Power control system

Abstract

To appropriately control the power supply to an electronic device according to a change in the amount of power supplied and the amount of power consumed.SOLUTION: A power control system 1 includes a circuit control unit 41 that switches on and off multiple power supply circuits corresponding to multiple electronic devices 25 installed in a facility, a determination unit 61 that acquires the amount of power that can be supplied from a power supply device installed in the facility to the electronic devices 25 in the event of a power outage and determines, on the basis of the available amount of power, which of the multiple electronic devices 25 is to receive power from the power supply device, and a generation unit 62 that generates control signals indicating the on or off state of the multiple power supply circuits such that power is supplied from the power supply device to the destination devices. The circuit control unit 41 switches on and off the multiple power supply circuits on the basis of the control signal. The determination unit 61 also periodically acquires the available amount of power and can change the destination device on the basis of the newly acquired available amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to power control systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to controlling the power supplied to electronic devices during a power outage have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an energy management system that can create an optimal power supply and demand plan for a facility in the event of a power outage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-156785 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the amount of electricity that can be supplied by a power generation device such as a solar power generation device may change from the predicted value at the time the power supply and demand plan is formulated, and the amount of power consumed by electronic devices during a power outage may change from the predicted value at the time the plan is formulated.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power control system that can more appropriately control the power supply to electronic devices in accordance with changes in the amount of power supply and the amount of power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A power control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a circuit control unit that switches on and off a plurality of power supply circuits corresponding to a plurality of electronic devices installed in the facility; a determination unit that, when a power outage occurs, acquires an amount of power that can be supplied from a power supply device installed in the facility to the electronic device, and determines, based on the amount of power that can be supplied, a destination device to which power from the power supply device will be supplied from among the plurality of electronic devices; a generating unit that generates control signals indicating an on state or an off state of the plurality of power supply circuits so that power is supplied from the power supply device to the destination device; the circuit control unit switches the plurality of power supply circuits on and off based on the control signal; The determination unit periodically acquires the available supply amount, and is capable of changing the destination device based on the newly acquired available supply amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to more appropriately control the power supply to an electronic device in accordance with changes in the amount of power supply and the amount of power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a power control system according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the distribution board shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the power control system when a power outage occurs. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a power outage notification screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a supply period notification screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the power control system during a power outage. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a supply period re-notification screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the power control system when power is restored. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a power restoration notification screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the flow of operations of the power control system when a power outage occurs. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the flow of operations of the power control system when a power outage occurs. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a power outage notification screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reselection screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a period notification screen displayed on the monitor of the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the power control system during a power outage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Specific examples of the power control system of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0010] First Embodiment [Overall configuration of power control system] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a power control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The power control system 1 is installed in a facility such as a home, and includes a power control device 11 and a distribution board 12 connected to the power control device 11. The power control system 1 controls the supply of power to multiple electronic devices 25 installed in the facility.

[0011] The electronic devices 25 are air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, etc. Each electronic device 25 operates using power supplied from a power company. Furthermore, in the event of a power outage, each electronic device 25 can operate using power supplied from power supply devices installed in the facility, such as a power generation device 21, a storage battery 22, and an EV (Electric Vehicle) 23. When the power outage ends and power is restored, each electronic device 25 operates again using power supplied from the power company.

[0012] The power generation device 21 is a photovoltaic (PV) power generation device, a thermal power generation device, a wind power generation device, a geothermal power generation device, a hydroelectric power generation device, etc. The power generation device 21 periodically notifies the power control device 11 of the power generation amount per unit time.

[0013] Storage battery 22 and EV 23 periodically calculate the remaining amount of stored power using, for example, voltage, and notify power control device 11 of the calculated remaining amount of stored power. Storage battery 22 and EV 23 may be configured to estimate their own degradation state using voltage and internal impedance. In this case, storage battery 22 and EV 23 can more accurately calculate the remaining amount of stored power by taking into account their own estimated degradation state.

[0014] The distribution board 12 is connected to a plurality of electronic devices 25. The distribution board 12 includes a circuit control unit 41 that switches on and off the power supply circuit corresponding to each electronic device 25, and a measurement unit 42 that measures the power consumption of each electronic device 25. The measurement unit 42 measures the power consumption per unit time of each electronic device 25, for example, every 30 minutes, and outputs power consumption information indicating the measured power consumption to the power control device 11.

[0015] The power control device 11 is connected to power supply devices such as a power generation device 21, a storage battery 22, and an EV 23, as well as a terminal device 24. The power control device 11 also includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a processing unit 33, a notification unit 34, and a selection reception unit 35. The terminal device 24 includes, for example, a touch panel monitor.

[0016] The storage unit 32 in the power control device 11 is a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), for example.

[0017] The communication unit 31 can communicate with an external server 52 provided outside the facility via an external network 51. Specifically, the external server 52 is managed by a weather association and transmits solar radiation forecast information indicating the results of forecasting solar radiation amounts for, for example, two weeks. Upon receiving the solar radiation forecast information transmitted from the external server 52, the communication unit 31 stores the received solar radiation forecast information in the storage unit 32.

[0018] The processing unit 33 includes a determination unit 61 and a generation unit 62. The determination unit 61 acquires power consumption information indicating the power consumption per unit time of each electronic device 25 from the measurement unit 42, and stores the acquired power consumption information in the storage unit 32.

[0019] Furthermore, determination unit 61 receives notification of the power generated per unit time by power generation device 21 and notification of the remaining stored power amounts of storage battery 22 and EVs 23. During a power outage, i.e., in a situation where power is not supplied from the power company, determination unit 61 calculates the power that can be supplied to one or more electronic devices 25 based on at least one of the power generated per unit time by power generation device 21, the remaining stored power amount of storage battery 22, and the remaining stored power amount of EVs 23. The power that can be supplied to electronic devices 25 from power supply devices such as power generation device 21, storage battery 22, and EVs 23 is hereinafter referred to as the "supplyable amount."

[0020] For example, suppose that the power generation device 21 is a solar power generation device. In this case, the determination unit 61 calculates the predicted amount of power generation by the power generation device 21 in the event of a power outage, based on the solar radiation prediction information stored in the storage unit 32 and the past actual power generation value by the power generation device 21. Then, the determination unit 61 calculates the total value of the calculated predicted amount of power generation, the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 22, and the remaining amount of power stored in the EVs 23 as the available supply amount.

[0021] Note that the power control device 11 may be unable to acquire the latest solar radiation forecast information from the Japan Meteorological Association due to the influence of a power outage. In such a case, the determination unit 61 in the power control device 11 may calculate the predicted amount of power generation by the power generation device 21, assuming that the power generation device 21 will generate the same amount of power as the actual amount of power generation in the past during the power outage.

[0022] Furthermore, the determination unit 61 determines one or more electronic devices 25 (hereinafter referred to as "recipient devices") to which power is to be supplied from the power supply device in the event of a power outage, based on the available supply amount. Details of the process of determining the recipient devices will be described later.

[0023] The generating unit 62 generates control signals indicating the on or off state of the plurality of power supply circuits so that power is supplied from the power supply device to the destination device determined by the determining unit 61. Then, the generating unit 62 outputs the generated control signals to the distribution board 12.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the distribution board 12 shown in Fig. 1. In addition to a circuit control unit 41 and a measurement unit 42, the distribution board 12 includes a main breaker 43, a plurality of branch breakers 44, and a plurality of relays 45. Hereinafter, a set of the branch breaker 44 and the relays 45 will be referred to as a "power supply circuit." Each electronic device 25 is connected to the main breaker 43 via the branch breaker 44 and the relay 45 in the power supply circuit.

[0025] It should be noted that a power supply circuit does not have to be provided for each electronic device 25. For example, one power supply circuit may be provided for a plurality of electronic devices 25 installed in the same room.

[0026] The circuit control unit 41 controls the opening and closing of the contacts of each relay 45. When the contacts of a relay 45 are in a closed state, power is supplied to the electronic device 25 connected to the relay 45. On the other hand, when the contacts of a relay 45 are in an open state, power is not supplied to the electronic device 25 connected to the relay 45.

[0027] [Details of the power control system operation] (When a power outage occurs) (a) Acceptance of selection of supply destination equipment 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the power control system 1 when a power outage occurs. Referring to FIG. 3, first, the determination unit 61 checks the latest power consumption information stored in the storage unit 32. Then, for example, if the power consumption per unit time of each electronic device 25 indicated by the power consumption information is zero, the determination unit 61 determines that a power outage has occurred in the facility (step S11).

[0028] Next, the determination unit 61 acquires the power generated per unit time by the power generation device 21, the remaining charge of the storage battery 22, and the remaining charge of the EV 23 (step S12), and calculates the amount of power that can be supplied from the power supply device to the electronic device 25 (step S13).

[0029] Next, the determination unit 61 notifies the notification unit 34 that a power outage has occurred. Upon receiving the notification from the determination unit 61, the notification unit 34 generates, for example, based on the power consumption information stored in the storage unit 32, the power consumption per unit time of each electronic device 25 before the power outage and screen information for a power outage notification screen G1 indicating that a power outage has occurred.

[0030] Then, the notification unit 34 transmits the generated screen information to the terminal device 24. As a result, the power outage notification screen G1 is displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 (step S14).

[0031] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a power outage notification screen G1 displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 shown in Fig. 1. The power outage notification screen G1 shown in Fig. 4 displays, as an example, the power consumption per 30 minutes of each of the electronic devices 25: an air conditioner, a television, and a refrigerator.

[0032] 1, 3 and 4, the selection receiving unit 35 in the power control device 11 receives a user's selection of a power supply destination device from among the plurality of electronic devices 25 (step S15).

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, a check box CB1 is associated with each electronic device 25 displayed on the power outage notification screen G1. The user can select the power supply destination devices by selecting some or all of the check boxes CB1. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the user has selected the check box CB1 corresponding to the air conditioner and the check box CB1 corresponding to the refrigerator.

[0034] When a user performs an operation to select one or more check boxes CB1, the terminal device 24 transmits operation information indicating the operation content to the power control device 11. Upon receiving the operation information transmitted from the terminal device 24, the selection receiving unit 35 in the power control device 11 outputs the operation information to the processing unit 33.

[0035] (b) Determination of equipment to be supplied and calculation of supply period Next, upon acquiring operation information indicating the user's selection result, the determination unit 61 in the processing unit 33 provisionally determines the supply destination devices based on the operation information (step S16). In the example shown in Fig. 4, the determination unit 61 provisionally determines the air conditioner and refrigerator selected by the user as the supply destination devices.

[0036] Next, the determination unit 61 calculates and notifies the length of the period (hereinafter referred to as the "supply period") during which power can be supplied to the provisionally determined destination device based on the provisionally determined destination device and the calculated available supply amount (step S17).

[0037] More specifically, the determination unit 61 refers to the power consumption information stored in the storage unit 32 and confirms the power consumption per unit time of each provisionally determined destination device before the power outage.The determination unit 61 then calculates the total amount of power consumed per unit time assuming that each provisionally determined destination device operates using the same power consumption as before the power outage.The determination unit 61 then calculates the length of the supply period based on the total amount of power consumed per unit time and the available supply amount, and notifies the notification unit 34 of the calculated length of the supply period.

[0038] When the notification unit 34 receives notification of the length of the supply period from the determination unit 61, it generates screen information of a supply period notification screen G2 indicating the length, and transmits the generated screen information to the terminal device 24. In this way, the length of the supply period is notified to the user.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a supply period notification screen G2 displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 shows, as an example, a supply period notification screen G2 indicating that the length of the supply period is 90 minutes and that the scheduled end time of the supply period is 4:30 p.m., which is 90 minutes from the current time.

[0040] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3, the selection receiving unit 35 in the power control device 11 checks whether the supply period has been approved by the user (step S18).

[0041] More specifically, the supply period notification screen G2 displays a reselect button B11 for instructing the user to reselect a supply destination device, and an OK button B12 for instructing to approve the supply period. For example, the user can check the length of the supply period displayed on the supply period notification screen G2, and if they do not approve the supply period, they can select the reselect button B11.

[0042] If the user selects the reselection button B11, that is, if the supply period is not approved ("NO" in step S18), the selection receiving unit 35 notifies the notification unit 34, for example, that approval has not been granted. Then, the process returns to step S14, and the notification unit 34 causes the power outage notification screen G1 as shown in FIG. 4 to be displayed again on the monitor of the terminal device 24.

[0043] On the other hand, suppose that the user approves the supply period and selects the OK button B12 ("YES" in step S18). In this case, the determination unit 61 in the power control device 11 receives the operation information via the selection receiving unit 35. Then, the determination unit 61 finally determines, as the supply destination devices, the one or more electronic devices 25 that were provisionally determined as the supply destination devices (step S19).

[0044] (c) Control of power supply circuit Next, as described above, generation unit 62 generates control signals for controlling a plurality of power supply circuits so that power is supplied from the power supply device to the power supply destination devices. In the example shown in Fig. 5, generation unit 62 generates control signals instructing that the power supply circuit corresponding to the air conditioner and the power supply circuit corresponding to the refrigerator be turned on and that the power supply circuits corresponding to each electronic device 25 other than the air conditioner and the refrigerator be turned off. Then, generation unit 62 outputs the generated control signals to distribution board 12 (step S20).

[0045] Then, when the circuit control unit 41 in the distribution board 12 receives a control signal from the generation unit 62, it controls the opening and closing of the contacts of each relay 45 (see Figure 2) of the power supply circuit corresponding to the destination device so that the contacts of the relay 45 of the power supply circuit corresponding to the electronic device 25 other than the destination device are turned on, and the contacts of the relay 45 of the power supply circuit corresponding to the electronic device 25 other than the destination device are turned off (step S21).

[0046] As a result, in the event of a power outage, each electronic device 25 that is a destination device selected by the user operates by receiving power supplied from a power supply device such as the power generation device 21, the storage battery 22, and the EV 23. On the other hand, electronic devices 25 that are not destination devices do not receive power and stop operating.

[0047] (During a power outage) 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the power control system 1 during a power outage. Here, due to changes in the solar radiation conditions and the usage conditions of the power supply destination devices during the power outage, the amount of power that can be supplied from the power supply device to the power supply destination devices may change from the value predicted at the time of the power outage. For this reason, the determination unit 61 can change the power supply destination devices in accordance with changes in the amount of power that can be supplied.

[0048] More specifically, during a power outage, the determination unit 61 periodically recalculates the available supply amount (step S31). Then, the determination unit 61 repeatedly calculates the supply period and the scheduled end time based on the newly calculated available supply amount (step S32).

[0049] Next, the determination unit 61 checks whether the newly calculated scheduled end time is earlier than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred by a predetermined time or more (step S33). Then, due to a decrease in the available supply amount, the newly calculated scheduled end time is determined to be earlier than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred by a predetermined time or more ("YES" in step S33). In this case, the determination unit 61 notifies the notification unit 34 of the newly calculated scheduled end time.

[0050] When the notification unit 34 receives the notification of the scheduled end time from the determination unit 61, it generates screen information for a supply period re-notification screen G3 indicating the scheduled end time, and transmits the generated screen information to the terminal device 24. As a result, the newly calculated scheduled end time is notified to the user (step S34).

[0051] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the supply period re-notification screen G3 displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 shown in Fig. 1. Here, it is assumed that when the power outage occurred, the length of the supply period was 90 minutes and the scheduled end time was determined to be 4:30 PM, 90 minutes after the power outage (see Fig. 5). Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 7, it is assumed that the newly determined scheduled end time is 4:15 PM. In this case, the supply period re-notification screen G3 displays, for example, the remaining length of the supply period and the scheduled end time.

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 6, the selection receiving unit 35 in the power control device 11 checks whether the newly calculated scheduled end time has been approved by the user (step S35).

[0053] More specifically, the supply period re-notification screen G3 displays a reselect button B21 for the user to instruct to reselect a supply destination device, and an OK button B22 for instructing to maintain the current supply destination device. For example, when reselecting a supply destination device, the user can perform an operation to select the reselect button B21.

[0054] If the user does not approve the scheduled end time and selects the reselection button B21 ("NO" in step S35), the selection receiving unit 35 proceeds to step S14 shown in Figure 3, for example, and the power outage notification screen G1 as shown in Figure 4 is displayed again on the monitor of the terminal device 24.

[0055] On the other hand, if the user approves the scheduled end time and selects the OK button B22 (YES in step S35), the on / off state of the contact of the relay 45 of the power supply circuit corresponding to each electronic device 25 is maintained (step S36).

[0056] Also, in step S33, it is assumed that the newly calculated scheduled end time is earlier than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred and the difference between these scheduled end times is less than a predetermined time ("NO" in step S33). Alternatively, it is assumed that the newly calculated scheduled end time is later than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred ("NO" in step S33). Even in such a case, the on / off state of the contact of the relay 45 of the power supply circuit corresponding to each electronic device 25 is maintained (step S36).

[0057] In the example described above, the determination unit 61 compares the scheduled end time of the supply period calculated when the power outage occurred with the newly calculated scheduled end time of the supply period (step S33), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the determination unit 61 may be configured to compare the predicted value of the available supply amount for each predetermined timing calculated when the power outage occurred with the newly calculated available supply amount.

[0058] Specifically, when a power outage occurs, the determination unit 61 can calculate in advance the predicted value of the supplyable amount every 30 minutes, such as 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, etc. In this case, the determination unit 61 may be configured to compare, for example, 30 minutes after the power outage occurs, the predicted value of the supplyable amount 30 minutes after the power outage that was calculated at the time of the power outage with the newly calculated supplyable amount, and notify the user if the difference between these supplyable amounts is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0059] (When power is restored) 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the power control system 1 when power is restored. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 8, it is assumed that the power outage has ended and the supply of power from the power company has been restored. In this case, the notification unit 34 in the power control device 11 generates screen information for a power restoration notification screen G4 for notifying the user of the electronic devices 25 whose power supply circuits have been switched from the on state to the off state during the power outage, and transmits the generated screen information to the terminal device 24. This notifies the user that power has been restored and of the electronic devices 25 whose power supply circuits have been switched from the on state to the off state during the power outage (step S41).

[0060] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a power restoration notification screen G4 displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 shown in Fig. 1. The power restoration notification screen G4 shown in Fig. 9 displays information that power has been restored and a list of electronic devices 25 whose power supply circuits were switched from an on state to an off state when the power outage occurred.

[0061] 1, 8, and 9, next, the selection receiving unit 35 receives a selection of whether or not to energize each electronic device 25 displayed on the power restoration notification screen G4 (step S42).

[0062] 9, a check box CB2 is associated with each electronic device 25 displayed on the power restoration notification screen G4. The user can specify the electronic devices 25 to start supplying power to by, for example, selecting some or all of the check boxes CB2.

[0063] 9 shows a state in which an instruction to turn on power has been given to three check boxes CB2 corresponding to a television, a washing machine, and a microwave oven, respectively. In this state, suppose that the user further performs an operation to select the power-on instruction button B31 displayed on the power restoration notification screen G4.

[0064] In this case, the terminal device 24 transmits operation information indicating the content of the user's operation to the power control device 11. Then, the selection receiving unit 35 in the power control device 11 receives the operation information and outputs it to the processing unit 33.

[0065] Next, when the user selects the electronic devices 25 to start supplying power to ("YES" in step S43), the generation unit 62 in the processing unit 33 generates a control signal instructing that the power supply circuit of each electronic device 25 to start supplying power be switched from the OFF state to the ON state. Then, the generation unit 62 outputs the generated control signal to the distribution board 12 (step S44).

[0066] Next, when the circuit control unit 41 in the distribution board 12 receives the control signal output from the generation unit 62, it controls the contacts of the relays 45 in the power supply circuits of each electronic device 25 to start supplying power from the off state to the on state based on the control signal (step S45).

[0067] Also, assume that the user has not selected the electronic device 25 to start energizing in step S43 ("NO" in step S43). In this case, the generation unit 62 does not generate a control signal, and the on / off state of the contact of the relay 45 of the power supply circuit corresponding to each electronic device 25 is maintained.

[0068] The notification unit 34 in the power control device 11 may, for example, periodically display a power restoration notification screen G4 on the monitor of the terminal device 24 to accept a selection of whether or not to power on the electronic device 25 to which power has not been supplied. The notification unit 34 may also constantly display a button for starting power supply on a part of any screen displayed on the monitor.

[0069] As described above, in the power control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit control unit 41 switches on and off a plurality of power supply circuits corresponding to a plurality of electronic devices 25 installed in a facility. Furthermore, in the event of a power outage, the determination unit 61 acquires the amount of power that can be supplied from a power supply device installed in the facility to the electronic devices 25, and determines, based on the amount of power that can be supplied, a destination device among the plurality of electronic devices 25 to which power from the power supply device is to be supplied. Furthermore, the generation unit 62 generates control signals indicating the on or off state of the plurality of power supply circuits so that power is supplied from the power supply device to the destination device. The circuit control unit 41 then switches on and off the plurality of power supply circuits based on the control signals. Furthermore, the determination unit 61 periodically acquires the amount of power that can be supplied, and can change the destination device based on the newly acquired amount of power that can be supplied.

[0070] During a power outage, the available supply amount and the amount of power consumed may change due to changes in the solar radiation conditions, changes in the usage conditions of the power supply destination devices, etc. In response to this, as described above, the power control system 1 can change the power supply destination devices according to the newly acquired available supply amount, and therefore can more appropriately control the power supply to electronic devices according to changes in the amount of power supplied and the amount of power consumed.

[0071] In the power control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the selection receiving unit 35 receives a selection of a destination device from a user from among a plurality of electronic devices when a power outage occurs. The determination unit 61 provisionally determines the destination device based on the user's selection result, and calculates the length of the supply period during which power can be supplied to the destination device based on the provisionally determined destination device and the available supply amount.

[0072] With this configuration, in the event of a power outage, power can be supplied from the power supply device preferentially to the electronic device 25 selected by the user, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0073] In the power control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the selection receiving unit 35 further receives a selection of whether or not the user approves the length of the supply period. Then, if the length of the supply period is approved by the user, the determination unit 61 determines the supply destination device based on the selection result from the user.

[0074] With this configuration, the user can select a supply destination device after checking the length of the supply period, which can further improve user satisfaction.

[0075] Furthermore, in the power control system 1 according to the first embodiment of this embodiment, the selection receiving unit 35 further receives a selection from the user as to whether or not the length of the supply period is approved by the user, and if the length of the supply period is not approved by the user, the selection of the supply destination equipment is again received from the user.

[0076] In this way, if the supply period differs from the user's desire, the user can select the supply destination device again, which can further improve the user's satisfaction.

[0077] Furthermore, in the power control system 1 according to the first embodiment of this embodiment, the power supply device includes a power generation device 21 that is a solar power generation device. Furthermore, the determination unit 61 acquires solar radiation information indicating a predicted value of the amount of solar radiation, and calculates the predicted amount of power generation of the power generation device 21 as at least a part of the available supply amount based on the solar radiation information and the actual value of power generation by the power generation device 21. With this configuration, it is possible to calculate a more accurate available supply amount that takes into account the predicted value of the amount of solar radiation.

[0078] <Second embodiment> Referring again to Fig. 1, Fig. 1 shows the overall configuration of the power control system 1 according to the first embodiment, as well as the overall configuration of a power control system 101 according to a second embodiment. The power control device 11 according to the first embodiment accepts a user's selection of a power supply destination device during a power outage. In contrast, the power control device 111 in the power control system 101 according to the second embodiment accepts a user's selection of the length of the power supply period during a power outage.

[0079] The power control device 111, like the power control device 11 according to the first embodiment, includes a communication unit 31 and a storage unit 32. Moreover, instead of the processing unit 33, the notification unit 34, and the selection reception unit 35 in the power control device 11 according to the first embodiment, the power control device 111 includes a processing unit 133, a notification unit 134, and a selection reception unit 135. The processing unit 133 includes a determination unit 161 and a generation unit 162.

[0080] [Details of the power control system operation] (When a power outage occurs) (a) Acceptance of selection of length of supply period 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the flow of operations of the power control system 101 when a power outage occurs. Referring to Fig. 10 and 11, the operations from step S51 to step S53 are similar to the operations from step S11 to step S13 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0081] Next, the determination unit 161 notifies the notification unit 134 that a power outage has occurred. Upon receiving the notification from the determination unit 161, the notification unit 134 generates, for example, options for the length of the supply period and screen information for a power outage notification screen G5 indicating that a power outage has occurred, and transmits the generated screen information to the terminal device 24. As a result, the power outage notification screen G5 is displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 (step S54).

[0082] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a power outage notification screen G5 displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 12, as an example, four options are shown as options for the length of the supply period: a supply period of 30 minutes with a scheduled end time of 15:30, a supply period of 45 minutes with a scheduled end time of 15:45, a supply period of 60 minutes with a scheduled end time of 16:00, and a supply period of 75 minutes with a scheduled end time of 16:15.

[0083] 1 and 10 to 12, the selection receiving unit 135 in the power control device 111 receives a user's selection of the length of the supply period from among a plurality of options (step S55).

[0084] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, a check box CB3 is associated with each option displayed on the power outage notification screen G5. The user can instruct the power control device 111 about the length of the supply period by selecting one of the check boxes CB3. Fig. 12 shows a state in which the option for the length of the supply period of 60 minutes has been selected.

[0085] When a user performs an operation to select one check box CB3, the terminal device 24 transmits operation information indicating the operation content to the power control device 111. Upon receiving the operation information transmitted from the terminal device 24, the selection receiving unit 135 in the power control device 111 outputs the operation information to the processing unit 133.

[0086] (b) Determination of equipment to be supplied Next, the determination unit 161 in the processing unit 133 tentatively determines the supply destination device based on the operation information indicating the length of the supply period selected by the user and the available supply amount calculated in step S53 (step S56).

[0087] More specifically, the determination unit 161 checks the power consumption per unit time of each electronic device 25 stored in the memory unit 32, and provisionally determines as the destination device the electronic device 25 with the longest operating time in a specified period of time in the past.

[0088] Specifically, the determination unit 161 first identifies one or more electronic devices 25 that are always in operation, and provisionally determines these electronic devices 25 as destination devices.

[0089] Next, the determination unit 161 calculates the total power consumption (hereinafter referred to as the "total power consumption") when one or more electronic devices 25 provisionally determined as the destination devices operate continuously for the supply period selected by the user (step S57).

[0090] Next, the determining unit 161 determines whether or not it is possible to operate the electronic device 25, which is the provisionally determined supply destination device, continuously for the supply period based on the calculated total power consumption value (step S58).

[0091] More specifically, if the available supply amount is less than the total power consumption value, the determination unit 161 determines that the electronic device 25 that is always operating cannot continue to operate for the supply period ("NO" in step S58), and notifies the notification unit 134 of the determination result.

[0092] In this case, the notification unit 134 generates, for example, screen information for a reselection screen G6 for requesting reselection of the length of the supply period, and transmits the generated screen information to the terminal device 24. As a result, the reselection screen G6 is displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 (step 59).

[0093] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reselection screen G6 displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 shown in Fig. 1. Similar to the power outage notification screen G5, the reselection screen G6 displays multiple options for the length of the supply period. The user can select one of these multiple options.

[0094] Next, the determination unit 161 returns to step S55 and accepts the user's selection of the length of the supply period again. In the example shown in Fig. 13, the option for the length of the supply period of 45 minutes is selected.

[0095] In this way, when the user's selection of the length of the supply period is newly accepted (step S55), the determination unit 161 tentatively determines the supply destination device (step S56) and newly calculates the total power consumption value (step S57). Then, the determination unit 161 newly determines whether the tentatively determined supply destination device can be operated continuously for the supply period (step S58).

[0096] On the other hand, if the available supply amount is equal to or greater than the total power consumption value in step S58, the decision unit 161 determines that the electronic device 25 that is constantly operating can be operated continuously for the supply period ("YES" in step S58).

[0097] In this case, the determination unit 161 checks the power consumption per unit time of each electronic device 25 stored in the storage unit 32, and identifies, for example, one electronic device 25 that consumes the most power per day other than the electronic device 25 provisionally determined as the destination device. Then, the determination unit 161 provisionally determines the identified electronic device 25 as a new destination device in addition to the electronic devices 25 that have already been provisionally determined as destination devices (step S60).

[0098] Next, the determination unit 161 calculates the total power consumption of the provisionally determined plurality of destination devices, and determines whether it is possible to operate the provisionally determined plurality of destination devices continuously for the supply period based on the available supply amount and the total power consumption (step S61).

[0099] Then, it is assumed that the determination unit 161 determines that the provisionally determined destination devices can be operated continuously for the supply period ("YES" in step S61). In this case, the determination unit 161 proceeds to step S60, and provisionally determines, as a new destination device, the electronic device 25 that consumes the most power per day among the electronic devices 25 other than the provisionally determined destination device. Then, the determination unit 161 newly determines whether the provisionally determined plurality of destination devices can be operated continuously for the supply period (step S61).

[0100] (c) Notification of supply period and equipment to be supplied On the other hand, it is assumed that the determination unit 161 determines that the provisionally determined destination devices cannot be operated continuously for the supply period ("NO" in step S61). In this case, the determination unit 161 notifies the notification unit 134 of one or more electronic devices 25 provisionally determined as destination devices, excluding one electronic device 25 provisionally determined immediately before as a destination device, and the length of the supply period selected by the user.

[0101] When the notification unit 134 receives the notification from the determination unit 161, the notification unit 134 generates screen information for a period notification screen G7 indicating, for example, the supply destination device, the length of the supply period, and the scheduled end time of the supply period, and transmits the generated screen information to the terminal device 24. As a result, the period notification screen G7 is displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 (step S62).

[0102] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a period notification screen G7 displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 shown in Fig. 1. As an example, the period notification screen G7 shown in Fig. 14 displays that an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a television, and a washing machine have been provisionally determined as supply destination devices, the supply period is 45 minutes, and the scheduled end time is 3:45 p.m.

[0103] The period notification screen G7 also displays an OK button B41 for instructing approval of the provisionally determined destination equipment and supply period, a period change button B42 for instructing reselection of the length of the supply period, and an equipment change button B43 for instructing reselection of the provisionally determined destination equipment.

[0104] Next, the selection receiving unit 135 in the power control device 111 checks the button selected by the user (step S63).

[0105] For example, suppose the user performs an operation to select the period change button B42 (see FIG. 14) ("period change button" in step S63). In this case, the process proceeds to step S54 shown in FIG. 10, and the power outage notification screen G5 as shown in FIG. 7 is again displayed on the terminal device 24. This allows the user to select the length of the supply period again.

[0106] Also, suppose that the user performs an operation to select the device change button B43 (see FIG. 14) ("device change button" in step S63). In this case, for example, a list screen (not shown) of the electronic devices 25 is displayed on the monitor of the terminal device 24 (step S64). On the list screen, for example, the power consumption per unit time of each electronic device 25 is displayed.

[0107] The selection receiving unit 135 in the power control device 111 receives the user's selection of the power supply destination devices (step S65). On the list screen, the user can check the power consumption per unit time of each electronic device 25 and select an electronic device 25 that the user wants to use preferentially during a power outage, such as a television or a radio, as the power supply destination device.

[0108] Next, when the processing unit 133 receives the user's selection of a destination device, it proceeds to, for example, step S61 shown in FIG. 10 and makes a new determination as to whether the destination device selected by the user can be operated continuously for the supply period.

[0109] Also, assume that the user performs an operation to select the OK button B41 (see FIG. 9) (“OK button” in step S63). In this case, the determination unit 161 in the power control device 111 officially determines one or more electronic devices 25 displayed on the period notification screen G7 as power supply destination devices (step S66).

[0110] Next, similar to the generation unit 62 according to the first embodiment, the generation unit 162 generates control signals indicating the on or off state of the plurality of power supply circuits so that power is supplied from the power supply device to the destination devices determined by the determination unit 161. Then, the generation unit 162 outputs the generated control signals to the distribution board 12 (step S67).

[0111] When the circuit control unit 41 in the distribution board 12 receives the control signal output from the generation unit 162, it controls the on / off switching of the multiple power supply circuits based on the control signal (step S68). As a result, the contacts of the relays 45 in the power supply circuits of the electronic devices 25 that are the supply destination devices are turned on, and the contacts of the relays 45 in the power supply circuits of the electronic devices 25 other than the supply destination devices are turned off.

[0112] The determination unit 161 is not limited to a configuration in which the electronic device 25 having the longest operating time in a predetermined period in the past is given priority as the destination device, and may, for example, give priority to the electronic device 25 designated in advance by the user as the destination device.

[0113] (During a power outage) 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations during a power outage in the power control system 101. Referring to Fig. 15, the decision unit 161, like the decision unit 61 according to the first embodiment, periodically recalculates the supplyable amount during a power outage, for example (step S71).

[0114] Next, the determination unit 161 repeatedly calculates the supply period and the estimated end time of the supply period based on the newly calculated available supply amount (step S72). Next, the determination unit 161 checks whether the newly calculated estimated end time is earlier than the estimated end time calculated when the power outage occurred (step S73).

[0115] Then, it is assumed that the newly calculated scheduled end time is earlier than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred ("YES" in step S73). In this case, the determination unit 161 identifies one electronic device 25 that consumes the least amount of power per day among the electronic devices 25 that are the power supply destination devices, other than the electronic devices 25 that are always operating. Then, the determination unit 161 determines to remove the identified electronic device 25 from the power supply destination devices (step S74).

[0116] Next, the determination unit 161 calculates the total power consumption value when the destination device continues to operate during the supply period (step S75). Next, the determination unit 161 calculates a new supply period and a scheduled end time of the supply period based on the newly calculated total power consumption value and the available supply amount (step S76).

[0117] Next, the decision unit 161 determines whether the newly calculated scheduled end time is earlier than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred (step S77), similar to the determination process in step S73.

[0118] Then, it is assumed that the newly calculated scheduled end time is earlier than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred ("YES" in step S77). In this case, the decision unit 161 proceeds to step S74, decides to remove from the current power supply destination devices the electronic device 25 that is other than the electronic device 25 that is always operating and has the lowest power consumption per day, and performs the operations from step S75 onwards again.

[0119] On the other hand, it is assumed that the newly calculated scheduled end time is after the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred ("NO" in step S77). In this case, the determination unit 161 performs the same operations as those from step S62 onwards shown in FIG.

[0120] Also, in step S73, it is assumed that the newly calculated scheduled end time is later than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred ("NO" in step S73). In this case, the determination unit 161 determines whether the newly calculated scheduled end time is 30 minutes or more later than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred (step S78).

[0121] Then, it is assumed that the newly calculated scheduled end time is 30 minutes or more later than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred ("YES" in step S78). In this case, the determination unit 161 proceeds to step S60 shown in Fig. 10, and provisionally determines, for example, the electronic device 25 with the largest power consumption per day among the electronic devices 25 other than the current power supply destination devices as the new power supply destination device. Then, the determination unit 161 performs the operations from step S61 onwards.

[0122] Also, assume that the newly calculated scheduled end time is later than the scheduled end time calculated when the power outage occurred, and the difference between these scheduled end times is less than 30 minutes ("NO" in step S78). In this case, the determination unit 161 performs the same operations as those from step S62 onwards shown in FIG. 11.

[0123] (When power is restored) When the power outage ends and power is restored, the power control device 111 operates in the same manner as the power control device 11 according to the first embodiment. For example, the notification unit 134 in the power control device 111 causes the terminal device 24 to display a power restoration notification screen G4 as shown in Fig. 9. Then, the processing unit 133 in the power control device 111 starts powering on the electronic device 25 selected by the user.

[0124] As described above, in the power control system 101 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, similarly to the power control system 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to change the power supply destination device according to the newly acquired available supply amount. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately control the power supply to the electronic device according to changes in the amount of power supply and the amount of power consumption.

[0125] Furthermore, in the power control system 101 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the selection receiving unit 135 receives from the user a selection of the length of the supply period for which power is to be supplied from the power supply device to the electronic device 25 in the event of a power outage. Then, the determination unit 161 provisionally determines the supply destination device based on the selection result from the user and the available supply amount.

[0126] With this configuration, in the event of a power outage, power can be supplied from the supply device to the power supply destination device continuously for the supply period selected by the user, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0127] Furthermore, in the power control system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the determiner 161 provisionally determines, as a power supply destination device, an electronic device 25 having a long operating time in a predetermined period of time in the past, with priority. With this configuration, the operating status of the electronic device 25 during a power outage can be made similar to the operating status before the power outage occurred.

[0128] In the power control system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the selection receiving unit 135 further receives a selection of whether the user approves the provisionally determined destination device. Then, the determining unit 161 determines the destination device when the provisionally determined destination device is approved by the user.

[0129] With this configuration, the user can confirm the provisionally determined supply destination device and then decide on the supply period and supply destination device, which can further improve the user's satisfaction.

[0130] Furthermore, in the power control system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the selection receiving unit 135 further receives a selection from the user as to whether or not to approve the provisionally determined destination device. If the provisionally determined destination device is not approved by the user, the selection receiving unit 135 receives from the user a reselection of the length of the supply period or a selection of a destination device from among the multiple electronic devices 25.

[0131] In this way, if the supply destination device is different from what the user desired, the user can reselect the length of the supply period or the supply destination device, thereby further improving user satisfaction.

[0132] Furthermore, in the power control system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply device includes a power generation device 21 that is a solar power generation device. Similarly to the determination unit 61 according to the first embodiment, the determination unit 161 acquires solar radiation information indicating a predicted value of the amount of solar radiation, and calculates the predicted amount of power generation of the power generation device 21 as at least a part of the available supply amount based on the solar radiation information and the actual value of power generation by the power generation device 21. With this configuration, it is possible to calculate a more accurate available supply amount that takes into account the predicted value of the amount of solar radiation.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by the description of the present embodiments. The present embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present disclosure should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Power control system 11,111 Power control device 12 Distribution board 21 Power generating equipment 22 Storage battery 23EV 24 Terminal Equipment 25 Electronic equipment 31 Communications Department 32 Storage section 33,133 Processing section 34,134 Notification Department 35,135 Selection Reception Department 41 Circuit control section 42 Measurement section 43 Main breaker 43 Device change button B 44 Branch breaker 45 Relay 51 External Network 52 External Server 61,161 Decision Section 62,162 generator

Claims

1. a circuit control unit that switches on and off a plurality of power supply circuits corresponding to a plurality of electronic devices installed in the facility; a determination unit that, when a power outage occurs, acquires an amount of power that can be supplied from a power supply device installed in the facility to the electronic device, and determines, based on the amount of power that can be supplied, a destination device to which power from the power supply device will be supplied from among the plurality of electronic devices; a generating unit that generates control signals indicating an on state or an off state of the plurality of power supply circuits so that power is supplied from the power supply device to the destination device; the circuit control unit switches the plurality of power supply circuits on and off based on the control signal; The power control system is configured such that the determination unit periodically acquires the available supply amount and is capable of changing the power supply destination device based on the newly acquired available supply amount.

2. The power control system further comprises: a selection receiving unit that receives a selection of the destination device from the plurality of electronic devices when a power outage occurs, 2. The power control system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit provisionally determines the destination device based on a selection result from the user, and calculates a length of a supply period, which is a period during which power can be supplied to the destination device, based on the provisionally determined destination device and the available supply amount.

3. The selection receiving unit further receives a selection of whether the user approves the length of the supply period; The power control system according to claim 2 , wherein the determination unit determines the power supply destination device based on a selection result from the user when the length of the power supply period is approved by the user.

4. 4. The power control system according to claim 2, wherein the selection receiving unit further receives a selection of whether the user approves the length of the supply period, and if the length of the supply period is not approved by the user, receives the selection of the supply destination device from the user again.

5. the power supply device includes a solar power generation device; 3. The power control system according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit acquires solar radiation information indicating a predicted value of solar radiation, and calculates the predicted amount of power generation of the solar power generation device as the supplyable amount based on the solar radiation information and an actual value of power generation by the solar power generation device.

6. The power control system further comprises: a selection receiving unit that receives, from a user, a selection of a length of a supply period for which power is to be supplied from the power supply device to the electronic device when a power outage occurs; The power control system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit provisionally determines the power supply destination device based on a selection result from the user and the available supply amount.

7. The power control system according to claim 6 , wherein the determination unit provisionally determines, as the power supply destination device, the electronic device having the longest operation time in a predetermined period of time in the past, with priority.

8. the selection receiving unit further receives a selection of whether the user approves the provisionally determined destination device; The power control system according to claim 6 , wherein the determination unit determines the power supply destination device when the provisionally determined power supply destination device is approved by the user.

9. 8. The power control system according to claim 6, wherein the selection receiving unit further receives a selection from the user as to whether or not the provisionally determined destination device is approved by the user, and if the provisionally determined destination device is not approved by the user, receives from the user a reselection of the length of the supply period or a selection of the destination device from among the plurality of electronic devices.

10. the power supply device includes a solar power generation device; 7. The power control system according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit acquires solar radiation information indicating a predicted value of solar radiation, and calculates the predicted amount of power generation of the solar power generation device as the supplyable amount based on the solar radiation information and an actual value of power generation by the solar power generation device.

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