Device control system

Abstract

To address the problem wherein, since the difference between the power consumption of a device in response to a DR request and the power consumption of the device if a DR request is not received cannot be ascertained, it is impossible for an aggregator or a user to determine the appropriateness of an incentive.SOLUTION: A device control system comprises a water heater 100 and a server 200. The server 200 controls the water heater 100 in response to a DR request. The server 200 controls the water heater 100 on the basis of a first operation setting during a first period set in response to the DR request. The server 200 outputs first information on the basis of operation data D1 of the water heater 100. The first information includes a difference between power consumption of the water heater 100 in a case where the water heater 100 is controlled on the basis of the first operation setting during the first period, and power consumption of the water heater 100 predicted in a case where the water heater 100 is controlled on the basis of a second operation setting during the first period. The second operation setting is an operation setting when the DR request is not received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] It relates to a machine control system.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-170925), there is known a system in which a user adjusts the power consumption of a commercial power system of a device in response to a demand response request from an aggregator, and the user receives an incentive from the aggregator according to the adjustment amount.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In Patent Document 1, since the difference between the power consumption of the device in response to the demand response request and the power consumption of the device when the demand response request is not received cannot be grasped, there is a problem that the aggregator and the user cannot judge the validity of the incentive.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The machine control system of the first aspect includes one or more machines and a server. The server has a control unit. The control unit controls the machine in response to a demand response request. The control unit receives a request from an aggregator. The control unit controls the machine according to a first operation setting in a first period. The first period is a period set in response to the request. The first period is a period for adjusting the power consumption of the machine. The control unit outputs first information based on the operation data of the machine acquired from the machine. The first information includes the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption. The first power consumption is the power consumption of the machine when the machine is controlled according to the first operation setting in the first period. The second power consumption is the predicted power consumption of the machine when the machine is controlled according to a second operation setting in the first period. The second operation setting is the operation setting when the control unit has not received the request.

[0005] In the device control system of the first aspect, the control unit outputs first information based on the operation data of the device acquired from the device. The first information includes the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption. The first power consumption is the power consumption of the device when the device is controlled according to the first operation setting in the first period. The second power consumption is the predicted power consumption of the device when the device is controlled according to the second operation setting in the first period. The second operation setting is the operation setting when the control unit has not received a request. Therefore, the device control system can output the difference between the first power consumption of the device in response to the demand response request and the second power consumption of the device when the demand response request is not received, to the aggregator or the user. As a result, the aggregator or the user can grasp the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption and determine the validity of the incentive.

[0006] The device control system of the second aspect is the device control system of the first aspect, and the request is a second request. The second request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the device in the first period compared to when the control unit has not received the request. The first operation setting results in less power consumption of the device in the first period than the second operation setting. The difference is the amount of reduction in the power consumption of the device in the first period compared to when the control unit has not received the request.

[0007] The device control system of the third aspect is the device control system of the first aspect, and the request is a first request. The first request is a request to increase the power consumption of the device in the first period compared to when the control unit has not received the request. The first operation setting results in more power consumption of the device in the first period than the second operation setting. The difference is the amount of increase in the power consumption of the device in the first period compared to when the control unit has not received the request.

[0008] The device control system of the fourth aspect is any one of the device control systems from the first aspect to the third aspect, and the first information further includes the second power consumption.

[0009] With such a configuration, the device control system from the fourth perspective can provide additional information to the aggregator or user to determine the validity of the incentive.

[0010] The device control system from the fifth perspective is any one of the device control systems from the first to the fourth perspectives, and the first information further includes the content of the first operation setting and whether the first operation setting is executed.

[0011] With such a configuration, the device control system from the fifth perspective can provide additional information to the aggregator or user to determine the validity of the incentive.

[0012] The device control system from the sixth perspective is any one of the device control systems from the first to the fifth perspectives, and the control unit outputs the first information for each of the plurality of devices.

[0013] The device control system from the seventh perspective is the device control system from the sixth perspective, and the control unit determines the content of the first operation setting for each of the plurality of devices.

[0014] The device control system from the eighth perspective is any one of the device control systems from the first to the seventh perspectives, and the first period is set daily. The control unit outputs the first information daily.

[0015] The device control system from the ninth perspective is any one of the device control systems from the first to the eighth perspectives, and the request is the second request. The second request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the device compared to when the control unit has not received the request. The first operation time, which is the operation time of the first operation setting in the first period, is shorter than the second operation time, which is the operation time of the second operation setting in the first period.

[0016] The device control system from the tenth perspective is the device control system from the tenth perspective, and the first information further includes the difference between the first operation time and the second operation time.

[0017] The device control system from the 11th perspective is any one of the device control systems from the 1st to the 10th perspectives, and the requirement is the 2nd requirement. The 2nd requirement is a requirement to reduce the power consumption of the device compared to when the control unit has not received the requirement. The operating capacity of the first operating setting in the first period is lower than the operating capacity of the second operating setting in the first period.

[0018] The device control system from the 12th perspective is any one of the device control systems from the 1st to the 11th perspectives, and the control unit outputs the first information to the aggregator.

[0019] The device control system from the 13th perspective is any one of the device control systems from the 1st to the 12th perspectives, and further includes a display unit. The control unit outputs the first information to the display unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] (1) Overall Configuration The device control system 1 controls one or more devices in response to a demand response request (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a DR request).

[0022] Demand response is that a user (consumer) receiving power supply from a commercial power system adjusts the power consumption of the commercial power system in response to a request from an aggregator 90 such as an electric power company that supplies power to the commercial power system. The aggregator 90 pays the user a reward as the consideration for demand response according to the amount of adjustment of the power consumption of the commercial power system.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the device control system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the device control system 1 includes a water heater 100 (device) and a server 200. The water heater 100 and the server 200 are communicably connected via a network NW2. The server 200 receives a DR request for the water heater 100 used by the user from the aggregator 90 via NW1 such as the Internet. The server 200 transmits the received DR request to the water heater 100 via the network NW2 and controls the water heater 100 according to the received DR request. Further, the server 200 may notify the user of the DR request by transmitting the received DR request to a portable information terminal such as a smartphone 91 owned by the user via the network NW2.

[0024] (2) Detailed Configuration (2-1) Water Heater FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the water heater 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the water heater 100 mainly includes a heat pump unit 110, a hot water storage unit 120, a remote controller 130, and a control unit 190. A water supply unit 140, a bathtub 150, and a stop valve 160 are connected to the hot water storage unit 120.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] (2-1-1) 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 annularly connected 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.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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 capacity of the heat pump unit 110 can be adjusted by controlling the operating frequency of the motor 11a.

[0030] 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 also be a plate-type heat exchanger or the like. The 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.

[0031] The expansion valve 13 decompresses 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 also be a capillary tube or the like.

[0032] The air heat exchanger 14 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 13 and been decompressed 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.

[0033] (2-1-2) 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 discharge solenoid valve 31, a second drain valve 32, a second flow sensor 33, a post-combustion pump 34, and a post-combustion heat exchanger 35. These elements are connected by pipes L1-L19 through which the hot water flows. Temperature sensors T1-T10 are provided on the hot water storage tank 21 and pipes L10, L13, L14, L16. The hot water storage unit 120 also has a second control device 20.

[0034] The hot water storage tank 21 stores hot water and cold water. Six temperature sensors T1 - T6 are provided in the hot water storage tank 21. The six temperature sensors T1 - 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 - T5 are provided on the side surface of the hot water storage tank 21 at intervals from the upper side to the lower side.

[0035] Since the density of water changes according to temperature, the hot water and cold water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 form 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 - T6, by detecting the temperature distribution of the hot water and cold water in the hot water storage tank 21 in the vertical direction, the amount of hot water 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.

[0036] 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. From the hot water storage tank 21 toward the water - heat exchanger 12, a water inlet valve 23, a boiling - up pump 24, and a bypass valve 25 are provided in the water inlet pipe L1. The water inlet valve 23 and the bypass valve 25 are electric three - way valves.

[0037] 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 and cold water in the hot water storage tank 21 to the outside.

[0038] One end of the hot water supply 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 supply pipe L3 is connected to the boiling-up valve 26. The boiling-up valve 26 is an electric three-way valve.

[0039] 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 face of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0040] 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 face of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0041] 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 supply pipe L3.

[0042] One end of the first boiling-up pipe L7 is connected to the upper end face 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.

[0043] One end of the second boiling-up pipe L8 is connected to the upper end face 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. <{

[0044] 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 face 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 (water supply pressure) of the water supplied to the hot water storage unit 120 via the stop valve 160.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 section 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 section 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.

[0047] 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 toward the bathtub 150, a hot water release 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.

[0048] The second drain pipe L15 branches from the second hot water supply pipe L14 between the hot water release solenoid valve 31 and the second flow rate 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 in the second hot water supply pipe L14 to the outside, for example, to adjust the amount of hot water flowing in the second hot water supply pipe L14.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The first afterburner pipe L18 branches off 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] (2-1-3) Remote Controller The remote controller 130 is a user interface for controlling the water heater 100. The remote controller 130 is installed, for example, in the kitchen and the bathroom. As shown in FIG. 2, 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 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 91 may be used as a user interface of the water heater 100.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The display unit 130a displays information regarding the state of the water heater 100 and information regarding the settings of the water heater 100. The display unit 130a displays, for example, the set value of the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water supply unit 140 and the bathtub 150 (hot water supply temperature), and the amount of stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 21. The display unit 130a displays, for example, a DR request received from the server 200 and first information described later received from the server 200.

[0056] The operation unit 130b includes buttons, dials, keys, etc. for the user of the water heater 100 to operate. The user of the 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 having the function of the operation unit 130b.

[0057] The remote controller 130 may further include a speaker, a microphone, etc. In this case, the remote controller 130 may notify the information displayed on the display unit 130a by the speaker and acquire the information input by the operation unit 130b via the microphone.

[0058] (2-1-4) Control Unit The control unit 190 mainly consists of a first control device 10 of the heat pump unit 110 and a 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 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.

[0059] 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 water supply device 100 may have the functions of both the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 and be provided with a device installed in either the heat pump unit 110 or the hot water storage unit 120. Such a device may be installed outside the water supply device 100 and connected to the heat pump unit 110 and the hot water storage unit 120 via a network.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the water supply device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 190 controls the compressor 11, the expansion valve 13, the water 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 afterburning pump 34, etc. based on the signals from the temperature sensors T1 - T10, the first flow sensor 30, and the second flow sensor 33. Also, the control unit 190 is communicably connected to the server 200.

[0061] The control unit 190 mainly performs boiling operation, water supply operation, hot water discharge operation, and afterburning operation. Also, the control unit 190 mainly has an operation data transmission function.

[0062] (2 - 1 - 4 - 1) Boiling operation The boiling-up 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-up operation, by driving the boiling-up 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-up operation, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 is circulated through the water inlet pipe L1, the hot water outlet pipe L3, the first return pipe L4, and the second return pipe L5, and heated in the water heat exchanger 12.

[0063] The control unit 190 performs the boiling-up operation by controlling the compressor 11, the expansion valve 13, the water inlet valve 23, the boiling-up pump 24, the bypass valve 25, and the boiling-up valve 26 based on the operation settings received from the server 200. The control unit 190 controls the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 and the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 to adjust the capacity of the heat pump unit 110 and the temperature (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-up 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.

[0064] In the normal boiling-up 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The control unit 190 can control the boiling-up valve 26 to switch between a state in which 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 in which hot water is supplied from the water heat exchanger 12 to the hot water storage tank 21 via the second return pipe L5.

[0067] The control unit 190 may obtain the hot water output 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 - T6 of the hot water storage tank 21.

[0068] 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 output temperature, the hot water storage amount, and the storage flow rate reach predetermined target values.

[0069] The water supply device 100 executes a night-time boiling-up operation and a daytime boiling-up operation. The night-time boiling-up operation is a boiling-up operation executed during at least a part of the night-time period. The daytime boiling-up operation is a boiling-up operation executed during at least a part of the daytime period. The daytime period is a time period other than the night-time period. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the night-time period is the time period from 23:00 to 7:00 of the next day, and the daytime period is the time period from 7:00 to 23:00. In the present embodiment, the night-time boiling-up operation and the daytime boiling-up operation are executed based on the operation settings received from the server 200.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the water supply device 100 executes the boiling-up operation using the power of the commercial power system.

[0071] (2-1-4-2) Water supply operation The hot water supply operation refers to the operation of discharging the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 from the hot water supply section 140. In the hot water supply operation, when the hot water supply section 140 is a faucet, by opening the faucet, 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 first boiling-up pipe L7.

[0072] Then, the high-temperature hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 21 to the first mixing valve 27 through the first boiling-up pipe L7, and at the same time, water from the outside is supplied to the first mixing valve 27 through the tank water supply pipe L9, the branched 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 section 140 through the first hot water supply pipe L13.

[0073] When the hot water supply section 140 is opened by the user and the first flow sensor 30 detects an increase in the flow rate of the hot water in the first hot water supply pipe L13, the control unit 190 starts the hot water supply operation. During the execution of the hot water supply operation, the control unit 190 controls the first mixing valve 27 according to the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water supply section 140. The control unit 190 may use the temperature detected by the first hot water supply temperature sensor T8 as the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water supply section 140.

[0074] The control unit 190 may perform feedback control on the mixing ratio of the high-temperature hot water and water in the first mixing valve 27 so that the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water supply section 140 reaches a predetermined target value based on the output signals of the mixed water temperature sensor T7 and the first hot water supply temperature sensor T8, etc.

[0075] (2-1-4-3) Hot water 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. Thereby, the high-temperature hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 is pushed out from the upper part in the hot water storage tank 21 through the second boiling-up pipe L8.

[0076] 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 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.

[0077] When the control unit 190 receives a start signal for the hot water supply operation by the operation of the remote controller 130 by the user, it opens the hot water supply solenoid valve 31. As a result, when the second flow rate sensor 33 detects an increase in the flow rate of the hot water in the second hot water supply pipe L14, the hot water supply operation is started. During the execution of the hot water supply operation, the control unit 190 controls the second mixing valve 28 according to the temperature of the hot water supplied into the bathtub 150. The control unit 190 may use the temperature detected by the second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 as the temperature of the hot water supplied into the bathtub 150.

[0078] The control unit 190 may perform feedback control on the mixing ratio of the high-temperature hot water and water in the second mixing valve 28 so that the temperature of the hot water supplied into the bathtub 150 reaches a predetermined target value based on the output signals of the mixed water temperature sensor T7 and the second hot water supply temperature sensor T9.

[0079] Further, during the hot water filling operation, the control unit 190 may receive an end signal of the hot water filling operation by the operation of the remote controller 130 by the user, or may close the hot water filling solenoid valve 31 to end the hot water filling operation when the water level in the bathtub 150 detected by a water level sensor (not shown) provided in the bathtub 150 reaches a predetermined target value.

[0080] (2-1-4-4) Afterburner operation The afterburner operation is an operation in which the hot water in the bathtub 150 is heated in the afterburner heat exchanger 35 and then returned 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 via the first bathtub return pipe L16 and heated. The hot water heated in the afterburner heat exchanger 35 is returned to the bathtub 150 via 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 circulated via the first bathtub return pipe L16, the second bathtub return pipe L17, and the second hot water supply pipe L14, and heated in the afterburner heat exchanger 35.

[0081] The afterburner 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 afterburner pipe L18, and the low-temperature hot water supplied from the bathtub 150 via the first bathtub return pipe L16. Thereby, the afterburner heat exchanger 35 heats the hot water supplied from the bathtub 150 via the first bathtub return pipe L16. The high-temperature hot water supplied to the afterburner heat exchanger 35 via the first afterburner pipe L18 is supplied to the water supply pipe L1 via the second afterburner pipe L19 and the water inlet valve 23 after heat exchange. The afterburner heat exchanger 35 may be, for example, a counter-flow type heat exchanger in which the high-temperature hot water and the low-temperature hot water flow in opposite directions for heat exchange.

[0082] When the control unit 190 receives a start signal for the afterburning operation by the user's operation of the remote controller 130, it controls the water inlet valve 23 to communicate the water inlet pipe L1 and the second afterburning pipe L19, drives the boiling pump 24 and the afterburning pump 34, and starts the afterburning operation. During the execution of the afterburning operation, the control unit 190 controls the rotation speeds of the boiling pump 24 and the afterburning pump 34 according to the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 150 and the temperature of the hot water returned from the afterburning heat exchanger 35 into the bathtub 150. The control unit 190 may use the temperature detected by the bathtub return temperature sensor T10 as the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 150, and use the temperature detected by the second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 as the temperature of the hot water returned from the afterburning heat exchanger 35 into the bathtub 150.

[0083] Based on the output signals of the second hot water supply temperature sensor T9 and the bathtub return temperature sensor T10, etc., the control unit 190 may perform feedback control on the rotation speeds of the boiling pump 24 and the afterburning pump 34 so that the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 150 reaches a predetermined target value.

[0084] Also, during the execution of the afterburning operation, when the control unit 190 receives an end signal for the afterburning operation by the user's operation of the remote controller 130, or when the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 150 reaches a predetermined target value, it controls the water inlet valve 23 so that the second afterburning pipe L19 does not communicate with the water inlet pipe L1, stops the afterburning pump 34, and may end the afterburning operation.

[0085] (2-1-4-5) Operating data transmission function The control unit 190 periodically (for example, every 30 seconds) transmits the operation data D1 of the water heater 100 to the server 200.

[0086] The operation data D1 transmitted to the server 200 includes the measured values of the temperature sensors T1-T10, the measured value of the first flow sensor 30, the measured value of the second flow sensor 33, the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 13, the state of the water inlet valve 23, the rotation speed of the boiling pump 24, the state of the bypass valve 25, the state of the boiling valve 26, the opening degree of the first mixing valve 27, the opening degree of the second mixing valve 28, the state of the hot water filling solenoid valve 31, and the rotation speed of the afterburning pump 34, etc.

[0087] (2-2) Server Server 200 is a computer installed on the cloud. Figure 4 is a control block diagram of Server 200. As shown in Figure 4, Server 200 mainly includes a storage unit 41, an input unit 42, a display unit 43, a communication unit 44, and a control unit 49.

[0088] The storage unit 41 is a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, and an HDD. The storage unit 41 stores programs executed by the control unit 49 and data necessary for program execution. In particular, the storage unit 41 stores the operation data D1 transmitted from the water heater 100. The input unit 42 includes a keyboard and a mouse. Various commands and various information for Server 200 can be input using the input unit 42. The display unit 43 is a monitor. Various data stored in the storage unit 41 can be displayed on the display unit 43. The communication unit 44 is a network interface device for communicating with the aggregator 90, the water heater 100, etc. via the networks NW1, NW2.

[0089] (2-2-1) Control Unit The control unit 49 is a processor such as a CPU and a GPU. The control unit 49 reads and executes the programs stored in the storage unit 41 to realize various functions of Server 200. Also, the control unit 49 can write the calculation results to the storage unit 41 or read the information stored in the storage unit 41 according to the programs.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 49 includes, as functional blocks, an acquisition unit 491, an operation control unit 492, a calculation unit 493, and an output unit 494.

[0091] (2-2-1-1) Acquisition Unit The acquisition unit 491 receives a DR request for the water heater 100 from the aggregator 90 via the network NW1. The DR request includes a first period. The first period is a period set according to the DR request. Also, the first period is a period for adjusting the power consumption of the water heater 100.

[0092] The DR request has a first request and a second request.

[0093] The first request is a request to increase the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period compared to when the DR request is not received. The aggregator 90 makes a first request for demand response to the server 200 before the arrival of the first period when it is predicted that the power of the commercial power system will be surplus. Hereinafter, the first request may be described as a raise DR request.

[0094] The second request is a request to decrease the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period compared to when the DR request is not received. The aggregator 90 makes a second request for demand response to the server 200 before the arrival of the first period when it is predicted that the power of the commercial power system will be in short supply. Hereinafter, the second request may be described as a lower DR request.

[0095] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the server 200 receives the DR request immediately before the nighttime period in the boiling operation of the water heater 100. Also, it is assumed that the first period is the time period from 11:00 to 15:00 in the daytime period following the nighttime period.

[0096] Also, the acquisition unit 491 regularly (for example, every 30 seconds) acquires the operation data D1 from the water heater 100 via the network NW2.

[0097] (2-2-1-2) Operation control unit The operation control unit 492 controls the water heater 100 by transmitting the operation setting of the water heater 100 to the water heater 100. In the present embodiment, the operation setting of the water heater 100 is the operation setting of the boiling operation of the water heater 100.

[0098] The operation settings have a first operation setting and a second operation setting.

[0099] When the operation control unit 492 has not received a DR request from the aggregator 90, it controls the water heater 100 according to the second operation setting.

[0100] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the setting details of the second operation setting for the boiling operation of the water heater 100. In FIG. 5, the bar graph represents the power consumption P1, and the solid line broken line graph G3 represents the amount of stored water in the hot water storage tank 21. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second operation setting, the night boiling operation is executed from 23:00 to 5:00 the next day, and the daytime boiling operation is executed from 11:00 to 13:00.

[0101] When the operation control unit 492 receives a DR request from the aggregator 90, it determines the setting details of the first operation setting of the water heater 100 according to the DR request, and controls the water heater 100 according to the first operation setting. In other words, the operation control unit 492 controls the water heater 100 according to the first operation setting during the first period.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the setting details of the first operation setting when the DR request is an up-DR request. As shown in FIG. 6, in the first operation setting, in order to increase the power consumption of the water heater 100 during the first period compared to the second operation setting, the night boiling operation that is executed from 4:00 to 5:00 in the second operation setting is changed to the daytime boiling operation that is executed from 13:00 to 14:00, and the night boiling operation that is executed from 23:00 to 24:00 in the second operation setting is changed to the daytime boiling operation that is executed from 14:00 to 15:00. In FIG. 6, the solid line broken line graph G1 represents the amount of stored water in the hot water storage tank 21 according to the first operation setting, and the broken line broken line graph G3 represents the amount of stored water in the hot water storage tank 21 according to the second operation setting. In this case, the first operation setting has a higher power consumption of the water heater 100 during the first period than the second operation setting.

[0103] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the setting details of the first operation setting when the DR request is a lowering DR request. As shown in FIG. 7, in the first operation setting, in order to reduce the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period compared to the second operation setting, the daytime boiling-up operation that is executed from 11:00 to 13:00 in the second operation setting is changed to a nighttime boiling-up operation that is executed from 5:00 to 7:00. In other words, in the first operation setting, the water heater 100 does not execute the boiling-up operation in the first period. In FIG. 7, the solid-line broken-line graph G2 represents the amount of stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 according to the first operation setting, and the broken-line broken-line graph G3 represents the amount of stored hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 according to the second operation setting. The first operation setting has less power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period than the second operation setting.

[0104] (2-2-1-3) Calculation unit The calculation unit 493 calculates the first information based on the operation data D1 of the water heater 100 acquired from the water heater 100. The first information includes the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption.

[0105] The first power consumption is the power consumption of the water heater 100 when the water heater 100 is controlled according to the first operation setting in the first period. The calculation unit 493 calculates the first power consumption by a predetermined mathematical formula based on, for example, the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 and the rotation speed of the boiling-up pump 24 included in the operation data D1 in the first period after the first period has elapsed.

[0106] The second power consumption is the power consumption of the water heater 100 predicted when the water heater 100 is controlled according to the second operation setting in the first period. The calculation unit 493 predicts the second power consumption in the first period by a predetermined mathematical formula based on, for example, the operation data D1 in the same time zone as the first period of a day when no DR request has been received after the first period has elapsed.

[0107] When the DR request is a raising DR, the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption is the increase amount of the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period compared to when no DR request has been received.

[0108] When the DR request is a reduced DR, the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption is the amount of reduction in the power consumption of the water heater 100 compared to when the DR request is not received during the first period.

[0109] The first information may further include the predicted second power consumption. Also, the first information may further include the setting content of the first operation setting and whether the first operation setting is executed.

[0110] (2-2-1-4) Output unit The output unit 494 outputs the first information calculated by the calculation unit 493. In this embodiment, the output unit 494 outputs the first information to the display unit 130a of the water heater 100 by transmitting the first information to the water heater 100. The output unit 494 may display (output) the first information on the screen of a portable information terminal such as a smartphone 91 owned by the user by transmitting the first information to the portable information terminal. The output unit 494 may output the first information to the aggregator 90 by transmitting the first information to the aggregator 90.

[0111] Also, the output unit 494 displays the DR request received by the acquisition unit 491 on the display unit 130a of the water heater 100 by transmitting the DR request to the water heater 100. The output unit 494 may notify the user of the DR request by transmitting the DR request to a portable information terminal such as a smartphone 91 owned by the user.

[0112] (3) Processing An example of the processing of the device control system 1 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 8. As a premise, the server 200 periodically acquires the operation data D1 from the water heater 100. Also, the server 200 controls the water heater 100 according to the second operation setting.

[0113] As shown in step S1, the server 200 receives a DR request for the water heater 100 from the aggregator 90.

[0114] After finishing step S1, as shown in step S2, the server 200 determines the setting content of the first operation setting of the water heater 100 in response to the received DR request, and controls the water heater 100 according to the first operation setting.

[0115] After finishing step S2, as shown in step S3, after the elapse of the first period, the server 200 calculates the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption.

[0116] After finishing step S3, as shown in step S4, the server 200 displays the first information including the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption on the display unit 130a of the water heater 100.

[0117] (4) Features (4-1) Conventionally, there is a known system in which a user adjusts the power consumption of a device on the commercial power system according to a DR request from an aggregator, and the user receives an incentive from the aggregator according to the adjustment amount.

[0118] However, since it is not possible to grasp the difference between the power consumption of the device in response to the DR request and the power consumption of the device when the DR request is not received, there is a problem that the aggregator and the user cannot determine the validity of the incentive.

[0119] The equipment control system 1 of the present embodiment includes a water heater 100 and a server 200. The server 200 has a control unit 49. The control unit 49 controls the water heater 100 in response to a DR request. The control unit 49 receives a DR request from an aggregator 90. The control unit 49 controls the water heater 100 according to a first operation setting during a first period. The first period is a period set in response to a DR request. The first period is a period for adjusting the power consumption of the water heater 100. The control unit 49 outputs first information based on the operation data D1 of the water heater 100 acquired from the water heater 100. The first information includes the difference between a first power consumption and a second power consumption. The first power consumption is the power consumption of the water heater 100 when the water heater 100 is controlled according to the first operation setting during the first period. The second power consumption is the predicted power consumption of the water heater 100 when the water heater 100 is controlled according to a second operation setting during the first period. The second operation setting is an operation setting when the control unit 49 has not received a DR request.

[0120] In the equipment control system 1, the control unit 49 outputs first information based on the operation data D1 of the equipment acquired from the water heater 100. The first information includes the difference between a first power consumption and a second power consumption. The first power consumption is the power consumption of the water heater 100 when the water heater 100 is controlled according to the first operation setting during the first period. The second power consumption is the predicted power consumption of the water heater 100 when the water heater 100 is controlled according to a second operation setting during the first period. The second operation setting is an operation setting when the control unit 49 has not received a DR request.

[0121] Therefore, the equipment control system 1 can output the difference between the first power consumption of the water heater 100 in response to a DR request and the second power consumption of the water heater 100 when the DR request is not received, to the aggregator 90 or the user. As a result, the aggregator 90 or the user can grasp the difference between the first power consumption and the second power consumption and determine the validity of the incentive.

[0122] (4-2) In the equipment control system 1 of the present embodiment, the DR request is the second request. The second request is a request to reduce the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period compared to when the control unit 49 has not received the DR request. The first operation setting has less power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period than the second operation setting. The difference is the amount of reduction in the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period compared to when the control unit 49 has not received the DR request.

[0123] (4-3) In the equipment control system 1 of the present embodiment, the DR request is the first request. The first request is a request to increase the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period compared to when the control unit 49 has not received the DR request. The first operation setting has more power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period than the second operation setting. The difference is the amount of increase in the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period compared to when the control unit 49 has not received the DR request.

[0124] (4-4) In the equipment control system 1 of the present embodiment, the first information further includes the second power consumption. As a result, the equipment control system 1 can provide additional information for the aggregator 90 and the user to determine the validity of the incentive.

[0125] (4-5) In the equipment control system 1 of the present embodiment, the first information further includes the content of the first operation setting and whether the first operation setting is executed. As a result, the equipment control system 1 can provide additional information for the aggregator 90 and the user to determine the validity of the incentive.

[0126] (4-6) In the equipment control system 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 49 outputs the first information to the aggregator 90.

[0127] (4-7) The equipment control system 1 of the present embodiment further includes a display unit 130a. The control unit 49 outputs the first information to the display unit 130a.

[0128] (5) Modification Example (5-1) Modification Example 1A In this embodiment, the equipment control system 1 had one water heater 100 as the equipment to be controlled in response to the DR request. However, the equipment to be controlled in response to the DR request may be equipment other than the water heater 100, such as an air conditioner.

[0129] Also, the equipment control system 1 may control a plurality of pieces of equipment in response to the DR request. At this time, the control unit 49 determines the setting content of the first operation setting for each of the plurality of pieces of equipment in response to the DR request and outputs the first information.

[0130] (5-2) Modification Example 1B In this embodiment, the first period was set as the period on a certain specific day. However, the first period may be set on a daily basis. At this time, the control unit 49 may output the first information on a daily basis.

[0131] (5-3) Modification Example 1C In the first operation setting when the DR request in this embodiment is a reduced DR request, the water heater 100 did not perform the boiling operation during the first period. However, the water heater 100 may perform the boiling operation by using the surplus power from the solar power generation device during the first period. Since the boiling operation is performed by the surplus power, the water heater 100 will not consume the power of the commercial power system.

[0132] The solar power generation device is installed on the roof or the like of the facility where the water heater 100 is installed. The solar power generation device is connected to be capable of two-way data communication with the first control device 10 and the second control device 20 by wireless communication or wired communication. The water heater 100 and other electrical equipment used in the facility can be operated by the power generated by the solar power generation device.

[0133] (5-4) Modification Example 1D In the first operation setting when the DR request is a reduced DR request in this embodiment, the water heater 100 does not execute the boiling-up operation during the first period. However, the water heater 100 may execute the boiling-up operation during some time zones in the first period.

[0134] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the setting details of the first operation setting when the DR request is a reduced DR request in this modification. In FIG. 9, unlike FIG. 7, the water heater 100 executes a daytime boiling-up operation from 11:00 to 12:00. Since the first operation time (1 hour in FIG. 9), which is the operation time of the first operation setting in the first period, is shorter than the second operation time (2 hours in FIG. 9), which is the operation time of the second operation setting in the first period, the power consumption of the water heater 100 in the first period is reduced in the first operation setting compared to the second operation setting. At this time, the first information may further include the difference between the first operation time and the second operation time (1 hour in FIG. 9).

[0135] (5-5) Modification 1E In this embodiment, when the DR request is a reduced DR request, the first operation time, which is the operation time of the first operation setting in the first period, is shorter than the second operation time, which is the operation time of the second operation setting in the first period.

[0136] However, for example, the first operation time in the first period and the second operation time in the first period may be the same, and the operation capacity of the boiling-up operation in the first operation setting in the first period may be made lower than the operation capacity of the boiling-up operation in the second operation setting in the first period.

[0137] For example, in the boiling-up operation of the first operation setting in the first period, the upper limit of the operating frequency of the motor 11a of the compressor 11 is made lower than that in the boiling-up operation of the second operation setting in the first period. Also, for example, in the boiling-up operation of the first operation setting in the first period, the outlet water temperature is made lower than that in the boiling-up operation of the second operation setting in the first period.

[0138] (5-6) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

Explanation of Signs

[0139] 1 Equipment control system 49 Control unit 90 Aggregator 100 Hot water supply device (equipment) 130a Display unit 200 Server D1 Operation data

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0140]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. One or more devices (100); a server (200) having a control unit (49) that controls the device in response to a demand response request; Equipped with The control unit receiving said request from an aggregator (90); controlling the device with a first operation setting during a first period for adjusting the power consumption of the device, the first period being set in response to the request; outputting first information including a difference between a first power consumption of the device when the device is controlled with the first operation setting during the first period and a second power consumption of the device predicted when the device is controlled with a second operation setting, which is an operation setting when the control unit does not receive the request, during the first period, based on operation data (D1) of the device acquired from the device; Equipment control system (1).

2. the request is a second request to reduce the power consumption of the device in the first period compared to when the control unit has not received the request, The first operation setting consumes less power than the second operation setting during the first period, The difference is a reduction in power consumption of the device during the first period compared to when the control unit did not receive the request. An equipment control system (1) according to claim 1.

3. the request is a first request to increase the power consumption of the device in the first period compared to when the control unit has not received the request, The first operation setting causes the power consumption of the device to be greater during the first period than the second operation setting, The difference is an increase in power consumption of the device during the first period compared to when the control unit did not receive the request. An equipment control system (1) according to claim 1.

4. the first information further includes the second power consumption; An equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first information further includes setting contents of the first operational setting and whether or not the first operational setting is executed. An equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the control unit outputs the first information for each of the plurality of devices. An equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The control unit determines the setting content of the first operational setting for each of the plurality of devices. An equipment control system (1) according to claim 6.

8. The first period is set on a daily basis, The control unit outputs the first information on a daily basis. An equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. the request is a second request to reduce the power consumption of the device compared to when the control unit has not received the request, a first operation time that is an operation time of the first operation setting in the first period is shorter than a second operation time that is an operation time of the second operation setting in the first period; An equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The first information further includes a difference between the first driving time and the second driving time. An equipment control system (1) according to claim 9.

11. the request is a second request to reduce the power consumption of the device compared to when the control unit has not received the request, The operating capacity of the first operating setting during the first period is lower than the operating capacity of the second operating setting during the first period. An equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The control unit outputs the first information to the aggregator. An equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. A display unit (130a) is further provided, The control unit outputs the first information to the display unit. An equipment control system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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