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. The amount of surplus electric power of the solar power generation is measured. Power consumption control of the drying process is performed based on the measured value of the surplus power amount so that the power consumption amount of the drying process is equal to or less than the surplus power amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

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] For example, if the washing and drying cycle is performed during a time period when there is sufficient surplus power based on a predicted amount of surplus power, a temporary drop in surplus power (a decrease in power generation or an increase in power consumption by other electrical appliances) may occur during actual operation, causing the washer-dryer to consume more power than the surplus. In this case, the amount of power used from the grid power supply (commercial power supply) other than solar power generation will increase.

[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. The washer / dryer is supplied with surplus solar-generated electricity. The amount of surplus solar power generation is measured. Based on the measured value of the surplus power amount, power consumption control for the drying process is performed so that the power consumption for the drying process is equal to or less than the surplus power amount. [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] 4 is a timing chart illustrating an example of control in the washer / dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the washer / dryer of the 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. 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] Surplus solar power (power generated by solar generator 4) is supplied to washer / dryer 1. Washer / dryer system 100 may include power distribution device 3 for supplying surplus solar power.

[0023] 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

[0024] In this embodiment, the amount of surplus solar power generation is measured (monitored). The measurement may be performed continuously or intermittently at predetermined intervals (for example, every 5 minutes).

[0025] (Power consumption control during drying process) Based on the measured value of the surplus power amount obtained by this measurement, power consumption control for the drying process (for example, control of the drying mode described below) is performed so that the power consumption for the drying process is equal to or less than the surplus power amount (see FIG. 3). The measured value is preferably a real-time value.

[0026] That is, in this embodiment, surplus power is monitored, and when the surplus power is low, control is implemented to temporarily reduce the power consumption of the drying process (washer / dryer), so that the drying process can be carried out within the range of surplus power.

[0027] For example, if the washing and drying process is performed during a time period when there is sufficient surplus power based on a predicted amount of surplus power, even if an unpredictable temporary drop in power generation occurs, the power consumption of the washer-dryer can be temporarily reduced so that the drying process can continue to operate within the range of the surplus power. Therefore, the utilization rate of surplus electricity in the drying process can be increased, the utilization rate of electricity from the grid power supply (commercial power supply) can be reduced, and surplus electricity from solar power generation can be used more effectively.

[0028] Generally, the drying process consumes more power (per unit time) than the washing process (washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes). In the washing and drying system of this embodiment, the utilization rate of surplus power is increased, particularly in the drying process which consumes a large amount of power, and the utilization rate of power from the grid power supply (commercial power supply) is reduced, thereby effectively increasing the utilization rate of surplus power in the total power consumption of the washer-dryer and effectively reducing the utilization rate of power from the grid power supply.

[0029] It is not necessary that the amount of power consumed in the drying process be always equal to or less than the surplus power amount throughout the entire drying process. The power consumption control in the drying process may be performed so as to reduce the time during which the amount of power consumed in the drying process exceeds the amount of surplus power (surplus power shortage time). However, it is preferable that the surplus power shortage time is 0. In other words, it is preferable that the drying process be controlled so that the amount of power consumed in the drying process is always equal to or less than the amount of surplus power throughout the entire drying process (see Figure 3). In this case, the power consumed in the drying process can be entirely covered by surplus power, making it possible to make the most effective use of the surplus power.

[0030] (Drying mode control) Specifically, the control of the drying step can be carried out by controlling the operation mode (drying mode) of the drying step. An example of the control of the drying mode will be described below.

[0031] The drying process can be performed in either a normal mode, which provides the highest drying performance, or a save mode, which consumes less power than the normal mode. That is, the drying mode includes the normal mode and the save mode.

[0032] The operation mode of the drying process is controlled so that if the measured value of the surplus power is equal to or greater than the power consumption in normal mode, the drying process is carried out in normal mode, and if the measured value of the surplus power is lower than the power consumption in normal mode, the drying process is (temporarily) carried out in save mode. This allows the drying process to continue operating with power consumption within the range of surplus power, increasing the utilization rate of surplus power in the drying process and reducing the utilization rate of power from the grid power supply, thereby making more effective use of surplus solar power.

[0033] Two specific examples of normal mode and save mode are shown in Table 1 and Table 2. Table 1 is the case when the drying process is performed by a heater and a fan, and Table 2 is the case when the drying process is performed by a heat pump and a fan. In Tables 1 and 2, the symbols in the power consumption column indicate the order of power consumption, namely normal mode, save mode 1, save mode 2, and save mode 3.

[0034] [Table 1]

[0035] [Table 2]

[0036] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, there may be multiple save modes. In the examples shown in Tables 1 and 2, there are three save modes: save modes 1 to 3. When there are multiple save modes, the utilization rate of surplus power can be increased compared to when there is only one save mode by gradually selecting a save mode that can make the most of the surplus power from the multiple save modes as the surplus power decreases (see FIG. 3).

[0037] A specific example of control of the drying mode (operation mode of the drying step) shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] First, the amount of surplus power is measured (step S1). In step S1, the amount of power generation is acquired (step S11), the amount of power consumption of electrical appliances other than the washer / dryer is acquired (step S12), and the amount of surplus power is calculated (step S13). These are all preferably real-time values.

[0039] Next, after step S2 described below, in steps S31 to S33, the measurement value of the surplus energy obtained in step S1 is compared with a predetermined threshold value to select the operation mode for the drying process (drying mode).

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, for the execution of steps S31 to S33, a plurality of thresholds (first threshold, second threshold, and third threshold) are provided according to the amount of power consumption in each drying mode. The drying mode is controlled so that when the surplus power (measured amount of surplus power) drops to a first threshold value while operating in normal mode, the operation switches to save mode 1; when the surplus power drops further to a second threshold value, the operation switches to save mode 2; and when the surplus power drops further to a third threshold value, the operation switches to save mode 3.

[0041] That is, with reference to FIG. 4, in step S31, if the measured value of the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the normal mode is selected, and if the measured value of the amount of surplus power is less than the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, if the measured value of the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than the second threshold, save mode 1 is selected, and if the measured value of the amount of surplus power is less than the second threshold, the process proceeds to step S33. In step 32, if the measured value of the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than the third threshold, save mode 2 is selected, and if the measured value of the amount of surplus power is less than the third threshold, save mode 3 is selected. In any one of the drying modes selected in this way, the washer / dryer (drying process) is operated for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) or more.

[0042] Then, after step S4 (described later) and step S5 (which performs various drying controls), if it is determined in step S6 that drying is not yet complete (No), the process returns to step S1 (S11), and the drying process continues in the drying mode selected in steps S31 to S33. By repeating this process, the control of the drying mode as shown in Fig. 3 is executed. If it is determined in step S6 that drying is complete (Yes), the drying process ends.

[0043] The various drying controls in step S5 are controls other than those performed in other steps, and examples of the various drying controls include drum rotation control and dehumidification control.

[0044] Furthermore, the determination of the completion of drying in step S6 can be made, for example, by measuring the humidity of the air sent from washing tub 13 to the circulation path (the air before being sent to the dehumidification mechanism) and comparing the humidity with a predetermined threshold value.

[0045] Each threshold value for the amount of surplus power (first threshold, second threshold, third threshold) is set by the control of steps S1 and S31 to S33, etc., so that the time during which the amount of power consumed in the drying process exceeds the amount of surplus power (surplus power shortage time) is as short as possible (preferably to 0 hours).

[0046] Specifically, the first threshold is set to a value that is approximately the same as the power consumption in the normal mode (for example, within a range of ±5%). The second threshold is set to a value that is approximately the same as the power consumption in save mode 1. The third threshold is set to a value that is approximately the same as the power consumption in save mode 2. This reduces the time when the surplus power is insufficient.

[0047] It is preferable that the first threshold value be set to a value slightly higher than the power consumption in normal mode (for example, +5%). In this case, when the amount of surplus power decreases during operation in normal mode, the operation can be switched to save mode 1 before the amount of surplus power falls below the amount of power consumption in normal mode. Furthermore, when the amount of surplus power increases during operation in save mode 1, the operation can be switched to normal mode after the amount of surplus power exceeds a value slightly higher than the first threshold value (for example, +10% of the power consumption in normal mode). This also makes it possible to continue operation of the drying process with power consumption within the range of surplus power (the surplus power shortage time can be reduced to 0 hours). Furthermore, frequent switching of the drying mode due to fluctuations in the amount of surplus power is suppressed. Similarly, the second threshold is preferably set to a value slightly higher than the power consumption in save mode 1, and the third threshold is preferably set to a value slightly higher than the power consumption in save mode 2.

[0048] Furthermore, when the mode is switched to a drying mode (in this embodiment, normal mode and save mode 1) in which heated air is sent into washing tub 13, it may be configured not to switch to a drying mode (in this embodiment, save mode 2 and save mode 3) in which heated air is not sent for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) or until the temperature inside washing tub 13 reaches a predetermined value for drying operation (for example, 60°C). Since drying of laundry does not start immediately after starting to send heated air into washing tub 13, if the sending of heated air is stopped immediately after the sending of heated air, the drying of laundry will not progress. Therefore, it is preferable to send heated air into washing tub 13 continuously.

[0049] (Measurement of accumulated time in save mode) In this embodiment, the save mode accumulated time, which is the accumulated value of the operating time in save mode, is measured (counted), and when the save mode accumulated time reaches or exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (allowed stay time), the drying process may be continued in normal mode from then on. This prevents the dryer from operating in save mode for too long, ensuring a certain level of drying performance, preventing excessive extension of drying time, and reducing power consumption that occurs when reheating after the drying temperature has dropped.

[0050] Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, in step 4, the save mode integrated time is added. In step S2, the save mode accumulated time (the total save mode accumulated time added in step 4) is compared with a predetermined upper limit value, and while the save mode accumulated time is less than the upper limit value (No), the drying process is carried out through steps S31 to S33, taking into account the selection of the save mode. However, if the save mode cumulative time is equal to or greater than the upper limit (Yes) in step S2, the process does not proceed to steps S31 to S33, and the drying process continues in normal mode. More specifically, in the flowchart of Figure 4, steps S1, S2, S5, and S6 are repeated in the flow that takes the route that results in Yes in step S2, so the drying process continues in normal mode until drying is completed, and if it is determined in step S6 that drying has completed, the drying process is completed.

[0051] The save mode integrated time may be a simple total (cumulative total) of the operation times in save modes 1 to 3, but the operation time may be weighted for each save mode to count the power save integrated time. For example, by weighting save modes that have a greater impact on drying performance (low drying performance) and increasing the amount of save mode cumulative time added in step 4, it is possible to more reliably avoid extending the drying time and reduce power consumption when reheating after the drying temperature has dropped. For example, save mode 2 is forced air drying, so the save mode cumulative time is set to twice the actual operating time. save mode 3 makes it difficult to progress drying, so the save mode cumulative time is set to five times the actual operating time. Alternatively, multiple upper limits of the cumulative time may be set, and if the cumulative time exceeds the shortest upper limit, the operation may not be switched to the save mode with the lowest drying performance (save mode 3 in this embodiment). Similarly, if the cumulative time exceeds the second shortest upper limit, the operation may not be switched to the save mode with the second lowest drying performance (save mode 2 in this embodiment). This can prevent the temperature inside washing tub 13 from dropping, which would result in a decrease in drying efficiency.

[0052] Alternatively, instead of weighting each save mode, the accumulated operating time may be counted for each save mode, and an upper limit (allowed stay time) may be set for each save mode, so that if the accumulated operating time in any one of save modes 1 to 3 exceeds the upper limit, the drying process may continue in normal mode thereafter, or the dryer may not switch to that save mode or a save mode with lower drying performance. In this case, by shortening the upper limit time for save modes with lower drying performance (the upper limit time for save mode 3, which has the lowest drying performance, may be shortened), it is possible to more reliably avoid extending the drying time and reduce power consumption during reheating after the drying temperature has been lowered.

[0053] Similarly, in order to ensure drying performance, the drying temperature (temperature inside washing tub 13) may be monitored, and when the drying temperature drops below a predetermined lower limit, the drying process may be continued in normal mode thereafter. For example, if the operation time in Save Modes 2 and 3 is long, the temperature in the drying chamber (washing tub 13) may drop too much, and it may take a lot of time and electricity to raise the temperature in the drying chamber again to the temperature required for drying. In such a case, by switching to operation in Normal Mode, it is possible to more reliably avoid extending the drying time and reduce the power consumption when reheating after the drying temperature has dropped.

[0054] When switching to the drying process in the normal mode, a notification indicating that the drying process will be switched to the normal mode may be given in order to ensure drying performance.

[0055] (Forward driving) The washing and drying process may be performed as an on-demand operation that is immediately performed by a user's operation, or may be performed as a scheduled operation for which a scheduled completion time is set by the user. In the washer-drying system of this embodiment, if there is an advanced operation schedule that allows the washer-dryer to utilize more surplus electricity in the drying process during scheduled operation, control may be implemented to carry out the washer-drying process using such an advanced operation schedule (advancing the operation schedule of the washer-dryer). 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.

[0056] That is, in this embodiment, In a scheduled operation in which the initial operation schedule is set so that the washing and drying process is completed at the 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 between the time when the reserved operation is set and the scheduled completion time, and is an operation schedule that allows the washer-dryer to use more surplus power in the drying process than in the initial operation schedule based on predicted information of temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power generated by solar power generation, The washing and drying process may be carried out in an advanced operation schedule.

[0057] In the drying process of the washing and drying process performed according to such an advanced operation schedule, the amount of surplus power may be monitored to perform the above-described power consumption control. In the case of on-demand operation, the user may be allowed to select in advance whether to prioritize completing the washing and drying process within a predetermined time or to prioritize using as much surplus power as possible for the drying process. If time is prioritized, extending the drying process is undesirable, so the drying mode is fixed to normal mode and the user is notified of the estimated drying completion time. If priority is given to using as much surplus power as possible for the drying process, the user may not be notified of the estimated drying completion time. On the other hand, if the washing and drying process is carried out on an advanced operation schedule such as reserved operation, the above-mentioned power consumption control can be easily applied, since even if the drying process is extended, there is no problem as long as the drying process is completed by the scheduled completion time.

[0058] In this case, the advanced operation schedule may be selected taking into consideration the extended time of the drying process due to the power consumption control of the drying process. That is, the advanced operation schedule may be selected so that the drying process is completed at a time earlier than the scheduled completion time by the extended time due to the power consumption control of the drying process.

[0059] 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, for example, predicted information on the temporal fluctuation of the amount of electricity generated by solar power generation and 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 at the location where the solar panel is installed 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] (Control mechanism) The washing and drying system of the present embodiment may include a control mechanism for controlling the power consumption in the 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 server may select the drying mode, and a control mechanism of the washer-dryer may control the operation of the washer-dryer so that the drying process is performed based on the drying mode determined by the server.

[0062] (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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The speaker 270 outputs voice messages and the like based on the voice data from the CPU 210 .

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] (server) The washing and drying system may further include a server.

[0073] The server may include, for example, a memory and a processor. The memory can store a measurement of the amount of excess power. The processor can acquire the measured value of the amount of surplus power from the memory and output a command to the washer / dryer to control the power consumption in the drying process.

[0074] The server may also 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 can select (determine) an appropriate advanced operation schedule by referring to the database via the communication interface, and output a command to the washer-dryer to carry out the washing and drying process according to the advanced operation schedule.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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, measured values ​​of the amount of surplus power, forecast information on temporal fluctuations in the amount of surplus power, etc. Note that these data do not have to be stored inside the server 5 itself, but may be stored in another device accessible by the server 5.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] [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. The amount of surplus solar power generation is measured. Based on the measured value of the surplus power amount, power consumption control for the drying process is performed so that the power consumption for the drying process is equal to or less than the surplus power amount.

[0081] In the washing and drying system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drying process can be performed in either a normal mode, which provides the highest drying performance, or a save mode, which consumes less power than the normal mode. When the measured value of the surplus power amount is equal to or greater than the power consumption amount in the normal mode, the drying process is performed in the normal mode; If the measured value of the surplus power amount is lower than the power consumption amount in the normal mode, the drying process is carried out in the save mode.

[0082] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing and drying system includes: The save mode integrated time, which is the integrated value of the operation time in the save mode, is measured, and when the save mode integrated time reaches or exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the drying process is continued in the normal mode thereafter.

[0083] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing and drying system includes: 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. The washing and drying system according to claim 1, wherein the power consumption control is performed in the drying process of the washing and drying process performed in the advanced operation schedule.

[0084] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing and drying system includes: The washing and drying system further includes a server (e.g., server 5), The server a memory (e.g., memory 52) for storing the measured value of the excess power amount; and a processor (for example, CPU 51) that acquires the measured value of the surplus power amount from the memory and outputs a command to the washer / dryer to implement the power consumption control in the drying process.

[0085] One aspect of the present disclosure also relates to a washer / dryer used in any of the above-described washing and drying systems.

[0086] 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]

[0087] 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, The amount of surplus solar power generation is measured, a power consumption control for the drying process is performed based on the measured value of the surplus power amount so that the power consumption for the drying process is equal to or less than the surplus power amount.

2. The drying step can be performed in either a normal mode having the highest drying performance or a save mode having less power consumption than the normal mode, When the measured value of the surplus power amount is equal to or greater than the power consumption amount in the normal mode, the drying process is performed in the normal mode; The washing and drying system according to claim 1 , wherein the drying process is performed in the save mode when the measured value of the surplus power amount is lower than the power consumption amount in the normal mode.

3. 3. The washing and drying system according to claim 2, wherein a save mode integrated time, which is an integrated value of operation time in the save mode, is measured, and when the save mode integrated time reaches or exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the drying process is continued in the normal mode thereafter.

4. 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, The washing and drying system according to claim 1 , wherein the power consumption control is performed in the drying process of the washing and drying process performed in the advanced operation schedule.

5. The washing and drying system further comprises a server; The server a memory for storing the measured value of the surplus power amount; a processor that acquires the measured value of the surplus power amount from the memory and outputs a command to the washer / dryer to implement the power consumption control in the drying process, The washing and drying system of claim 1 .

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

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