Server, hot water supply system, control method, and program

Abstract

This server provides a solution that reduces the discrepancy between the predicted and actual power consumption of a hot water heater by appropriately selecting a hot water heater that shifts its heating operation to daytime hours. [Solution] The data management unit 240 of the server 200 acquires and manages at least attribute data from the hot water heater 300. The equipment selection unit 250 selects whether the hot water heater 300 is a target equipment for daytime heating based on the attribute data managed by the data management unit 240. The monitoring and control instruction unit 230 then instructs the hot water heater 300 selected by the equipment selection unit 250 to perform heating separately during the day and at night, and instructs the hot water heater 300 selected as not being a target equipment to perform heating at night.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a hot water supply system, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Various techniques are known for reducing the cost of procuring electric power supplied by an electric power company to consumers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of an electric power demand procurement support system that bids in the electric power trading market to procure electric power. In the system described in this Patent Document 1, an information processing device (electric power demand procurement support server) bids at a position based on the predicted demand volume, electric power trading information, history, etc. of each consumer, procures electric power from the wholesale electric power market, and generates a power generation plan and a supply-demand plan.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the system described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, when a consumer uses a storage-type hot water supply device, there is a concern that a deviation may occur between the generated power generation plan and supply-demand plan (predicted power consumption) and the actual result (actual power consumption). Conventionally, a storage-type hot water supply device used to perform wakigaki (preheating) for one day at night on the previous day. Recently, however, in order to utilize surplus power during the day, wakigaki is divided into the previous night and the day, which is the cause. Thus, when wakigaki is shifted to the daytime, depending on the settings of the hot water supply device, a deviation may occur between the predicted power consumption of the hot water supply device and the actual power consumption.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide a server, a hot water supply system, a control method, and a program that can reduce the discrepancy between the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of a hot water supply system by appropriately selecting a hot water supply system that shifts the heating to daytime. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the server related to this disclosure is: A server that is communicatively connected to a hot water supply system and remotely controls the heating of the hot water supply system, A data management means for acquiring and managing at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection means for determining whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime water heating based on the attribute data managed by the data management means, A control instruction means that causes the hot water heaters selected by the selection means to perform water heating separately during the day and at night, and causes the hot water heaters selected not to be the target equipment to perform water heating only at night, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, by appropriately selecting a hot water heater that shifts the water heating to daytime, the discrepancy between the predicted power consumption of the hot water heater and the actual power consumption can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a hot water supply system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of each component in a hot water supply system. [Figure 3] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of each device in Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a recommended message displayed on the display unit of the hot water heater in Embodiment 2. [Figure 5]Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of each device in Embodiment 2 [Figure 6] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of each device in a modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a recommended message and operation button displayed on the display unit of the hot water heater in Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of each device in Embodiment 3 [Figure 9] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of each device in Embodiment 4 [Figure 10] Sequence diagram illustrating the operation of each device in Embodiment 5 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The hot water supply system according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of a hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As an example, the hot water supply system 1 comprises a coordinating server 100 managed by an aggregator, a server 200 managed by an equipment manufacturer, and a storage-type hot water supply device 300 installed in each of the customer's houses H. Furthermore, the coordinating server 100, server 200, and hot water supply device 300 are connected to each other via a wide-area communication network NT, such as the Internet.

[0011] This hot water supply system 1 is intended for use in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). In a VPP, the aggregator provides energy services by remotely and centrally controlling the energy resources owned by consumers. For example, the cooperation server 100 is installed by an aggregator, and the server 200 is installed by an equipment manufacturer separately from the aggregator. Note that the aggregator is an operator that bundles the power demands of each customer and provides an energy management service efficiently. In the hot water supply system 1, it is assumed that the aggregator can be accessed from the cooperation server 100 by a terminal (terminal T described later), and the aggregator issues a monitoring and control instruction for energy resources represented by the hot water supply device 300 to the server 200.

[0012] Hereinafter, the configuration of each device in the hot water supply system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each device (cooperation server 100, server 200, and hot water supply device 300) in the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] First, the configuration of the cooperation server 100 will be described. As shown on the left (upper left) side of FIG. 2, the cooperation server 100 includes a communication unit 110 and a monitoring and control instruction unit 120. The cooperation server 100 is, for example, a server computer and has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an auxiliary storage device represented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. Then, in the cooperation server 100, for example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 120 is realized when the CPU uses the RAM as a work memory and executes a program stored in the auxiliary storage device.

[0014] The communication unit 110 is a communication unit represented by, for example, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, etc., and communicates with the server 200. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits monitoring and control instructions to the server 200 in accordance with the control from the monitoring and control instruction unit 120. These monitoring and control instructions include, for example, control instructions for the hot water supply system 300 regarding hot water supply operation, and instructions for acquiring attribute data, operation data, etc., from the hot water supply system 300. More specifically, the monitoring and control instructions include instructions for the hot water supply system 300 to start heating water, and instructions for acquiring attribute data such as the amount of hot water remaining in the storage tank, water temperature, and set values ​​from the hot water supply system 300.

[0015] The monitoring and control instruction unit 120, for example, in response to an operation from terminal T, transmits the above-mentioned monitoring and control instruction to the server 200 via the communication unit 110. In storage-type hot water heaters 300, the hot water for the entire day is usually heated during the nighttime hours of the previous day. However, recently, there has been a demand for daytime electricity consumption, so the hot water heater 300 is now heated in two separate periods: the nighttime hours of the previous day and the daytime hours of the current day. In that case, the monitoring and control instruction unit 120 sends a monitoring and control instruction to the server 200 to shift the water heating to daytime. This is also called energy shifting and is attracting attention as a means of utilizing surplus electricity during the daytime in VPPs. The aggregator sends monitoring and control instructions from terminal T, which is connected to the collaboration server 100, to the hot water supply device 300 via server 200.

[0016] Next, we will describe the configuration of server 200. As shown on the left side (bottom left) of Figure 2, the server 200 includes a communication unit 210, a monitoring, control and analysis unit 220, a monitoring and control instruction unit 230 which is an example of a control instruction means, a modification means, and a restoration means, a data management unit 240 which is an example of a data management means and a storage means, and an equipment selection unit 250 which is an example of a selection means. Server 200 is, for example, a computer for use as a server, and has a CPU, RAM, ROM, and auxiliary storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs. Then, the server 200, for example, by having the CPU use RAM as work memory and execute a program stored in the auxiliary storage device, realizes the monitoring, control and analysis unit 220, the monitoring, control and instruction unit 230, the data management unit 240, and the equipment selection unit 250.

[0017] The communication unit 210 is a communication unit, such as a wired LAN or wireless LAN, and communicates with the coordinating server 100 and the hot water supply device 300. For example, the communication unit 210 receives monitoring and control instructions sent from the coordinating server 100. The communication unit 210 also transmits monitoring and control instructions to the hot water heater 300. Furthermore, the communication unit 210 receives attribute data, operation data, etc., sent from the hot water heater 300.

[0018] The monitoring, control, and analysis unit 220 analyzes the monitoring and control instructions sent from the cooperating server 100 and received by the communication unit 210. For example, the monitoring and control analysis unit 220 analyzes whether the message is a monitoring and control instruction that should be sent to the hot water supply unit 300.

[0019] The monitoring and control instruction unit 230 transmits monitoring and control instructions to be sent to the hot water supply unit 300 via the communication unit 210, based on the analysis performed by the monitoring and control analysis unit 220.

[0020] The data management unit 240 communicates with the hot water heater 300 periodically or irregularly via the communication unit 210 to acquire and manage attribute data, operation data, etc. of the hot water heater 300. The attribute data includes setting values ​​that can be set by the user. For example, the attribute data includes "heating setting". This "heating setting" is a setting value for setting the amount of hot water heated by the hot water heater 300 to, for example, "standard" or "more". When the "heating setting" is set to "standard", the hot water heater 300 heats up to the same amount of hot water used in the past. When the "heating setting" is set to "more", the hot water heater 300 heats up to a certain amount more hot water than used in the past. Furthermore, each hot water heater 300 is assigned a unique identification number, and the data management unit 240 manages various data related to the hot water heater 300 for each identification number. The data management unit 240 manages the data of the hot water heater 300 in a unified manner and can provide the relevant data in response to search requests, for example, for the identification number and time of the hot water heater 300.

[0021] The equipment selection unit 250 selects a hot water supply unit 300 suitable for daytime heating based on data managed by the data management unit 240. For example, the equipment selection unit 250 selects a hot water heater 300 whose "heating setting" is set to "standard" as one to shift the heat heating to daytime.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the hot water supply system 300 will be explained. As shown on the right side of Figure 2, the hot water supply system 300 includes a communication unit 310, a display unit 320, a monitoring, control, and analysis unit 330, and a monitoring, control, and execution unit 340. Although not shown in the figure, the hot water supply system 300 also includes a heat pump unit for heating water and a hot water storage tank for storing the heated water. The hot water supply device 300 is, for example, an embedded controller and has a CPU, RAM, and non-volatile memory. The hot water heater 300 is implemented by, for example, the CPU using RAM as work memory to execute a program stored in non-volatile memory, thereby realizing the monitoring, control, and analysis unit 330 and the monitoring, control, and execution unit 340. The settings of the hot water heater 300 are also stored in non-volatile memory. For example, the "heating setting" of the hot water heater 300 is stored in non-volatile memory as either "standard" or "extra".

[0023] The communication unit 310 is a communication unit, such as a wired LAN or wireless LAN, and communicates with the server 200. For example, the communication unit 310 receives monitoring and control instructions sent from the server 200. The communication unit 310 also transmits attribute data, operation data, etc. of the hot water supply device 300 to the server 200.

[0024] The display unit 320 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit, which displays the operating status of the hot water heater 300 and messages to the user.

[0025] The monitoring and control analysis unit 330 analyzes the monitoring and control instructions received by the communication unit 310. For example, when the monitoring and control instruction is an instruction requesting a predicted amount of power, the monitoring and control analysis unit 330 calculates the predicted amount of power required for heating (for example, the amount of power consumed per hour) based on the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank, the water temperature, the amount of hot water to be heated, etc. In this case, the monitoring, control, and analysis unit 330 will perform an energy shift when the "heating setting" of the hot water heater 300 is set to "standard". Therefore, it calculates the predicted power consumption when heating is interrupted after a certain period of time at night and then heated during the day. On the other hand, when the "heating setting" of the hot water heater 300 is set to "extra", no energy shift will be performed. Therefore, it calculates the predicted power consumption when heating is performed to the end of the night (until the amount of heated water is stored).

[0026] The monitoring and control execution unit 340, based on the analysis by the monitoring and control analysis unit 330, controls the heat pump unit to heat water when, for example, the monitoring and control instruction is a water heating instruction. Furthermore, if a hot water heater 300 is selected by the server 200 (equipment selection unit 250) as suitable for daytime heating, the server 200 sends a shift execution notification for the next day. In this case, the monitoring and control execution unit 340 performs nighttime heating for a certain period of time, then interrupts the heating, and continues heating during the day until the required amount of hot water is stored. On the other hand, if a hot water heater 300 is not selected by the server 200 (equipment selection unit 250), no shift execution notification for the next day is sent. In this case, the monitoring and control execution unit 340 continues nighttime heating until the required amount of hot water is stored.

[0027] The operation of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the connections between the processes of each device in the hot water supply system 1. The time when the participation request is confirmed (21:30) is the time when the energy shift participation status is set for the hot water supply unit 300 and the request for implementation is confirmed. Furthermore, the time at which power consumption for each shift is determined (22:00) is the time at which it becomes possible to obtain the power consumption for each shift and the power consumption per hour from the hot water supply unit 300. Furthermore, the confirmed start time for water heating (22:30) is the time at which it becomes possible to set the water heating shift time for the hot water supply unit 300. Furthermore, the reference time for starting water heating (23:00) is the time by which the water heating shift time is determined and set in the hot water supply device 300. Furthermore, the daytime water heating start time (11:00) refers to the shift time for daytime water heating. These time values ​​are examples only and can be changed as needed according to system requirements.

[0028] First, the cooperating server 100 sends a shift execution notification for the following day (S101). For example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 120 sends a shift execution notification for the following day to the server 200 by the time the participation request is confirmed, based on the monitoring and control instruction from the aggregator.

[0029] Server 200 obtains the settings of the hot water heater 300 (S102). For example, the data management unit 240 obtains the setting value for the "heating setting" set in the hot water heater 300. This S102 is an example of a data management step.

[0030] Server 200 selects the equipment to be heated (S103). For example, if the "heating setting" value obtained in S102 is set to "standard", the equipment selection unit 250 selects the hot water heater 300 as the equipment to be heated during the day. However, if the "heating setting" value is set to "high", the equipment selection unit 250 does not select the hot water heater 300 as the equipment to be heated. This S103 is an example of a sorting step.

[0031] Server 200 issues a shift execution notification for the following day (S104). For example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 230 sends a shift execution notification for the following day to the hot water heaters 300 that were selected as target equipment for daytime heating in S103 above. The monitoring and control instruction unit 230 does not send a shift execution notification for the following day to hot water heaters 300 that were not selected as target equipment.

[0032] The server 200 obtains power consumption-related information from the hot water supply unit 300 (S105). For example, the data management unit 240 obtains the predicted power consumption required for heating (for example, the power consumption per hour) from the hot water supply unit 300 after the power consumption determination time for each shift time. If the "heating setting" of the hot water heater 300 is set to "standard," the hot water heater 300 will heat water for a certain period of time at night, then interrupt the heating process and heat water during the day. In this case, the data management unit 240 obtains the predicted power consumption of the hot water heater 300 when an energy shift is performed. On the other hand, if the "heating setting" of the hot water heater 300 is set to "high," the hot water heater 300 will heat water at night. In this case, the data management unit 240 obtains the predicted power consumption of the hot water heater 300 when an energy shift is not performed. In other words, by appropriately selecting which hot water heaters 300 are subject to the energy shift and which are not, the error between the predicted and actual power consumption of the entire hot water heater system 300 can be reduced.

[0033] The cooperating server 100 obtains power consumption-related information from the server 200 (S106). For example, terminal T connected to the cooperating server 100 obtains and displays the predicted power consumption required for heating, which is obtained from the hot water heater 300. In this case, the error between predicted and actual electricity consumption becomes smaller, allowing aggregators to reduce the penalties they have to pay to power companies.

[0034] The coordinating server 100 notifies the daytime water heating shift time (S107). For example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 120 notifies the server 200 of the daytime water heating shift time for the hot water heater 300 that heats water during the day.

[0035] Server 200 notifies the daytime water heating shift time (S108). For example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 230 notifies the water heating shift time to the water heating equipment 300 that performs daytime water heating after the water heating start reference time is determined. This S108 is an example of a control instruction step.

[0036] The hot water supply system 300 performs nighttime heating (S109). For example, the monitoring and control execution unit 340 performs nighttime heating after the reference time for the start of heating.

[0037] The hot water heater 300 clears its status values ​​(S110). For example, the monitoring and control execution unit 340 clears status values ​​such as the participation status of the hot water heater 300 in the energy shift, the predicted amount of power to be heated during the daytime heating shift, and the amount of power consumed per hour.

[0038] In S108 above, the hot water heater 300 that was notified of the daytime heating shift time will perform daytime heating (S111). For example, the monitoring and control execution unit 340 will perform daytime heating after the daytime heating start time.

[0039] As described above, in the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1, the aggregator, during energy shift control, uses a terminal T connected to the cooperating server 100 to issue monitoring and control instructions to the hot water supply devices 300 connected to the server 200, and also obtains predicted power consumption from the hot water supply devices 300 that perform daytime heating, taking into account daytime heating. By doing this for multiple hot water supply devices connected to the server 200, the predicted power consumption of multiple hot water supply devices 300 that perform daytime heating can be accurately aggregated. The aggregator then appropriately selects which hot water heaters 300 are subject to the energy shift and which are not, and submits to the power company a supply and demand plan for all consumers, including the predicted amount of electricity generated when the energy shift is implemented. If there is a deviation greater than the standard between the planned value and the actual value, the aggregator will be required to pay a penalty to the power company as compensation for the burden of electricity adjustment, in accordance with the contract. Nevertheless, in the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1, the hot water supply equipment 300 that is subject to the energy shift and those that is not subject to the energy shift are appropriately selected and the discrepancy between the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of the entire hot water supply equipment 300 can be reduced. As a result, hot water supply equipment 300 with highly accurate predicted values ​​are bundled together, and the penalties that the aggregator pays to the power company can be reduced.

[0040] As a result, by appropriately selecting the hot water heater 300 that shifts the water heating to daytime, the discrepancy between the predicted power consumption of the hot water heater 300 and the actual power consumption can be reduced.

[0041] (Embodiment 2) In the above embodiment 1, we described a case in which a hot water heater 300 is selected that shifts the water heating to daytime while keeping the current settings of the hot water heater 300. However, the user may be prompted to change the settings of the hot water heater 300. The following describes a hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 2, which is characterized by prompting the user to change the settings of the hot water supply device 300. The configuration of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 above.

[0042] In the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 2, for a hot water supply device 300 in which the "heating setting" is set to "high," a recommended message MS, such as the one shown in Figure 4, is displayed on the display unit 320. In other words, the display unit 320 prompts the user to change the settings of the hot water heater 300 by displaying the recommended message MS shown in Figure 4. This recommendation message informs users that because their "heating setting" is currently set to "high," the amount of heat generated during the daytime will be reduced during energy shifts, resulting in a less effective energy shift. It also notifies them of the reasons and benefits of changing the "heating setting" from "high" to "standard." Furthermore, as a reason for this recommendation, as shown in the recommended message MS in Figure 4, it may be recommended not only to notify the user that their recent hot water usage is lower than their usage at the same time last year, but also to notify them that their recent hot water usage is lower than the usage of other users in the same area using the same model of hot water heater 300.

[0043] The operation of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the connections between the processing of each device in the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 2. Note that the sequence diagram in Figure 5 is the same as the sequence diagram in Figure 3 described above, with the addition of new processes S201 to S204. Therefore, in the following explanation, the same processes as in the sequence diagram in Figure 3 will be briefly described.

[0044] First, the coordinating server 100 sends a shift execution notification for the next day (S101). Server 200 retrieves the settings of the hot water supply device 300 (S102).

[0045] Server 200 calculates the usage status of the hot water supply system 300 (S201). For example, the data management unit 240 calculates the amount of hot water used, the amount of electricity consumed, etc., of the hot water supply system 300.

[0046] The server 200 notifies the hot water heater 300 of the selection to change the setting value (S202). For example, if the "heating setting" value obtained in S102 above is set to "high", the monitoring and control instruction unit 230 displays a recommendation message to the display unit 320 via the hot water heater 300. In other words, the server 200 causes the display unit 320 of the hot water heater 300 to display a recommendation message MS as shown in Figure 4 above.

[0047] If a user of the water heater 300 sees a recommended message MS as shown in Figure 4 and recognizes the need to change the "heating setting" from "extra" to "standard," the user will change the setting (S203). If the user does not change the setting, the "heating setting" will remain at "extra."

[0048] Server 200 acquires information about changes in settings (S204). For example, data management unit 240 acquires the setting value of "heating setting" that has been changed in the hot water heater 300.

[0049] Server 200 selects the equipment to be used for water heating (S103). For example, if the "water heating setting" setting obtained in S102 is set to "standard", and if information about a change in the setting is obtained in S204, the equipment selection unit 250 selects the water heating device 300 as the equipment to be used for shifting water heating to daytime.

[0050] Server 200 sends a shift execution notification for the next day to the hot water supply unit 300, which was selected as the equipment to be heated in S103 (S104). Server 200 obtains power consumption-related information from the hot water supply unit 300 (S105). The coordinating server 100 also obtains power consumption-related information from Server 200 (S106).

[0051] The coordinating server 100 notifies the server 200 of the daytime water heating shift time (S107). The server 200 also notifies the water heating equipment 300, which heats water during the day, of the daytime water heating shift time (S108).

[0052] The hot water heater 300 performs nighttime heating (S109). The hot water heater 300 clears its status value (S110). Then, the hot water heater 300, which was notified of the daytime heating shift time in S108 above, performs daytime heating (S111).

[0053] By the way, the settings of the hot water heater 300 are changed according to the user's usage and preferences, but the user does not always set the optimal settings for the situation. For example, there are cases where the user temporarily changes the settings of the hot water heater 300 and then forgets to change them back to their original values. In the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 2, a recommendation message MS, as shown in Figure 4, presents the reasons and benefits of recommending a change to the settings of the hot water supply device 300. This is expected to prompt users who have temporarily changed the settings of the hot water supply device 300 and then forgotten to change them back to their original settings. Then, by prompting the user to change the settings, the number of hot water heaters 300 participating in the energy shift can be increased, thereby increasing the total amount of electricity consumed during the day by the hot water heaters 300 handled by the aggregator.

[0054] (Modified version of Embodiment 2) In the above embodiment 2, we have described how to display a recommended message MS as shown in Figure 4 on the display unit 320 and prompt the user to change the settings of the hot water heater 300. However, the system may also display the results of the changes to the user after they have changed the settings.

[0055] Hereinafter, a modified example of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the connections between the processing of each device in the hot water supply system 1 according to a modified example of Embodiment 2. Note that the sequence diagram in Figure 6 is the same as the sequence diagram in Figure 4 described above, with the addition of a new process, S301. Therefore, in the following explanation, the same process as in the sequence diagram in Figure 4 will be briefly described.

[0056] First, the coordinating server 100 sends a shift execution notification for the next day (S101). Server 200 retrieves the settings of the hot water supply device 300 (S102).

[0057] Server 200 calculates the usage status of the hot water heater 300 (S201). Server 200 also notifies the hot water heater 300 of the option to change the setting value (S202). The prompted user changes the setting value (S203). Server 200 then obtains the information about the setting value change (S204).

[0058] Server 200 selects the equipment to be heated (S103). Server 200 also sends a shift execution notification for the next day to the hot water supply equipment 300 that was selected as the equipment to be heated in S103 (S104).

[0059] Server 200 obtains power consumption-related information from the hot water supply unit 300 (S105). The coordinating server 100 also obtains power consumption-related information from server 200 (S106).

[0060] The coordinating server 100 notifies the server 200 of the daytime water heating shift time (S107). The server 200 also notifies the water heating equipment 300, which heats water during the day, of the daytime water heating shift time (S108).

[0061] The hot water heater 300 performs nighttime heating (S109). The hot water heater 300 clears its status value (S110). Then, the hot water heater 300, which was notified of the daytime heating shift time in S108 above, performs daytime heating (S111).

[0062] When the server 200 obtains information about the setting value change in S204 as described above, it displays the actual results after the daytime heating of the hot water heater 300 (S301). For example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 230 displays the amount of electricity used for nighttime heating, the amount of reduction after the setting, and the amount of electricity used for daytime heating corresponding to the energy shift on the display unit 320 of the hot water heater 300.

[0063] In this modified embodiment of the second example, the user who changed the setting value can grasp the specific results after the change.

[0064] Furthermore, in the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 2, and the hot water supply system 1 according to a modified example of Embodiment 2, the discrepancy between the predicted power consumption of the hot water supply device 300 and the actual power consumption can be reduced by appropriately selecting the hot water supply device 300 that shifts the water heating to daytime.

[0065] (Embodiment 3) In the above embodiment 2, the case was described in which the user manually changes the settings of the hot water heater 300 after being prompted to do so. However, it is also possible to omit the user's operation to change the settings and allow the server 200 to automatically or semi-automatically change the settings of the hot water heater 300. The following describes a hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 3, which is characterized by changing the settings of the hot water supply device 300 from the server 200. The configuration of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 3 is the same as that of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 above.

[0066] In the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 3, for a hot water supply device 300 in which the "heating setting" is set to "extra," the display unit 320 displays, for example, a recommended message MS as shown in Figure 7, and buttons BT1 and BT2. In other words, the display unit 320 prompts the user to change the settings of the hot water heater 300 by displaying the recommended message MS in Figure 7, and indicates that the settings of the hot water heater 300 will be changed by the server 200 when button BT1 is pressed. Note that Figure 7 shows a case where buttons BT1 and BT2 are displayed and the user is asked for permission to change the settings from the server 200, but it is also possible to change the settings from the server 200 without displaying buttons BT1 and BT2 and without asking for user permission.

[0067] The operation of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the connections between the processing of each device in the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 3. Note that the sequence diagram in Figure 8 is the same as the sequence diagram in Figure 5 described above, but with steps S203 and S204 removed and new steps S401 and S402 added instead. Therefore, in the following explanation, the same steps as in the sequence diagram in Figure 6 will be briefly described.

[0068] First, the coordinating server 100 sends a shift execution notification for the next day (S101). Server 200 retrieves the settings of the hot water supply device 300 (S102).

[0069] Server 200 calculates the usage status of the hot water supply system 300 (S201). For example, the data management unit 240 calculates the amount of hot water used, the amount of electricity consumed, etc., of the hot water supply system 300.

[0070] The server 200 notifies the hot water heater 300 of the selection to change the setting value (S202). For example, if the "heating setting" value obtained in S102 above is set to "high", the monitoring and control instruction unit 230 displays a recommendation message and a button on the display unit 320 via the hot water heater 300. In other words, the server 200 causes the recommendation message MS shown in Figure 7 above to be displayed on the display unit 320 of the hot water heater 300.

[0071] If a user of the water heater 300 sees a recommended message MS as shown in Figure 7 and recognizes the need to change the "heating setting" from "extra" to "standard," the user presses button BT1 to agree to the setting change (S401). If the user presses button BT2, the setting change is rejected, and the "heating setting" remains at "extra."

[0072] The server 200 changes the setting value of the hot water heater 300 (S402). For example, if the setting value change is approved in S401 above, the monitoring and control instruction unit 230 changes the "heating setting" of the hot water heater 300 from "extra" to "standard".

[0073] Server 200 selects the equipment to be heated (S103). Then, Server 200 sends a shift execution notification for the next day to the hot water supply equipment 300 that was selected as the equipment to be heated in S103 (S104).

[0074] Server 200 obtains power consumption-related information from the hot water supply unit 300 (S105). The coordinating server 100 also obtains power consumption-related information from server 200 (S106).

[0075] The coordinating server 100 notifies the server 200 of the daytime water heating shift time (S107). The server 200 also notifies the water heating equipment 300, which heats water during the day, of the daytime water heating shift time (S108).

[0076] The hot water heater 300 performs nighttime heating (S109). The hot water heater 300 clears its status value (S110). Then, the hot water heater 300, which was notified of the daytime heating shift time in S108 above, performs daytime heating (S111).

[0077] In the hot water supply system 1 according to this embodiment 3, the settings of the hot water supply device 300 can be changed automatically or semi-automatically from the server 200, minimizing the need for the user to change settings.

[0078] Furthermore, in the hot water supply system 1 according to this embodiment 3, the discrepancy between the predicted power consumption of the hot water supply device 300 and the actual power consumption can be reduced by appropriately selecting the hot water supply device 300 that shifts the water heating to daytime.

[0079] (Embodiment 4) In the hot water supply system 1 as described in embodiments 1 to 3 above, a demand response (DR) may be issued to request a reduction in electricity demand when a tight supply and demand situation for electricity is predicted. The following describes a hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 4, which is characterized by its ability to handle demand response. The configuration of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 4 is the same as that of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 above.

[0080] In the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 4, for example, the server 200 saves the setting value ("heating setting") of the hot water supply device 300 before the implementation of demand response, and uniformly changes the "heating setting" of the hot water supply device 300 to "standard" during the implementation period of demand response. For example, in a demand response contract between the aggregator and the user of the hot water heater 300, both parties agree that the settings of the hot water heater 300 can be changed during the period in which demand response is implemented. Then, once the demand response period has ended, the server 200 restores the settings of the hot water supply unit 300.

[0081] The operation of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 4 of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the connections between the processing of each device in the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 4.

[0082] First, the coordinating server 100 notifies the server 200 of the DR period (S501). For example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 120 sends the notification of the DR period to the server 200 via the communication unit 110.

[0083] Server 200 obtains the settings of the hot water heater 300 before the implementation period (S502). For example, the data management unit 240 obtains the "heating setting" of the hot water heater 300 from the hot water heater 300.

[0084] Server 200 saves the settings of the hot water heater 300 (S503). For example, the data management unit 240 manages the settings obtained in S502 by associating them with the identification number of the hot water heater 300.

[0085] During the demand response period, server 200 uniformly changes the "heating setting" of all hot water heaters 300 to "standard". As a result, during the demand response period, all hot water heaters 300 will be selected as target devices. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of hot water heaters 300 participating in the energy shift and increase the total amount of electricity consumed during the day by the hot water heaters 300 handled by the aggregator.

[0086] When the demand response period ends, the server 200 restores the settings of the hot water heater 300 (S504). For example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 230 restores the "heating setting" of the hot water heater 300 based on the settings saved in S503.

[0087] This allows the settings of the hot water heater 300 to be automatically restored once the demand response period has ended.

[0088] (Embodiment 5) In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the case in which a hot water heater 300 that shifts water heating to daytime is selected based on the setting value of the hot water heater 300 was explained. However, the hot water heater 300 may also be selected after considering other data. The following describes a hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 5, which is characterized by selecting a hot water supply unit 300 that shifts the water heating to daytime based on the setting value of the hot water supply unit 300 and environmental data. The configuration of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 5 is the same as that of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 above.

[0089] The operation of the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 5 of this disclosure will be described below with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the connections between the processing of each device in the hot water supply system 1 according to Embodiment 5. Note that the sequence diagram in Figure 10 is the same as the sequence diagram in Figure 5 described above, with the addition of new processes S601 and S602. Therefore, in the following explanation, the same processes as in the sequence diagram in Figure 5 will be briefly described.

[0090] First, server 200 obtains predicted values ​​of external environmental data for the day the energy shift will be implemented from the cooperating server 100 (S601). External environmental data includes, for example, temperature and weather data.

[0091] The linked server 100 sends a shift execution notification for the next day (S101). Server 200 retrieves the settings of the hot water supply unit 300 (S102).

[0092] Server 200 calculates the usage status of the hot water supply unit 300 (S201).

[0093] The server evaluates the external environmental data (S602). For example, it determines whether to actively recommend an energy shift based on predicted changes in the external environmental data, and based on this, it performs an evaluation such as switching the method of recommending a change in the settings of the hot water heater 300 (number of times displayed, highlighting, etc.). Based on this, for example, if the weather is sunny and a surplus of electricity is predicted to be abundant during the daytime, it recommends actively changing the settings of the hot water heater 300. The server 200 also notifies the hot water heater 300 of the selection to change the setting value (S202). The prompted user changes the setting value (S203). The server 200 then obtains the information about the setting value change (S204).

[0094] Server 200 selects the equipment to be heated (S103). Server 200 also sends a shift execution notification for the next day to the hot water supply equipment 300 that was selected as the equipment to be heated in S103 (S104).

[0095] Server 200 obtains power consumption-related information from the hot water supply unit 300 (S105). The coordinating server 100 also obtains power consumption-related information from server 200 (S106).

[0096] The coordinating server 100 notifies the server 200 of the daytime water heating shift time (S107). The server 200 also notifies the water heating equipment 300, which heats water during the day, of the daytime water heating shift time (S108).

[0097] The hot water heater 300 performs nighttime heating (S109). The hot water heater 300 clears its status value (S110). Then, the hot water heater 300, which was notified of the daytime heating shift time in S108 above, performs daytime heating (S111).

[0098] Furthermore, if the server 200 obtains information on the setting value change in S204 as described above, it may display the actual results after the daytime heating of the hot water heater 300. For example, the monitoring and control instruction unit 230 displays the amount of electricity used for nighttime heating, the amount of reduction after the setting, and the amount of electricity used for daytime heating corresponding to the energy shift on the display unit 320 of the hot water heater 300.

[0099] In this embodiment 5, it is recommended to change the settings of the hot water heater 300 by further considering external environmental data (data such as temperature and weather). By prompting the user to change the settings, the number of hot water heaters 300 participating in the energy shift can be increased, and the total amount of electricity consumed during the day by the hot water heaters 300 handled by the aggregator can be increased.

[0100] Furthermore, in the hot water supply system 1 according to this embodiment 5, the discrepancy between the predicted power consumption of the hot water supply system 300 and the actual power consumption can be reduced by appropriately selecting the hot water supply device 300 that shifts the water heating to daytime.

[0101] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, various forms of modification and application are possible when implementing this disclosure.

[0102] In the embodiment described above, the energy shift of the hot water supply system 300 was explained, but other equipment may also be subjected to energy shift.

[0103] For example, the data management unit 240 further acquires and manages attribute data from other equipment, including at least a storage battery and an air conditioner. The equipment selection unit 250 further selects whether other equipment is a target equipment or not based on the attribute data of the other equipment. The monitoring and control instruction unit 230 then operates the other equipment that the equipment selection unit 250 has selected as a target equipment, dividing it into daytime and nighttime operations, and operates the other equipment that has been selected as not a target equipment, only at night.

[0104] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, we have explained a case in which the CPU uses RAM as work memory and executes programs stored in ROM or auxiliary storage devices to realize, for example, each function of the server 200. However, each of these functions may also be realized by dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware includes, for example, single circuits, complex circuits, programmed processors, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), or combinations thereof.

[0105] Furthermore, by applying the program that defines the operation of the server 200 according to the above embodiment to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is also possible to make the personal computer or information terminal device function as the server 200 according to the embodiment.

[0106] Furthermore, the method of distributing such programs is optional. For example, they may be distributed by storing them on computer-readable storage media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), or memory cards, or they may be distributed via communication networks such as the Internet.

[0107] This disclosure allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent significance of the disclosure are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0108] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0109] (Note 1) A server that is communicatively connected to a hot water supply system and remotely controls the heating of the hot water supply system, A data management means for acquiring and managing at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection means for determining whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime water heating based on the attribute data managed by the data management means, A control instruction means that causes the hot water heaters selected by the selection means to perform water heating separately during the day and at night, and causes the hot water heaters selected not to be the target equipment to perform water heating only at night, A server equipped with the following features. (Note 2) The data management means manages the setting values ​​related to the amount of hot water to be heated, which are set in the hot water supply device, as attribute data. The selection means determines whether the hot water supply device is the target device based on the set value. The server listed in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The system further includes a means for providing a message to a hot water heater that has a setting value that is not the standard value, prompting it to change the setting value, and displaying this message on the display unit of the hot water heater. The server listed in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The selection means selects the hot water heater for which the providing means provided the message if the set value has been changed to a standard value, and identifies it as the target device. The server listed in Appendix 3. (Note 5) The providing means, in the hot water heater that provided the message, further provides and displays the actual amount of electricity used for daytime water heating after the change in the setting value when the setting value is changed to a standard value. The server specified in Appendix 3 or 4. (Note 6) A storage means for saving the set value set in the hot water supply device before demand response is performed, During the demand response implementation period, a means for changing the setting value of the hot water supply device to a standard value, When the aforementioned implementation period ends, a restoration means restores the setting value of the hot water supply device according to the setting value stored in the storage means, A server as described in Appendix 2, further comprising the features mentioned above. (Note 7) The data management means further acquires and manages the attribute data from other devices, including at least a storage battery and an air conditioner. The selection means further selects whether the other device is the target device based on the attribute data of the other device, The control instruction means operates the other devices that the selection means has selected as target devices separately for daytime and nighttime, and operates the other devices that it has selected as not target devices only at night. The server listed in Appendix 1. (Note 8) The aforementioned data management means further acquires and manages environmental data relating to the external environment. The selection means determines whether the hot water supply device is the target device based on the environmental data and the attribute data. The server listed in Appendix 1. (Note 9) A hot water supply system in which the hot water supply device and the server are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other. The aforementioned server, A data management means for acquiring and managing at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection means for determining whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime water heating based on the attribute data managed by the data management means, The system includes a control instruction means that causes the water heater selected by the selection means to perform water heating separately during the day and at night, and causes the water heater selected not to be a target device to perform water heating only at night. Hot water supply system. (Note 10) A control method performed by a server that is communicatively connected to a hot water supply system, A data management step of acquiring and managing at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection step to determine whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime heating based on the attribute data managed in the data management step, A control instruction step is provided to cause the hot water heaters selected as target equipment in the selection step to perform water heating separately during the day and at night, and to cause the hot water heaters selected as not target equipment to perform water heating only at night. A control method comprising the following features. (Note 11) A computer that is connected to the hot water supply system in a communication manner and remotely controls the heating of the hot water supply system, A data management step that acquires and manages at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection step to determine whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime water heating, based on the attribute data managed in the data management step, A control instruction step in which, for the hot water supply equipment selected as the target equipment in the selection step, the water heating is performed separately during the day and at night, and for the hot water supply equipment selected as not to be the target equipment, the water heating is performed at night. A program to execute. [Industrial applicability]

[0110] This disclosure provides a server, a hot water supply system, a control method, and a program that can reduce the discrepancy between the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of a hot water supply system by appropriately selecting a hot water supply system that shifts the heating to daytime. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1 Hot water supply system, 100 Interconnection server, 110 Communication unit, 120 Monitoring and control instruction unit, 200 Server, 210 Communication unit, 220 Monitoring and control analysis unit, 230 Monitoring and control instruction unit, 240 Data management unit, 250 Equipment selection unit, 300 Hot water supply device, 310 Communication unit, 320 Display unit, 330 Monitoring and control analysis unit, 340 Monitoring and control execution unit

Claims

1. A server that is communicatively connected to a hot water supply system and remotely controls the heating of the hot water supply system, A data management means for acquiring and managing at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection means for determining whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime water heating based on the attribute data managed by the data management means, A control instruction means that causes the hot water heaters selected by the selection means to perform water heating separately during the day and at night, and causes the hot water heaters selected not to be the target equipment to perform water heating only at night, A server equipped with the following features.

2. The data management means manages the setting values ​​related to the amount of hot water to be heated, which are set in the hot water supply device, as attribute data. The selection means determines whether the hot water supply device is the target device based on the set value. The server according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a means for providing a message to a hot water heater that has a setting value that is not the standard value, prompting it to change the setting value, and displaying this message on the display unit of the hot water heater. The server according to claim 2.

4. The selection means selects the hot water heater for which the providing means provided the message if the set value has been changed to a standard value, and identifies it as the target device. The server according to claim 3.

5. The providing means, in the hot water heater that provided the message, further provides and displays the actual amount of electricity used for daytime water heating after the change in the setting value when the setting value is changed to a standard value. The server according to claim 3 or 4.

6. A storage means for saving the set value set in the hot water supply device before demand response is performed, During the demand response implementation period, a means for changing the setting value of the hot water supply device to a standard value, When the aforementioned implementation period ends, a restoration means restores the setting value of the hot water supply device according to the setting value stored in the storage means, The server according to claim 2, further comprising:

7. The data management means further acquires and manages the attribute data from other devices, including at least a storage battery and an air conditioner. The selection means further selects whether the other device is the target device based on the attribute data of the other device, The control instruction means operates the other devices that the selection means has selected as target devices separately for daytime and nighttime, and operates the other devices that it has selected as not target devices only at night. The server according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned data management means further acquires and manages environmental data relating to the external environment. The selection means determines whether the hot water supply device is the target device based on the environmental data and the attribute data. The server according to claim 1.

9. A hot water supply system in which the hot water supply device and the server are connected in a way that allows them to communicate with each other. The aforementioned server, A data management means for acquiring and managing at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection means for determining whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime water heating based on the attribute data managed by the data management means, The system includes a control instruction means that causes the water heater selected by the selection means to perform water heating separately during the day and at night, and causes the water heater selected not to be a target device to perform water heating only at night. Hot water supply system.

10. A control method performed by a server that is communicatively connected to a hot water supply system, A data management step of acquiring and managing at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection step to determine whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime heating based on the attribute data managed in the data management step, A control instruction step is provided to cause the hot water heaters selected as target equipment in the selection step to perform water heating separately during the day and at night, and to cause the hot water heaters selected as not target equipment to perform water heating only at night. A control method comprising the following features.

11. A computer that is connected to the hot water supply system in a communication manner and remotely controls the heating of the hot water supply system, A data management step that acquires and manages at least attribute data from the hot water supply device, A selection step to determine whether the hot water supply device is a device subject to daytime water heating, based on the attribute data managed in the data management step, A control instruction step in which, for the hot water supply equipment selected as the target equipment in the selection step, the water heating is performed separately during the day and at night, and for the hot water supply equipment selected as not to be the target equipment, the water heating is performed at night. A program to execute.

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