Power regulation system, power regulation method, and program

Abstract

It suppresses the occurrence of imbalances. [Solution] In the power adjustment system 10, the water heating planning unit 113 creates a water heating plan 123 that consumes at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific period in the future by heating at least one of the multiple water heaters located in the pipe. The water heater control unit 114 controls at least one water heater according to the water heating plan 123 created by the water heating planning unit 113. After the specific period in the future has arrived, if a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the water heating plan 123 and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for adjusting the power supply and demand are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that procures power from the wholesale power market by bidding at a position based on the predicted demand volume, power trading information, history, etc. of each power consumer, generates plans for power sales, procurement, supply and demand, etc. for the next day, and instructs related parties to adjust the power supply and demand.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Even if a power company plans the power supply and demand as described above, the actual power demand volume may not be as planned. In such a case, an imbalance occurs, and there is a risk that a penalty such as an imbalance cost will be imposed on the power company. Therefore, it is required to suppress the occurrence of imbalances.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power regulation system and the like capable of suppressing the occurrence of imbalances.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [[ID=P46]]To achieve the above object, the power regulation system according to the present disclosure is A water heating planning means for creating a water heating plan that consumes at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific period in the future by heating at least one of several water heaters located within the pipe, A water heater control means that controls at least one water heater according to the water heating plan created by the water heating planning means, The system includes a heating adjustment means that, after the arrival of a specific future period, if a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the heating plan and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the plurality of water heaters and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure describes a method for creating a heating plan that consumes at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific future period by heating at least one of several water heaters located within a pipe. The method involves controlling at least one water heater according to the created heating plan, and after the specific future period arrives, if a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the heating plan and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, the method involves selecting a water heater to be adjusted from among the several water heaters and adjusting the power consumption of the selected water heater. Therefore, according to this disclosure, the occurrence of imbalances can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the overall configuration to which the power adjustment system according to Embodiment 1 is applied. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the power adjustment system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a power database according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of predicting the amount of electricity demand in a specific future period in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of creating a water heating plan in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a water heater DB according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the trend between the planned and actual power consumption values ​​of the water heater in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Figure showing a first example of the adjusted power amount in Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Figure showing a second example of the adjusted power amount in Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the operator's terminal in Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a notification screen displayed on the customer terminal in Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] Sequence diagram showing the processing flow executed throughout the entire system in Embodiment 1 [Figure 13] A flowchart showing the flow of the water heating adjustment process performed by the power adjustment system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] Figure showing a first example of the adjusted power amount in Embodiment 2. [Figure 15] Figure showing a second example of the adjusted power amount in Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] Figure showing a first example of predicting the power consumption of a water heater in Embodiment 3. [Figure 17] Figure showing a second example of predicting the power consumption of a water heater in Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) The entire system to which the power adjustment system 10 according to Embodiment 1 is applied is configured as shown in FIG. 1. In the entire system, there are a plurality of water heaters 3, a plurality of power measuring devices 4, a plurality of consumer terminals 5, a utility terminal 7, and a power adjustment system 10. These are communicably connected to each other via a communication network N which is a wide-area communication network.

[0011] The power adjustment system 10 is a system that adjusts the power supply and demand within a certain area. Here, the power area means the area within the jurisdiction of the power adjustment system 10 and within the scope of management by the power adjustment system 10. In other words, the power area corresponds to the range of consumers under the management of the power adjustment system 10 by virtue of contracts, agreements, etc. with the power company. The power area can be various geographically, for example, it may be within a specific area or may extend over a wide area. Hereinafter, the power area will be simply referred to as the "area".

[0012] In the area, there are consumers A, B,... who need power. Specifically, consumers A, B,... are, for example, residents, managers, etc. of ordinary households, enterprises, factories, etc. In each of the sites of consumers A, B,..., a water heater 3 and a power measuring device 4 are provided. Also, in each of the sites of consumers A, B,..., although not shown in the figure, in addition to the water heater 3, there are devices that consume power and operate, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, lighting, cookers, TVs, etc. Hereinafter, these devices and the water heater 3 will be collectively referred to as "load devices".

[0013] Each of the multiple water heaters 3 is a device that consumes electricity to heat and store hot water. Each water heater 3 can be used as a load device that consumes electricity within the range that can heat water. Each water heater 3 is, as an example, a storage-type water heater equipped with a heat pump unit, a hot water storage tank, and a hot water controller. The heat pump unit is a heat pump type heat source that uses CO2 (carbon dioxide), HFC (hydrofluorocarbon), etc. as a refrigerant. The heat pump unit is connected to the hot water storage tank by water pipes through which hot water flows. The heat pump unit uses the surrounding air as a heat source to heat the low-temperature water in the hot water storage tank to high-temperature water. The hot water controller, although not shown in the diagram, is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication interface, and read / write non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc., and comprehensively controls the water heaters 3.

[0014] Each of the multiple power meters 4 is a smart meter equipped with the function of measuring the power consumed on the customer's premises and the communication function of transmitting the measured power value. Each power meter 4 measures the power consumed by the water heater 3 on the premises where the power meter 4 is installed, and the power consumed by load equipment other than the water heater 3 on the premises.

[0015] Each of the customer A, B, etc. has a controller installed on their respective premises (not shown in the diagram). The controller is, for example, a control device compliant with HEMS (Home Energy Management System) standards, and controls the operation of each piece of equipment, including the water heater 3, on the premises where the controller is installed. The controller also acquires power measurement information measured by each power meter 4, for example every 30 minutes, and transmits it to the power adjustment system 10 via the communication network N.

[0016] Each of the multiple customer terminals 5 is a terminal device operated by a customer. The operator terminal 7 is a terminal device operated by a power company. Here, the power company is a business that can supply electricity to customers A, B, ... such as a retail electricity company or an aggregator. Each customer terminal 5 and operator terminal 7 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer, and may be a fixed-type device or a portable-type device. Each customer terminal 5 and operator terminal 7, although not shown in the figures, is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, user interface, communication interface, and read / write non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. The user interface includes an operating section such as a touch panel, physical buttons, or keyboard, and a display section such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0017] Each customer terminal 5 and business operator terminal 7 communicates with the power adjustment system 10 via the communication network N. The communication between each customer terminal 5 and business operator terminal 7 may be wired or wireless. Each customer terminal 5 and business operator terminal 7 communicates with the power adjustment system 10 to receive information transmitted from the power adjustment system 10 and transmits the received information to the customer or power company by display, voice, etc. In addition, each customer terminal 5 and business operator terminal 7 receives the response from the customer or power company to the received information via an operation unit and transmits it to the power adjustment system 10.

[0018] Next, the power adjustment system 10 will be described in more detail. The power adjustment system 10 is an information processing device such as a cloud server or a personal computer, and is installed under the management of the power adjustment system 10 administrator. As shown in Figure 1, the power adjustment system 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0019] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU, also called a central processing unit, central computing unit, processor, microprocessor, or microcomputer, functions as a central computing unit that performs processing and calculations related to the control of the power adjustment system 10. In the control unit 11, the CPU reads programs and data stored in ROM and uses RAM as a work area to comprehensively control the power adjustment system 10.

[0020] The storage unit 12 is equipped with non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and plays the role of a so-called secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 for various processing. It also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 through various processing.

[0021] The communication unit 13 is equipped with a communication interface for the power adjustment system 10 to communicate with external devices. Specifically, the communication unit 13 communicates with each customer's water heater 3, power meter 4, customer terminal 5, and operator terminal 7 located within the service area via the communication network N. In addition, the communication unit 13 has IoT (Internet of Things) communication capabilities and can communicate with various IoT devices installed on each customer's premises.

[0022] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the functional configuration of the power adjustment system 10 will be described. Functionally, the power adjustment system 10 comprises a power information collection unit 111, which is an example of power information collection means; a demand power determination unit 112, which is an example of demand power forecasting means; a water heating planning unit 113, which is an example of water heating planning means; a water heater control unit 114, which is an example of water heater control means; a water heater information collection unit 116, which is an example of water heater information collection means; and a water heating adjustment unit 117, which is an example of water heating adjustment means. Each of these functions is realized in the control unit 11 by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the ROM or storage unit 12. Then, in the control unit 11, the CPU realizes each function by executing the programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 12.

[0023] Furthermore, the power adjustment system 10 includes a power DB (Database) 121 and a water heater DB 122. Each of these DBs is built in an appropriate storage area in the storage unit 12.

[0024] The power information collection unit 111 collects power information. Power information is information that shows the actual amount of electricity consumed at each customer within the service area. Here, the amount of electricity consumed at a customer corresponds to the total amount of electricity consumed by all load equipment, including the water heater 3, located on the customer's premises, or in other words, the total amount of electricity consumed on the entire premises of that customer. The amount of electricity consumed at each customer is measured by the power meter 4 at each customer.

[0025] The power information collection unit 111 communicates with each customer's controller via the communication unit 13 and the communication network N, and collects power measurement information as power information, including the power consumption of the water heater 3 and the total power consumed on the entire site, as measured by each customer's power meter 4. The power information collection unit 111 repeatedly collects power information in this way from each customer's controller at regular intervals, and stores the collected power information in the power DB 121 for accumulation. The regular interval is a predetermined length of time, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour. The following explanation will use the case where the regular interval is 30 minutes as an example.

[0026] The power database 121 stores power information collected by the power information collection unit 111. As an example, as shown in Figure 3, the power database 121 stores the actual power consumption for the entire site, including the power consumption consumed by the water heater 3, for each customer A, B, ..., linked to the date and time the power information was collected, at regular intervals of 30 minutes.

[0027] Returning to Figure 2, the power demand determination unit 112 determines the required power demand, which is the amount of power demand required for a specific period in the future. Here, the required power demand is the amount of power demand required for the service area, and is the amount of power that the power company requires to be consumed throughout the entire service area. In other words, the required power demand corresponds to the total amount of power consumption that is required to be consumed by all load equipment, including the water heater 3, across multiple customers A, B, ... within the service area.

[0028] More specifically, in order to plan the amount of electricity to be supplied to its service area during a specific future period, the power company plans the total amount of electricity it requests to be consumed throughout its service area during that period as the requested electricity demand. In other words, the requested electricity demand corresponds to the planned total amount of electricity consumed within the service area during that specific future period. When a predetermined time arrives, the electricity demand determination unit 112 determines the requested electricity demand for each fixed time interval during the specific future period, based on the present.

[0029] Figure 4 specifically shows an example where the future specified period is from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM the following day. Every morning at 7:00 AM, the demand power determination unit 112 determines the required amount of electricity for the period from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM the following day, at regular intervals of 30 minutes. To determine the required amount of electricity, the demand power determination unit 112 refers to the actual electricity consumption values ​​of each customer stored in the power DB 121.

[0030] Specifically, the power demand determination unit 112 adds up the actual power consumption values ​​stored every 30 minutes in the power database 121 across multiple consumers. This allows the power demand determination unit 112 to calculate the total power consumption within its service area every 30 minutes, i.e., the actual total power consumption within the service area for each 30-minute period. Based on the calculated actual total power consumption, the power demand determination unit 112 then predicts the total power consumption within the service area for a specific future period.

[0031] For example, the power demand determination unit 112 predicts the total power consumption in the service area from 9:00 to 9:30 the following day by averaging the actual total power consumption values ​​from 9:00 to 9:30 over several past days. Similarly, the power demand determination unit 112 predicts the total power consumption for the same time period the following day by averaging the actual total power consumption values ​​over several past days for the same time period in other time periods. Here, the several past days used to predict the total power consumption for the following day may be, for example, the past two weeks or one month. Note that the several past days may be determined so that they correspond to the same day of the week, season, etc., as the following day.

[0032] When the total power consumption for the following day is predicted, the power demand determination unit 112 determines the required power demand for each time period from 9:00 to 21:00 on the following day, based on the predicted total power consumption and other factors. Other factors include, for example, power procurement prices and demand response factors. As one example, the power demand determination unit 112 predicts the unit price of power procurement for each time period on the following day and determines the required power demand based on the predicted unit price. Specifically, the power demand determination unit 112 determines the required power demand for each time period to be larger than the predicted total power consumption, so that the amount of power consumed increases during the time period when the power procurement price is relatively low.

[0033] As another example, if a demand response requests an increase in the total power consumption within the service area during a specific time period the following day, the demand power determination unit 112 may determine the required power demand by taking into account the request from the demand response. Specifically, the demand power determination unit 112 may determine the required power demand for the time period subject to the demand response as the predicted total power consumption plus the increase in power requested by the demand response. In this way, the demand power determination unit 112 determines the required power demand within the service area for each time period the following day by taking into account factors other than the total power consumption in the service area in the past.

[0034] Returning to Figure 2, the water heating planning unit 113 creates a water heating plan 123 based on the required electricity demand determined by the electricity demand determination unit 112. Here, the water heating plan 123 is a plan for at least one water heater 3 in the pipe to perform a water heating operation. More specifically, the water heating plan 123 is information that defines at least one water heater 3 among the multiple water heaters 3 in the pipe that will be subject to water heating operation, the time period in which each of those at least one water heater 3 will perform water heating operation, and the amount of hot water to be heated. Every morning at 7:00, when the electricity demand determination unit 112 determines the required electricity demand for the following day from 9:00 to 21:00, the water heating planning unit 113 creates a water heating plan 123 for the following day based on the determined required electricity demand.

[0035] More specifically, the water heating planning unit 113 creates a water heating plan 123, which is a plan to consume at least a portion of the required electricity demand determined by the electricity demand determination unit 112 through the water heating operation of at least one of the multiple water heaters 3 located within the pipe. For example, if the required electricity demand for the period from 9:00 to 21:00 the following day is determined as shown in Figure 4, the water heating planning unit 113 creates a water heating plan 123 for the period from 9:00 to 21:00 the following day, as shown in Figure 5. Note that for ease of understanding, Figure 5 shows a water heating plan 123 only for a specific future period from 9:00 to 21:00, but the water heating planning unit 113 also creates water heating plans 123 for other time periods.

[0036] Specifically, the water heating planning unit 113 determines at least one water heater 3 to be subjected to water heating operation and the time period for that operation, so that the amount of electricity consumed by water heating operation does not exceed the required electricity demand during each time period from 9:00 to 21:00 the following day. At this time, the water heating planning unit 113 allocates at least a portion of the required electricity demand to consumption during water heating operation, according to the magnitude of the required electricity demand in each time period. For example, the water heating planning unit 113 may shift the time period for water heating operation of one of the water heaters 3 that was scheduled to run at night when electricity rates are low to a time period during the day the following day when the required electricity demand is high. Alternatively, the water heating planning unit 113 may shift the time period for water heating operation of one of the water heaters 3 that was scheduled to run during a time period when the required electricity demand is low to a different time period. In this way, the water heating planning unit 113 creates a water heating plan 123 for at least one water heater 3 in the pipe so that the required electricity demand in each time period can be consumed efficiently.

[0037] Returning to Figure 2, the water heater control unit 114 controls at least one water heater 3 that is subject to heating operation in the heating plan 123, according to the heating plan 123 created by the heating plan unit 113. Specifically, at a predetermined time of 9 PM every day, the water heater control unit 114 communicates with at least one water heater 3 that is subject to heating operation in the heating plan 123 created at 7 AM that day, via the communication unit 13. The water heater control unit 114 then transmits a control command according to the heating plan 123 to the at least one water heater 3 that is subject to heating operation. The transmitted control command includes parameters necessary for heating operation, such as the start time of heating operation, the end time of heating operation, and the amount of hot water to be heated.

[0038] When at least one water heater 3 that is the target of the water heating operation receives a control command, it performs the water heating operation in accordance with the received control command. Specifically, at least one water heater 3 starts the water heating operation at the start time specified in the received control command and heats the amount of water specified in the received control command. In this way, the water heater control unit 114 causes the at least one target water heater 3 to perform the water heating operation in accordance with the water heating plan 123.

[0039] The water heater information collection unit 116 collects water heater information. The water heater information is information that shows the actual amount of electricity consumed by each of the multiple water heaters 3 located in the pipe. The actual amount of electricity consumed by each water heater 3 is measured by the electricity meter 4 of each customer.

[0040] The water heater information collection unit 116 communicates with each customer's controller via the communication unit 13 and collects measurement information of the power consumed by the water heater 3, measured by each customer's power meter 4, as water heater information. The water heater information collection unit 116 repeatedly collects water heater information from each customer's controller in this manner at regular intervals and stores the collected water heater information in the water heater DB 122 for accumulation. The regular interval is a predetermined length of time, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour, and may be the same as or different from the time interval at which the power information collection unit 111 collects power information. The following explanation will use the case where the regular interval is 30 minutes as an example.

[0041] The water heater DB122 stores the water heater information collected by the water heater information collection unit 116. As an example, as shown in Figure 6, the water heater DB122 stores the actual amount of electricity consumed by the water heater 3 for each customer A, B, ..., linked to the date and time the water heater information was collected, at regular intervals of 30 minutes.

[0042] Returning to Figure 2, the heating adjustment unit 117 adjusts the power consumption of the multiple water heaters 3 located within the pipe based on the actual power consumption values ​​stored in the water heater DB 122. Specifically, even if the water heater control unit 114 sends a control command to at least one water heater 3 that is subject to heating operation according to the heating plan 123, the heating operation may not actually be performed according to the heating plan 123.

[0043] This is because consumers may operate the water heater 3 during times not specified in the water heating plan 123, or stop the water heater 3 while it is operating. Also, if the amount of hot water used before the water heating plan 123 is less than predicted, the water heating operation may not be possible at the time planned in the water heating plan 123. For these reasons, there may be a difference between the power consumption of the water heater 3 when it is controlled according to the water heating plan 123 and the actual power consumption of the water heater 3.

[0044] As an example, Figure 7 shows the planned and actual power consumption values ​​for at least one water heater 3 that is subject to water heating operation under water heating plan 123 over a given day. Here, the planned value shown in Figure 7 represents the power consumption of at least one water heater 3 that is subject to water heating operation under water heating plan 123, when that at least one water heater 3 is controlled according to water heating plan 123. In contrast, the actual value shown in Figure 7 represents the power consumption actually consumed by at least one water heater 3 that is subject to water heating operation. Note that if there are multiple water heaters 3 that are subject to water heating operation, the planned and actual values ​​shown in Figure 7 represent the planned and actual values ​​of the sum of the power consumption of the multiple water heaters 3, respectively. The same applies to the planned and actual values ​​described below.

[0045] In Figure 7, at time A, the actual power consumption of one of the water heaters 3 was higher than the planned value, resulting in the actual value being larger than the planned value by an amount exceeding the margin of error. In contrast, at time B, the actual power consumption of one of the water heaters 3 was lower than the planned value, resulting in the actual value being smaller than the planned value by an amount exceeding the margin of error.

[0046] If the water heating operation is not carried out according to the water heating plan 123, the actual power consumption of the water heater 3 will deviate from the planned value, and consequently, the actual total power consumption in the pipe will also deviate from the required power consumption corresponding to that planned value. As a result, an imbalance will occur in the pipe, leading to penalties such as imbalance costs being imposed on the power company. To avoid such a situation, the water heating adjustment unit 117 adjusts the power consumption in the pipe to bring it closer to the planned value if the actual power consumption of the water heater 3 differs significantly from the planned value in the water heating plan 123.

[0047] To explain in more detail, when a specific future period, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM the following day, arrives, the heating adjustment unit 117 adjusts the power consumption of the water heater 3 for the next period, which is the immediate future period, based on the actual and planned power consumption values ​​of the water heater 3 for the immediately preceding period. In the following explanation, we will use 30 minutes as the length of the time period, as in other examples. The heating adjustment unit 117 performs this power consumption adjustment process every 30 minutes during the period from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

[0048] First, the water heating adjustment unit 117 reads from the water heater DB 122 the actual value of the power consumption of at least one water heater 3 that is the target of the water heating operation in the water heating plan 123 for the 30-minute period immediately preceding the current time. Next, the water heating adjustment unit 117 compares the read actual value with the planned value of power consumption for the same 30-minute period immediately preceding the current time to determine whether a difference of more than or equal to the threshold TH has occurred between the two. The threshold TH is a preset value used to determine whether or not power consumption adjustment processing is necessary. If there are multiple water heaters 3 that are the target of the water heating operation, the water heating adjustment unit 117 compares the actual value and the planned value with the sum of the power consumption across the multiple water heaters 3.

[0049] If the determination shows that there is a difference of threshold TH or more between the actual value and the planned value, the water heating adjustment unit 117 performs an adjustment process for the amount of power consumed in the pipe. To do this, the water heating adjustment unit 117 determines the amount of power to be adjusted according to the difference between the actual value and the planned value. Furthermore, the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects the water heater 3 to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters 3 present in the pipe.

[0050] As a first example, as shown in Figure 8, we will explain the case where there is a difference of a threshold TH or more between the actual value and the planned value, and the actual value is smaller than the planned value. In this case, in order to bring the power consumption closer to the planned value, it is necessary to increase the power consumption. Therefore, the water heating adjustment unit 117 determines the amount of power to be adjusted in the increasing direction. Specifically, the water heating adjustment unit 117 determines the amount of power to be adjusted as the difference between the planned value for the 30-minute time period immediately preceding the current time t and the actual value for the same time period.

[0051] Once the amount of power to be adjusted is determined, the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects at least one water heater 3 capable of consuming the determined amount of power in the next 30-minute timeframe, based on the current time t, as the water heater 3 to be adjusted. Specifically, if the water heating adjustment unit 117 increases the power consumption of the water heater 3 to be adjusted, it selects the water heater 3 to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters 3 present in the pipe, excluding at least one water heater 3 that was the target of the water heating operation. In other words, the water heating adjustment unit 117 excludes at least one water heater 3 that was the target of the water heating operation in the water heating plan 123 from the list of candidates for adjustment.

[0052] The reason for this is that if a water heater 3 that has already been determined to be controlled at another time in the water heating plan 123 is selected as the target for adjustment, the water heating plan 123 may fail. To avoid this, the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects as candidates for adjustment at least one water heater 3 other than the one that has been targeted for water heating operation from among the multiple water heaters 3 present in the pipe. Then, the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects the water heater 3 to be adjusted from among the selected candidates based on predetermined criteria.

[0053] For example, the heating adjustment unit 117 selects a water heater 3 from among several candidate water heaters 3 that can consume the determined amount of power to be adjusted during the next 30-minute timeframe. Here, whether or not a water heater 3 can consume the amount of power to be adjusted can be determined from the current amount of hot water that can be heated and its rated power. The current amount of hot water that can be heated can be calculated by subtracting the current amount of hot water stored from the maximum capacity of the hot water storage tank. If the determined amount of power to be adjusted cannot be consumed by a single water heater 3, the heating adjustment unit 117 may select multiple water heaters 3 as targets for adjustment so that the sum of the power consumption amounts of multiple water heaters 3 is equal to or greater than the amount of power to be adjusted.

[0054] Once the water heater 3 to be adjusted is selected in this manner, the heating adjustment unit 117 increases the power consumption of at least one of the selected water heaters 3 for the 30 minutes immediately in the future. Specifically, the heating adjustment unit 117 transmits a control command to at least one of the selected water heaters 3 to heat an amount of water corresponding to the determined amount of power to be adjusted. Upon receiving the control command, the water heater 3 performs heating operation in accordance with the received control command for the immediately future time period.

[0055] As a second example, as shown in Figure 9, we will describe the case where there is a difference of a threshold TH or more between the actual value and the planned value, and the actual value is greater than the planned value. In this case, in order to bring the power consumption closer to the planned value, it is necessary to reduce the power consumption. Therefore, the water heating adjustment unit 117 determines the amount of power to be adjusted in the direction of reduction. Specifically, the water heating adjustment unit 117 determines the amount of power to be adjusted as the difference between the actual value for the 30-minute period immediately preceding the current time t and the planned value for the same period.

[0056] Once the amount of power to be adjusted is determined, the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects at least one water heater 3 that can reduce the determined amount of power to be adjusted in the most recent future time period as the water heater 3 to be adjusted. Specifically, when the water heating adjustment unit 117 reduces the power consumption of the water heater 3 to be adjusted, it selects at least one water heater 3 that was targeted for water heating operation in the water heating plan 123 as a candidate for adjustment. Then, from the selected candidates, the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects the water heater 3 to be adjusted based on predetermined criteria.

[0057] For example, the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects a water heater 3 from among several candidate water heaters 3 that can reduce the determined amount of power to be adjusted in the next 30 minutes. Here, whether a water heater 3 can reduce the amount of power to be adjusted can be determined by whether the power consumption of the water heating operation specified in the water heating plan 123 for that water heater 3 in the next 30 minutes is greater than the amount of power to be adjusted. If the determined amount of power to be adjusted cannot be reduced by one water heater 3, the water heating adjustment unit 117 may select multiple water heaters 3 as targets for adjustment so that the sum of the power reductions that can be made by multiple water heaters 3 is equal to or greater than the amount of power to be adjusted.

[0058] Once the water heater 3 to be adjusted is selected in this manner, the heating adjustment unit 117 reduces the power consumption of at least one of the selected water heaters 3 for the next 30 minutes. Specifically, the heating adjustment unit 117 sends a control command to at least one of the selected water heaters 3 to stop heating an amount of water corresponding to the determined amount of power to be adjusted. Upon receiving the control command, the water heater 3 stops heating in the next 30 minutes in accordance with the received control command.

[0059] In this manner, the heating adjustment unit 117 selects a water heater 3 to be adjusted and adjusts its power consumption according to the difference if a difference of a threshold TH or more occurs between the planned value and the actual value of the power consumption of the water heater 3. As a result, the power consumption of the water heater 3 approaches the planned value in the heating plan 123, which brings the actual power demand in the pipe closer to the requested power demand and reduces the risk of imbalance occurring in the pipe.

[0060] Returning to Figure 2, the notification unit 118 communicates with each customer terminal 5 and the business operator terminal 7 via the communication unit 13, and provides various notifications to each customer and power company within its service area. Firstly, if the amount of power consumption that can be adjusted by the water heater 3 to be adjusted by the water heating adjustment unit 117 is smaller than the difference between the planned value and the actual value, the notification unit 118 notifies the power company that there is a difference between the planned value and the actual value.

[0061] Here, the case where the adjustable power consumption is smaller than the difference between the planned value and the actual value means that even if the heating adjustment unit 117 adjusts the power consumption of all water heaters 3 that are candidates for adjustment, it is not possible to achieve an adjusted power consumption equivalent to the difference between the planned value and the actual value. For example, if the adjusted power consumption is increasing, and even if all water heaters 3 that are capable of performing heating operations in the most recent future time period perform heating operations, it is not possible to increase the power consumption equivalent to the difference between the planned value and the actual value. Similarly, if the adjusted power consumption is decreasing, and even if all water heaters 3 that are capable of stopping heating operations in the most recent future time period stop heating operations, it is not possible to decrease the power consumption equivalent to the difference between the planned value and the actual value. In such cases, the difference between the power consumption of the water heaters 3 and the planned value cannot be made zero, resulting in a risk of imbalance. Therefore, the notification unit 118 sends notification information to the business terminal 7 to notify the power company that a difference has occurred.

[0062] The notification unit 118 displays, for example, the notification screen shown in Figure 10 on the display unit of the business terminal 7. On the notification screen, the notification unit 118 notifies the power company in advance that there is a risk of imbalance occurring in the near future because the planned values ​​planned in the water heating plan 123 cannot be achieved. Upon seeing such a notification screen, the power company can take measures to achieve the planned values, such as increasing or decreasing the amount of electricity consumed by additional resources. Here, additional resources refer to equipment, facilities, etc. other than the water heater 3 that can increase or decrease the amount of electricity consumed. For example, additional resources may be home appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators, or large-scale facilities such as thermal power generation equipment.

[0063] Secondly, when the heating plan unit 113 creates a heating plan 123, the notification unit 118 notifies the customers of at least one water heater 3 that has been selected for heating operation in the heating plan 123. Specifically, at 7:00 every day when the heating plan 123 is created, the notification unit 118 notifies the customers of at least one water heater 3 that has been selected for heating operation that it has been selected for heating operation. More specifically, the notification unit 118 transmits notification information to the customer's customer terminal 5 indicating that the water heater 3 has been selected for heating operation. The notification unit 118 then displays a notification screen on the display unit of the customer terminal 5 indicating that the customer's water heater 3 has been selected for heating operation (not shown in the diagram).

[0064] Thirdly, the notification unit 118 notifies the customer of the water heater 3 selected by the water heating adjustment unit 117 for adjustment. Specifically, the notification unit 118 notifies the customer of the selected water heater 3 that it has been selected for adjustment when the water heating adjustment unit 117 selects a water heater 3 for adjustment. More specifically, the notification unit 118 sends notification information to the customer's customer terminal 5 indicating that the water heater 3 has been selected for adjustment. The notification unit 118 then displays a notification screen on the display unit of the customer terminal 5 indicating that the customer's water heater 3 has been selected for adjustment, for example, as shown in Figure 11.

[0065] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the notification unit 118 notifies the customers of at least one water heater 3 that has been selected for heating operation in the heating plan 123, and at least one water heater 3 that has been selected for adjustment by the heating adjustment unit 117, that heating operation will begin just before the water heater 3 starts heating operation. The notification unit 118 then displays a notification screen on the display unit of the customer terminal 5 indicating that the water heater 3 is starting heating operation. By checking such a notification screen, customers can understand that their water heater 3 has been selected for control in the heating plan 123 or heating adjustment, and the timing of when the water heater 3 will start heating operation.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the flow of processing performed throughout the entire system will be explained. The processing shown in Figure 12 is an example of a power adjustment method.

[0067] Firstly, in the power adjustment system 10, the control unit 11 performs a collection process. In the collection process, the control unit 11 functions as a water heater information collection unit 116 and collects water heater information from each customer's controller, showing the actual amount of power consumed by each customer's water heater 3. Furthermore, the control unit 11 functions as a power information collection unit 111 and collects power information from each customer's controller, showing the actual amount of power consumed across the entire site at each customer (step S1). Then, the control unit 11 stores the collected water heater information in the water heater DB 122 and the collected power information in the power DB 121 (step S2). The control unit 11 repeatedly performs this collection process at regular intervals of 30 minutes. In this way, the control unit 11 accumulates the actual power consumption values ​​of each customer's water heater 3 and the entire site in 30-minute increments.

[0068] Secondly, in the power adjustment system 10, the control unit 11 executes a water heating plan creation process every day at 7:00. When the water heating plan creation process starts, the control unit 11 functions as a demand power determination unit 112 and determines the required amount of electricity demand for a specific future period, from 9:00 to 21:00 the following day, based on the power information stored in the power DB 121 (step S3). Next, the control unit 11 functions as a water heating plan unit 113 and creates a water heating plan 123 so that at least a portion of the required amount of electricity demand is consumed by water heating operation (step S4). Furthermore, the control unit 11 functions as a notification unit 118 and notifies the customers of at least one water heater 3 that has been selected as the target of water heating operation in the created water heating plan 123 (step S5).

[0069] Thirdly, in the power adjustment system 10, the control unit 11 executes the water heating plan execution process every day at 9pm. When the water heating plan execution process starts, the control unit 11 functions as a water heater control unit 114 and transmits a control command according to the water heating plan 123 created in step S4 to at least one water heater 3 that is the target of the water heating operation (step S6). As a result, the control unit 11 causes the target at least one water heater 3 to execute the water heating operation according to the water heating plan 123.

[0070] Fourth, in the power adjustment system 10, the control unit 11 performs a water heating adjustment process. The control unit 11 functions as a water heating adjustment unit 117 from 9:00 to 21:00 every day, and repeatedly performs the water heating adjustment process every 30 minutes (step S7). Details of the water heating adjustment process will be explained with reference to Figure 13.

[0071] When the water heating adjustment process shown in Figure 13 is started, the control unit 11 reads the actual power consumption of at least one water heater 3 that is the target of water heating operation in the water heating plan 123 for the 30-minute period immediately preceding the current time from the water heater DB 122 (step S11). Next, the control unit 11 calculates the difference between the actual power consumption of the water heater 3 that was read and the planned power consumption for the same 30-minute period immediately preceding, as planned in the water heating plan 123 (step S12). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether the calculated difference is greater than or equal to the threshold TH (step S13).

[0072] If the calculated difference is less than the threshold TH (step S13; NO), the control unit 11 causes the water heater 3 to perform a water heating operation according to the water heating plan 123 created in step S4. In this case, the control unit 11 causes the water heater 3 to perform a water heating operation according to the control command already sent to the water heater 3 in step S6, and therefore does not perform any power consumption adjustment processing by the water heater 3.

[0073] In response to this, if the calculated difference is greater than or equal to the threshold TH (step S13; YES), the control unit 11 performs a power consumption adjustment process. In this case, the control unit 11 determines whether the adjusted power consumption is increasing or not (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the adjusted power consumption is increasing if the actual power consumption is smaller than the planned value.

[0074] If the amount of adjusted power is increasing (step S14; YES), the control unit 11 determines the amount of adjusted power as the value obtained by subtracting the actual value from the planned value. Then, the control unit 11 selects at least one water heater 3 from among the water heaters 3 other than those targeted by the heating plan 123 that is capable of adjusting the determined amount of adjusted power as the water heater 3 to be adjusted (step S15).

[0075] When a water heater 3 to be adjusted is selected, the control unit 11 functions as a notification unit 118 and notifies the customer or business operator (step S16). Specifically, the control unit 11 notifies the customer terminal 5 of the water heater 3 selected for adjustment. The control unit 11 also notifies the business operator terminal 7 that the amount of power that can be adjusted by the water heater 3 selected for adjustment is smaller than the difference between the actual value and the planned value, and that the amount of power that can be adjusted cannot be achieved. Subsequently, the control unit 11 functions as a heating adjustment unit 117 and sends a control command to the water heater 3 selected for adjustment, causing it to perform heating operation. As a result, the control unit 11 increases the power consumption of the water heater 3 selected for adjustment by the amount of power that can be adjusted (step S17).

[0076] In contrast, if the amount of adjusted power is decreasing (step S14; NO), the control unit 11 determines the amount of adjusted power as the actual value minus the planned value. Then, from among the at least one water heater 3 that is subject to the heating plan 123, the control unit 11 selects at least one water heater 3 that is capable of adjusting the determined amount of adjusted power as the water heater 3 to be adjusted (step S18).

[0077] When a water heater 3 to be adjusted is selected, the control unit 11 functions as a notification unit 118, similar to step S16, and notifies the customer or business operator (step S19). Subsequently, the control unit 11 functions as a water heating adjustment unit 117 and sends a control command to the water heater 3 selected for adjustment, stopping the water heating operation. As a result, the control unit 11 reduces the power consumption of the water heater 3 selected for adjustment by the amount of power to be adjusted (step S20).

[0078] The control unit 11 repeatedly performs this water heating adjustment process every 30 minutes between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM daily. This allows for dynamic control of the power consumption of the water heater 3, bringing its actual power consumption closer to the planned value.

[0079] As described above, the power adjustment system 10 according to Embodiment 1 creates a heating plan 123 that consumes at least a portion of the requested power demand for a specific period in the future through the heating operation of the water heater 3, and controls the water heater 3 according to the created heating plan 123. Then, if a difference of a threshold TH or more occurs between the planned value and the actual value of the power consumption of the water heater 3, the power adjustment system 10 according to Embodiment 1 selects a water heater 3 to be adjusted and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater 3 to be adjusted. In this way, the power adjustment system 10 according to Embodiment 1 dynamically controls the power consumption of the water heater 3 after creating and executing the heating plan 123, so that the power consumption of the water heater 3 can be brought closer to the planned value. As a result, it is possible to avoid a large deviation of the actual power demand in the pipe from the requested power demand, and thus the occurrence of imbalance can be suppressed.

[0080] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. Descriptions of the same configuration and functions as in Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0081] In Embodiment 1 described above, if the difference between the planned and actual power consumption of a water heater 3 exceeds a threshold TH, the water heater adjustment unit 117 selects a water heater 3 to be adjusted from among multiple water heaters 3 present in the pipe and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater 3. In contrast, in Embodiment 2, the water heater adjustment unit 117 uses a predicted power consumption value for the water heater 3 instead of the actual power consumption value. That is, in Embodiment 2, if the difference between the planned and predicted power consumption of a water heater 3 exceeds a threshold TH, the water heater adjustment unit 117 selects a water heater 3 to be adjusted from among multiple water heaters 3 present in the pipe and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater 3.

[0082] In Embodiment 2, when a specific future period, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM the following day, arrives, the heating adjustment unit 117 predicts the power consumption of the water heater 3 for the 30-minute period immediately in the future. Then, based on the predicted power consumption and the planned power consumption for the same immediate future period, the heating adjustment unit 117 adjusts the power consumption of the water heater 3 for the immediate future period. The heating adjustment unit 117 performs this power consumption adjustment process every 30 minutes.

[0083] More specifically, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates a predicted value for the power consumption of the water heater 3 in the most recent future time period based on the actual power consumption values ​​of the water heater 3 for the same time period on multiple past days. To do this, the heating adjustment unit 117 reads the actual power consumption values ​​of the water heater 3 for multiple past days from the water heater DB 122 and predicts the power consumption of the water heater 3 in the most recent future time period based on the read actual values.

[0084] As an example, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates the predicted power consumption as the average of the actual power consumption values ​​for the same time period as the most recent future time period over the past two weeks immediately preceding the present. Here, the average value may be calculated using a simple average or a weighted average. When using a weighted average, for example, the actual values ​​of days closer to the present within the past two weeks may be given greater weight. In particular, by giving the greatest weight to the actual values ​​of the previous day among multiple past days, the actual values ​​from 7 a.m. on the day before the heating plan 123 was created can be reflected most strongly, thereby improving the accuracy of the prediction.

[0085] The heating adjustment unit 117 compares the calculated predicted value with the planned value of power consumption for the same 30-minute time period in the immediate future, and determines whether a difference of more than a threshold TH has occurred between the two. If there are multiple water heaters 3 that are subject to heating operation, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates a predicted value of power consumption for each of the multiple water heaters 3. Then, the heating adjustment unit 117 compares the predicted value and the planned value with the sum of the power consumption across the multiple water heaters 3, and determines whether a difference of more than a threshold TH has occurred between the two. If the determination results in a difference of more than a threshold TH between the predicted value and the planned value, the heating adjustment unit 117 performs power consumption adjustment processing within the pipe.

[0086] As a first example, as shown in Figure 14, if a difference of more than a threshold TH occurs and the predicted value is smaller than the planned value, the water heating adjustment unit 117 increases the power consumption to bring the power consumption closer to the planned value. In this case, the water heating adjustment unit 117 determines the adjusted power consumption as the value obtained by subtracting the predicted value for the same time period from the planned value for the next 30 minutes in the future, based on the current time t. The water heating adjustment unit 117 also selects the water heater 3 to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters 3 present in the pipe, excluding at least one water heater 3 that is the target of the water heating operation.

[0087] As a second example, as shown in Figure 15, if a difference of more than a threshold TH occurs and the predicted value is greater than the planned value, the water heating adjustment unit 117 reduces the power consumption to bring it closer to the planned value. In this case, the water heating adjustment unit 117 determines the adjusted power consumption as the value obtained by subtracting the planned value for the same time period from the predicted value for the next 30 minutes in the future, based on the current time t. The water heating adjustment unit 117 also selects the water heater 3 to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters 3 present in the pipe, at least one of which is subject to water heating operation. Further detailed processing can be explained in the same way as in Embodiment 1 by replacing "actual value" with "predicted value" in Embodiment 1.

[0088] As described above, the power adjustment system 10 according to Embodiment 2 predicts the amount of power consumed by the water heater 3 in the most recent future time period. If a difference of a threshold TH or more occurs between the predicted value and the planned value, it selects a water heater 3 to be adjusted and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater 3. In this way, the power adjustment system 10 according to Embodiment 2 predicts the amount of power consumed in the same time period in order to adjust the amount of power consumed in the most recent future time period. This allows for more accurate power consumption adjustment compared to using the actual amount of power consumed in the immediately preceding time period. As a result, the risk of imbalance can be suppressed more accurately.

[0089] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. Descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0090] In Embodiment 2 described above, the heating adjustment unit 117 used the average of past power consumption values ​​for the same time period as a predicted value of power consumption for the most recent future time period. In contrast, in Embodiment 3, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates a predicted value of power consumption of the water heater 3 for the most recent future time period based on the current operating state and hot water storage capacity of the water heater 3.

[0091] To explain in more detail, the heating adjustment unit 117 determines, at the current time t, whether or not heating operation is planned for each of the at least one water heaters 3 that are subject to heating operation in the next 30 minutes. Then, depending on whether or not heating operation is planned for each of the at least one water heaters 3 that are subject to heating operation in the next 30 minutes, the heating adjustment unit 117 predicts the amount of power consumption as follows.

[0092] Firstly, if it is planned for the water heater 3 to perform a heating operation in the near future, the heating adjustment unit 117 predicts that the water heater 3 will perform a heating operation in the near future. In this case, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates the amount of power consumed if the water heater 3 were to perform a heating operation for 30 minutes as the predicted amount of power consumption of the water heater 3 in the near future.

[0093] However, if the water heater 3 is currently operating in the heating operation mode, and the amount of hot water stored in the water heater 3's storage tank is close to full, the heating adjustment unit 117 predicts that the water heater 3 will stop heating operation sometime in the near future, even if the heating plan 123 plans to continue heating operation for 30 minutes. In this case, the heating adjustment unit 117 predicts the operating time of the heating operation in the near future 30 minutes, assuming that the amount of hot water stored in the storage tank increases linearly from the current value until the tank is full, that is, that the water heater 3 heats water at a constant rate. Then, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates a predicted value for the power consumption of the water heater 3 in the near future 30 minutes by multiplying the predicted operating time by the power consumption of the water heater 3 for 30 minutes.

[0094] For example, as shown in Figure 16, if it is predicted that the amount of hot water stored will reach the tank capacity in 20 minutes from now, the heating adjustment unit 117 predicts that the operating time will be 20 minutes. In this case, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates the predicted power consumption of the water heater 3 for the most recent future time period by multiplying the power consumption for 30 minutes by the ratio of the operating time in the next 30 minutes, which is 20 / 30.

[0095] Secondly, if there is no plan to perform a water heating operation on the water heater 3 in the near future, the water heating adjustment unit 117 predicts the amount of power consumed as follows, depending on whether the current operating state of the water heater 3 is in water heating operation or not.

[0096] First, if the water heater 3 is currently operating in the heating operation mode, and the current amount of hot water stored in the water heater 3's storage tank is not full, that is, if the current amount of stored hot water is less than the tank capacity, the heating adjustment unit 117 predicts that the water heater 3 will continue heating operation. In this case, as in Figure 16, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates a predicted value for power consumption, assuming that the amount of hot water stored in the water heater 3 will increase linearly from the current value until the storage tank is full. For example, if it is predicted that the storage tank will be full in 20 minutes from now, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates a value by multiplying the power consumption for 30 minutes by the ratio of the operating time in the next 30 minutes, which is 20 / 30, as the predicted value for power consumption of the water heater 3 in the most recent future time period.

[0097] In contrast, if the current operating state of the water heater 3 is not in heating mode, the heating adjustment unit 117 predicts that it will not perform heating mode in the near future, as shown in Figure 17. In this case, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates the predicted power consumption of the water heater 3 in the near future as 0.

[0098] The heating adjustment unit 117 compares the predicted value calculated as described above with the planned value and determines whether a difference of more than the threshold TH has occurred between the two. If a difference of more than the threshold TH has occurred, the heating adjustment unit 117 adjusts the power consumption of the water heater 3 using the same method as in Embodiment 2. If there are multiple water heaters 3 that are subject to heating operation, the heating adjustment unit 117 calculates the predicted power consumption as described above for each of the multiple water heaters 3. The heating adjustment unit 117 then compares the predicted value and the planned value with the sum of the power consumption across the multiple water heaters 3 and determines whether a difference of more than the threshold TH has occurred between the two.

[0099] As described above, the power adjustment system 10 according to Embodiment 3 calculates a predicted value of the power consumption of the water heater 3 in the most recent future time period based on the current operating state and hot water storage capacity of the water heater 3. In this way, because the power adjustment system 10 according to Embodiment 3 uses the current state of the water heater 3, it can more accurately predict the power consumption of the water heater 3 in the most recent future time period.

[0100] (modified version) Although the embodiments have been described above, it is possible to combine the embodiments or modify or omit them as appropriate.

[0101] For example, in the above embodiment, the specific future period was from 9:00 to 21:00 the following day. However, the length and time of the specific future period are not limited to this and can be set in any way. Also, in the above embodiment, the length of the immediately preceding time period and the nearest future time period was 30 minutes. However, the length of these time periods are not limited to this and any unit of length can be used. Furthermore, in embodiments 2 and 3 above, the boiling adjustment unit 117 calculated a predicted value for the nearest future time period, but the time period for calculating the predicted value can be any future time period and is not limited to the nearest.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the power adjustment system 10 was equipped with the parts shown in Figure 2. However, these parts are not limited to being equipped in a single device, but may be located in separate, independent devices. For example, the power information collection unit 111 and power DB 121 and the water heater information collection unit 116 and water heater DB 122 may be equipped in different devices. Also, the demand power determination unit 112 may be equipped in a different device from the other parts, and the water heating planning unit 113 and water heater control unit 114 and the water heating adjustment unit 117 may be equipped in different devices. Thus, the power adjustment system 10 may be a single device, or it may be realized by the cooperation of multiple devices located in different places.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 functioned as the respective components shown in Figure 2 by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM or storage unit 12. However, the control unit 11 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware includes, for example, a single circuit, a complex circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. If the control unit 11 is dedicated hardware, each function of the components may be implemented with separate hardware, or the functions of each component may be implemented together with a single piece of hardware.

[0104] Furthermore, some of the functions of each part may be implemented by dedicated hardware, while other parts may be implemented by software or firmware. In this way, the control unit 11 can implement the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0105] It is also possible to make an existing computer, such as a personal computer or information terminal, function as the power adjustment system 1 by applying the program that defines the operation of the power adjustment system 1 to that computer.

[0106] Furthermore, the method of distribution of such programs is optional. For example, they may be distributed by storing them on computer-readable storage media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disk ROMs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), MOs (Magneto Optical 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 water heating planning means for creating a water heating plan that consumes at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific period in the future by heating at least one of several water heaters located within the pipe, A water heater control means that controls at least one water heater according to the water heating plan created by the water heating planning means, The system includes a heating adjustment means that, after the arrival of a specific future period, if a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the heating plan and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the plurality of water heaters and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. Power regulation system. (Note 2) The water heating adjustment means, when a difference of the threshold or more occurs between the planned value and the actual value, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. The power adjustment system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The heating adjustment means, when a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value and the predicted value, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. The power adjustment system described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The heating adjustment means calculates the predicted value for a specific time period in the immediate future based on the actual power consumption values ​​of at least one water heater for the same time period in multiple past days. The power adjustment system described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) The aforementioned heating adjustment means calculates the predicted value for a certain time period in the immediate future based on the current operating status and storage volume of at least one hot water heater. The power adjustment system described in Appendix 3 or 4. (Note 6) The heating adjustment means, when a difference of the threshold or greater occurs between the planned value and the actual value or the predicted value, and the actual value or the predicted value is smaller than the planned value, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the plurality of water heaters, excluding at least one of the water heaters, and increases the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. A power adjustment system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) The heating adjustment means, when a difference of the threshold or greater occurs between the planned value and the actual value or the predicted value, and the actual value or the predicted value is greater than the planned value, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the at least one water heater and reduces the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. A power adjustment system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6. (Note 8) The system further includes a notification means for notifying the power company that a difference occurs if the amount of power consumption that can be adjusted by the water heater to be adjusted by the water heating adjustment means is smaller than the difference. A power adjustment system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7. (Note 9) If the water heating plan is created by the water heating planning means, the system further includes a notification means for notifying the customer of at least one of the water heaters that the customer's water heater has been selected as the target of the water heating operation. A power adjustment system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 8. (Note 10) The system further comprises a notification means for notifying a customer of a water heater selected by the water heating adjustment means that their water heater has been selected as the target of adjustment. A power adjustment system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 10. (Note 11) A water heating plan is created in which at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific period in the future is consumed by the heating operation of at least one of the multiple water heaters located within the pipe. In accordance with the created water heating plan, control the at least one water heater, If, after the arrival of the specified future period, a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the heating plan and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, then a water heater to be adjusted will be selected from among the multiple water heaters. Adjust the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. Power adjustment method. (Note 12) Computers, A water heating planning means for creating a water heating plan that consumes at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific period in the future by heating at least one of several water heating units located within a pipe. A water heater control means that controls the at least one water heater according to the water heating plan created by the water heating planning means. If, after the arrival of the specified future period, a difference of a threshold or greater occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the water heating plan and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, the water heating adjustment means will function to select a water heater to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters and adjust the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. program. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0110] 3 Water heater, 4 Power meter, 5 Customer terminal, 7 Business terminal, 10 Power adjustment system, 11 Control unit, 12 Memory unit, 13 Communication unit, 111 Power information collection unit, 112 Power demand determination unit, 113 Water heating planning unit, 114 Water heater control unit, 116 Water heater information collection unit, 117 Water heating adjustment unit, 118 Notification unit, 121 Power DB, 122 Water heater DB, 123 Water heating plan, N Communication network

Claims

1. A water heating planning means for creating a water heating plan that consumes at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific period in the future by heating at least one of several water heaters located within the pipe, A water heater control means that controls at least one water heater according to the water heating plan created by the water heating planning means, The system includes a heating adjustment means that, after the arrival of a specific future period, if a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the heating plan and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the plurality of water heaters and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. Power regulation system.

2. The water heating adjustment means, when a difference of the threshold or more occurs between the planned value and the actual value, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. The power adjustment system according to claim 1.

3. The heating adjustment means, when a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value and the predicted value, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters and adjusts the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. The power adjustment system according to claim 1.

4. The heating adjustment means calculates the predicted value for a specific time period in the immediate future based on the actual power consumption values ​​of at least one water heater for the same time period in multiple past days. The power adjustment system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned heating adjustment means calculates the predicted value for a certain time period in the immediate future based on the current operating state and hot water storage capacity of at least one hot water heater. The power adjustment system according to claim 3.

6. The heating adjustment means, when a difference of the threshold or greater occurs between the planned value and the actual value or the predicted value, and the actual value or the predicted value is smaller than the planned value, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the plurality of water heaters, excluding at least one of the water heaters, and increases the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. A power adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The heating adjustment means, when a difference of the threshold or greater occurs between the planned value and the actual value or the predicted value, and the actual value or the predicted value is greater than the planned value, selects a water heater to be adjusted from among the at least one water heater, and reduces the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. A power adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The system further includes a notification means for notifying the power company that a difference occurs if the amount of power consumption that can be adjusted by the water heater to be adjusted by the water heating adjustment means is smaller than the difference. A power adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. If the water heating plan is created by the water heating planning means, the system further includes a notification means for notifying the customer of at least one of the water heaters that the customer's water heater has been selected as the target of the water heating operation. A power adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The system further comprises a notification means for notifying a customer of a water heater selected by the water heating adjustment means that their water heater has been selected as the target of adjustment. A power adjustment system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. A water heating plan is created in which at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific period in the future is consumed by the heating operation of at least one of the multiple water heaters located within the pipe. In accordance with the created water heating plan, control the at least one water heater, If, after the arrival of the specified future period, a difference of a threshold or more occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the heating plan and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, then a water heater to be adjusted will be selected from among the multiple water heaters. Adjust the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. Power adjustment method.

12. Computers, A water heating planning means for creating a water heating plan that consumes at least a portion of the electricity demand required for a specific period in the future by heating at least one of several water heating units located within a pipe. A water heater control means that controls the at least one water heater according to the water heating plan created by the water heating planning means. If, after the arrival of the specified future period, a difference of a threshold or greater occurs between the planned value of the power consumption of at least one water heater in the water heating plan and the actual or predicted value of the power consumption of at least one water heater, the water heating adjustment means will function to select a water heater to be adjusted from among the multiple water heaters and adjust the power consumption of the selected water heater to be adjusted. program.

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