Control servers, systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

To address such a problem that it is required to perform such adjustment that power to be consumed is same as power to be produced in real time (balancing) in order to realize stable use of the electric power, but when more power generators are added to accommodate to the peak of power consumption, the power supply cost increases.SOLUTION: A control server 5 communicating via a communication network with each consumption control device performing power consumption control of electric devices using the electric power, receives each power use related data transmitted by each consumption control device, the data relating to power use of the electric devices whose power consumption is controlled by each consumption control device (S65), and transmits, to specific consumption control devices out of each consumption control device, consumption control data causing the specific consumption control devices to control power consumption of specific electric devices to which the specific consumption control devices perform the consumption control, so as to be received by the specific consumption control devices (S67, S68 and S105).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control server, a consumption control device, a trading system, a communication method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electricity produced by renewable energy sources has been attracting attention. This electricity is produced by utilizing renewable energy resources such as sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal power, hydroelectric power, and atmospheric heat. Compared to power generation using fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas, renewable energy is an environmentally friendly energy resource among the resources used to produce electricity, as it emits almost no CO2, which causes global warming. Using such environmentally friendly electricity to operate factories and other facilities can increase corporate value.

[0003] There is also a method of using blockchain in the trading of electricity produced by renewable energy sources (see Patent Document 1). Blockchain is known as a distributed ledger, and by linking multiple ledgers showing electricity trading history using multiple nodes (computers), it is possible to prevent tampering with the transaction history data. Using this to manage electricity trading history is expected to provide evidence of where renewable energy was produced, how much was used by which company, and how much contribution each company is making to the environment.

[0004] On the other hand, in electricity trading, in order to achieve stable use of electricity, it is necessary to adjust the amount of electricity consumed and the amount of electricity produced in real time so that they are the same (simultaneous and equal). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-144851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, if power generation equipment is added to cope with peak power consumption in order to ensure a balanced supply, the cost of supplying power will increase. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention of claim 1 is a control server that communicates via a communication network with a plurality of consumption control devices that control the power consumption of electrical devices that use power, and is characterized by having: a calculation means that calculates the amount of power consumption reduction to be requested of each user based on the total amount of power provided and the total amount of power used; a determination means that determines the amount of power consumption reduction for a specific electrical device of each user based on the calculated amount of power consumption reduction to be requested of each user; a generation means that generates consumption control data based on the amount of consumption reduction determined by the determination means, for causing the consumption control device to control the power consumption of the electrical device whose consumption is being controlled by the consumption control device; and a transmission means that transmits the consumption control data generated by the generation means to be received by a specific consumption control device among the plurality of consumption control devices. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, the present invention has the effect of eliminating the problem of increased power supply costs in order to ensure a balanced power supply by controlling power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a trading system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of a smartphone. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smart meter. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control server and the consumption control device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the control server, consumption control device, and node in the trading system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a process for controlling power consumption. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the power usage related data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the consumption control data generation process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of transaction information and asset information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [System configuration overview] First, an outline of the configuration of the trading system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a trading system according to this embodiment. Here, a case where electricity is handled as an example of an asset will be described. The ownership of the asset and the type of production method of the asset are managed in the asset information described below.

[0012] <Explanation of each company> As shown in Figure 1, there is an electricity producer A, an electricity consumer C, and an intermediary D.

[0013] Producer A is an example of a provider, and is a company that produces electricity from sunlight, which is an example of renewable energy used to produce electricity produced by renewable energy (called "green power" in Japan). Producer A may also be a company that produces electricity from oil, which is an example of fossil fuel. Providers also include associations that purchase assets from each producer and resell them.

[0014] Consumer C is an example of a user, and is a business that consumes the electricity provided by Producer A. Note that users also include those who become owners of assets such as real estate that are not consumed like electricity.

[0015] Intermediary D is a business that mediates the transaction of electricity ownership, such as a retail electricity supplier.

[0016] In addition, types of electricity production methods include methods that utilize sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, hydropower, atmospheric heat, and atomic power. Of these, sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, hydropower, and atmospheric heat belong to the broad category of renewable energy. In addition, oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas belong to the broad category of fossil fuels. Compared to power generation using fossil fuels, power generation using renewable energy emits almost no CO2, which causes global warming, making it an environmentally friendly energy source. In this embodiment, sunlight, solar heat, wind power, biomass, geothermal heat, hydropower, or atmospheric heat is used as renewable energy. In addition, oil, coal, or liquefied natural gas is used as fossil fuels.

[0017] There may be one producer or three or more producers. There may be multiple consumers and intermediaries.

[0018] <Power transmission and distribution network> Substation Bx is the nearest substation to producer A, and substation By is the nearest substation to consumer C. Substations Bx and By, transmission and distribution lines, etc., form a power transmission and distribution network 10. Electric power provided by producer A is supplied to consumer C via the power transmission and distribution network 10.

[0019] <Data communication network> Producer A has a smartphone 2, a smart meter 3a, and a power generation device 4. Consumer C has a smart meter 3c, a consumption control device 6, a sensor 7, and an electrical device 8. Intermediary D manages a control server 5. This intermediary D is a corporation or an individual (for example, a president, an executive, an employee such as an IT manager, etc.).

[0020] The number of smartphones may be two or four or more depending on the number of producers and consumers. The number of smart meters 3a, 3c may be three or more depending on the number of producers and consumers. Hereinafter, the smart meters 3a, 3c will be collectively referred to as smart meter 3. The number of power generation devices 4 may be one or two or more depending on the number of producers.

[0021] The number of control servers 5 may be two or more depending on the number of intermediaries. The control server 5 may be constructed by a single computer or by multiple computers. The number of electric devices 8 may be two or more.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, a tracking system 1 serving as a data communication network is constructed with multiple nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, such as smartphones 2, smart meters 3a and 3c, power generation devices 4, control servers 5, consumption control devices 6, and computers. The nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d also form a blockchain network 90. ​​The blockchain network 90 is constructed within a communication network 100, such as the Internet. The communication network 100 may include the Internet, a mobile communication network, a local area network (LAN), or the like. The communication network 100 may include not only wired communication but also wireless communication networks such as mobile communication systems (4G, 5G, 6G, etc.) and WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). While there are actually many nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d, only four are shown here due to space limitations. The nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d are each managed by a different company. An intermediary D may be included within the different companies. Hereinafter, the nodes 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d will be collectively referred to as node 9.

[0023] Next, the terminals and devices of the producer A and the consumer C will be described.

[0024] (Producer A's terminals and devices) The smartphone 2 can perform data communication with the smart meter 3a using short-range wireless technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The smartphone 2 can also perform data communication with the control server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0025] The smart meter 3a can perform data communication with the control server 5 via the communication network 100. The smart meter 3a also measures the amount of power provided (amount of power generated) by the power generation device 4 at regular time intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further performs processing such as transmitting the provided amount data to the control server 5.

[0026] The power generation device 4 is a device that generates electricity using renewable energy such as sunlight, etc. The power generation device 4 may also be a device that generates electricity using fossil fuels such as petroleum.

[0027] (Consumer C's terminal and device) The smart meter 3c can perform data communication with the control server 5 via the communication network 100. Furthermore, the smart meter 3c measures the amount of power used by the electrical device 8 at regular time intervals (for example, every 30 minutes), and further performs processing such as transmitting usage information indicating the amount of power used and the duration of use to the control server 5 via the communication network 100.

[0028] The consumption control device 6 communicates with the control server 5 via a communication network 100. The consumption control device 6 also communicates with a blockchain network 90 established within the communication network 100. Furthermore, the consumption control device 6 acquires sensor values ​​from sensors 7, acquires power consumption and setting values ​​from electrical devices 8, and outputs setting change data to the electrical devices 8. If the electrical device 8 is a lighting fixture, the setting value is a brightness value or the like, and if the electrical device 8 is an air conditioner, the setting value is a set temperature or the like.

[0029] The sensor 7 is a sensor that detects temperature, humidity, brightness, and the like.

[0030] The electrical device 8 is a lighting fixture, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a copy machine, etc. The electrical device 8 includes smart home appliances. The electrical device 8 changes its own settings based on the setting change data acquired from the consumption control device 6. If the electrical device 8 is a lighting fixture, the electrical device 8 changes the brightness according to the setting change data. If the electrical device 8 is an air conditioner, the electrical device 8 changes the set temperature according to the setting change data.

[0031] (Intermediary D's control server) The control server 5 performs processing to mediate electricity transactions between the producer A and the consumer C. The control server 5 can also access the node 9 of the blockchain network 90 and communicate data with the node 9.

[0032] (supplement) The smartphone 2 is an example of a provider's communication terminal. The communication terminal also includes a smartwatch, a PC, smart glasses, etc. The smart meter 3 is an example of a measurement terminal.

[0033] [Hardware configuration] Next, the hardware configurations of the smartphone 2, the smart meter 3, the control server 5, the consumption control device 6, and the node 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] <Hardware configuration of smartphone> 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smartphone. As shown in FIG. 2, the smartphone 2 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an EEPROM 204, a CMOS sensor 205, an image sensor I / F 206, an acceleration / direction sensor 207, a media I / F 209, and a GPS receiver 211.

[0035] Of these, the CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the smartphone 2. The ROM 202 stores programs used to drive the CPU 201, such as the CPU 201 and IPL. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The EEPROM 204 reads and writes various data, such as smartphone programs, under the control of the CPU 201. The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 205 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject (mainly a self-portrait) and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 201. Note that instead of a CMOS sensor, an imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor may also be used. The imaging element I / F 206 is a circuit that controls the operation of the CMOS sensor 205. The acceleration / azimuth sensor 207 is a variety of sensors, such as an electronic magnetic compass or gyrocompass that detects geomagnetism, and an acceleration sensor. The media I / F 209 controls the reading and writing (storage) of data from and to a recording medium 208, such as a flash memory. The GPS receiver 211 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

[0036] The smartphone 2 also includes a long-distance communication circuit 212, a CMOS sensor 213, an image sensor I / F 214, a microphone 215, a speaker 216, an audio input / output I / F 217, a display 218, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 219, a short-distance communication circuit 220, an antenna 220a of the short-distance communication circuit 220, and a touch panel 221.

[0037] Of these, the long-distance communication circuit 212 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the communication network 100. The CMOS sensor 213 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 201. The imaging element I / F 214 is a circuit that controls the driving of the CMOS sensor 213. The microphone 215 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electrical signal. The speaker 216 is a built-in circuit that converts the electrical signal into physical vibrations to generate sounds such as music and voice. The audio input / output I / F 217 is a circuit that processes the input and output of audio signals between the microphone 215 and the speaker 216 under the control of the CPU 201. The display 218 is a type of display means such as a liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) display that displays images of subjects, various icons, etc. The external device connection I / F 219 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-distance communication circuit 220 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 221 is a type of input means that allows the user to operate the smartphone 2 by pressing the display 218.

[0038] The smartphone 2 also includes a bus line 210. The bus line 210 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 201 shown in FIG.

[0039] <Smart meter hardware configuration> Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smart meter. As shown in Fig. 3, the smart meter 3 is equipped with a computer, and as shown in Fig. 3, it is equipped with a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an NVRAM 304, a display 306, a measurement sensor 307, a switch 308, a network I / F 309, a keypad 311, a short-range communication circuit 320, and an antenna 320a of the short-range communication circuit 320.

[0040] Of these, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the smart meter 3. The ROM 302 stores programs used to drive the CPU 301, such as IPL. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301. The NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) 304 is a non-volatile memory that stores and reads out various data such as programs. The display 306 displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image.

[0041] The measurement sensor 307 measures the power provided or used. The switch 308 turns on (closes) or cuts off (opens) the electric circuit to pass or stop electricity.

[0042] The network I / F 309 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The keypad 311 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting or selecting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The short-range communication circuit 320 is a communication circuit that realizes short-range wireless technology such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The bus line 310 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 301 shown in FIG. 3.

[0043] <Control server hardware configuration> Fig. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control server. Each piece of hardware configuration in the control server 5 is indicated by a reference number in the 500 series. As shown in Fig. 4, the control server 5 is constructed by a computer and includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD 504, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0044] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the control server 5. The ROM 502 stores programs, such as an IPL, used to drive the CPU 501. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 under the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information, such as a cursor, menu, window, text, or image. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external devices are, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, printers, etc. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the communication network 100. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting the components, such as the CPU 501, shown in FIG. 4.

[0045] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the medium is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R or a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, etc. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a recording medium 515, such as a flash memory.

[0046] <Hardware configuration of consumption control device> Figure 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the consumption control device. Each hardware component of the consumption control device 6 is indicated by a reference number in the 600s in parentheses. As shown in Figure 4, the consumption control device 6 is constructed by a computer, and as shown in Figure 4, has the same configuration as the control server 5, so a description of each hardware component will be omitted.

[0047] <Node hardware configuration> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the node. Each piece of hardware configuration of node 9 is indicated by a reference number in the 900s in parentheses. As shown in Fig. 4, node 9 is constructed by a computer, and has the same configuration as control server 5, as shown in Fig. 4, so a description of each piece of hardware configuration will be omitted.

[0048] [Functional configuration] Next, the functional configuration of each terminal and device that constitutes the trading system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of the control server 5, consumption control device 6, and node 9 in the trading system.

[0049] <Control server functional configuration> 5, the control server 5 has a transmitting / receiving unit 51, a calculating unit 52, a determining unit 53, a judging unit 55, a generating unit 56, and a storing / reading unit 59. Each of these units is a function or means realized by one of the components shown in FIG. 4 being loaded from the HD 504 onto the RAM 503 and operating in response to an instruction from the CPU 501 in accordance with a program for the control server.

[0050] The control server 5 also includes a storage unit 5000 constructed by the ROM 502 and HD 504 shown in FIG.

[0051] (Control server functional configuration) The transmission / reception unit 51 of the control server 5 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501 for the network I / F 509, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from other terminals via the communication network 100.

[0052] The calculation unit 52 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 and performs various calculations, the details of which will be described later.

[0053] The decision unit 53 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 and makes various decisions, the details of which will be described later.

[0054] The determination unit 55 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 and performs various determinations, the details of which will be described later.

[0055] The generation unit 56 is realized by the processing of the CPU 501 and performs various generation operations, the details of which will be described later.

[0056] The storage / readout unit 59 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 501 , and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 5000 and reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 5000 .

[0057] <Functional configuration of consumption control device> As shown in Fig. 5, the consumption control device 6 has a transmitting / receiving unit 61, an input / output unit 62, a determining unit 65, and a memory / reading unit 69. Each of these units is a function or means realized by one of the components shown in Fig. 4 being loaded from the HD 604 onto the RAM 603 and operating in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 601 in accordance with a program for the consumption control device.

[0058] The consumption control device 6 also has a storage unit 6000 constructed by the ROM 602 and HD 604 shown in FIG.

[0059] (Functional configuration of consumption control device) The transmission / reception unit 61 of the consumption control device 6 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 601 for the network I / F 609, and transmits and receives various data (or information) to and from the server and nodes via the communication network 100.

[0060] The input / output unit 62 is realized by processing of the CPU 501 on the external device connection I / F 608, and inputs data from an external device (for example, the sensor 7, the electrical device 8) and outputs data to the external device. The input / output unit 62 can also be referred to as an acquisition unit that acquires data from an external device. The input / output unit 62 may also perform data communication using short-range wireless technology such as Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0061] The determination unit 65 is realized by the processing of the CPU 601, and performs various determinations.

[0062] The storage / readout unit 69 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 601 , and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 6000 and reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 6000 .

[0063] <Functional configuration of Node 9> 5, the node 9 has a transmitting / receiving unit 91, a verifying unit 93, a determining unit 95, a transaction processing unit 96, an asset processing unit 97, and a storing / reading unit 99. Each of these units is a function or means realized by one of the components shown in Fig. 4 being loaded from the HD 904 onto the RAM 903 and operating in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 901 in accordance with a program for the node.

[0064] The node 9 also has a storage unit 9000 constructed by the ROM 902 and HD 904 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 shows an image in which transaction information is linked like a chain. Asset information generated based on the transaction information is also stored. Each piece of transaction information and asset information is held by each node.

[0065] (each functional configuration of the node) Next, each functional configuration of the node 9 will be described in detail using Figure 5. The transmitter / receiver 91 of the node 9 is mainly realized by processing of the CPU 901 on the network I / F 909, and transmits and receives various data (or information) with other nodes of the blockchain network 90 within the communication network 100. The transmitter / receiver 91 also transmits and receives various data (or information) with the transmitter / receiver 61 of the consumption control device 6 and the transmitter / receiver 51 of the control server 5.

[0066] The verification unit 93 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and verifies the certificate and the provided information. The verification of the certificate is a process of determining whether or not the certificate is a certificate of the person pre-registered in the node 9. The verification of the provided information is a process of determining whether or not all of the predetermined format and contents (for example, whether the provider has been entered, whether the time of provision has been entered, etc.) have been entered.

[0067] The determination unit 95 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and performs various determinations.

[0068] The transaction processing unit 96 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and performs processing such as generating transaction information indicating transactions used to generate asset information and storing the information in the storage unit 9000.

[0069] The asset processing unit 97 is realized by the processing of the CPU 901, and performs processing such as generating asset information in accordance with transaction information and storing it in the storage unit 9000.

[0070] The storage / readout unit 99 is mainly realized by the processing of the CPU 901 , and stores various data (or information) in the storage unit 9000 and reads out various data (or information) from the storage unit 9000 .

[0071] [Processing or Action] Next, the processing or operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0072] First, the smart meter 3a of the producer A transmits to the control server 5 the supply amount data representing the amount of power generated by the power generation device 4 (S61).

[0073] Meanwhile, on the consumer C side, the electrical device 8 transmits data on the amount of power consumed and the set value to the consumption control device 6 (S62). Also, the sensor 7 transmits sensor value data to the consumption control device 6 (S63).

[0074] Next, in the consumption control device 6, the transmitter / receiver 61 transmits the power usage related data to the control server 5 (S64). This power usage related data includes the data (consumption amount, set value, sensor value) acquired in steps S62 and S63.

[0075] A schematic diagram of the power usage related data is shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows the contents of the power usage related data for a consumer C, where an electrical device 8a, a sensor 7a, an electrical device 8b, and a sensor 7b are installed on floor A1, and an electrical device 8c and a sensor 7c are installed on floor A2.

[0076] The power usage-related data sent by consumer C's consumption control device 6 can be in any format as long as the data can be transmitted. For example, if the data is divided by floor and sent in JSON format, it would look like Figure 7. The JSON can include the information shown here, but other information can also be included. Regarding home appliance information, information such as the manufacturer and device name can be included, as well as individual power consumption information. Regarding floors, the floor is classified as a general living room, but it is also assumed that floor classifications can be specified, such as a server room. Server rooms are typically set lower than normal to allow for cooling of machines without human access. In fact, it is desirable to include such information because it is not desirable to have the temperature automatically raised as a power-saving target to prevent overheating. Another example is a room with weak cooling, where people who do not like strong air conditioning gather. In addition to classification by floor, classification by appliance type (air conditioner, lighting, etc.) is also acceptable.

[0077] The power usage related data may include at least one of the consumption amount, the set value, and the sensor value, and may also include data of other values.

[0078] Next, the control server 5 executes a process for generating consumption control data (S65). The process for generating consumption control data will now be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the process for generating consumption control data.

[0079] First, in the control server 5, as shown in FIG. 8, the calculation unit 52 calculates the difference between the total amount provided by all intermediary providers (total provided amount) and the total amount used by all intermediary users (total consumed amount) (S101).

[0080] Next, the determination unit 55 determines whether "total consumption > total provision," i.e., whether the total consumption exceeds the total provision (S102). If it does (S102; YES), the determination unit 53 determines the order of users to request power consumption control (S103). In this case, the order of users previously agreed upon with each consumer may be tabulated, or the priority of the users to be requested to reduce their consumption may be quantified, with consumers with higher numbers being given higher orders. For example, it is difficult to reduce the power used in a hospital or a server room with a large number of PCs, but it is relatively easy to temporarily stop a factory line. Therefore, the order of users is determined taking such circumstances into consideration.

[0081] Furthermore, the calculation unit 52 calculates the amount of power consumption reduction to be requested of each user according to the above ranking, up to the first user for whom "total consumption amount≦total provided amount" (S104).

[0082] Next, the determination unit 53 determines the specific electrical device for each user for which the consumption reduction amount has been calculated and the amount of power consumption reduction for that electrical device (S105). In this case, the control server 5 determines how much power should be reduced for each electrical device by comparing the latest power usage related data received in step S64 with past power usage related data, such as the consumption amount and setting value of each electrical device, obtained from the consumption control device of each consumer with whom the control server 5 has a trading contract. In this way, by using past power usage related data obtained from other consumers with whom the control server 5 has a trading contract, it is expected that the accuracy of the determination will improve as the amount of such past power usage related data increases.

[0083] For example, if the latest power usage-related data shows that the set temperature of an electrical device 8 (air conditioner) in summer is sufficiently low and the temperature detected by the sensor 7 (temperature sensor) is close to the set temperature, the decision unit 53 decides to raise the set temperature of the air conditioner so that it matches the average temperature of other consumers. If the value of the sensor 7 (illuminance sensor) near a window indicates that there is sufficient brightness, the decision unit 53 decides to lower the illuminance of the electrical device 8 (lighting fixture) so that the brightness is the same as other locations of the same consumer. If there is a floor where the sensor 7 (motion sensor) can confirm that there is no one there, the decision unit 53 decides to lower the illuminance of the electrical device 8 (lighting fixture).

[0084] In addition, the determination unit 53 may determine the power reduction value by comparing general statistical data with the latest power usage related data received in step S64, without using past power usage related data from consumers with whom the transaction contract exists.

[0085] For example, it is generally believed that a 1°C change in the cooling temperature setting of an air conditioner will result in a 13% change in power consumption for cooling and a 10% change for heating. Therefore, the control server 5 may use such general power reduction information to determine how much power should be reduced for each electrical device. The control server 5 may also determine how much power should be reduced for each electrical device by combining past power usage-related data and general power reduction information. By using past power usage-related data and general power reduction information in this way, it is possible to control power consumption to a level that does not cause discomfort to consumers. Furthermore, for example, the reduction effect of changing the air conditioning temperature setting in a store or office differs. Statistically, some data suggests that a 2°C increase in the temperature setting can result in a reduction of approximately 5% for a store and approximately 10% for an office. Therefore, the determination unit 53 may use such statistical data to determine the amount of power reduction.

[0086] Finally, the generation unit 56 generates consumption control data based on the determination made in step S105 (S106).

[0087] This completes the process of step S65 in FIG.

[0088] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 of the control server 5 transmits the consumption control data generated in step S106 to the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of the node 9 (S66).

[0089] Next, in node 9, after the verification unit 93 verifies the legitimacy of the control server 5, the transaction processing unit 96 generates the first transaction information shown in Fig. 9 based on the consumption control data received in step S66 (S67). Then, the asset processing unit 97 generates the asset information shown in Fig. 9 based on the first transaction information (S68).

[0090] As shown in Figure 9, the blockchain ledger manages data history on the chain as transaction information. Separately, data is often managed in the form of assets to access the latest data. Transaction information often manages the history of all data, while asset information manages the latest values ​​of each data. According to this, the first transaction information (first transaction information) written is a "power consumption reduction (control) request" from intermediary D, which describes which consumer is being asked to reduce consumption and how much they are being asked to reduce. If the consumer agrees to the consumption reduction, transaction information (here, second transaction information) for "power consumption reduction (control) agreement" is also written. The latest status of each data item is managed in the form of assets. Note that depending on the consumer's situation, they may not be able to accept the request to reduce consumption, or changing settings to reduce consumption may result in less than expected. Therefore, the power consumption reduction agreement may not necessarily achieve the entire requested amount, and it is acceptable for it to only partially achieve it.

[0091] 9 are merely examples. Information (data) other than these may be stored, or may be stored in a different data format. For example, the asset information and transaction information may be written in a JSON data format, or may be written in a way that describes only the amount of consumption reduction without specifying an electrical device as the consumption request destination.

[0092] Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 91 of the node 9 transmits the consumption control data received in step S66 to the transmitting / receiving unit 61 of the consumption control device 6 (S69).

[0093] Next, the input / output unit 62 of the consumption control device 6 outputs setting change data based on the consumption control data to the electric device 8 (S70). As a result, the electric device 8 changes its setting based on the setting change data (S71). For example, if the consumption reduction data indicates that the power consumption of the electric device 8a should be reduced by 2.0 kWh, the setting change data indicates a setting change to lower the temperature by 2°C, which corresponds to a reduction of 2.0 kWh.

[0094] In addition, the consumption control data may not notify each electrical device 8 of the amount of consumption reduction that consumer C is desired to make to the consumption control device 6, and the consumption control device 6 may decide which electrical devices to reduce their power consumption.

[0095] After the settings of the electrical device 8 are changed as described above, a change in the environment causes the processing of steps S62 to S66 to be executed again. Then, in step S67, the transaction processing unit 96 generates second transaction information shown in Fig. 9. Furthermore, in step S68, the asset processing unit 97 changes the asset information as shown in the lower right of Fig. 9.

[0096] [Major Effects of the Embodiments] As described above, according to this embodiment, rather than increasing the amount of electricity produced by producer A, power consumption is controlled on the consumer C side, thereby eliminating the problem of increased power supply costs in order to ensure a consistent amount of electricity.

[0097] Furthermore, the control server 5 not only instructs consumer C to reduce power consumption, but also instructs specific electrical devices of consumer C to reduce power consumption (see S69), which has the effect of eliminating the need for consumer C to consider which electrical devices need to have their power consumption reduced.

[0098] In particular, when generating electricity using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, the power supply becomes more unstable than when using nuclear or thermal power, and therefore many power generation devices (power generation facilities) must be installed, which makes the problem of increased power supply costs more pronounced.In contrast, according to this embodiment, by controlling power consumption on the consumer C side, it becomes easy to ensure a consistent amount of electricity even if the proportion of electricity generated using renewable energy increases.

[0099] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, by leaving the history of consumption reduction as evidence using the blockchain network 90, it is possible to relatively easily prove that one is eligible for benefits such as government subsidies or grants for reducing consumption. Furthermore, the intermediary D can prepare special electricity plans that include cooperation with consumers in adjusting their electricity consumption, which allows it to differentiate its services from those of other companies.

[0100] 〔others〕 Furthermore, in the above embodiment, power is shown as an example of an asset, but the present invention is not limited to this.Each component such as the CPUs 201, 301, 501, 901 may be a single component or a plurality of components.

[0101] Each function in the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present embodiment includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices designed to execute each of the above-described functions, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an SoC (System on a Chip), a GPU, and a conventional circuit module.

[0102] Furthermore, the power generation device 4 may be provided with a device or function that is a smart meter 3a. Furthermore, the electrical device 8 may be provided with a device or function that is a smart meter 3c.

[0103] Furthermore, each of the above programs may be recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD and distributed.

[0104] Furthermore, in the communication between the smartphone 2 (or smart meter 3), the control server 5, the consumption control device 6, and each node 9, another server or the like may relay data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Trading System 2. Smartphones (an example of a communication device) 3 Smart meter (an example of a measurement terminal) 4. Power generation equipment 5 Control Server 8 Electrical Equipment 9 nodes 10 Power Transmission and Distribution Network 51 Transmitting and receiving unit (reception unit) 52 Calculation unit (an example of calculation means) 53 Determination unit (an example of a determination means) 55 Determination unit (an example of a determination means) 56 Generation unit (an example of generation means) 90 Blockchain Network 91 Transmitter / Receiver 95 Judgment Department 96 Transaction Processing Unit 97 Asset Processing Section 100 Communication Network

Claims

1. A generation means for generating consumption control data including the amount of electricity consumption reduction, A transmission means for sending the generated consumption control data to a node in the blockchain network, A control server characterized by having the following features.

2. Receiving means for receiving power usage-related data, including power consumption, from a power consumption control device that communicates with the aforementioned control server via a communication network. The control server according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

3. A receiving means for receiving data on the amount of electricity supplied from a smart meter of an electricity producer. The control server according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

4. A determination means for determining the amount of consumption reduction based on the amount of electricity consumed and supplied. A control server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the above.

5. A determination means for determining the amount of power consumption reduction for each electrical device. A control server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the above.

6. A control server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned blockchain network, A system that has

7. A method executed by a control server, A step of generating consumption control data including the amount of electricity consumption reduction, The steps include sending the generated consumption control data to a node in the blockchain network, A method that includes this.

8. On the computer, A step of generating consumption control data including the amount of electricity consumption reduction, The steps include sending the generated consumption control data to a node in the blockchain network, A program that executes the command.

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