Control system, control method, and program

Abstract

We provide a control system and the like that can operate a hot water supply system using electricity generated by a solar power generation system. [Solution] The control system (hot water supply control system 10) comprises: an acquisition unit 35 that acquires the user's scheduled bathing time; a creation unit 36 ​​that creates a schedule for distributing heating power to the hot water supply system 40 so that the heating of the water is completed before the acquired scheduled bathing time, based on the predicted power generation and predicted power consumption; and a notification unit (input / output unit 38) that notifies the user when a modified schedule can be created that allows for the distribution of surplus power from power generation exceeding power consumption to heating power in a larger amount than the created schedule, and which involves a change in the acquired scheduled bathing time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and the like related to the boiling operation of a hot water supply system.

Background Art

[0002] A heat pump type hot water supply system is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control device that creates a schedule for the boiling operation of heat pump type hot water supply equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a control system and the like that can operate a hot water supply system using the generated power of a solar power generation system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A control system according to one aspect of the present invention is a control system for distributing and supplying power generated by a solar power generation system installed in a facility to a hot water supply system installed in the facility for heating water and for power consumption by equipment other than the hot water supply system in the facility, comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring the user's scheduled bathing time; a creation unit for creating a schedule for distributing the heating power so that the hot water supply system completes heating water before the acquired scheduled bathing time, based on the predicted power generation and predicted power consumption; and a notification unit for providing notification when a modified schedule can be created that allows for the distribution of surplus power of the power generation exceeding the power consumption to the heating power in a larger amount than the created schedule, and which involves a change in the acquired scheduled bathing time.

[0006] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method performed by a computer for distributing and supplying power generated by a solar power generation system installed in a facility to a hot water supply system installed in the facility for heating water and for power consumption by equipment other than the hot water supply system in the facility, and includes the steps of: obtaining the user's scheduled bathing time; creating a schedule for distributing the heating power so that the hot water supply system completes heating water before the obtained scheduled bathing time, based on the predicted power generation and the predicted amount of power consumed; and providing notification when it is possible to create a modified schedule that allows for the distribution of surplus power of the power generation exceeding the power consumption to the heating power in a larger amount than the created schedule, and which involves a change in the obtained scheduled bathing time.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the control method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The control system and the like of the present invention can operate a hot water supply system using electricity generated by a solar power generation system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a hot water supply control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 illustrates various transitions that occur when the boiling operation according to the embodiment is performed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the hot water supply control system (also simply called the control system) according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the hot water supply control system according to the embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the hot water control system 10 comprises a solar power generation system 21, a power conditioner 22, a distribution board 23, multiple devices 24, a control device 30, a hot water supply system 40, and a weather forecast information distribution server 50. Figure 1 also shows a grid power supply 70 and a wide-area communication network 80. Each component of the hot water control system 10 is installed in a facility 90. The facility 90 is, for example, a detached house, but may be any other type of facility.

[0014] The solar power generation system 21 is a power generation system that generates electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy. The electricity generated by the solar power generation system 21 is output to the power conditioner 22. Specifically, the solar power generation system 21 is implemented using PV (photovoltaic) panels, etc.

[0015] The power conditioner 22 is a power conversion device that converts the DC power generated by the solar power generation system 21 into AC power, and is sometimes called a PCS (Power Conditioning System). The power conditioner 22 is implemented by power conversion circuits such as a DC-DC converter and a DC-AC converter. The power conditioner 22 measures the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 and transmits the measured power generation information to the control device 30. The power conditioner 22 also supplies the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 to multiple devices 24 via the distribution board 23.

[0016] The distribution board 23 is a device that distributes power supplied from the grid power supply 70 to multiple branch circuits. Equipment 24 is connected to the branch circuits. The distribution board 23 is equipped with power measuring elements such as CTs (Current Transformers) and measures the total power consumption of the facility 90 (power consumption of the main circuit) and the power consumption of each branch circuit. The distribution board 23 also has a communication function and transmits power consumption information showing the measured power consumption to the control device 30.

[0017] Note that it is not essential for the distribution board 23 to have a power measurement function and a communication function. For example, the hot water supply control system 10 may include a smart meter (a power meter with a communication function) separately from the distribution board 23, and the power consumption information indicating the total power consumption of the facility 90 may be transmitted from the smart meter to the control device 30.

[0018] The device 24 is a device provided in the facility 90. The plurality of devices 24 includes lighting devices, air conditioning devices, ventilation devices, air purifiers, electric shutters, electric locks, home delivery boxes, and chargers for electric vehicles. The plurality of devices 24 may also include environmental sensors such as temperature sensors and humidity sensors. The plurality of devices 24 may also include sensors other than environmental sensors such as window sensors that sense the opening and closing of windows.

[0019] The control device 30 is an information terminal having an energy management function, and more specifically, is an EMS controller. The control device 30 manages the power consumption amount in the facility 90 measured by the distribution board 23. In addition, the control device 30 can control the hot water supply system 40. The control device 30 is not limited to an EMS controller and may be another controller or a gateway device. The control device 30 includes a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, an information processing unit 33, and a storage unit 34. Note that, similar to the device 24, the control device 30 operates using the power supplied from the distribution board 23.

[0020] The first communication unit 31 is a communication circuit for the control device 30 to communicate with the power conditioner 22, the distribution board 23, the hot water supply system 40, etc. via a local communication network. The first communication unit 31 performs, for example, wireless communication, but may perform wired communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the first communication unit 31 is not particularly limited.

[0021] The second communication unit 32 is a communication circuit for the control device 30 to communicate with the weather forecast information distribution server 50 via the wide area communication network 80. The second communication unit 32 performs, for example, wireless communication, but may perform wired communication. The communication standard of the communication performed by the second communication unit 32 is not particularly limited.

[0022] The information processing unit 33 performs information processing related to management of power consumption in the facility 90. The information processing unit 33 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 33 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 35, a creation unit 36, a control unit 37, and an input / output unit 38. The functions of the acquisition unit 35, the creation unit 36, the control unit 37, and the input / output unit 38 are realized, for example, by a microcomputer or a processor constituting the information processing unit 33 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 34. Further, the input / output unit 38 is connected to a user interface (such as a touch display) for output from the control device 30 to the user and input from the user to the control device 30, and can notify the user and receive input from the user. That is, the input / output unit 38 is an example of a notification unit and a reception unit.

[0023] The storage unit 34 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 33. The storage unit 34 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory. The control device 30 receives power consumption information periodically by communicating with the distribution board 23, and past power consumption information (power consumption history information) in the facility 90 is accumulated in the storage unit 34.

[0024] The hot water supply system 40 is a system for supplying hot water to users in the facility 90. Specifically, the hot water supply system 40 includes a heat pump 41, a tank 42, and a hot water supply control device 43. The hot water supply system 40 can be paraphrased as a fuel cell power generation system.

[0025] <000,The heat pump 41 absorbs heat from the atmosphere using a refrigerant, and the heat generated by compressing the refrigerant with electricity is transferred to water via a heat exchanger to heat water. The tank 42 is a tank that stores the water (i.e., hot water) heated by the heat pump 41.

[0026] The hot water supply control device 43 controls the heat pump 41 to perform the hot water heating operation using the heat pump 41. The hot water supply control device 43 is implemented by a communication unit that communicates with the control device 30, an information processing unit implemented by a microcomputer or processor, a storage unit, a user interface that accepts user operations, and a display unit that displays an image showing the operating status of the hot water supply system 40. Similar to the equipment 24, the hot water supply control device 43 operates using power supplied from the distribution board 23.

[0027] The weather forecast information distribution server 50 is a server (cloud server) that distributes weather forecast information to the control device 30. Weather forecast information includes, for example, predicted solar radiation information that shows the amount of solar radiation per unit time for the following day. In other words, the weather forecast information distribution server 50 distributes predicted solar radiation information to the control device 30.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, the facility may also be equipped with a battery capable of receiving and storing electricity generated from the solar power generation system 21 via a power conditioner 22.

[0029] [Example of operation 1] The facility 90 (multiple devices 24) is supplied with power from either the grid power supply 70 or the power conditioner 22 (solar power generation system 21). During the day, the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 is supplied to the multiple devices 24 for self-consumption, thereby reducing the consumption of power supplied from the grid power supply 70. In other words, the user can save on electricity costs.

[0030] Here, if the power generated by the solar power generation system 21 exceeds the power consumption of multiple devices 24 (power consumption at the facility 90), resulting in so-called surplus power, it is conceivable to use the surplus power to operate the hot water supply system 40 (i.e., heat water with the surplus power). In particular, if there is no battery storage and the surplus power is sold directly, and the purchase price of electricity is significantly higher than the selling price, it is preferable from the standpoint of saving on electricity costs to use as much surplus power as possible for self-consumption. Alternatively, even if there is a battery storage system, the same applies if the surplus power exceeds the amount of electricity that can be stored by the battery, or if the instantaneous value of the surplus power exceeds the amount of electricity that the battery can accept.

[0031] In the hot water supply system 40, heating water requires a large amount of electricity during the heating process, but after heating, it can be kept warm with relatively little electricity. In other words, by heating water with surplus electricity and using the heated water only after the surplus electricity is depleted, it becomes possible to effectively store electricity as thermal energy, thus enabling energy storage.

[0032] Therefore, in this embodiment, the generated power is distributed between power consumption and power for heating water, so that surplus power is used as much as possible for heating water. In this case, bathing (including supplying hot water to the bathtub and spraying water with a shower) is considered to be the situation in which the largest amount of hot water is used. For example, if the timing of bathing falls within the period when surplus power is generated (surplus power generation period), it is necessary to complete the heating of the large amount of water required for bathing beforehand, so it is possible that much of the surplus power after the timing of bathing cannot be used for heating water.

[0033] Therefore, the control device 30 estimates how much surplus power is expected to be generated on a day prior to the target day (for example, one day prior) based on the expected power generation of the solar power generation system 21 and the expected power consumption of the multiple devices 24. At the same time, it obtains the user's scheduled bathing time and creates a schedule for distributing power from generated power to water heating power. If it is possible for the user to use more of the surplus power for water heating power (especially if it is more economically beneficial) by shifting the bathing time, the control device 30 notifies the user of this, and if the user approves, it changes the schedule to one that is actually economically beneficial and distributes power from generated power to water heating power.

[0034] The following describes an example of operation 1 of the hot water supply control system 10. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the operation example 1 of the control device 30 in the hot water supply control system 10.

[0035] The acquisition unit 35 of the control device 30 acquires the generated power by querying the distribution board 23 (S11). If a battery is present, the acquisition unit 35 may also acquire the generated power by querying the power conditioner 22. Next, the acquisition unit 35 of the control device 30 acquires the power consumption by querying the distribution board 23 (S12). Then, the acquired generated power and power consumption are linked to time information and stored in the storage unit 34 (S13). Steps S11 to S13 are performed continuously as described above, and by repeatedly executing them, a history of past generated power and power consumption is stored in the storage unit 34.

[0036] Meanwhile, the acquisition unit 35 acquires solar radiation information for the target day by querying the weather forecast information distribution server 50 (S14). This allows the system to predict the power generation for the target day based on the solar radiation information for that day. Then, using the predicted power consumption for the target day, the system can predict the surplus power for the target day. Here, the acquisition unit 35 acquires the user's planned bathing time for the target day based on the user's input to the input / output unit 38 (S15). The planned bathing time may also be acquired by predicting it based on the user's past bathing records. For this purpose, the storage unit 34 may store the user's past bathing records. The acquisition of the planned bathing time may be performed only once, and thereafter that previously entered planned bathing time may be used, or the user may be prompted to input the time by notification or the like each day before the target day.

[0037] The control unit 36 ​​of the control device 30 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, a pre-set time such as 8 PM or 9 PM) has arrived between the evening and midnight of the day before the target day (S16). As will be described in more detail later, the predetermined time is set to a time well in advance, such as the day before, taking into account the time required to heat additional hot water in advance using power from the grid power supply 70, in order to compensate for the amount of hot water that cannot be heated by the heating power alone between the predetermined time and the time before surplus power is generated.

[0038] In step S16, the creation unit 36 ​​manages the current time. If the current time reaches a predetermined time (Yes in S16), it executes the subsequent operations. Otherwise (No in S16), it repeats the above determination.

[0039] If the answer in step S16 is Yes, the creation unit 36 ​​creates a schedule based on the acquired bathing schedule (S17). The schedule created here is not the final schedule used directly for controlling the hot water supply system 40, but rather undergoes several processes before finally becoming the final schedule used for controlling the hot water supply system 40.

[0040] First, the input / output unit 38 calculates the estimated electricity cost for the schedule created in step S17 based on the electricity rate (set when the control device 30 is built, or obtained from an electricity rate distribution server not shown) (S18). The creation unit 36 ​​then creates several schedules (modified schedules) by changing the acquired bathing schedule time to a different time (S19). The input / output unit 38 also calculates the estimated electricity cost for these modified schedules and determines whether there is a modified schedule with a lower estimated electricity cost than the schedule created in step S17 (S20). If there is a modified schedule with a lower estimated electricity cost (Yes in S20), the input / output unit 38 presents that modified schedule and waits for user approval.

[0041] As described above, the revised schedule shows a different bathing time than the one originally planned by the user. Therefore, approval of the revised schedule means that the user has changed their planned bathing time, i.e., reacquired the planned bathing time. If the user approves the revised schedule (reacquiring the planned bathing time) (Yes in S22), the schedule is recreated (newly created) based on the approved revised schedule (S23). Then, the hot water supply system 40 is controlled according to the created schedule, i.e., the water is heated by distributing the heating power. If there is no revised schedule cheaper than the estimated electricity cost (No in S20), or if the user has not approved the revised schedule (No in S22), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0042] In step S24, specifically, it is determined whether the time for the start of water heating in the schedule created (or recreated, if applicable) above has arrived (S24). If the current time is the start of water heating (Yes in S24), the control unit 37 sends a command to start the water heating operation to the hot water supply system 40 (S25) and starts heating (distributing the heating power at that time). If it is before the start of water heating (No in S24), the determination in step S24 is repeated.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an example of the following when the water heating operation is performed: (1) the power generated by the solar power generation system 21, (2) the power consumed by the facility 90, (3) the schedule for the hot water supply system 40 to heat the water (after the change), and (4) the change in the amount of hot water in the tank 42 (after the change), as well as (5) the schedule for the hot water supply system 40 to heat the water (before the change), and (6) the change in the amount of hot water in the tank 42 (before the change).

[0044] As shown in (4) and (6) in the diagram, a large portion of the hot water in tank 42 is expected to be consumed during bathing. For example, the water heating process should be completed before the scheduled bathing time by filling tank 42 to capacity.

[0045] If the user's scheduled bath time (corresponding to the white arrows indicating bath time in the diagram) falls within a period of surplus power generation where generated power exceeds consumed power, then, as shown by the comparison between (3) and (5) in the diagram, surplus power that cannot be used for heating will be generated. However, by changing the schedule and shifting the scheduled bath time, it becomes possible to use more of the surplus power for heating.

[0046] As shown in (3) and (5) in the figure, heating water using only the surplus power generated during the heating period may not be sufficient to complete the water heating process (for example, the tank 42 may not be filled to capacity). Therefore, water heating is also performed using power from the grid power supply 70 to compensate for the insufficient amount of water before the water heating using the heating power supply. This compensation is performed before the water heating using the heating power supply, based on a prediction of how much water heating using the heating power supply is expected to be required. In this embodiment, when receiving power from the grid power supply 70 to make the compensation, the electricity rate may differ between daytime and nighttime. Therefore, the schedule is created to perform the compensation at night, when rates tend to be relatively cheaper. However, if the time before the scheduled bathing time and after the completion of water heating using the heating power supply falls within the nighttime period, water heating may be performed during that time to receive power from the grid power supply 70 to make the compensation.

[0047] Thus, the created schedule includes a set of timings for starting and ending the distribution of heating power, as well as timings for ending any compensation that occurred before the start of heating power distribution, and timings for starting that compensation, so as to cover as broadly as possible the period from when the surplus power starts until it becomes zero. At each timing, the control unit 37 controls the heating of the hot water in the hot water supply system 40 by ensuring that power is supplied from an appropriate power source.

[0048] [Effects, etc.] The following describes examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosures in this specification, and explains the effects and other benefits that can be obtained from such inventions.

[0049] Invention 1 is a control system (hot water control system 10) for distributing and supplying the power generated by a solar power generation system 21 installed in a facility 90 to a hot water supply system 40 installed in the facility 90 for heating water and for power consumption by equipment 24 other than the hot water supply system 40 in the facility 90, comprising: an acquisition unit 35 for acquiring the user's scheduled bathing time; a creation unit 36 ​​for creating a schedule for distributing heating power so that the hot water supply system 40 completes heating water before the acquired scheduled bathing time, based on the predicted power generation and predicted power consumption; and a notification unit (input / output unit 38) for providing notification when a modified schedule can be created that allows for the distribution of surplus power from power generation exceeding power consumption to heating power in greater quantities than the created schedule, and which involves a change in the acquired scheduled bathing time.

[0050] Such a control system can notify users when it can propose a revised schedule that allows for the heating of relatively high-power water using surplus power. Users who receive the notification can, for example, allow the water to be heated according to the revised schedule if they accept the change in their planned bathing time, thereby making more effective use of the power generated by the solar power generation system 21. In this way, the control system can operate the hot water supply system 40 using the power generated by the solar power generation system 21.

[0051] Invention 2 is the control system described in Invention 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user when it is possible to create a modified schedule that allocates more surplus power to water heating than the created schedule, based on the electricity rate, and that reduces the cost of heating water as a result of such allocation.

[0052] Such a control system can notify users when there are advantages to using generated electricity effectively, as well as reducing the cost of heating water.

[0053] Invention 3 is a control system according to Invention 1 or Invention 2, further comprising a receiving unit (input / output unit 38) that receives user approval for notifications, and the creation unit 36, upon receiving user approval, recreates the schedule according to the change schedule.

[0054] Such a control system can accept user approval for notifications, and then provide the revised schedule as the actual schedule for heating the water.

[0055] Invention 4 is a control system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3, further comprising a control unit 37 that distributes generated power to water heating power and power consumption according to a created schedule.

[0056] Such a control system can actually control the heating of water according to the created schedule.

[0057] Invention 5 is a control system described in any one of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit 35 acquires the scheduled bathing time entered by the user.

[0058] Such a control system can obtain the scheduled bathing time through user input.

[0059] Invention 6 is a control system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the created schedule includes only one set of timings for starting and ending the distribution of heating power.

[0060] Such a control system can create a schedule that includes only one set of timing for starting and ending the distribution of water heating power. Compared to a schedule that includes zero sets of timing for starting and ending the distribution of water heating power (i.e., no water heating is done using generated power), and a schedule that includes multiple sets of timing for starting and ending the distribution of water heating power (i.e., water heating is divided into multiple cycles), this system makes it possible to effectively utilize generated power through a single water heating cycle.

[0061] Invention 7 is a control system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the created schedule includes a timing to start and a timing to end the compensation for the shortfall in the amount that cannot be compensated for by the distribution of heating power, which is to be compensated for by power from the grid power supply, and the compensation with power from the grid power supply is performed before the start of the distribution of heating power.

[0062] Such a control system can compensate for any anticipated shortage in water heating power generated by the power grid by supplementing it with electricity from the grid.

[0063] Invention 8 is a control method, executed by a computer, for distributing and supplying power generated by a solar power generation system installed in a facility to a hot water supply system installed in the facility for heating water and for power consumption by equipment other than the hot water supply system in the facility, and includes the steps of: obtaining the user's scheduled bathing time; creating a schedule for distributing heating power based on the predicted power generation and predicted power consumption so as to complete heating water in the hot water supply system before the obtained scheduled bathing time; and providing notification when a modified schedule can be created that allows for the distribution of surplus power of power generation exceeding power consumption to heating power in greater quantities than the created schedule, and which involves a change in the obtained scheduled bathing time.

[0064] This control method allows the hot water supply system 40 to operate using the electricity generated by the solar power generation system 21.

[0065] Invention 9 is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of Invention 8.

[0066] According to such a program, the computer can use the electricity generated by the solar power generation system 21 to operate the hot water supply system 40.

[0067] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, the hot water control system was implemented by multiple devices. In this case, the components of the hot water control system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any way. For example, some or all of the processing performed by the control device may be performed by the hot water control device. Alternatively, the hot water control system may be implemented by a single device. For example, the hot water control system may be implemented as a single device corresponding to the control device.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0071] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0072] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0073] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a hot water supply control system or control device according to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a method executed by a computer, such as a hot water supply control system or control device, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such a method. The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0074] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10. Hot water supply control system 21 Solar power generation system 22 Power Conditioner 23 Distribution board 24 Equipment 30 Control device 31. First Communications Department 33 Information Processing Department 34 Storage section 35 Acquisition Department 36 Creation Department 37 Control Unit 38 Input / output section 40 Hot water supply system 41 Heat pump 42 tanks 43 Hot water supply control device 50 Weather forecast information distribution server 70 Grid power supply 80 Wide-area telecommunications network 90 facilities

Claims

1. A control system for distributing and supplying the power generated by a solar power generation system installed in a facility to a hot water supply system installed in the facility for heating water, and for power consumption by equipment other than the hot water supply system in the facility, An acquisition unit that obtains the user's scheduled bathing time, A creation unit creates a schedule for distributing the heating power so that the hot water system completes heating the water before the acquired scheduled bathing time, based on the predicted power generation and the predicted power consumption. The system includes a notification unit that notifies the user when it is possible to create a modified schedule that allows for the distribution of surplus power from the generated electricity exceeding the aforementioned power consumption to the water heating power in a larger amount than the previously created schedule, and when such a modified schedule involves a change to the acquired bathing schedule. Control system.

2. The notification unit issues the notification if it is possible to create a revised schedule that allocates more of the surplus power to the water heating power than the previously created schedule, based on the electricity rate, and that reduces the cost of heating water as a result of such allocation. The control system according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, it includes a reception unit that accepts user approval for the aforementioned notification, The creation unit, upon receiving approval from the user, recreates the schedule according to the change schedule. The control system according to claim 1.

4. Furthermore, the system includes a control unit that distributes the generated power to the water heating power and the power consumption according to the created schedule. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The acquisition unit acquires the scheduled bathing time entered by the user. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The created schedule includes only one set of timings for starting and ending the distribution of the heating power. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The created schedule includes the timing to start and end the compensation for any shortfall in the amount of electricity that cannot be used to complete the water heating process due to the distribution of the aforementioned heating power, by using electricity from the grid power supply. The power supply from the grid is used to supplement the power before the distribution of the water heating power begins. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A control method, executed by a computer, for distributing and supplying the power generated by a solar power generation system installed in a facility to a hot water supply system installed in the facility for heating water, and for power consumption by equipment other than the hot water supply system in the facility, Steps to obtain the user's scheduled bathing time, The steps include creating a schedule for distributing the heating power so that the hot water system completes heating the water before the acquired scheduled bathing time, based on the predicted power generation and the predicted amount of electricity consumed, The step of providing notification when it is possible to create a modified schedule that allows for the distribution of surplus power of the generated electricity exceeding the aforementioned power consumption to the water heating power in a larger amount than the previously created schedule, and which involves changing the acquired bathing schedule time. Control method.

9. To cause the computer to execute the control method described in claim 8. program.

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