second power consumption P2 or less is a time zone in which the air conditioner 210 cannot be operated with a high air - conditioning capacity. For example, when the target value regarding power consumption is included in the up - DR request, the second power consumption P2 is set so that the sum of the power consumption during the boiling operation of the storage - type water heater 200 and the second power consumption P2 does not exceed the target value.

[0134] For example, in the case of Pattern A and Pattern B, the control unit 290 determines to perform the first operation of the air conditioner 210 without restricting the power consumption during the first period. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the boiling operation of the storage water heater 200 is not performed during the first period. Therefore, the power during the first period is used for the operation of the air conditioner 210. The control unit 290 may determine to operate the air conditioner 210 with a high air conditioning capacity during the first period.

[0135] Also, the control unit 290 determines to limit the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 to be equal to or less than the second power consumption P2 during the second period. In other words, the control unit 290 determines to operate the air conditioner 210 with a low air conditioning capacity during the second period. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the boiling operation of the storage water heater 200 is performed with the second heating capacity H2 during the second period. Therefore, the power during the second period is preferentially used for the operation of the storage water heater 200. FIG. 13 is an example of the power usage details of the air conditioner 210 in Pattern A. The power usage details of the storage water heater 200 in Pattern A are the same as those in FIG. 5. FIG. 14 is an example of the power usage details of the air conditioner 210 in Pattern B. The power usage details of the storage water heater 200 in Pattern B are the same as those in FIG. 6.

[0136] Also, for example, in the case of Pattern C to Pattern F, the control unit 290 determines to limit the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 to be equal to or less than the second power consumption P2 during the time period when the first period and the second period overlap. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the boiling operation of the storage water heater 200 is performed with the second heating capacity H2 during the time period when the first period and the second period overlap. Therefore, the power during the time period when the first period and the second period overlap is preferentially used for the operation of the storage water heater 200.

[0137] Further, the control unit 290 determines to perform the first operation of the air conditioner 210 without restricting the power consumption during the first period that does not overlap with the second period. The control unit 290 may determine to operate the air conditioner 210 with a high air conditioning capacity during the first period that does not overlap with the second period. FIG. 15 is an example of the power usage details of the air conditioner 210 in pattern C. The power usage details of the storage water heater 200 in pattern C are the same as those in FIG. 7. FIG. 16 is an example of the power usage details of the air conditioner 210 in pattern D. The power usage details of the storage water heater 200 in pattern D are the same as those in FIG. 8. FIG. 17 is an example of the power usage details of the air conditioner 210 in pattern E. The power usage details of the storage water heater 200 in pattern E are the same as those in FIG. 9. FIG. 18 is an example of the power usage details of the air conditioner 210 in pattern F. The power usage details of the storage water heater 200 in pattern F are the same as those in FIG. 10.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 290 includes a storage unit 292. The control unit 290 stores the power usage details determined as described above in the storage unit 292 (step S25).

[0139] (3) Features (3-1) The power system 2 includes two or more devices. The devices include an air conditioner (electrical device) 210 that does not have the storage water heater 200 and the storage tank 21. The control unit 290 preferentially operates the storage water heater 200 during the second period.

[0140] When the air conditioner 210 is operated with a high air conditioning capacity in response to the raise DR request, the comfort level may decrease. With such a configuration, it is possible to respond to the raise DR request without affecting the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 210. As a result, a decrease in the comfort level of the user can be suppressed.

[0141] (3-2) The control unit 290 restricts the use of power by the air conditioner 210 during the second period. With such a configuration, for example, even when a target value regarding power consumption is included in the upward DR request, it is possible to suppress power consumption exceeding the target value. As a result, it is possible to respond to the upward DR request.

[0142] (3-3) The control unit 290 preferentially operates the air conditioner 210 during the first period. Thereby, surplus power can be effectively utilized.

[0143] (4) Modification (4-1) Modification 2A The control unit 290 may change a predetermined value of the power consumption of the air conditioner 210 based on the forecast data regarding the sunshine duration of the next day. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the comfort of the user.

[0144] As described above, although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0145] 1 Power system 2 Power system 21 Hot water storage tank 100 Equipment, water heater, storage type water heater 170 Natural energy power generation device, solar power generation device 190 Control unit 200 Equipment, water heater, storage type water heater 210 Equipment, electrical equipment, air conditioner 270 Natural energy power generation device, solar power generation device 290 Control unit

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0146]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A power system (1, 2) including one or more devices (100, 200, 210) capable of receiving power from both power supplied from a natural energy power generation device (170, 270) and power supplied from a commercial power source, and performing a first operation using the power supplied from the natural energy power generation device and a second operation using the power supplied from the commercial power source, a control unit (190, 290) that controls the power usage content of the device according to whether a first period in which the device performs the first operation and a second period in which power consumption of the device is required due to a demand response request overlap, comprising a power system.

2. In the control unit, during a period in which the first period and the second period overlap, the second operation of the device is prioritized. The power system according to Claim 1.

3. In the control unit, during a period in which the first period and the second period overlap, the first operation of the device is prioritized. The power system according to Claim 1.

4. When there are the first period and the second period within a predetermined period and there is no overlapping period between the first period and the second period, the control unit does not cause the device to perform an operation during the first period, and causes the device to perform the second operation during the second period. The power system according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. When there is an overlapping period between the first period and the second period and the start time of the second period is earlier than the start time of the first period, the control unit causes the device to perform the second operation in accordance with the start time of the second period. The power system according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. When there is an overlapping period between the first period and the second period and the start time of the first period is earlier than the start time of the second period, the control unit causes the device to perform the first operation in accordance with the start time of the first period. The power system according to Claim 1 or 2.

7. When there is an overlapping period between the first period and the second period and the start time of the first period is earlier than the start time of the second period, the control unit restricts the use of power by the first operation of the device. The power system according to Claim 1 or 2.

8. The device is a water heater (100, 200) having a hot water storage tank (21). The power system according to Claim 1 or 2.

9. The control unit makes the heating capacity of the device in the second period greater than the heating capacity in the night boiling operation of the device. The power system according to claim 8.

10. There are two or more of the devices, including a water heater (100, 200) having a hot water storage tank (21) and an electrical device (210) not having the hot water storage tank. The power system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The control unit operates the water heater preferentially in the second period. The power system according to claim 10.

12. The control unit restricts the use of power by the electrical device in the second period. The power system according to claim 11.

13. The control unit operates the electrical device preferentially in the first period. The power system according to claim 10.

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