Washing and drying system and washing and drying machine

Abstract

To provide a washing and drying system and a washing and drying machine capable of more effectively utilizing surplus power of solar power generation.SOLUTION: The washing and drying machine system 100 includes a washing and drying machine 1 for performing a washing and drying process including a washing process and a drying process of laundry. Surplus power of solar power generation is supplied to the washing and drying machine 1. In a booked operation in which an initial operation schedule in which a washing and drying process is completed at a scheduled completion time is set, an advanced operation schedule in which the washing and drying machine can use more surplus electric power in the drying process as compared with a case where the washing and drying process is performed in the initial operation schedule is selected from an advanceable period that is a predetermined period from a time when the booked operation is set to the scheduled completion time, based on prediction information of temporal fluctuation of a surplus electric power amount of solar power generation. The washing and drying process is performed according to the accelerated operation schedule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing and drying system and a washing and drying machine. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrical appliance such as a washing machine that is driven by power supplied from a solar generator (solar battery) when the solar generator generates surplus power. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-130507 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Washer-dryers (washing machines with a drying function) do not take into account the difference in power consumption between the washing and drying processes (the schedule for the drying process, which consumes more power), so there is room for more effective use of surplus solar power generation (photovoltaic power generation).

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing / drying system and a washing / drying machine that can more effectively utilize surplus solar-generated electricity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A washing and drying system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a washing and drying machine that performs a washing and drying process including a washing process and a drying process of laundry. Surplus solar-generated electricity is supplied to the washer / dryer 1. In a reserved operation in which an initial operation schedule is set in which the washing and drying process is completed at a scheduled completion time, an advanced operation schedule that allows the washer-dryer 1 to utilize more surplus power in the drying process than when the washing and drying process is performed according to the initial operation schedule is selected from an advanced operation period, which is a predetermined period between the setting of the reserved operation and the scheduled completion time, based on forecast information on temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power generated by solar power generation. The washing and drying process is carried out according to an advanced operation schedule. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing / drying system and a washing / drying machine that can more effectively utilize surplus solar-generated electricity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a washer / dryer system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a method for selecting an advanced operation schedule in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control in the washer / dryer of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1(a) is a block diagram showing one aspect of a configuration related to control of a washer-dryer 1 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server in a washer-dryer system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic graph for explaining surplus power generated by solar power generation. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing classification of drying steps in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the ranking of surplus power amounts in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a method for selecting an advanced operation schedule in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] <Overall configuration of a washer / dryer> First, the overall configuration of a washing / drying machine 1 used in a washing / drying system 100 (see FIG. 1) of this embodiment will be described.

[0011] In the present disclosure, a "washer-dryer" refers to any appliance that combines the functions of a "washer" and a "dryer." In the present disclosure, the term "washing machine" refers to a general device that performs various processes on laundry, such as washing. Examples of processes that a washing machine can perform include washing, deodorizing, and sterilizing. The laundry is not particularly limited. Examples of laundry include cloth products. Specific examples of laundry include clothing such as clothes, hats, and gloves, personal belongings such as shoes, bags, handkerchiefs, and towels, bedding such as curtains, blankets, towel blankets, and futon covers, carpets, and stuffed toys. In this disclosure, the term "dryer" generally refers to an appliance that reduces the moisture content of an object to be dried, such as laundry. The dryer may be, for example, an appliance that reduces the moisture content of an object to be dried by heating the object. The dryer may be, for example, an appliance that reduces the moisture content of an object to be dried by supplying air to the object. The dryer may be, for example, an appliance that reduces the moisture content of an object to be dried by supplying heated air to the object to be dried or by heating the object while supplying air.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a washer / dryer according to an embodiment. The washer / dryer 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes a housing 11, a door 12, a washing tub 13, a washing drum 14, a motor 15 as a rotation mechanism, a water supply channel 16, and a drain channel 17.

[0013] Housing 11 houses each component of washer / dryer 1. Housing 11 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. One side of housing 11, i.e., the upper portion of the entire surface, is an inclined surface 11a that faces diagonally upward. A main opening 11b is formed in the inclined surface 11a of the housing 11. The main opening 11b is used for putting in and taking out laundry such as clothes. The door 12 is rotatably supported by the housing 11. The door 12 is rotatable between a closed position where the main opening 11b is closed and an open position where the main opening 11b is open.

[0014] A water inlet 11c is provided at the top of the housing 11. A water outlet 11d is provided at the bottom of the housing 11. Washing tub 13 stores water used for washing. Washing tub 13 is formed with opening 13a that communicates with main opening 11b of housing 11. Washing tub 13 also has water supply port 13b and drain port 13c. Water supply channel 16 is a water channel that runs from water supply port 11c of housing 11 to water supply port 13b of washing tub 13. Drain channel 17 is a water channel that runs from drain port 13c of washing tub 13 to drain port 11d of housing 11.

[0015] Laundry is placed into the washing drum 14. The washing drum 14 accommodates the laundry. The washing drum 14 is cylindrical with an opening 14a at one end and a bottom at the other end. The laundry is placed into the washing drum 14 through the main opening 11b and the opening 14a of the washing drum 14. The cylindrical portion and bottom of the washing drum 14 are also provided with a number of water-passing holes. The water supplied to water supply passage 16 is supplied into washing tub 13 through water supply port 13b, and further into washing drum 14 through the water passage hole. The water inside washing tub 13 and washing drum 14 passes through drain outlet 13c and drain channel 17 and is discharged from drain outlet 11d.

[0016] Washing drum 14 is supported rotatably around rotating shaft 15a. Motor 15 rotates washing drum 14 by rotating rotating shaft 15a. Motor 15 constitutes a rotation mechanism that rotates washing drum 14, which constitutes a tub. Motor 15 as a rotation mechanism may, for example, rotate washing drum 14 only in one rotation direction about the axis of rotating shaft 15a, or may be configured to rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. For example, motor 15 may be controlled to repeatedly perform one rotation operation that rotates washing drum 14 clockwise and another rotation operation that rotates washing drum 14 counterclockwise. The rotation axis 15a of the washing drum 14 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the opening 14a of the washing drum 14 faces diagonally upward.

[0017] For example, by driving motor 15 and rotating washing drum 14 relative to washing tub 13 when water is stored in washing tub 13, laundry in washing drum 14 can be washed or rinsed. Also, by driving motor 15 when there is no water in washing tub 13, laundry in washing drum 14 can be dehydrated.

[0018] The washer / dryer 1 further includes a drying device (not shown). The drying device dries the laundry in the washing tub 13 (washing drum 14) by circulating air inside the washing tub 13.

[0019] The drying device has, for example, a blower mechanism, a heating mechanism, and a dehumidifying mechanism. The blower mechanism (fan, etc.), washing tub 13, dehumidifying mechanism, and heating mechanism are connected by a circulation path. The blower mechanism sends air heated by the heating mechanism to washing tub 13 via the circulation path. The air sent to washing tub 13 absorbs moisture from the laundry and is then sent to the dehumidifying mechanism via the circulation path. The low-humidity air dehumidified by the dehumidifying mechanism is heated by the heating mechanism to become high-temperature, low-humidity air.

[0020] For example, the heating mechanism and the dehumidifying mechanism may be configured by a heat pump. The heat pump includes a refrigerant circuit, a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, etc. Air is heated in the condenser. Water vapor contained in the air sent from washing tub 13 condenses in the evaporator, reducing the moisture content of the air (dehumidifying it). Thus, in the heat pump, the condenser serves as a heating mechanism that heats the air sent to washing tub 13, and the evaporator serves as a dehumidifying mechanism that dehumidifies the air returning from washing tub 13. The dehumidifying mechanism and the heating mechanism are not limited to heat pumps, and may be configured by other devices, such as a water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism or a heating mechanism using an electric resistance heater.

[0021] <Washing and drying system> A washing and drying system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The washing and drying system of this embodiment includes a washing and drying machine 1. As described above, the washing and drying machine 1 is a device that combines the functions of a "washing machine" and a "dryer," and performs a washing and drying process including a washing process and a drying process of laundry.

[0022] In this embodiment, surplus solar power (power generated by the solar generator 4) is supplied to the washer / dryer. The washer / dryer system 100 may include a power distribution device 3 for supplying surplus solar power.

[0023] The washing and drying process may be performed as an on-demand operation that is immediately performed by a user operation, or as a scheduled operation with a scheduled completion time set by the user. However, the washing and drying system of this embodiment is characterized in that, if there is an advanced operation schedule that allows the washer-dryer to make greater use of surplus power in the drying process during the scheduled operation, the washing and drying process is performed according to such advanced operation schedule (the operation schedule of the washer-dryer is advanced). In the reserved operation, a scheduled completion time is set when the reservation is made. That is, an initial operation schedule is set in which the washing and drying cycle is completed at the scheduled completion time.

[0024] Specifically, during a reserved operation, if it is determined based on the forecast information of the temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus power generated by solar power generation that an advanced operation schedule exists, which is an operation schedule that allows the washer-dryer to utilize more surplus power in the drying process than when the washing and drying process is performed under the initial operation schedule, the washing and drying process is performed under the advanced operation schedule (steps S4, S5, and S61 in FIG. 4). In other words, the washing and drying process is performed (the start time of the washing and drying process is advanced) so that the drying process can be performed during a time period when more surplus power can be used (more effectively). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no earlier operation schedule, the washing and drying process is carried out according to the initial operation schedule set at the time of reservation (steps S4 and S62 in FIG. 4).

[0025] Here, the advanced operation schedule is an operation schedule (which has the same required time as the initial operation schedule but differs only in start time) that is selected from the advanced operation period, which is a predetermined period (such as the period while waiting for a reservation) between the time the reserved operation is set (reserved) and the scheduled completion time. For this purpose, first, the period during which the work can be brought forward is determined (step S1 in FIG. 4).

[0026] The start of the period during which the work can be brought forward can be set to, for example, 6:00 a.m. on the same day as the scheduled completion time. In this case, the washing and drying process will not be carried out late at night or early in the morning, which can avoid problems such as noise. The start of the period during which the washing can be advanced may be set, for example, 12 hours before the scheduled completion time. In this case, it is possible to prevent the actual end time of the washing start process from being too early compared to the scheduled completion time, which could result in wrinkles being difficult to remove from laundry or an increase in the amount of electricity required for the wrinkle prevention operation. The start of the period during which the work can be advanced may be the later of a specified time on the same day as the scheduled completion time (for example, 6:00 AM) or a specified time before the scheduled completion time (for example, 12 hours before).

[0027] The end of the period during which the laundry can be brought forward can be set to, for example, one hour before the scheduled completion time. In this case, even if it takes longer than expected to dry the laundry in the drying process, the washing and drying process can be completed on time as long as the extended drying time is within one hour. The end of the period during which the work can be brought forward may be set to either one hour before the scheduled completion time or 7:00 PM on the same day as the scheduled completion time, whichever is earlier. In this case, the washing and drying process will not be carried out late at night or early in the morning, which will avoid problems such as noise.

[0028] The surplus electricity is solar-generated electricity that is estimated to be usable for operating the washer / dryer (washing and drying process). In other words, the amount of surplus power is the amount of power generated by solar power generation minus the amount of power consumed (the total amount of power consumed by home appliances other than the washer-dryer) (see Figure 6), and is expressed by the following formula. Surplus electricity = electricity generated - electricity consumed

[0029] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the predicted information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus electricity is obtained as the difference between the amount of electricity generated and the amount of electricity consumed based on the predicted information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of electricity generated by solar power generation and the predicted information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of electricity consumed by electrical appliances other than the washer-dryer. The predicted information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of power generated by solar power generation is, for example, predicted information obtained by predicting the amount of solar radiation based on information such as a weather forecast. The prediction information of the temporal fluctuation of the power consumption amount is, for example, prediction information based on statistical data of the power consumption amount (lifestyle patterns) in the past.

[0030] Forecast information on temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power (surplus power forecast) can be obtained, for example, from a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). For example, AI (artificial intelligence) installed on server 5 on the cloud can work in conjunction with the HEMS to estimate the amount of power consumption based on lifestyle patterns and the amount of power generation based on predicted solar radiation, predict the amount of surplus power for the next day, and control the operation of the washer-dryer so that the washing and drying process is carried out according to an advanced operation schedule that makes effective use of the surplus power.

[0031] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of control for carrying out the washing and drying process in an advanced operation schedule that allows for effective use of surplus power will be described.

[0032] <Embodiment 1> In embodiment 1, based on forecast information (surplus power forecast) of temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power, the period in which advancement is possible is classified into a period in which surplus power occurs (referred to as a "period with surplus") and a period in which surplus power does not occur (referred to as a "period without surplus"). In the first embodiment, the above-described advanced operation schedule is an operation schedule in which the period during which there is a surplus and the drying process overlap is longer than in the initial operation schedule (when the washing and drying process is performed in the initial operation schedule).

[0033] It is preferable to determine the advanced operation schedule so that the overlap period between the surplus period and the drying process is maximized, thereby enabling the surplus power to be used most effectively.

[0034] Generally, the drying process consumes more electricity (per unit time) than the washing process (from the washing process to the spin-drying process). In the washing and drying system of this embodiment, the drying process, which consumes a large amount of power, is carried out earlier during a period when there is a large amount of surplus power, thereby making more effective use of surplus power generated by solar power generation. In addition, by using surplus solar power to cover the electricity required to operate the washer-dryer, it is possible to reduce the amount of electricity used from the grid (commercial power supply).

[0035] Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, first, a period during which the schedule can be advanced is determined (step S1). Further, prediction information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus power (surplus power prediction) is acquired (step S2). Also, the total required time for the washing and drying process (washing process and drying process) is determined (Step S3). The total required time is usually the same as the total required time of the initial operation schedule. Steps S1 to S3 may be performed in any order, either sequentially or simultaneously.

[0036] Next, it is determined whether or not there is an advanced operation schedule that allows the washer-dryer to utilize more surplus power in the drying process (step S4).

[0037] If it is determined in step S4 that an advanced operation schedule exists, an advanced operation schedule is selected (step S5). In the first embodiment, the operation schedule in which the period during which the drying process is performed within the period with surplus power (the overlap period between the period with surplus power and the drying process) is the longest is selected as the advanced operation schedule.

[0038] Next, the washer / dryer is operated according to the advanced operation schedule selected in step S5, and the washing and drying cycle is carried out (step S61).

[0039] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that there is no advanced operation schedule, the washing and drying process is carried out according to the initial operation schedule set at the time of reservation (step S62).

[0040] A specific example of a method for selecting an advanced operation schedule in step S5 will be described with reference to FIG. In Figure 3, the period during which the project can be advanced is from 9:00 to 15:00 (one hour before the scheduled completion time). An example of the distribution of "periods with surplus power" and "periods without surplus power" within this period during which the project can be advanced is shown in Figure 3.

[0041] The length of the overlap period between the period with surplus power and the drying process was compared for operation schedules I to V, which were created by moving the initial operation schedule forward in 30-minute increments. The results showed that operation schedules I, II, and V had the longest overlap period between the period with surplus power and the drying process, all of which were 1.5 hours.

[0042] In this way, if there are two or more candidate operation schedules that have the longest overlap period between the period with surplus power and the drying process, it is preferable to select the operation schedule I that is closest to the scheduled completion time as the advanced operation schedule (time shift destination). Operation close to the scheduled completion time set in advance by the user is in line with the user's wishes, and laundry such as clothes is less likely to wrinkle when taken out at the scheduled completion time, and less electricity is required for wrinkle prevention operation.

[0043] (Other Controls: Variations) It should be noted that the surplus power generated by solar power generation may be utilized more effectively by further other control such as the following.

[0044] For example, if the surplus period cannot cover the drying operation time, the drying process time may be shortened by making the drying control stronger than usual (raising the drying temperature) so that the drying process can be completed within the surplus period. Furthermore, when the period of surplus is long (especially when the amount of surplus electricity is relatively small and the period of surplus is relatively long), the operating time of the drying process may be extended by weakening the drying power of the drying process compared to normal.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, if the surplus period cannot cover the entire drying process, it is preferable to carry out at least part of the finishing drying process (the process following the main drying process), which requires relatively little power consumption, during the no-surplus period. In this case, the drying power of the finishing drying process may be weaker than usual (the drying temperature may be lower than usual). The finishing drying step is a step for keeping the laundry such as clothes warm at the end of the drying step, and is not necessarily performed. Therefore, in order to control the amount of power used low, the finishing drying step may be omitted, or the drying power in the finishing drying step may be made weaker than usual (power consumption of the heater, etc. may be reduced).

[0046] (Wrinkle prevention operation) If the actual operation end time in the advanced operation schedule is earlier than the scheduled completion time set at the time of reservation by a predetermined time or more, wrinkle prevention operation may be performed before the scheduled completion time. If clothes are left for a long time after drying has finished, they are more likely to wrinkle. Therefore, by running the "Wrinkle Prevention Operation" until the scheduled completion time, clothes can be taken out at the time specified by the user without wrinkles. The wrinkle prevention operation is a process of rotating the laundry by rotating the washing tub, etc., to remove wrinkles from the laundry. The power consumption of the wrinkle prevention operation is less than the power consumption of the drying process.

[0047] <Embodiment 2> The control flow of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but the determination methods in steps S4 and S5 are different.

[0048] Specifically, in the second embodiment, periods during which the power generation can be brought forward are classified into a plurality of ranks with different amounts of surplus power based on prediction information of temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power.

[0049] The drying process includes a drying start-up process that is performed first, a main drying process that is performed after the drying start-up process, and a drying finish process that is performed last. As shown in Fig. 7, the drying start-up process and the drying finish process consume more power than the main drying process. Also, the drying start-up process and the drying finish process usually require less time than the main drying process.

[0050] In the second embodiment, the above-mentioned advanced operation schedule is an operation schedule that satisfies the following first condition. [Condition 1] The drying start-up process and the drying finish process are carried out during the period of rank A, which has the largest amount of surplus power among the multiple ranks.

[0051] The multiple ranks may include rank A, which has the largest amount of surplus power, rank B, which has a smaller amount of surplus power than rank A, and rank C, which has a smaller amount of surplus power than rank B. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the period in which the amount of surplus energy exceeds the judgment threshold B' may be defined as a period of rank A, the period in which the amount of surplus energy is between the judgment thresholds C' and B' may be defined as a period of rank B, and the period in which the amount of surplus energy is below the judgment threshold C' may be defined as a period of rank C.

[0052] In this case, from the viewpoint of more effective utilization of surplus power, the advanced operation schedule is preferably an operation schedule that satisfies the first condition above and the second condition below. [Second condition] The main drying process is carried out during the period of rank A or rank B (it is not carried out during the period of rank C).

[0053] In embodiment 2, by dividing the drying process into multiple stages according to the amount of power consumption, the operation schedule can be brought forward (time shifted) so that the drying start-up process and drying finish process, which are stages with high power consumption, are carried out during the rank A period when the amount of surplus power is the highest, thereby making it possible to make more effective use of surplus power.

[0054] A specific example of a method for selecting an operation schedule to be moved forward in step S5 will be described with reference to FIG. In Figure 9, the period during which work can be advanced is from 9:00 to 16:45 (15 minutes before the scheduled completion time). An example of the distribution of the periods of "Rank A," "Rank B," and "Rank C" within this period during which work can be advanced is shown in Figure 9.

[0055] In step S5 of the second embodiment, an operation schedule to be brought forward is selected by determining whether or not the operation schedule within the brought forward period satisfies the first and second conditions. As an example, among operation schedules obtained by moving the initial operation schedule forward by 15 minutes, operation schedules I to VI shown in FIG. 9 were examined to see if they satisfied the first and second conditions. Here, operation schedule I does not satisfy condition 1. Operation schedule II satisfies conditions 1 and 2. Operation schedule III satisfies conditions 1 and 2. Operation schedule IV does not satisfy condition 1. Operation schedule V does not satisfy condition 1. Operation schedule VI satisfies condition 1 but does not satisfy condition 2. From the above results, the candidates for the advanced operation schedule are narrowed down to operation schedule II or III, which satisfies both conditions 1 and 2.

[0056] As in the first embodiment, when there are two or more candidates for the advanced operation schedule, it is preferable to select the operation schedule III that is closest to the scheduled completion time as the advanced operation schedule (time shift destination).

[0057] Note that the control for carrying out the washing and drying process in an advanced operation schedule that allows for effective use of surplus power may be realized by a method other than those described in the first and second embodiments. For example, when prediction information (such as a line graph or curve graph) of the temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus power over a continuous short span as shown in Figure 6 is obtained, an advanced operation schedule may be determined so that the integrated value of the amount of surplus power during the drying process is maximized.

[0058] (Control mechanism) The washing and drying system of the present embodiment may include a control mechanism for controlling the operation schedule or execution time (start time) of the washing and drying process. The control mechanism may be provided in the washer-dryer, or in a server or the like. Furthermore, the control mechanism of the washer-dryer and the control mechanism of the server or the like may cooperate to control the operation of the washer-dryer. For example, the determination (judgment) of the advanced operation schedule (time shift destination) may be made by a server, and the control mechanism of the washer-dryer may control the operation of the washer-dryer so that the washing and drying process is actually performed based on the advanced operation schedule determined by the server.

[0059] (Configuration for controlling washer-dryer) FIG. 5(a) shows one aspect of the configuration related to the control of the washer / dryer 1. The washer / dryer 1 of this embodiment may include, as main control system components, a CPU 210, a memory 220, a display 230, an operation unit 240, a communication interface 260, a speaker 270, a sensor 280, and an equipment driving unit 290.

[0060] CPU 210 executes programs stored in memory 220 or an external storage medium to control each part of washer-dryer 1. Note that washer-dryer 1 may include a processor other than a CPU, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0061] The memory 220 is realized by various types of RAM, various types of ROM, etc., and stores information necessary for using various services, such as programs executed by the CPU 210, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 210, data input via the operation unit 240, and data received from the server 5 via a router or the Internet.

[0062] The display 230 outputs characters, images, etc. based on signals from the CPU 210. The display 230 may simply be an LED light or the like.

[0063] The operation unit 240 is realized by buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives commands from a user and inputs the commands to the CPU 210. The display 230 and the operation unit 240 may form a touch panel 250.

[0064] The communication interface 260 is realized by an antenna for wireless communication, a connector for wired communication, etc. By using the communication interface 260, the CPU 210 exchanges various data with other devices such as the server 5 via a router, the Internet, etc.

[0065] The speaker 270 outputs voice messages and the like based on the voice data from the CPU 210 .

[0066] The various sensors 280 may be a weight sensor, a temperature sensor, a door open / close sensor, etc. The sensors 280 measure various parameters and input the measurement results to the CPU 210.

[0067] Device driving unit 290 controls each part of washer / dryer 1 based on a signal from CPU 210. Device driving unit 290 may be, for example, a motor for a washing tub, a heater for a dryer, a water supply damper, a drain damper, or the like.

[0068] For example, the CPU 210 causes the appliance driving unit 290 to wash or dry based on commands from the operation unit 240, transmits operating status and environmental information to the server 5 via the communication interface 260, and receives remote control commands from the server 5.

[0069] (server) The washing and drying system may further include a server.

[0070] The server may include, for example, a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface allows the server to communicate with a database that stores information such as forecasts of temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus solar power generation. The processor refers to the database via the communication interface to select (determine) an appropriate advanced operation schedule, and outputs a command to the washer-dryer to carry out the washing and drying process according to the advanced operation schedule.

[0071] 5(b), the server 5 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 as a processor, a memory 52, an operation unit 53, and a communication interface 54 as main components.

[0072] The CPU 51 controls each part of the server 5 by executing a program stored in the memory 52. ​​For example, the CPU 51 executes a program stored in the memory 52 and performs various processes by referring to various data.

[0073] The memory 52 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), various types of ROM (Read-Only Memory), etc. The memory 52 stores programs executed by the CPU 51, data generated by the execution of the programs by the CPU 51, data input from the operation unit 53, etc. The memory 52 of the server may store, for example, forecast information on temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power. Note that this data does not have to be stored inside the server 5 itself, but may be stored in another device accessible by the server 5.

[0074] The operation unit 53 receives commands from a service administrator or the like and inputs the commands to the CPU 51. Information may also be input automatically without going through the operation unit 53.

[0075] The communication interface 54 transmits data from the CPU 51 to other devices such as the server 5 via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 54 receives data from other devices via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc., and passes the data to the CPU 51.

[0076] [summary] A washing and drying system according to one aspect of the present disclosure (for example, washing and drying system 100) includes a washing and drying machine that performs a washing and drying process including a washing process and a drying process of laundry. The washer-dryer (for example, washer-dryer 1) is supplied with surplus solar-generated electricity. In a reserved operation in which an initial operation schedule is set in which the washing and drying process is completed at a scheduled completion time, based on prediction information of temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power generated by the solar power generation, an advanced operation schedule that enables the washer-dryer to use more of the surplus power in the drying process than when the washing and drying process is performed according to the initial operation schedule is selected from an advanced operation possible period, which is a predetermined period between the time when the reserved operation is set and the scheduled completion time; The washing and drying process is carried out according to the advanced operation schedule.

[0077] In a washing and drying system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the predicted information on the temporal fluctuation of the surplus electricity amount is obtained as the difference between the amount of electricity generated and the amount of electricity consumed, based on predicted information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of electricity generated by the solar power generation system and predicted information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of electricity consumed by electrical appliances other than the washer-dryer.

[0078] In a washing and drying system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the advanceable period is classified into a surplus period, which is a period during which the surplus electricity occurs, and a non-surplus period, which is a period during which the surplus electricity does not occur, based on predicted information of the temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus electricity. The advanced operation schedule is an operation schedule in which the period during which the surplus period and the drying process overlap is longer than that of the initial operation schedule.

[0079] In a washing and drying system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the advanceable period is classified into a plurality of ranks according to the amount of surplus power, based on prediction information of temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus power. The drying process includes a drying start-up process that is performed first, a main drying process that is performed after the drying start-up process, and a drying finish process that is performed last. The advanced operation schedule is an operation schedule that satisfies the following first condition. (First Condition) The drying start-up step and the drying finish step are performed within a period of rank A, which has the largest amount of surplus power among the plurality of ranks.

[0080] In a washing and drying system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of ranks include rank A, rank B having a smaller amount of surplus electricity than rank A, and rank C having a smaller amount of surplus electricity than rank B. The advanced operation schedule is an operation schedule that satisfies the first condition and the following second condition. (Second Condition) The main drying step is carried out within the period of the rank A or the rank B.

[0081] In a washing and drying system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the washing and drying system further includes a server (for example, server 5). The server a communication interface (e.g., communication interface 54) for communicating with a database that stores forecast information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus solar power generation; and a processor (e.g., CPU 51) that selects the advanced operation schedule by referring to the database via the communication interface and outputs a command to the washer-dryer to perform the washing and drying process according to the advanced operation schedule.

[0082] One aspect of the present disclosure also relates to a washer / dryer used in any of the above-described washing and drying systems.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100 Washing and Drying System 1 washing machine 11. Housing 11a Slope 11b Main opening 11c Water inlet 11d Drain port 12 doors 13 Washing machine 13a aperture 13b Water inlet 13c drain 14 Washing drum 14a aperture 15 Motor 15a Rotation axis 16 Water supply channel 17 Drainage Channel 18 Circulation Route 210 CPU 200 memory 230 Display 240 Operation section 260 Communication Interface 270 Speaker 280 Sensors 290 Machine Drive Unit 3 Power distribution equipment 4. Solar generator 5 Server 51 CPU 52 memory 53 Operation section 54 Communication Interface

Claims

1. A washing and drying system including a washing and drying machine that performs a washing and drying process including a washing process and a drying process of laundry, The washer-dryer is supplied with surplus solar-generated electricity, In a reserved operation in which an initial operation schedule is set in which the washing and drying process is completed at a scheduled completion time, When it is determined that an advanced operation schedule exists, the advanced operation schedule is an operation schedule selected from within an advanceable period, which is a predetermined period from the time when the reserved operation is set to the scheduled completion time, and is an operation schedule that allows the washer-dryer to use more of the surplus power in the drying process than in the initial operation schedule, based on prediction information of the temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus power of the solar power generation, The washing and drying process is carried out according to the advanced operation schedule.

2. 2. The washing and drying system according to claim 1, wherein the prediction information of the temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus power is obtained as a difference between the amount of power generated and the amount of power consumed, based on prediction information of the temporal fluctuation of the amount of power generated by the solar power generation and prediction information of the temporal fluctuation of the amount of power consumed by electrical appliances other than the washer-dryer.

3. Based on prediction information of temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power, the period during which the power can be brought forward is classified into a surplus period during which the surplus power occurs and a non-surplus period during which the surplus power does not occur; The advanced operation schedule is an operation schedule in which a period during which the surplus period and the drying process overlap is longer than that of the initial operation schedule. The washing and drying system of claim 1 .

4. the period during which the power generation can be advanced is classified into a plurality of ranks according to the amount of surplus power, based on prediction information of a temporal fluctuation of the amount of surplus power; The drying process includes a drying start-up process that is performed first, a main drying process that is performed after the drying start-up process, and a drying finish process that is performed last, The washing and drying system according to claim 1 , wherein the advanced operation schedule satisfies the following first condition: [First condition] The drying start-up step and the drying finish step are performed within a period of rank A, which has the largest amount of surplus power among the plurality of ranks.

5. the plurality of ranks include the rank A, a rank B having a smaller amount of surplus power than the rank A, and a rank C having a smaller amount of surplus power than the rank B; The washing and drying system according to claim 4 , wherein the advanced operation schedule satisfies the first condition and the following second condition: [Second condition] The main drying step is carried out within the period of Rank A or Rank B.

6. The washing and drying system further comprises a server; The server a communication interface for communicating with a database that stores forecast information on temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus solar power generation; a processor that selects the advanced operation schedule by referring to the database via the communication interface, and outputs a command to the washer-dryer to perform the washing and drying process according to the advanced operation schedule, The washing and drying system of claim 1 .

7. A washing / drying machine used in the washing / drying system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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