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

Abstract

To provide a hot water supply system with high convenience.SOLUTION: A hot water supply system 100 comprises a control unit 74 that uses power generated by photovoltaic power generation to perform boiling operation of a water heater during the day. When a time zone for the boiling operation using the photovoltaic power generation is set by a user's mobile terminal or a remote controller of the water heater, the control unit 74 performs the boiling operation using the photovoltaic power generation during at least a part of the time zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hot water supply system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Regarding home appliances such as water heaters, for example, Patent Document 1 describes that when the distance between a communication terminal and the home appliance becomes within a predetermined distance, a fixed sound output unit of the home appliance emits a predetermined fixed sound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6365338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 relates to voice guidance for home appliances, but there is room for further improvement in convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The hot water supply system according to the present disclosure includes a control unit that performs a water heater heating operation during the daytime using power generated by a solar power generation system, and when a time period during which the water heater heating operation using solar power generation is performed is set by a user's mobile terminal or a remote control of the hot water supply system, the control unit is the solar power generation usage time, In at least a part of the hot water supply system, the control unit has a function of acquiring weather information for each hour of the day when the hot water supply operation is performed during the day from a server that provides weather information, and a function of controlling the temperature between the start time and the end time of the hot water supply operation by the solar power generation set by the user. Solar power usage timeThe system has a function of setting a schedule for daytime heating operation so that daytime heating operation is performed during each time period when the weather is fine, in each of a plurality of time periods divided into a plurality of time periods, a function of calculating the amount of high-temperature water to be generated by the daytime heating operation determined by the schedule, and a function of setting a schedule for nighttime heating operation so that the amount of high-temperature water required on the day is subtracted from the amount of high-temperature water to be generated by the daytime heating operation and the subtracted amount of high-temperature water is generated using nighttime power. The control unit displays the daytime heating operation schedule on at least the mobile terminal of the user as a schedule screen that clearly indicates the solar power generation usage time and associates each time of each time period during the day including the solar power generation usage time with a weather forecast mark. Other aspects will be described in the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a configuration diagram of a water heater included in a water heating system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a functional block diagram of a water heater included in a water heating system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a functional block diagram of a mobile terminal included in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram relating to applications of a mobile terminal included in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart relating to notification settings for a hot water filling operation before returning home in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] 13 is an example of a display screen of a mobile device relating to notification settings for a water heating operation before returning home in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] 13 is an example of a display screen of a mobile device relating to notification settings for a water heating operation before returning home in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7C] 13 is an example of a display screen of a mobile device relating to notification settings for a water heating operation before returning home in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart relating to a water filling operation before returning home in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart relating to a water filling operation before returning home in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a display example in the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment, in which a prior notification indicating that a user is returning home is given via a kitchen remote control. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting a water heating operation using solar power generation in a hot water supply system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a display example of a setting screen of a kitchen remote control related to settings for using solar power generation in the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14A] 13 is an example of a screen for setting an allowable range for a time period for water heating operation using solar power generation in the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14B] 13 is an example of a screen for setting an allowable range for a time period for water heating operation using solar power generation in the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15A] 13 is a flowchart relating to a boiling operation utilizing solar power generation in a hot water supply system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15B] 13 is a flowchart relating to a boiling operation utilizing solar power generation in a hot water supply system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a time period during which a water heating operation using solar power generation is performed in the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a time period during which a water heating operation using solar power generation is performed in the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] First Embodiment <Hot water supply system configuration> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply system 100 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the thick solid lines in Fig. 1 indicate pipes through which hot water flows. Also, the dashed lines in Fig. 1 indicate communication lines (including wireless communication). The hot water supply system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a system that performs heating operation, reheating operation, water filling operation, etc. based on the operation of a bath remote control R1 (remote control) and a kitchen remote control R2 (remote control) as well as signals from a mobile terminal 3. This first embodiment is a reference example since it does not have a solar power generation facility.

[0008] 1, the hot water supply system 100 includes a hot water supply unit W1, a communication unit 1, a router 2, a plurality of mobile terminals 3, and a server 4. In addition to a bathtub B1 to which hot water is supplied from the hot water supply unit W1, a bath remote control R1, a kitchen remote control R2, the communication unit 1, the router 2, etc. are installed inside a building H1.

[0009] The water heater W1 is a device that performs operations such as boiling, reboiling, and filling with water. As shown in Fig. 1, the water heater W1 includes a heat pump unit U1, a hot water tank unit U2, a bath remote control R1, and a kitchen remote control R2. Each component of the water heater W1 will be described later.

[0010] The communication unit 1 is a device that is interposed between the water heater W1 and the router 2 and performs communication. For example, a wireless adapter is used as such a communication unit 1. In the example of Fig. 1, the communication unit 1 is connected to a kitchen remote control R2 and also to the router 2. Note that wireless communication or wired communication may be performed between the communication unit 1 and the router 2.

[0011] The router 2 is a device that relays communications based on a predetermined communication protocol. In the example of Fig. 1, the router 2 is connected to a communication unit 1 and is also connected to a server 4 via networks N1 and N2 in this order.

[0012] The mobile terminal 3 is a device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or wearable device, and performs predetermined communication with the server 4 via the network N2. The user of the mobile terminal 3 is, for example, a person who uses the water heater W1 on a daily basis (such as a resident of the building H1). Each mobile terminal 3 is associated with the water heater W1 by inputting an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and performing WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or the like. In other words, the user operates the mobile terminal 3 in a predetermined manner to change the settings of the water heater W1, start a water heating operation, and the like.

[0013] The server 4 manages data related to the water heater W1, and also has the function of communicating between the mobile terminal 3 via the network N2, and communicating with the communication unit 1 via the networks N2, N1 and router 2 in sequence.

[0014] <Water heater> FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the water heater W1. As shown in Fig. 2, the water heater W1 includes a heat pump unit U1, a hot water storage tank unit U2, and a remote control R. The heat pump unit U1 is a device that heats low-temperature hot water flowing in from the hot water storage tank 21 during boiling operation and additional boiling operation. Note that the "boiling operation" is an operation in which the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 is heated by the heat pump unit U1. Also, the "additional boiling operation" is an operation in which the heat pump unit U1 is operated to increase the amount of high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 21 when there is little high-temperature water (residual hot water) in the hot water storage tank 21.

[0015] 2, the heat pump unit U1 includes a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant circulates sequentially through a compressor 11, a liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 12, an expansion valve 13, and an air heat exchanger 14, as well as a blower fan 15, a pump 16, and a control unit 17. The heat pump unit U1 also includes a temperature sensor 18 provided in a hot and cold water pipe 68 upstream of the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 12, a temperature sensor 19 provided in a hot and cold water pipe 69 downstream of the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 12, and a temperature sensor 20 that detects the outside air temperature.

[0016] The control unit 17 controls the compressor 11, the expansion valve 13, the blower fan 15, the pump 16, etc., based on signals received from the control unit 50 of the hot water storage tank unit U2 and detection values ​​of the temperature sensors 18, 19, 20. When the pump 16 is driven, low-temperature hot water stored in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21 is guided to the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 12 via the piping 68, and further, high-temperature hot water that has been heat exchanged in the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 12 is guided to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 via the piping 69.

[0017] The hot water storage tank unit U2 is a device that stores the hot water heated by the heat pump unit U1 in the hot water storage tank 21, and supplies the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 to the bathtub B1 and a hot water supply terminal (a faucet, etc.: not shown) after appropriately adjusting the temperature. As shown in Fig. 2, the hot water storage tank unit U2 includes the hot water storage tank 21, a strainer 22, a pressure reducing valve 23, a hot water supply mixing valve 24, a filling mixing valve 25, a filling opening / closing valve 26, and a backflow prevention device 27.

[0018] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the hot water tank unit U2 includes a circulation adjustment valve 28, a bath circulation pump 29, a reheating heat exchanger 30, a three-way valve 31, a drain valve 32, a relief valve 33, flow meters 34 and 35, and a water level sensor 36. The hot water tank unit U2 also includes check valves 41-47, a control unit 50, and temperature sensors 51-60.

[0019] Hot water tank 21 stores hot water and has a cylindrical outer shape. Temperature sensors 51-56 are installed at different height positions on the outer circumferential surface of hot water tank 21. The amount of high-temperature water and medium-temperature water in hot water tank 21 is calculated based on the detection values ​​of these temperature sensors 51-56. Hot water tank 21 is always full of water.

[0020] Tap water supplied from a water supply source (water pipe) flows through a strainer 22 and a check valve 41 shown in Fig. 2 in sequence, and is then reduced in pressure by a pressure reducing valve 23. The tap water thus reduced in pressure is guided to the hot water supply mixing valve 24 via a check valve 42, and is also guided to the filling mixing valve 25 via another check valve 43, and is also supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21. When tap water is supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21, the high-temperature water at the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 is pushed up. As a result, high-temperature water is supplied to the hot water supply mixing valve 24 via a pipe 61 connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 and a check valve 44 in sequence, and high-temperature water is supplied to the filling mixing valve 25 via another check valve 45.

[0021] The hot water supply mixing valve 24 mixes low-temperature water (tap water) flowing in through a check valve 42 with high-temperature water flowing in through another check valve 44 to produce hot water at a predetermined hot water supply temperature. The hot water mixed in this way by the hot water supply mixing valve 24 is supplied to a hot water supply terminal (not shown) through a flow meter 34. The flow meter 34 detects the supply of hot water to the hot water supply terminal (not shown).

[0022] The filling mixing valve 25 mixes low-temperature water (tap water) flowing in through a check valve 43 with high-temperature water flowing in through another check valve 45 to produce hot water at a specified hot water supply temperature. The hot water mixed in this way by the filling mixing valve 25 is supplied to the bathtub B1 via the filling on-off valve 26, check valve 46, flow meter 35, check valve 47, water level sensor 36, and circulation adapter 37 in that order. The filling on-off valve 26 opens when it receives a hot water supply command from the control unit 50, and closes after the hot water supply has been completed. The flow meter 35 detects the supply of hot water to the bathtub B1.

[0023] Water level sensor 36 shown in Fig. 2 detects the water level in bathtub B1. Backflow prevention device 27 prevents hot and cold water in bathtub B1 from flowing back upstream of filling on-off valve 26. Control unit 50 controls each valve and each pump based on signals from remote control R or mobile terminal 3 (see Fig. 1). This control unit 50 is connected via wiring to control unit 17 of heat pump unit U1.

[0024] The hot water tank unit U2 also includes a reheating heat exchanger 30 that heats the hot water flowing in from the bathtub B1 with high-temperature water from the hot water storage tank 21. As shown in Fig. 2, the reheating heat exchanger 30 is provided in the upper space inside the hot water storage tank 21. When the bath circulation pump 29 is driven, the hot water in the bathtub B1 is guided to the reheating heat exchanger 30 and then returned to the bathtub B1. Specifically, the hot water is returned from the bathtub B1 to the bathtub B1 via the piping 62, the water level sensor 36, the bath circulation pump 29, the piping 63, the circulation adjustment valve 28, the piping 64, the reheating heat exchanger 30, and the piping 65, 66 in this order.

[0025] 2 is a valve that adjusts the mixing ratio of low-temperature water flowing through pipe 63 and high-temperature water flowing through pipe 67. Based on the temperature of the hot and cold water in bathtub B1 detected by temperature sensor 59 and the temperature of the high-temperature water detected by temperature sensor 60, control unit 50 adjusts the opening degree of circulation adjustment valve 28 so that the hot and cold water returned to bathtub B1 has a predetermined temperature.

[0026] The three-way valve 31 is a valve for preventing freezing of the pipes connecting the heat pump unit U1 and the hot water storage tank unit U2. In other words, the high-temperature water heated by the heat pump unit U1 is circulated so that it is returned to the heat pump unit U1 again, thereby preventing freezing of the pipes. The drain valve 32 is a valve that is manually opened and closed, and is used when draining the hot water from the hot water storage tank 21 during maintenance. The relief valve 33 opens when the pressure of the hot water reaches a predetermined value, releasing it to the atmosphere (outside air).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, the remote control R of the water heater W1 includes a bath remote control R1 and a kitchen remote control R2. The bath remote control R1 is provided near the bathtub B1. The kitchen remote control R2 is provided near a hot water supply terminal (not shown). When the user performs a predetermined operation on the bath remote control R1 or the kitchen remote control R2, predetermined operation commands are issued and the hot water supply temperature and the water filling temperature are set. Note that the configuration of the water heater W1 shown in Fig. 2 is one example and is not limited to this.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the water heater W1. As shown in Fig. 3, the water heater W1 includes a memory unit 71, a communication unit 72, an operation unit 73, and a control unit 74 as functional components related to control. The memory unit 71 stores predetermined programs in advance, as well as setting information for the water heater W1 and detection values ​​of each sensor. The communication unit 72 has a function of performing predetermined communication via a communication unit 1 or the like (see Fig. 1). The operation unit 73 is a bath remote control R1 (see Fig. 1) or a kitchen remote control R2 (see Fig. 1) that is operated by a user. The control unit 74 includes a control unit 17 (see Fig. 2) of the heat pump unit U1 and a control unit 50 (see Fig. 2) of the hot water tank unit U2.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the mobile terminal 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the mobile terminal 3 includes a storage unit 3a, a communication unit 3b, a processor 3c, an input unit 3d, and an output unit 3e, which are connected via a bus 3f. The storage unit 3a stores a predetermined program in advance, and also stores setting information of the mobile terminal 3, etc. The communication unit 3b performs a predetermined communication with the server 4 via a network N2 (see Fig. 1). The processor 3c executes a predetermined arithmetic process based on the program stored in the storage unit 3a. The input unit 3d is a touch display or a button operated by a user. The output unit 3e is a display that displays a predetermined image or a speaker that outputs sound.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram relating to applications of a mobile terminal. The functional configuration realized by the application 80 of the mobile terminal 3 (see FIG. 4) includes a graph creation unit 81, a notification output unit 82, a setting unit 83, and an access support processing unit 84 shown in FIG. 5. The graph creation unit 81 creates, for example, a graph showing the progress of hot and cold water consumption in the water heater W1 (see FIG. 1).

[0031] The notification output unit 82 issues a predetermined notification based on the settings of the mobile terminal 3. Details will be described later, but in the first embodiment, when a user who is out returns home, the notification output unit 82 issues a notification of the water heating operation. The setting unit 83 makes various settings based on the user's operation of the mobile terminal 3. The access support processing unit 84 outputs (displays) a predetermined support screen that shows how to use the water heater W1 (see FIG. 1), etc.

[0032] <Processing in hot water supply systems> FIG. 6 is a flowchart for setting a notification for the water heating operation before returning home (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 as appropriate). For example, if the bathtub B1 (see FIG. 1) has already been filled with water when the user arrives home, the user can take a bath immediately after arriving home. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the user's mobile terminal 3 is notified and asked whether or not to start the bath filling operation before arriving home. At the time of "START" in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 3 and the water heater W1 have already been associated (paired) by inputting the SSID, WPS, etc.

[0033] In step S101 of Fig. 6, the setting unit 83 (see Fig. 5) of the mobile terminal 3 registers a reference position. That is, based on the user's operation of the mobile terminal 3, the setting unit 83 registers position information in the vicinity of the water heater W1 associated with the mobile terminal 3 (position information of the building H1) as a reference position.

[0034] 7A, 7B, and 7C are examples of display screens of a mobile device related to notification settings for the water heating operation before returning home. Note that the setting screens transition in the order of the arrows in Fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C according to the user's operation. In the example of Fig. 7A, when setting up the water filling operation before returning home, the user operates the mobile device 3 to select "Settings" (symbol K1), then "Remote control settings" (symbol K2), and further selects "GPS notification settings" (symbol K3). Here, "GPS notification settings" refers to a setting that uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to identify the location of the mobile device 3 (i.e., the user's location) and notifies the user of the water filling operation when he or she returns home.

[0035] Then, after the "reference position" (symbol K4) shown in FIG. 7B is selected by the user's operation, when the "start measurement" (symbol K5) button is pressed, the latitude and longitude of the mobile terminal 3 at that time are measured by GPS. Note that when the "reference position" is measured, it is assumed that the user carrying the mobile terminal 3 is in the vicinity of the water heater W1 (near building H1: see FIG. 1). Also, the user may operate the mobile terminal 3 to input the address of building H1 (see FIG. 1) as the reference position. In this manner, the process of step S101 in FIG. 6 is performed.

[0036] Next, in step S102 of Fig. 6, the setting unit 83 (see Fig. 5) of the mobile terminal 3 sets the timing of the notification. For example, based on the user's operation of the mobile terminal 3, the setting unit 83 sets whether the notification of the water filling operation before returning home is to be made only once, or whether the notification is to be made continuously. In the example of Fig. 7B, "always" (symbol K7), which allows for continuous notification before returning home, is selected as the "notification timing" (symbol K6).

[0037] Next, in step S103 of FIG. 6, the setting unit 83 (see FIG. 5) of the mobile terminal 3 sets the notification destination. For example, the setting unit 83 sets whether or not to include the mobile terminal 3 in the notification destinations for filling the bathtub before returning home, based on the user's operation of the mobile terminal 3, and also sets whether or not to include the bath remote control R1 (see FIG. 1) and the kitchen remote control R2 (see FIG. 1) at home as the notification destinations. In the example of FIG. 7B, as the "notification setting" (reference K8) related to the notification destinations for filling the bathtub before returning home, the "app" (reference K10) of the mobile terminal 3 is selected, and the bath remote control R1 (see FIG. 1) and the kitchen remote control R2 (see FIG. 1) at "home" (reference K9) are also selected. In this way, by including the bath remote control R1 and the kitchen remote control R2 in the notification destinations, family members at home can clean the bathroom or check whether the plug of the bathtub B1 (see FIG. 1) was left on while the user was returning home.

[0038] Next, in step S104 in Fig. 6, the setting unit 83 (see Fig. 5) of the mobile terminal 3 sets the distance (first predetermined value) from the reference position when making a notification. For example, in the example of Fig. 7C, after the "notification setting distance" (symbol K11) is selected by the user's operation, the distance (first predetermined value) from the reference position (home) to the mobile terminal 3 when making a notification to fill the bathtub before returning home is set to 3 km (symbol K12).

[0039] After performing the process of step S104 in Fig. 6, the setting unit 83 (see Fig. 5) of the mobile terminal 3 ends the series of processes related to the notification setting (END). The order of the processes of steps S101 to S104 in Fig. 6 may be changed as appropriate. Data related to the notification setting is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 to the server 4 (see Fig. 1) via the network N2 (see Fig. 1) and stored in the server 4.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a flow chart for the water heating operation before returning home (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 as appropriate). It is assumed that the notification setting for the hot water filling operation (the series of processes in FIG. 6) has already been completed at the time of "START" in Fig. 8. It is also assumed that the water heating operation using nighttime electricity has already been performed at the time of "START" in Fig. 8, and a predetermined amount of high-temperature water has been stored in the hot water storage tank 21 (see FIG. 2). In step S201, the control unit 74 of the water heater W1 (see FIG. 3) determines whether or not there is a homecoming notification setting for that day (a notification setting for the hot water filling operation before arriving home). In step S201, if there is a homecoming notification setting for that day (S201: Yes), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if there is no homecoming notification setting for that day (S201: No), the control unit 74 ends the processing related to the homecoming notification (END).

[0041] In step S202, the control unit 74 determines whether or not the current amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 (see FIG. 2) is sufficient. In step S202, if the current amount of hot water is sufficient (S202: Yes), the process by the control unit 74 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the current amount of hot water is insufficient (S202: No), the process by the control unit 74 proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the control unit 74 performs a heating operation to make up for the shortage. This ensures that there is a sufficient amount of high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 21. After performing the process of step S203, the control unit 74 proceeds to the process of step S204. Note that the processes of steps S202 and S203 may be performed before step S201.

[0042] In step S204, the control unit 74 judges whether the user has gone out. For example, when the distance from the reference position (home) set by the user's operation to the user's mobile terminal 3 becomes equal to or greater than a second predetermined value, the control unit 74 judges that the user has gone out. Note that the location information of the mobile terminal 3 is acquired by the server 4 (see FIG. 1) using, for example, GPS, and is transmitted from the server 4 to the control unit 74 via the communication unit 1 (see FIG. 1) or the like. The second predetermined value is a distance threshold value that is a criterion for judging whether the user has gone out, and is set to a value larger than the first predetermined value.

[0043] As a specific example, if the first predetermined value is set to 3 km (reference symbol K12 in FIG. 7C) by the user operating the mobile terminal 3, the second predetermined value is set to a distance longer than the first predetermined value (for example, 4 km). This makes it possible to prevent the mobile terminal 3 from frequently sending notifications of the water heating operation before returning home, even if the user repeatedly travels back and forth near the inner and outer boundaries of a circle (not shown) whose center is the reference position (home) and whose radius is the first predetermined value.

[0044] In step S204, if the user is out (S204: Yes), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the user is not out (S204: No), the control unit 74 ends the process related to the return home notification (END).

[0045] In step S205, the control unit 74 determines whether the user is returning home. Specifically, the control unit 74 determines that the user is returning home when the distance from the reference position (home) set by the user's operation to the user's mobile terminal 3 becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined value. As described above, the first predetermined value is set by the user's operation of the mobile terminal 3 (reference symbol K12 in FIG. 7C). In step S205, if the user is returning home (S205: Yes), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the user is not returning home (S205: No), the control unit 74 repeats the process of step S205. In step S206, the control unit 74 performs a water heating operation in preparation for the user's return home. The details of the process in step S206 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a flow chart regarding the water heating operation before returning home. In step S206a, the control unit 74 notifies the mobile terminal 3 of the start of the water filling operation in advance while the user is returning home (notification process). That is, while the user is out, if the distance from a reference position (home) near the water heater W1 to the user's mobile terminal 3 becomes equal to or less than a first predetermined value (S205 in FIG. 8: Yes), the control unit 74 notifies the mobile terminal 3 of the water filling operation by the water heater W1. Specifically, the control unit 74 sends a push notification to the user's mobile terminal 3 via the communication unit 1 or the like, and causes a screen related to the water filling operation to be displayed. As such a screen, for example, a home screen including a button for "Automatic bath start" (symbol K13) in FIG. 7A may be displayed on the mobile terminal 3.

[0047] To explain in more detail the conditions for giving advance notice of the water heating operation, after the distance from the reference position (home) near the water heater W1 to the user's mobile terminal 3 becomes equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (Yes in S204 of FIG. 8), if this distance becomes equal to or less than a first predetermined value (Yes in S205 of FIG. 8), the control unit 74 will give notice of the water heating operation by the water heater W1 to the mobile terminal 3. As described above, the second predetermined value is greater than the first predetermined value.

[0048] In step S206b, the control unit 74 determines whether or not there is a notification setting on the remote control R (see FIG. 2) of the water heater W1. That is, the control unit 74 determines whether or not the notification destinations for the water filling operation before returning home include the bath remote control R1 (see FIG. 2) and the kitchen remote control R2 (see FIG. 2). In step S206b, if there is a notification setting on the remote control R (S206b: Yes), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S206c. On the other hand, if there is no notification setting on the remote control R (S206b: No), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S206d.

[0049] In step S206c, the control unit 74 performs a prior notification through the remote control R (see FIG. 2). For example, the control unit 74 performs a prior notification that the user is returning home by displaying a predetermined display on the bath remote control R1 (see FIG. 2) or the kitchen remote control R2 (see FIG. 2) or outputting a sound. In this way, when the distance from a reference position (home) near the water heater W1 to the user's mobile terminal 3 becomes equal to or less than a first predetermined value while the user is out, the control unit 74 notifies the mobile terminal 3 of a water heating operation by the water heater W1 (S206a) and notifies the remote control R of the water heater W1 that the out-of-home user will soon return home. As described above, whether or not to notify the remote control R that the out-of-home user will soon return home is set by the user's operation on the mobile terminal 3 ("notification setting" at symbol K8 in FIG. 7B).

[0050] FIG. 10 shows an example of a display when a prior notification indicating that the user is returning home is given by the kitchen remote control R2. In the example of FIG. 10, the display 91 of the kitchen remote control R2 indicates that "user 1" (a user who is returning home and carrying the mobile terminal 3) will soon return home. The same indication is also made on the bath remote control R1 (see FIG. 1). In addition to such indication, a predetermined sound may be output from the bath remote control R1 or the kitchen remote control R2. This allows family members at home to know that "user 1" will soon return home. This allows them to clean the bathroom or check that they have not forgotten to turn off the plug of the bathtub B1 (see FIG. 1). Even if there is no particular command to start the bath filling operation from the mobile terminal 3, another user at home can start the bath filling operation by operating the kitchen remote control R2 or the bath remote control R1.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 9 again, the explanation will be continued. In step S206d, the control unit 74 determines whether or not a command to start the water filling operation has been received. That is, the control unit 74 determines whether or not a command to start the water filling operation based on the operation of the mobile terminal 3 has been received via the communication unit 1, etc. In step S206d, if a command to start the water filling operation has been received (S206d: Yes), the processing of the control unit 74 proceeds to step S206e.

[0052] In step S206e, the control unit 74 executes the water filling operation (operation process). In this way, after notifying the mobile terminal 3 of the water filling operation (S206a in FIG. 9), if the control unit 74 receives a command to start the water filling operation from the mobile terminal 3 (S206d: Yes), the control unit 74 starts the water filling operation by the water heater W1 (S206e). As a result, when the user returns home, the bathtub B1 (see FIG. 1) will have been filled with water, so the user can take a bath immediately.

[0053] Furthermore, in step S206d, if there is no command to start the water filling operation (S206d: No), the process of the control unit 74 proceeds to step S206f. In step S206f, the control unit 74 stops the water filling operation. In other words, after notifying the control unit 74 of the water filling operation (S206a), the control unit 74 does not start the water filling operation by the water heater W1 until it receives a command to start the water filling operation from the mobile terminal 3 (S206d: No, S206f). This makes it possible to appropriately reflect the user's intention not to perform the water filling operation before returning home. After performing the processing of step S206e or step S206f, the control unit 74 ends the series of processes related to the water filling operation (END).

[0054] Although not shown in FIG. 9, when the control unit 74 receives a command to stop the water filling operation from the mobile terminal 3 after starting the water filling operation by the water heater W1 based on a command to start the water filling operation from the mobile terminal 3, the control unit 74 preferably stops the water filling operation by the water heater W1. For example, when the user operates the mobile terminal 3 to press the "Automatic bath start" button (symbol K13 in FIG. 7A), the display of this button may be switched to a water filling operation stop button (not shown). Then, when the user presses the water filling operation stop button, a stop command may be sent from the mobile terminal 3 to the water heater W1 via the server 4 or the like. This allows the water filling operation to be stopped, for example, even if the user remembers that the bathtub B1 was not plugged after the command to start the water filling operation, or if the user mistakenly presses the "Automatic bath start" button (symbol K13 in FIG. 7A).

[0055] <Effects> According to the first embodiment, the control unit 74 starts the bath filling operation before the user arrives home, so that the user can take a bath immediately after arriving home. This improves the convenience and comfort for the user. Furthermore, when the distance from the user's home to the mobile terminal 3 becomes equal to or less than a first predetermined value, the control unit 74 notifies the mobile terminal 3 in advance of the bath filling operation (S206a in FIG. 9), and starts the bath filling operation when a start command is received from the mobile terminal 3 (S206d: Yes, S206e). In this way, by confirming with the user whether or not to start the bath filling operation before arriving home, the user's intention can be appropriately reflected.

[0056] Second Embodiment The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the hot water supply system 100A (see FIG. 11) is equipped with a solar power generation panel 5 (see FIG. 11) and a power conditioner 6 (see FIG. 11). The second embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that the hot water heater W1 performs boiling operation during the day (daytime) using power generated by solar power generation. Note that the rest (such as the configuration of the hot water heater W1: see FIGS. 2 and 3) is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0057] <Hot water supply system configuration> FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a hot water supply system 100A according to the second embodiment. A hot water supply system 100A shown in FIG. 11 includes a solar power generation panel 5 and a power conditioner 6 in addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The photovoltaic power generation panel 5 generates solar power and is configured with a plurality of solar cells 5a mounted on a predetermined frame (not shown). The power conditioner 6 has a function of converting DC power output from the photovoltaic power generation panel 5 into AC power, etc. The power conditioner 6 is electrically connected to the water heater W1 and is also connected to the power system E1.

[0058] It is also possible to perform water heating operation of the water heater W1 using power generated by the solar power generation panel 5, and this generated power can also be supplied (sold) to the power grid E1. In the second embodiment, the user sets the allowable range of time periods when water heating operation of the water heater W1 is performed using power generated by solar power generation by operating the mobile terminal 3.

[0059] <Processing in hot water supply systems> FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting the water heating operation using solar power generation (see FIG. 11 as necessary). It is assumed that information indicating the installation location of the solar power generation panel 5 (such as the address of the building H1) is stored in the server 4, etc. In step S301 in Fig. 12, the user operates the bath remote control R1 or the kitchen remote control R2 to set up the use of solar power generation. A specific example of this step S301 will be described with reference to Fig. 13.

[0060] FIG. 13 shows an example of a setting screen display for the kitchen remote control regarding the use of solar power generation (see FIG. 11 as appropriate). Note that Fig. 13 illustrates the display 91 (see Fig. 10) of the kitchen remote control R2 (see Fig. 10), and omits other parts. Also, the setting screen of the kitchen remote control R2 transitions sequentially in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 13 in response to the user's operation. In the example of Fig. 13, when the user operates the kitchen remote control R2 to select "Solar power generation usage setting" (symbol K14) on the menu screen, the message "Do you want to set up boiling water using solar power?" is displayed.

[0061] If the setting for heating water using solar power is "ON" (reference symbol K15), a selection screen for "MANUAL" (reference symbol K16) and "WEATER-LINKED" (reference symbol K17) is displayed. Here, "MANUAL" (second setting) is a setting that performs heating water using solar power during the time period set by the user, regardless of the weather forecast for the day. On the other hand, "WEATER-LINKED" (first setting) is a setting that performs heating water using solar power during the time period when the weather forecast predicts clear weather for the day, within the acceptable range set by the user for the time period for heating water using solar power.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 13, since "weather linked" (reference symbol K17) has been selected, the water heating operation is performed based on the weather linked ("contents set in the app": reference symbol K18). Such setting information is transmitted from the water heater W1 (see FIG. 11) to the server 4 (see FIG. 11) via the communication unit 1 etc., and is stored in this server 4. Note that similar settings can be made not only in the kitchen remote control R2 (see FIG. 11) but also in the bath remote control R1 (see FIG. 11).

[0063] In this way, the "first setting" based on weather linkage (reference symbol K17 in FIG. 13) and the "second setting" based on manual setting (reference symbol K16 in FIG. 13) can be switched by operating the bath remote control R1 (remote control) or the kitchen remote control R2 (remote control). This allows the user greater freedom in setting. Note that switching from one of the "first setting" and "second setting" to the other can also be performed using the bath remote control R1 or the kitchen remote control R2, as well as the mobile terminal 3.

[0064] Next, in step S302 in Fig. 12, the user sets the permitted time period for boiling water using solar power generation through operation of the mobile terminal 3. Such setting through operation of the mobile terminal 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 14A and 14B.

[0065] 14A and 14B are examples of a setting screen for setting the allowable range of the time period for the heating operation using solar power generation. Note that the setting screen transitions in the order of the arrows in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B. In the example of FIG. 14A, when the allowable time period for the water heating operation using solar power generation is set, the user selects "Settings" (symbol K19), then "Remote control settings" (symbol K20), and further selects "Solar power generation usage time" (symbol K21).

[0066] Here, the "solar power generation usage time" refers to the permissible range of time periods when daytime heating operation is performed using solar power generation. The above-mentioned "daytime" refers to the period from when the sun begins to rise to when it sets. In the example of FIG. 14B, the "weather usage start time" which is the start time of the solar power generation usage time is set to 10:00 (symbol K22), and the "end time" which is the end time of the solar power generation usage time is set to 14:00 (symbol K23). Then, the daytime heating operation using solar power generation during such a time period (10:00 to 14:00) is set to be performed "every day" (symbol K24).

[0067] In Fig. 14B, the hourly weather forecast for the day is displayed, and the time period set by the user is highlighted (reference symbol K25), but the user does not need to worry about the weather on the day because the control unit 74 (see Fig. 3) sets the schedule for the day so that the daytime heating operation is performed within the allowable range of the time period set by the user (for example, 10:00 to 14:00) when the weather forecast is sunny.

[0068] 15A and 15B are flowcharts relating to the boiling operation using solar power generation (see FIG. 11 as appropriate). At the time of "START" in Fig. 15A, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 3 and the water heater W1 have already been associated (paired) with each other by an SSID input operation, WPS, etc. Also, it is assumed that the water heating operation using nighttime power has not yet started at the time of "START" in Fig. 15A.

[0069] In step S401, the control unit 74 (see FIG. 3) determines whether or not a boiling setting using solar power generation is being performed. In the example of FIG. 13, a boiling setting using solar power generation is being performed (reference symbol K14, "Solar power generation use setting"). In step S401, if a boiling setting using solar power generation is being performed (S401: Yes), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if a boiling setting using solar power generation is not being performed (S401: No), the control unit 74 ends the series of processes related to the boiling operation using solar power generation ("END" in FIG. 15B).

[0070] In step S402 of FIG. 15A, the control unit 74 determines whether or not the boiling operation using solar power generation is set as weather-linked. That is, the control unit 74 determines whether or not a setting (weather-linked) is set to perform daytime boiling operation using solar power generation during a time period when the weather forecast is sunny, within an allowable range of the time period set by the user. In the example of FIG. 13, "weather-linked" (symbol K17) is selected. In step S402, if the boiling operation using solar power generation is set as weather-linked (S402: Yes), the process of the control unit 74 proceeds to step S403.

[0071] In step S403, the control unit 74 acquires weather information (weather forecast information). For example, the control unit 74 acquires weather information for the current day from the server 4 (see FIG. 11) via the communication unit 1 (see FIG. 11) etc. This weather information includes the forecast weather, forecast sunshine hours, forecast temperature, etc. for the current day. In step S404, the control unit 74 determines the time period for the daytime heating operation. The process of step S404 will be described with reference to Figs. 16A and 16B.

[0072] FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a time period during which a boiling operation using solar power generation is performed. The horizontal axis in Fig. 16A is time. In the example of Fig. 16A, the weather forecast for the day shows that the weather will be cloudy from 8:00 to 9:00, fine from 9:00 to 15:00, and cloudy from 15:00 to 16:00. In addition, the allowable range of the time period during which the daytime water heating operation is performed (the time period selected by the user) is set to 10:00 to 14:00 by operating the mobile terminal 3. Here, the weather forecast shows that the weather will be fine during the time period including 10:00 to 14:00, so the control unit 74 decides to perform the water heating operation using solar power generation during this time period (S404 in Fig. 15A).

[0073] FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a time period during which a boiling operation using solar power generation is performed. In the example of FIG. 16B, the weather forecast for the day shows that the weather will be cloudy from 8:00 to 10:00, sunny from 10:00 to 12:00, cloudy from 12:00 to 14:00, and sunny from 14:00 to 16:00. In addition, the allowable range of the time period during the day for the water heating operation (the time period selected by the user) is set to 9:00 to 15:00 by operating the mobile terminal 3. Here, the time periods during which the weather will be sunny between 9:00 and 15:00 are 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 15:00. Therefore, the control unit 74 determines that the water heating operation will be performed from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 15:00 using solar power generation (S404 in FIG. 15A). This allows the water heating operation to be performed efficiently using solar power generation.

[0074] Returning to FIG. 15A again, the explanation will be continued. After determining the time period for daytime (daytime) boiling operation in step S404 in FIG. 15A, the control unit 74 calculates the start time of nighttime boiling operation in step S405. Specifically, the control unit 74 first calculates the amount of high-temperature water that will be generated when boiling operation is performed using solar power generation during the time period determined in step S404. The control unit 74 then calculates the start time of nighttime boiling operation so that the amount of high-temperature water generated using nighttime power is the total amount of high-temperature water required on the day minus the amount of high-temperature water that would be generated when boiling operation is performed using solar power generation. Note that the control unit 74 may generate more high-temperature water than necessary using nighttime power, with a predetermined margin in mind.

[0075] Next, in step S406, the control unit 74 determines whether or not the nighttime boiling start time has been reached. In step S406, if the nighttime boiling start time has been reached (S406: Yes), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S407. On the other hand, if the nighttime boiling start time has not been reached (S406: No), the control unit 74 repeats the process of step S406. In step S407, the control unit 74 executes the nighttime heating operation, which allows a predetermined amount of high-temperature water to be stored in the hot water storage tank 21 (see FIG. 2) using inexpensive nighttime electricity.

[0076] Next, in step S408 in Fig. 15B, the control unit 74 determines whether the current time is included in the daytime boiling operation time period (the time period determined in step S404 in Fig. 15A). In step S408, if the current time is not included in the daytime boiling operation time period (S408: No), the control unit 74 repeats the process of step S408 without performing boiling operation using solar power generation.

[0077] For example, the control unit 74 does not perform the heating operation using solar power generation during the time period when the weather forecast predicts cloudy or rainy weather for the day (for example, 9:00 to 10:00 and 12:00 to 14:00 in FIG. 16B) within the allowable range of the time period for the heating operation using solar power generation. This makes it possible to prevent the heating operation from being performed using grid power when the daytime electricity rate is relatively high. On the other hand, in step S408 in FIG. 15B, if the time period is a daytime heating operation period (S408: Yes), the processing by the control unit 74 proceeds to step S409.

[0078] In step S409, the control unit 74 executes the water heating operation using solar power generation. That is, when the water heating operation using solar power generation is performed during a time period when the weather forecast predicts that the weather will be sunny on the day (S402: Yes in FIG. 15A), and the allowable range of the time period for performing the water heating operation using solar power generation is set on the mobile terminal 3, the control unit 74 performs the water heating operation using solar power generation during a time period when the weather forecast predicts that the weather will be sunny on the day within this allowable range (S408: Yes, S409 in FIG. 15B). This makes it possible to reduce the amount of power consumed when performing the water heating operation using nighttime power, and also to reduce the amount of power consumed during the day when the power rate is relatively high. As a result, the power rate required for operating the water heater W1 can be significantly reduced.

[0079] Next, in step S410 of Fig. 15B, the control unit 74 determines whether or not the end time of the daytime boiling operation has been reached. In step S410, if the end time of the daytime boiling operation has been reached (S410: Yes), the process of the control unit 74 proceeds to step S411. On the other hand, if the end time of the daytime boiling operation has not been reached (S410: No), the process of the control unit 74 returns to step S408.

[0080] In step S411, the control unit 74 determines whether or not the required amount of hot water is secured in the hot water storage tank 21 (see FIG. 2). In step S411, if the required amount of hot water is secured in the hot water storage tank 21 (S411: Yes), the control unit 74 ends the series of processes (END). On the other hand, if the required amount of hot water is not secured in the hot water storage tank 21 (S411: No), the process of the control unit 74 proceeds to step S412. For example, if the weather forecast for the day predicts sunny weather but it is actually cloudy or rainy, the moment-to-moment power generation by solar power generation may become relatively small.

[0081] In step S412, the control unit 74 performs a boiling operation using grid power. That is, the control unit 74 generates high-temperature water to compensate for the shortage by performing a boiling operation using grid power. After performing the process of step S412, the control unit 74 ends the series of processes (END).

[0082] 15A, if boiling water by solar power generation is not set as weather-linked (S402: No), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S413. In other words, if boiling water by solar power generation is set manually (reference symbol K16 in FIG. 13), the control unit 74 proceeds to step S413.

[0083] In step S413, the control unit 74 executes the boiling operation based on the manual setting. That is, the control unit 74 performs the boiling operation using solar power generation in the time period set by the operation of the mobile terminal 3, regardless of the weather forecast for that day. For example, if the time period for the daytime boiling operation using solar power generation is set from 10:00 to 14:00 (see FIG. 16A), the control unit 74 performs the boiling operation in the time period from 10:00 to 14:00, regardless of the contents of the weather forecast. This makes it possible to appropriately reflect the user's wishes regarding the boiling operation. Compared to the manual setting, the weather-linked setting has the advantage that it is easier to reduce electricity charges because the possibility of performing the boiling operation using solar power generation in the time period when it is sunny is high.

[0084] In this way, in the second embodiment, the control unit 74 performs the water heater W1 water heating operation during the daytime using power generated by solar power generation. When the time period during which the water heater W1 water heating operation using solar power generation is performed is set by the user's mobile terminal 3 (or the remote control R of the water heater W1), the control unit 74 performs the water heater W1 water heating operation using solar power generation for at least a part of the time period.

[0085] <Effects> According to the second embodiment, when performing daytime heating operation using solar power generation, the user can set the time period for heating operation by operating the mobile terminal 3, regardless of whether the operation is linked to the weather or manually set. This increases the degree of freedom of setting for the user. In addition, for example, the user can change the settings for daytime heating operation by operating the mobile terminal 3 even when away from home, thereby increasing convenience for the user.

[0086] In addition, when "weather-linked" is selected for daytime boiling operation (S402: Yes in FIG. 15A), the control unit 74 performs boiling operation using solar power generation during the time period when the weather forecast is sunny, within the allowable range of the time period set by the user (S408: Yes, S409 in FIG. 15B). This allows high-temperature water to be generated by boiling operation using solar power generation, thereby reducing the electricity fee required for operating the water heater W1.

[0087] <<Variations>> Although the hot water supply systems 100 and 100A according to the present disclosure have been described in the respective embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these descriptions and various modifications can be made. For example, in the first embodiment, when the user is out, if the distance from a predetermined reference position (the user's home) to the mobile terminal 3 becomes equal to or less than a first predetermined value, the control unit 74 notifies the mobile terminal 3 in advance of the start of the water filling operation (S206a in FIG. 9), but this is not limited to the above. That is, if the predicted time until the user returns home becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control unit 74 may notify the mobile terminal 3 in advance of the water filling operation.

[0088] In the second embodiment, the case has been described where the time period during which the water heating operation using solar power generation is performed is set by the user operating the mobile terminal 3, but this is not limiting. That is, when the time period during which the water heating operation using solar power generation is performed is set by the remote control R (see FIG. 2) of the water heater W1, the control unit 74 may perform the water heating operation using solar power generation during at least a part of the time period. Specifically, the allowable range of the time period during which the water heating operation using solar power generation is performed may be set by the remote control R (see FIG. 2) of the water heater W1. Furthermore, regardless of the weather forecast for the day, the control unit 74 may perform the water heating operation using solar power generation during the time period set by operating the remote control R (see FIG. 2) of the water heater W1.

[0089] Furthermore, the first and second embodiments may be combined to perform the following process: That is, when the distance from a predetermined reference position to the user's mobile terminal 3 becomes equal to or less than a first predetermined value, the control unit 74 of the water heater W1 may notify the mobile terminal 3 of a water-filling operation (first embodiment), and furthermore, may perform a daytime water-heating operation using solar power generation for at least a part of the time period set by the user (second embodiment).

[0090] In addition, in each embodiment, a case where one water heater W1 (see FIG. 1) is associated with one mobile terminal 3 (see FIG. 1) has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, a plurality of water heaters W1 may be associated with one mobile terminal 3. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the case where the water heater W1 has the configuration in FIG. 2 has been described, but each embodiment can also be applied to other types of water heaters.

[0091] In addition, the program for causing a computer to execute the hot water supply control method described in each embodiment can be provided via a communication line, or can be written to a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed.

[0092] In addition, the embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. In addition, some of the configurations of the embodiments can be added to, deleted from, or replaced with other configurations. Furthermore, the above-mentioned mechanisms and configurations are those considered necessary for the explanation, and do not necessarily show all mechanisms and configurations of the product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Communication unit 2 Router 3. Mobile devices 4 Server 5. Solar panels 6 Power conditioner 71 Memory section 72 Communications Department 73 Operation section 74 Control Unit 100,100A hot water system R Remote Control R1 Bath remote control (remote control) R2 Kitchen remote control (remote control) U1 Heat Pump Unit U2 Hot water tank unit W1 Water Heater

Claims

1. A control unit is provided that uses the power generated by solar power generation to operate the water heater during the day. The control unit is a hot water supply system that, when a time period during which a water heating operation using solar power generation is performed is set by a user's mobile terminal or a remote control of the water heater, sets the time period as a solar power generation usage time and performs a solar power generation heating operation during at least a part of the solar power generation usage time, The control unit is A function to obtain weather information for each hour of the day when water heating is performed from a server that provides weather information, and A function for setting a schedule for daytime heating operation so that the daytime heating operation is performed during each time period when the weather is fine, in each time period obtained by dividing the time period during which solar power generation is used between the start time and the end time of the solar power generation heating operation set by the user into a plurality of time periods; A function of calculating the amount of high-temperature water generated by the daytime heating operation determined by the schedule; and a function of subtracting an amount of high-temperature water generated by the daytime boiling operation from an amount of high-temperature water required on that day, and setting a schedule for the nighttime boiling operation so that the amount of high-temperature water subtracted is generated using nighttime power; The control unit is The daytime heating operation schedule is displayed on at least the mobile terminal of the user as a schedule screen that clearly indicates the solar power generation usage time and associates each time of each time period during the day including the solar power generation usage time with a weather forecast mark. Hot water system.

2. A hot water supply control method, in which when a water heater performs a water heating operation using solar power generation during the daytime, if a time period during which the water heater performs the water heating operation using solar power generation is set by a user's mobile terminal or a remote control of the water heater, the time period is set as a time during which solar power generation is used, and a control unit performs the water heating operation using solar power generation during at least a part of the time during which the solar power generation is used, The control unit is A step of acquiring weather information for each hour of the day when the water heating operation is performed during the day from a server that provides weather information; A step of setting a schedule for daytime heating operation so that the daytime heating operation is performed during each time period when the weather is fine, in each time period divided into a plurality of time periods between a start time and an end time for performing the heating operation using solar power generation set by the user; A step of calculating an amount of high-temperature water generated by the daytime heating operation obtained by the schedule; a step of subtracting an amount of high-temperature water generated by the daytime boiling operation from an amount of high-temperature water required on that day, and setting a schedule for the nighttime boiling operation so that the amount of high-temperature water subtracted is generated using nighttime power; The control unit is Further, the method includes a step of displaying the daytime heating operation schedule on at least the mobile terminal of the user as a schedule screen that clearly indicates the solar power generation usage time and associates each time of each time period during the day including the solar power generation usage time with a weather forecast mark. A method for controlling hot water supply.

3. A program for causing a computer to execute the hot water supply control method according to claim 2.

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