Time management device, power system, time management method, and program

Abstract

This disclosure aims to meet user needs by visualizing the estimated total electricity costs for a specified future date on which electrical equipment will be in operation. [Solution] This disclosure relates to a time management device 8 for managing the operating time of electrical equipment used in a facility, comprising: a calculation unit 83 that calculates an estimated total electricity charge on a predetermined future day based on the estimated hourly power consumption and hourly electricity charges of the electrical equipment when it is operating during the operating time; and a creation unit 85 that creates a screen including the estimated total electricity charge.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a time management device, a power system, a time management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to achieve a decarbonized society, the concept of self-generation and self-consumption, in which consumers (customers) produce electricity by themselves and consume it themselves by installing solar panels in facilities such as private houses and factories, has become widespread. In addition, consumers can obtain certain profits by selling surplus electricity generated by their own power generation to power companies and the like.

[0003] However, in recent years, the selling price to power companies and the like has been decreasing, and since this selling price is lower than the purchase price of electricity from power companies and the like, from the perspective of consumers, it is more economical to consume the electricity generated by their own power generation by themselves as much as possible. In addition, when selling electricity from a house or the like to a power company or the like, electricity from renewable energy that is easily affected by nature, such as solar power generation, may become overvoltage or undervoltage, and this may cause the frequency to become unstable. Therefore, for the purpose of selling, it is not always preferable for power companies and the like to reverse the power flow of the electricity generated by their own power generation into the power grid.

[0004] Therefore, in order to promote self-generation and self-consumption of electricity, it has become possible to install a storage battery for storing the electricity generated by one's own power generation, or to use the large-capacity battery of an EV (Electric Vehicle) instead of the storage battery.

[0005] In addition, regarding a house equipped with solar panels and a storage battery, a technique has been proposed in which a user inputs the usage time zone of each room, and the annual electricity bill of this house is calculated and displayed on a display (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

[0007] However, consumer lifestyles are diverse, and some people consume electricity by running air conditioners at home, while others do not discharge electricity from their EVs when going out. Thus, due to these various lifestyles, consumers have a need to know how their daily electricity bills will change in the future, rather than just their annual future electricity bills.

[0008] This disclosure is made in light of the circumstances described above, and aims to meet user needs by visualizing the estimated total electricity costs for a specified future date on which electrical equipment will be in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This disclosure relates to a time management device for managing the operating time of electrical equipment used in a facility, comprising: a calculation unit that calculates an estimated total electricity charge for a predetermined future day based on the estimated hourly power consumption and hourly electricity charges of the electrical equipment when it is operating during the operating time; and a creation unit that creates a screen including the estimated total electricity charge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As explained above, this disclosure has the effect of meeting user needs by visualizing the estimated total electricity costs for a specified future date on which electrical equipment will be in operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the power system. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a time management device. [Figure 3] This is a functional configuration diagram of a power system. [Figure 4] It is a conceptual diagram of a user information management table. [Figure 5] It is a conceptual diagram of a power generation amount management table. [Figure 6] It is a conceptual diagram of an equipment power consumption management table. [Figure 7] It is a conceptual diagram of an electricity charge management table. [Figure 8] It is a conceptual diagram of an operation time management table. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram showing the registration process of measured values. [Figure 10] It is a sequence diagram showing the processing of a power system. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the predicted power adjustment process. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation content setting screen. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of the operation content setting screen after change.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0013] 〔Outline of Power System〕 The outline of the power system 1 will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the power system.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the power system 1 is constructed by electrical equipment 2, smart meter 5, network device 6, time management device 8, and user terminal 9.

[0015] Also, the electrical device 2, the smart meter 5, and the network device 6 are installed in the residence H of a predetermined user. Also, the user terminal 9 is operated by a predetermined user. On the other hand, the time management device 8 is installed in the electricity (power) retailer R. Note that the residence H is an example of a building, and buildings include factories, indoor exhibition halls, halls, etc. Also, a building is an example of a facility, and facilities also include outdoor exhibition halls, parking lots, etc.

[0016] Also, the electrical device 2 includes DER (Distributed Energy Resources) 3 and power consumption devices 4. Further, as examples of the DER 3, a solar panel 3a, a storage battery 3b, and an EV (Electric Vehicle) charger 3c are installed. Also, as examples of the power consumption devices 4, a water heater 4a and an air conditioner 4b are installed. Note that the examples of the DER 3 and the power consumption devices 4 are not limited to these. EV includes all types of electric vehicles, for example, HV (hybrid vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

[0017] Note that the solar panel 3a is an example of a power generation device. Power generation devices include wind power generation devices and hydraulic power generation devices.

[0018] Also, "electrical device 2" indicates an arbitrary (predetermined) electrical device. "DER 3" indicates an arbitrary (predetermined) DER. "Power consumption device 4" indicates an arbitrary (predetermined) power consumption device.

[0019] The smart meter 5 can communicate with the electrical device 2 by wire or wirelessly, and can measure the amount of electric power obtained from the power grid, the amount of power generated by the solar panel 3a, the total power consumption of all the electrical devices 2, etc.

[0020] Network device 6 is a communication device such as a home gateway. Network device 6 can communicate with each electrical device 2 and smart meter 5 by wired or wireless connection, and acquires measured values ​​from electrical devices 2 and measured values ​​from smart meter 5. The measured values ​​of electrical devices 2 include, for example, the amount of power generated by the solar panel 3a, the amount of energy stored in the storage battery 3b, the charge and discharge amounts (charge amount, discharge amount) of the EV charger / discharger 3c, the power consumption of the water heater 4a, and the power consumption of the air conditioner 4b. Furthermore, in the case of air conditioner 4b, the measured values ​​also include the mode (cooling, heating, dehumidification, etc.) and the set temperature.

[0021] Furthermore, the network device 6 can communicate with the time management device 8 via a communication network N such as the Internet. Depending on the product, the network device 6 may also be connected to the electrical equipment 2, smart meter 5, and communication network N via Wi-Fi. The communication network N may include wireless communication in part.

[0022] User terminal 9 is a communication terminal operated by the user of residence H. User terminal 9 includes notebook or desktop PCs (Personal Computers), smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, and head-mounted displays.

[0023] On the other hand, the time management device 8 is a notebook or desktop PC, or a server, and can communicate with the network device 6 and the user terminal 9 via the communication network N.

[0024] The time management device 8 provides the user terminal 9 with the necessary estimated total electricity charges (124), recommended operating times (141-146) for each electrical appliance 2, etc., for a predetermined date in the future when the electrical appliances 2 will be used in the house H. The device also remotely controls and operates each electrical appliance 2 during the recommended operating time. If the electrical appliance 2 is an air conditioner 4b, the time management device 8 also suggests the mode (cooling, heating, dehumidification, etc.) and the set temperature.

[0025] Furthermore, when the time management device 8 receives a request from the user terminal 9 to change the recommended operating time, or the mode or set temperature of the air conditioner 4b, it remotely controls and operates each electrical device 2 according to the changed recommended operating time, mode, or set temperature. The time management device 8 can also be referred to as a setting management device, as it manages the set operating time, etc.

[0026] [Hardware configuration] Next, the electrical hardware configuration of the time management device 8 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is an electrical hardware configuration diagram of the time management device according to this embodiment.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the time management device 8 includes a drive device 1000, an auxiliary storage device 1002, a memory device 1003, a processor 1004, an interface device 1005, a display device 1006, an input device 1007, an output device 1008, etc., all of which are interconnected by a bus 1010.

[0028] The program that enables processing on the computer is provided, for example, on a recording medium 1001 such as a CD-ROM or memory card. When the recording medium 1001 containing the program is set in the drive device 1000, the program is installed from the recording medium 1001 to the auxiliary storage device 1002 via the drive device 1000. However, the program does not necessarily have to be installed from the recording medium 1001; it may also be downloaded from another computer via a communication network N. The auxiliary storage device 1002 stores the installed program as well as necessary files and data.

[0029] When a program startup command is received, the memory device 1003 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 1002 and stores it. The processor 1004 implements the functions related to the memory device 1003 according to the program stored in the memory device 1003. The processor 1004 may include not only a CPU (Central Processing Unit) but also a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0030] Interface device 1005 is used as an interface for connecting to a communication network, etc. Display device 1006 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like using a program. Input device 1007 consists of a keyboard and mouse, buttons, or a touch panel, and is used to input various operation instructions. Output device 1008 outputs calculation results to an external device.

[0031] Since the network device 6 and user terminal 9 have the same hardware configuration as the time management device 8, their explanation will be omitted.

[0032] [Functional Configuration of Power Systems] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the power system using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the power system.

[0033] <Network device> First, let's explain the functional configuration of the network device 6. As shown in Figure 3, the network device 6 has a communication unit 61, a reception unit 62, and a display control unit 64. Each of these units is a function or means realized by the operation instructed by the processor 1004 of the network device 6, according to the program installed in the network device 6.

[0034] The communication unit 61 controls the system by receiving measured data such as power consumption from each electrical device 2 and transmitting the measured data to the time management device 8 via the communication network N.

[0035] The reception unit 62 receives various settings for the network device 6 from the user.

[0036] The display control unit 64 causes the display unit of the network device 6 to display information such as the settings.

[0037] <Time management device> Next, the functional configuration of the time management device 8 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the time management device 8 has a communication unit 81, a calculation unit 83, a creation unit 85, and a remote control unit 87. Each of these units is a function or means realized by an operation instructed by the processor 1004 of the time management device 8, according to the program installed in the time management device 8.

[0038] Furthermore, the time management device 8 has a storage unit 70 which is implemented by the auxiliary storage device 1002 or memory device 1003 shown in Figure 2. The storage unit 70 contains a user information management DB 71 (an example of a user information management unit), a power generation amount management DB 72 (an example of a power generation amount management unit), an equipment power consumption amount management DB 73 (an example of an equipment power consumption amount management unit), an electricity bill management DB 74 (an example of an electricity bill management unit), and an operating time management DB 75 (an example of an operating time management unit).

[0039] Furthermore, at least one of each DB71-75 may be managed by a database server or the like, which is external to the time management device 8. In this case, the time management device 8 performs searches and other operations by accessing the database server or the like.

[0040] (User information management table) Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of the user information management table. The user information management DB71 is composed of the user information management table shown in Figure 4. The user information management table manages user ID, username, user address, and region name indicating the region to which the address belongs, in association with each other.

[0041] "User ID" is an example of user identification information used to identify a user.

[0042] The "Region Name" indicates the name of the region where the electricity rates are the same. For example, even if the addresses a1 and a2 are different, if the electricity rates for the power obtained from the power grid are the same, they are in the same region A.

[0043] (Power generation management table) Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of the power generation management table. The power generation management DB72 is composed of the power generation management table shown in Figure 5. The power generation management table manages the user ID, equipment ID, and average power generation (kWh) in association with each other.

[0044] "Equipment ID" is an example of equipment identification information used to identify electrical equipment 2.

[0045] The "average power generation" is the hourly average of the power generated by the solar panel 3a, indicated by the equipment ID. This average power generation is the average of the power generated at each hour during the period from sunrise to sunset (for example, 5:00 to 18:00), and is based on the power generation data sent from the network device 6. The average power generation is calculated, updated, and registered by the calculation unit 83 each time power generation data is sent from the network device 6. Therefore, the registration count, such as "100 times," is also managed.

[0046] (Equipment power consumption management table) Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of the equipment power consumption management table. The equipment power consumption management DB73 is composed of the equipment power consumption management table shown in Figure 6. The equipment power consumption management table manages the average power consumption of each electrical equipment 2 per hour. Specifically, the equipment power consumption management table manages the equipment ID, the name of electrical equipment 2, the operating details of electrical equipment 2, and the average power consumption (kWh) of electrical equipment 2 in association with each user ID.

[0047] In the case of battery 3b and EV (EV charger / discharger 3c), "operation details" indicate energy storage. "Energy storage" indicates that electricity obtained from the power grid is stored (charged) in battery 3b or EV. Therefore, electricity charges are incurred due to this energy storage process. The stored electricity includes electricity obtained from the power grid and surplus electricity generated by solar panels 3a that cannot be consumed by power-consuming equipment 4.

[0048] In the case of water heater 4a, "Operation Status" indicates the state of the heating process (heating in progress).

[0049] Furthermore, in the case of air conditioner 4b, the average power consumption during operation is managed for each set temperature in each mode. "Mode" refers to heating, cooling, dehumidification, etc. "Set temperature" refers to 22°C, 22.5°C, etc.

[0050] (Electricity bill management table) Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram of the electricity rate management table. The electricity rate management DB74 is composed of the electricity rate management table shown in Figure 7. The electricity rate management table manages hourly electricity rates for each season, categorized by region. Generally, electricity rates tend to be lower in spring and autumn, and higher in summer and winter when air conditioners are used. In recent years, due to the shutdown of nuclear power plants, electricity rates are not cheap during nighttime hours, and electricity rates tend to be higher in the morning and evening hours when solar power generation is low, and lower during the daytime hours when solar power generation is high. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's classification, spring is from March to May, summer from June to August, autumn from September to November, and winter from November to February.

[0051] (Operating Hours Management Table) Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram of the operating time management table. The operating time management DB75 is composed of the operating time management table shown in Figure 8. The operating time management table manages the operating time of electrical equipment for each day. Specifically, the operating time management table manages the equipment ID, the name of electrical equipment 2, the operation details of electrical equipment 2, and whether or not it was operating at each hour, associated with each user ID and scheduled execution date. Furthermore, in the case of air conditioner 4b, the mode and set temperature are also managed. The scheduled execution date indicates a past scheduled execution date (in this case, also indicated as "executed (completed) date") or a future scheduled execution date. For example, for air conditioner with equipment ID "c001" in residence H of user ID "y001", it is managed that the "cooling" mode and set temperature to "28℃" are set at 0:00 and 1:00 on the scheduled execution date "2024.04.14 (Sun)". In the past, it is managed that the same content as above was used to set the temperature to "28℃".

[0052] (Each functional configuration) Next, let's return to Figure 3 and explain each functional configuration.

[0053] The communication unit 81 can communicate data with the network device 6 or the user terminal 9 via the communication network N. Additionally, the communication unit 81 can access the storage unit 70 if necessary.

[0054] The calculation unit 83 calculates the average power generation (see Figure 5), average electricity consumption (see Figure 6), total predicted solar power generation (121), total predicted electricity consumption (122), predicted solar self-consumption rate (123), and predicted total electricity charges (124). The methods for calculating these will be explained later.

[0055] The creation unit 85 creates the operation content setting screen 100 as shown in Figure 12. The method of creating this screen will be explained later. Note that the operation content setting screen 100 is just one example of a screen.

[0056] Based on the information managed by the operating time management DB 75, the remote control unit 87 transmits remote control information to the network device 6 via the communication unit 81 and the communication network N, indicating the content of the remote control to operate each electrical device 2.

[0057] <User terminal> Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 9 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 9 has a communication unit 91, a reception unit 92, and a display control unit 94. Each of these units is a function or means realized by an operation instructed by the processor 1004 of the user terminal 9, according to a program installed in the user terminal 9.

[0058] The communication unit 91 controls data communication with the time management device 8 via the communication network N.

[0059] The reception unit 92 receives various operations from the user. For example, in Figure 12, if the user wants to change the operating time, the unit receives the operation of cursor c1 as shown in Figure 13.

[0060] The display control unit 94 causes the operation content setting screen 100, as shown in Figure 12, to be displayed on the display device 1006 of the user terminal 9. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 13, if the user changes the operating time by operating the cursor c1, the display control unit 94 changes the length of the arrow indicating the operating time according to the change. Alternatively, the user may change the length of the arrow indicating the operating time using a touch panel function instead of the cursor c1. Note that the arrow indicating the operating time is an example of operating time length information. Operating time length information may also be indicated by numerical values ​​such as "2 (hours)", the number of filled-in boxes such as "■, ■", or the number of symbols such as "✓, ✓". Changes to the operating time length information include changes in display format, such as changes in length, numerical values, the number of filled-in boxes, and the number of functions.

[0061] [Processing in the embodiment] Next, the process of the embodiment will be explained using Figures 9 to 13.

[0062] <Processing for registering actual measured values> First, we will explain the process of registering measured values ​​such as power consumption for each electrical device 2 using Figure 9. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the process of registering measured values.

[0063] S1: The communication unit 61 of the network device 6 acquires the measured power values ​​from predetermined electrical devices 2 from which measured values ​​can be acquired. The measured values ​​include the device ID of the predetermined electrical device that is the source of the transmission.

[0064] S2: The communication unit 61 periodically (for example, once every hour) transmits the measured values ​​of a predetermined electrical device acquired in process S1 to the time management device 8. These measured values ​​include the device ID of the electrical device 2 that sent the data.

[0065] S3: The calculation unit 83 searches the user information management DB 71 and the power generation amount management DB 72 based on the device ID and the reception time (1 o'clock, 2 o'clock, etc.) from processing S2, and reads the average power generation amount or average power consumption amount for the corresponding time. Then, in the case of average power generation, the calculation unit 83 calculates a new average power generation amount based on the power generation amount received in processing S2 and the read average power generation amount, and registers and updates it in the power generation amount management DB 72. The number of registrations registered along with past average power generation amounts is used in this calculation.

[0066] In addition, in the case of average power consumption, the calculation unit 83 calculates a new average power consumption based on the power consumption received in processing S2 and the read average power consumption, and registers and updates it in the equipment power consumption management DB 73.

[0067] The calculation unit 83 may also register the average power generation and average power consumption hourly, divided by season. Alternatively, the calculation unit 83 may not execute processing S3 and register the power generation amount received by the communication unit 81 as is, along with the reception date and time, in the power generation amount management DB 72, or it may register the power consumption amount received by the communication unit 81 as is, along with the reception date and time, in the equipment power consumption amount management DB 77.

[0068] <Processing of the entire power system> Next, we will explain the overall processing of the power system using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the power system.

[0069] S11: In the user terminal 9, the reception unit 92 receives an operation from a designated user, and the communication unit 91 sends a request for the operation content setting screen to the time management device 8. This request includes the user ID of the designated user operating the user terminal 9 and the scheduled execution week displayed on the operation content setting screen. As a result, the communication unit 81 of the time management device 8 receives the request for the operation content setting screen.

[0070] S12: The time management device 8 executes the predicted power adjustment process in response to the request of process S11. Here, the contents of the predicted power adjustment process will be explained in detail using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the predicted power adjustment process.

[0071] <Predictive power adjustment processing> S31: Based on the scheduled execution week received in processing S13, the communications unit 81 obtains hourly weather forecasts (134) and temperature forecasts (135) for the entire week from the Japan Meteorological Agency, etc. In this case, based on the user ID received in processing S13, the communications unit 81 reads information indicating the corresponding address from the user information management DB 71 and obtains the weather forecast and temperature forecast for this address from the Japan Meteorological Agency, etc.

[0072] S32: The calculation unit 83 searches the power generation management DB 72 based on the user ID to read the corresponding hourly average power generation, and calculates the hourly "predicted solar power generation amount" (136) for each day of the week (each day) based on the hourly weather forecast for each day of the week (each day). In this case, the calculation unit 83 calculates by multiplying by a coefficient such as average power generation amount × 1.5 on sunny days and average power generation amount × 0.7 on rainy days. Then, the calculation unit 83 calculates the "total predicted solar power generation amount" (121) for each day of the week by summing up the hourly predicted solar power generation amounts for the day.

[0073] S33: The calculation unit 83 retrieves the hourly average power consumption of each electrical device 2 by searching the equipment power consumption management DB 73 based on the user ID. The calculation unit 83 also retrieves the corresponding past week's operating time management tables from the operating time management DB 75 based on the user ID and scheduled execution week received in process S13. In this case, as the corresponding past week's operating time management tables, the calculation unit 83 retrieves, for example, the table for the execution week containing the same days one year ago, the execution week containing the same days one month ago, or the execution week one week ago. If past operating time management tables are not managed, the creation unit 85 retrieves the operating time management tables for each week that have been set in advance. The calculation unit 83 then calculates the hourly "expected power consumption" (137) for each day of the week by summing the hourly average power consumption of each electrical device 2 according to the operation content for each hour in each operating time management table. If a weekday is a public holiday, the calculation unit 83 makes adjustments such as using the hourly average power consumption of Sunday.

[0074] Furthermore, the calculation unit 83 calculates the "total predicted electricity usage" (122) for each day of the week by summing up the predicted electricity usage (137) for each hour.

[0075] S34: The calculation unit 83 uses the following (Equation 1) to calculate the "solar self-predicted consumption rate" (123) for each day of the week scheduled for execution, as the ratio of the total predicted solar power generation amount calculated in process S32 to the total predicted power consumption amount calculated in process S33. Solar power self-consumption rate forecast = (Total forecast solar power generation / Total forecast electricity consumption) ... (Equation 1)

[0076] S35: The calculation unit 83 also reads the corresponding hourly "electricity charges" (132, 133) for each season from the electricity charge management DB 74, based on the scheduled execution week received in processing S31 and the regional information read from the user information management DB 71 in processing S31. If the scheduled execution week spans across seasons, for example, the electricity charges will be read for each season, such as spring for days 1-4 and summer for days 5-7.

[0077] Furthermore, the calculation unit 83 calculates the predicted hourly electricity charges for each day of the week by multiplying the average hourly power consumption of all electrical equipment 2 read in processing S33 for each day of the week by the hourly electricity rate for the season in which the scheduled execution week is included. Then, the calculation unit 83 calculates the "predicted total electricity charges" (124) for each day of the week by summing up the predicted hourly power consumption (137) for each day of the week.

[0078] S36: Based on the user ID received in process S13, the creation unit 85 reads the corresponding username from the user information management DB 71. Then, based on this username, the "total value" (120) for each day of the week calculated in processes S31 to S35, the "predicted value" (130) for each hour of the week, and the "operating hours of electrical equipment" (140), which is the operating hours management table for the past week read by the calculation unit 83 in process S33, the creation unit 85 creates the operation content setting screen 100 as shown in Figure 12.

[0079] Here, "Overall Value" includes the total predicted amount of solar power generation (121), the total predicted amount of electricity consumption (122), the predicted self-consumption rate of solar power (123), and the predicted total electricity cost (124). Also, "Predicted Value" includes, for each time period (131), the electricity cost for each season (132, 133), the weather forecast (134), the temperature forecast (135), the predicted amount of solar power generation (136), and the predicted amount of electricity consumption (137). Furthermore, "Operating Time of Electrical Equipment" includes, for each time period (131), the charging time (141) and discharging time (142) of storage batteries, the charging time (143) and discharging time (144) of EVs, the heating time (145) of water heaters, and the operating time (146) of air conditioners depending on the mode (147) and set temperature (148).

[0080] The calculation unit (device calculation unit) 83 may also be provided by the user terminal 9 as a calculation unit (terminal calculation unit) 93. In this case, the user terminal 9 can implement the calculation unit 93 through a dedicated application.

[0081] Furthermore, the calculation unit 93 performs the same processing as in processing S32 to S35. In this case, the communication unit 91 accesses each DB71 to DB75 via the communication unit 81 of the time management device 8, and the calculation unit 93 performs its processing by reading and storing information from each DB71 to DB75.

[0082] Next, let's return to Figure 10 and continue the explanation.

[0083] S13: The communication unit 81 of the time management device 8 transmits the operation content setting screen data created by the creation unit 85 to the user terminal 9 as a response to process S11. As a result, the communication unit 91 of the user terminal 9 receives the operation content setting screen data.

[0084] S14: On the user terminal 9, the display control unit 94 displays the operation content setting screen 100 on the display device 1006, as shown in Figure 12, based on the operation content setting screen data received in process S13.

[0085] In addition, in the time management device 8, the creation unit 85 may not create the operation content setting screen in process S36, and the communication unit 81 may not send the data for the operation content setting screen in process S13, but instead send parameters for creating the operation content setting screen. In this case, the display control unit 94 of the user terminal 9 will create the operation content setting screen based on the parameters sent from the time management device 8. The data for the operation content setting screen and the parameters for creating the operation content setting screen are examples of "predetermined information for displaying the operation content setting screen". Now, the operation content setting screen 100 will be described.

[0086] <Operation settings screen> Figure 12 shows an example of the operation details setting screen. As shown in Figure 12, the operation details setting screen 100 includes the date 101 of the scheduled execution week set by the user in process S13. The operation details setting screen 100 also includes display fields 110 for the user name and the scheduled execution date. In this display field 110, a specified day within the scheduled execution week can be selected using a pull-down menu. Alternatively, tabs that allow selection by day of the week may be displayed instead of a pull-down menu.

[0087] Furthermore, the operation settings screen 100 includes a display field 120 for "Total Value," a display field 130 for "Predicted Value," and a display field 140 for "Operating Hours of Electrical Equipment" for the selected date. The operation settings screen 100 also includes a "Confirm" button 150, which the user presses when they view the information and complete registration with the displayed values ​​as they are, or when they complete changes made according to user settings. Here, we will now explain each of the display fields 120, 130, and 140 in more detail.

[0088] (Total value display field 120) The "Overall Value" display column 120 includes the total predicted amount of solar power generation (121), the total predicted amount of electricity consumption (122), the predicted self-consumption rate of solar power (123), and the predicted total electricity cost (124).

[0089] (Display field 130 for predicted values) The "Predicted Values" display column 130 includes, for each time period (131), electricity rates for each season (132, 133), weather forecast (134), temperature forecast (135), predicted solar power generation (136), and predicted electricity usage (137).

[0090] (Display field for electrical equipment operating time 140) The "Operating Time of Electrical Equipment" display column 140 includes, for each time period (131), the charging time (141) and discharging time (142) of the storage battery, the charging time (143) and discharging time (144) of the EV, the heating time (145) of the water heater, and the operating time (146) of the air conditioner depending on the mode (147) and set temperature (148).

[0091] This allows users to view the operation settings screen 100 to understand the predicted solar power self-consumption rate (123) and predicted total electricity charges (124) for each scheduled day (scheduled execution day), as well as to understand the operation status of DER3 (solar panels, storage batteries, EVs, etc.) and power-consuming equipment 4 (water heaters, air conditioners, etc.) for each time period on each scheduled day.

[0092] As shown in Figure 12, electricity discharged from the EV is used during the morning and evening hours when electricity rates are relatively high, and electricity purchased from the power company is stored in the EV during the daytime hours when electricity rates are relatively low. In recent years, the heating process (operation) of the water heater 4a has been performed during the daytime hours when electricity rates are low. Furthermore, electricity costs can be reduced by precisely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 4b, which is the largest electricity user in a typical home.

[0093] S15: For example, if a user has a plan to take the EV out on Sunday morning, then charging and discharging of the EV will not be possible during the time the EV is being driven. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the user changes the EV's charging time (143) and the EV's discharging time (144) using the cursor c1 or the like. As a result, the reception unit 92 receives the changes, and the display control unit 94 displays the changes to the EV's charging time (143) and EV's discharging time (144), as shown in Figure 13.

[0094] Furthermore, the operation content setting screen created by the time management device 8 or the user terminal 9 may not be displayed on the user terminal 9 itself, but rather on a wearable device such as a smartwatch connected to the user terminal 9 for short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®. In this case, the user changes the EV's charging time (143) and the EV's discharge time (144) on the wearable device. As a result, the reception unit 92 receives the changes, and the display control unit 94 changes the EV's charging time (143) and EV's discharge time (144) as shown in Figure 13, causing the wearable device to display the updated operation content setting screen.

[0095] S16: When the user presses the "Confirm" button 150, the reception unit 92 receives confirmation that the user has confirmed the contents of the operation content setting screen 100 shown in Figure 13, and the communication unit 91 sends change information indicating the changes to the time management device 8. This change information includes the user ID of a predetermined user. As a result, the communication unit 81 of the time management device 8 receives the change information.

[0096] S17: In the time management device 8, the communication unit 81 registers an operating time management table reflecting the changes in the operating time management DB 75 based on the change information received in process S17. Alternatively, the calculation unit 83 may recalculate each value of the "total value" (120) based on the changes, and the communication unit 81 may send the data of the changed operating content setting screen 100 to the user terminal 9. As a result, the display control unit 94 changes the display of each value of the "total value" (120) on the operating content setting screen 100 shown in Figure 13.

[0097] S18: Next, the remote control unit 87 refers to the operating time management table registered in process S17, and when the operating time for the scheduled execution date arrives, it transmits remote control information to the network device 6 via the communication unit 81, indicating that it will control the operation of the electrical equipment 2, which is the target of remote control. This remote control information includes the equipment ID of the electrical equipment 2, which is the target of remote control. As a result, the communication unit 61 of the network device 6 receives the remote control information.

[0098] S19: The communication unit 61 of the network device 6 can control the operation of the electrical device 2 by transferring remote control information to the electrical device 2 indicated by the device ID received in process S18.

[0099] [Main effects of the embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, by considering seasonal electricity rates, weather forecasts, temperature forecasts, power generation forecasts, and power usage forecasts for each hour on a predetermined day (each day of the week) in the future for a predetermined user, as well as considering the predetermined user's lifestyle on that predetermined day, it is possible to visualize the operation of DERs (solar panels 3a, storage batteries 3b, EV chargers / dischargers 3c, etc.) and power-consuming equipment (water heaters 4a, air conditioners 4b, etc.), as well as the predicted solar self-consumption rate (123), predicted total electricity cost (124), etc. This encourages the predetermined user to consciously use DERs 3 and power-consuming equipment 4 on predetermined days, so that the predetermined user can reduce their electricity costs by using DERs 3 and power-consuming equipment 4 smartly. In this way, by visualizing the predicted total electricity cost for each day in the future used by a predetermined user, it is possible to meet the user's needs.

[0100] Furthermore, by changing the visualization content such as the storage time (141) and discharge time (142) of the battery 3b in accordance with changes in the planned use of the DER3 and power-consuming equipment 4 on a given day, it is possible to encourage designated users to use the DER and power-consuming equipment more consciously on that day.

[0101] 〔supplement〕 Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0102] (1) Each of the above programs can be recorded on a (non-temporary) recording medium and distributed, and can also be provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0103] (2) The CPU 1004 as a processor may be single or multiple. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1. Power Systems 2. Electrical equipment 3 DER 3a Solar Panel 3b Storage battery 3c EV charger / discharger 4 Power consumption equipment 4a Water heater 4b Air conditioner 5. Smart Meter 6 Network Devices 8 Time management device 9. User terminals 71. User Information Management Database (An example of a user information management unit) 72 Power Generation Management Database (An example of a power generation management unit) 73. Equipment Power Consumption Management Database (An example of an equipment power consumption management unit) 74. Electricity Bill Management Database (An example of an electricity bill management department) 75. Operating Time Management Database (An example of an operating time management unit) 81. Communication section (Example of a transmitting section, example of a receiving section) 83 Calculation Unit 85 Creation Department 87 Remote Control Unit 91. Communication Unit (An example of a terminal transmission unit) 92 Reception area (an example of a terminal reception area) 94 Display Control Unit

Claims

1. A time management device for managing the operating time of electrical equipment used in a facility, A calculation unit that calculates the estimated total electricity charges for a predetermined future date based on the predicted hourly power consumption and hourly electricity charges of the electrical equipment when it is in operation during the aforementioned operating hours, A transmission unit that transmits predetermined information to a user terminal for displaying a screen including the estimated total electricity charges, A time management device having the following features.

2. The time management device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the estimated electricity charges for each hour of the predetermined day based on the estimated amount of power consumption of the electrical equipment when it is in operation during the operating hours and the electricity charges for each hour, and calculates the estimated total electricity charges, which is the sum of the estimated electricity charges for each hour.

3. The time management device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the predicted amount of power consumption based on the average power consumption of the electrical equipment for each hour and the operating time of the electrical equipment.

4. A time management device according to claim 3, A device power consumption management unit that manages the average power consumption of the aforementioned electrical equipment over time, An operating time management unit manages the operating time of the aforementioned electrical equipment on each day, It has, The calculation unit is a time management device that calculates the predicted amount of power consumption based on the average power consumption corresponding to the operating time.

5. The calculation unit calculates the total predicted amount of solar power generation on a predetermined future day based on the average hourly power generation of the power generation equipment and the hourly weather forecast. The transmitting unit transmits the predetermined information to the user terminal for displaying the screen, which includes the total predicted amount of solar power generation. The time management device according to claim 1.

6. The calculation unit calculates the total predicted power consumption for the predetermined day by summing the predicted power consumption amounts for each hour of the electrical equipment. The transmitting unit transmits the predetermined information to the user terminal for displaying the screen, which includes the total predicted amount of power consumption. The time management device according to claim 5.

7. The calculation unit calculates the solar power self-consumption rate, which represents the ratio of the total predicted solar power generation to the total predicted electricity consumption. The transmitting unit transmits the predetermined information, including the predicted solar power consumption rate, to the user terminal for displaying the screen. The time management device according to claim 6.

8. A time management device according to claim 1, A time management device having a remote control unit that performs remote control for operating the electrical equipment during the aforementioned operating time.

9. The time management device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits predetermined information to the user terminal for displaying the screen, which includes operating time information indicating the length of operating time of the electrical equipment.

10. The time management device according to claim 9, further comprising a remote control unit that changes the operating time based on a change in the display format of the operating time information and performs remote control to operate the electrical equipment during the changed operating time.

11. A time management device according to claim 10, The system includes a receiving unit that receives the operating time length information based on the change in the display format from the user terminal, The remote control unit performs the remote control based on the operating time information received by the receiving unit. Time management device.

12. A time management device according to claim 11, The user terminal and, A power system having, The aforementioned user terminal is A terminal receiving unit that receives the aforementioned operating time length information, A terminal transmission unit transmits the operating time length information received by the terminal reception unit to the time management device. A power system having

13. A power system that manages the operating time of electrical equipment used in a facility, A calculation unit that calculates the estimated total electricity charges for a predetermined future date based on the predicted hourly power consumption and hourly electricity charges of the electrical equipment when it is in operation during the aforementioned operating hours, A display control unit that displays a screen including the estimated total electricity charges calculated by the calculation unit, A power system having

14. A time management method performed by a time management device that manages the operating time of electrical equipment used in a facility, A calculation process that calculates the estimated total electricity charges for a predetermined future date based on the predicted hourly power consumption and hourly electricity charges of the electrical equipment when it is operated during the aforementioned operating hours, The creation process involves creating a screen that includes the estimated total electricity charges, A time management method for executing this task.

15. A program that causes a computer to perform the method described in claim 14.

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