Environmental Contribution Recognition System

Abstract

To cause consumers to be more aware of decarbonization by providing a format that allows them to easily understand the extent to which electricity and the like consumed in their houses contribute to decarbonization.SOLUTION: A system 100 applied to a house J having a power generation system 50 and a gas combustion apparatus 41 includes: a gas meter 40 that measures the flow rate of combustible gas consumed in the house J; an information collection terminal 10 electrically connected to the power generation system 50 and the gas meter 40 and provided on the house J; and a server 20 electrically connected to the terminal 10 via a network 30. The terminal 10 obtains a self-consumption amount of electricity and an amount of gas consumption from the power generation system 50 and the gas meter 40, respectively, and transmits them to the server 20. The server 20 calculates a CO2 emission reduction amount from the self-consumption amount based on a predetermined conversion formula, and calculates a CO2 emission amount from the gas consumption amount based on a predetermined conversion formula.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental contribution recognition system that contributes to raising consumers' awareness of decarbonization regarding energy consumed in their homes. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, CO 2 In order to reduce emissions, efforts are being made to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy and realize a decarbonized society. Companies and various organizations have become aware of decarbonization and are making efforts in this area, partly due to legal reforms, but ordinary consumers are also being called upon to take part in the decarbonization effort. The main sources of energy consumed in the homes of general consumers are electricity and combustible gas. Regarding electricity, decarbonization can be achieved by installing a solar power generation system in the home, but for combustible gas, CO 2 The current situation is that it is not possible to reduce CO2 emissions to zero.

[0003] By the way, homes that have installed solar power generation systems sell surplus electricity that is not consumed by the home to power supply companies (hereafter referred to as power companies), and the selling price covers the costs of installing the system. In addition to its value as electricity, electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as solar power generation has a lower CO2 emission during generation compared to fossil fuels. 2 Low emission or CO 2 Solar power has the added environmental value of being emission-free electricity. Methods are also being considered for transferring the environmental value that is latent through self-consumption to electric power companies (Patent Document 1). Such methods can be said to support homes that have installed solar power generation systems in terms of costs, and to contribute to the promotion of the introduction of solar power generation systems. In addition, the combustible gas supplied to homes is mainly LP gas and city gas. Gas supply companies (hereinafter, gas companies) are 2There are efforts being made to popularize the use of gases with low emissions, such as mixed gases that contain carbon-free gases such as hydrogen. However, there are issues with the cost of such mixed gases, and at this point in time, it is difficult to expect consumers to be encouraged to adopt them due to the cost aspect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-105926 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to realize a decarbonized society, it is most important to raise consumers' awareness of contributing to a decarbonized society. In other words, even if there is a cost burden, if consumers themselves are aware of decarbonization, it can be said that a decarbonized society can be realized sooner. However, with typical solar power generation systems, it is not easy for consumers to understand how much they are contributing to decarbonization. When it comes to combustible gas, consumers are very conscious of the cost aspects, such as gas consumption, but it is not easy for them to grasp how much they are contributing to decarbonization. For example, as consumers become more conscious of contributing to a decarbonized society, we can expect the spread of environmentally friendly combustible gases such as the above-mentioned mixed gases. In addition, the home also uses a water supply, and CO2 is emitted during the process of delivering the water to the home. 2 In addition, CO is also emitted when treating wastewater from homes. 2 Therefore, reducing the amount of tap water used (saving water) reduces the amount of CO emitted from the water supply treatment. 2 This will reduce CO emissions by reducing the amount of wastewater. 2 This will also lead to reduced emissions, contributing to environmental conservation. [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an environmental contribution recognition system that helps raise consumer awareness of decarbonization by making it easy to understand the degree to which electricity and other consumption within a home is contributing to decarbonization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Consuming combustible gas or tap water in the home increases CO 2 This can be considered a negative from an environmental perspective in that it emits CO. All electricity generated by renewable energy sources in the home is 2 However, the amount of electricity consumed within the home, excluding the amount sold and not consumed within the home, is the actual CO2 reduction. 2 This reduces emissions and can be evaluated as a positive for the environment. Based on this idea, we are offering this system.

[0008] The present invention is a system applicable to a house having a renewable energy power generation system and a combustible gas combustion appliance, the system comprising: a gas meter that measures a gas flow rate of combustible gas consumed in the house; an information collection terminal that is electrically connected to the power generation system and the gas meter and is provided in the house; and a server that is electrically connected to the information collection terminal via a network, the information collection terminal acquiring an amount of electric power self-consumption and an amount of gas consumption from the power generation system and the gas meter, respectively, and transmitting the amount of self-consumption and the amount of gas consumption to the server, the server acquiring the amount of self-consumption and the amount of gas consumption, and converting the amount of CO2 from the amount of self-consumption based on a predetermined conversion formula. 2 Calculate the amount of emission reduction and convert the gas consumption amount into CO based on a specified conversion formula. 2 Calculate emissions. Preferably, the information collecting terminal further acquires water consumption from a water meter and transmits the water consumption to the server, and the server acquires the water consumption and converts the water consumption into CO2 based on a predetermined conversion formula. 2 Calculate emissions. Preferably, the server is 2 Emission reductions and CO 2The information collecting terminal transmits the CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Output the emission amount. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The system of the present invention converts the amount of electricity and other consumption in a home into CO2. 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 This can be converted into emissions and presented to consumers. 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 The form of emissions is CO 2 The level of emissions is easy to understand, and presenting it to consumers in this format can help raise their awareness of decarbonization. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the entire system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a solar power generation system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information collecting terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in a customer database. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in an electricity emission coefficient database. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in a gas emission coefficient database. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in a water discharge coefficient database. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in an acquisition database. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in a processing value database. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system 100. Referring to Fig. 1, the system 100 of the present invention includes an information collecting terminal 10, a server 20, and a network 30. The network 30 is a telecommunication line, and includes, for example, a carrier network for mobile phones, the Internet network, and the like. The information collecting terminal 10 is installed at a predetermined position in a residence J, and is generally installed at a predetermined position indoors. Residences J include detached houses, collective housing such as condominiums, stores, and the like. Although only one information collecting terminal 10 is shown in FIG. 1, in reality, a plurality of information collecting terminals 10 are connected to the server 20 via the network 30. House J is equipped with home appliances, a power generation system using renewable energy, a gas meter to measure gas flow, a water meter to measure water consumption, and combustion appliances (combustion appliances here refer to appliances that consume combustible gas).

[0012] The information collecting terminal 10 can be electrically connected to the gas meter 40, the power generation system 50, and the water meter 60 by wired communication or wireless communication, and can also be electrically connected to the server 20 via the network 30. The information collecting terminal 10 wirelessly communicates with the gas meter 40, the power generation system 50, the water meter 60, etc., using a communication method that utilizes, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc., and acquires information from them. The information collecting terminal 10 has a gateway function that provides data exchange between a plurality of communication standards, and controls so that data can be exchanged smoothly between networks with different protocols. In addition, the information collecting terminal 10 is configured to be able to communicate with the server 20 via the network 30, for example, by using a mobile phone communication method such as 4G or 5G (4th (5th) Generation) or any wireless communication method that will become widespread in the future.

[0013] <Renewable energy power generation system (solar power generation system)> Examples of the power generation system 50 using renewable energy include solar power generation, wind power generation, geothermal power generation, fuel cell power generation using hydrogen, etc. Fuel cell power generation is also included in the renewable energy power generation in the broad sense because it is carbon-free. In general, the solar power generation system 50 is installed in a house J of an ordinary household. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a solar power generation system 50 provided in a house J. The solar power generation system 50 is conventionally known, and the configuration shown in Fig. 2 is merely one example. The solar power generation system 50 includes a solar panel 51, a power conditioner 52, a distribution board 53, measuring instruments 54a, 54b, 54c, an electricity measuring unit 55, a controller 56, a communication unit 57 including a communication module, a display device (not shown), and a storage battery (not shown).

[0014] The solar panel 51 generates electricity by converting solar energy into electric power. The DC power generated by the solar panel 51 is converted into AC power by the power conditioner 52 and sent to the distribution board 53. The distribution board 53 is connected to a commercial power source 58 of a power company. The distribution board 53 relays the purchase of electricity from the power company and the sale of electricity. The distribution board 53 is also connected to various home appliances 59 in the house J and supplies electricity to them. Examples of the home appliances 59 include lighting devices, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, air conditioners, and televisions.

[0015] The meter 54a measures the amount of power (power generation amount) generated by the solar panel 51. The meter 54b measures the amount of power (power selling amount) sold to the commercial power source 58. The meter 54c measures the amount of power (power purchased amount) purchased from the commercial power source 58. The power amount measurement unit 55 collects power information including the amount of power generation, the amount of power sold, and the amount of power purchased from each meter via an electrical connection such as wired communication or wireless communication, and stores the information together with time information. Here, in this specification, time information includes the time corresponding to the amount of electricity, gas consumption, water consumption, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the corresponding time) and the point in time when the amount was measured or acquired (hereinafter referred to as the acquisition date and time). For example, the corresponding time in electricity information refers to the time from the start of measurement of power generation, etc. to the end of measurement, the corresponding time in gas information refers to the time from the start of measurement of gas consumption, etc. to the end of measurement, and the corresponding time in water information refers to the time from the start of measurement of water consumption, etc. to the end of measurement. The acquisition date and time refers to the date and time when the amount of power generation, gas consumption, etc. was measured or acquired.

[0016] The controller 56 includes a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and is connected to the distribution board 53, the power metering unit 55, etc. by wired or wireless communication, and is a device that centrally manages the supply of power generated by the solar panel 51, the charge and discharge amounts of the storage battery, the amount of power purchased from and sold to the commercial power source 58, etc. The controller 56 has a processor and a storage unit such as a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory.

[0017] The controller 56 performs various controls, such as controlling the storage and discharge of electricity while considering the time difference of the electricity price by exchanging information with the management server 510, and transmitting various information such as the amount of electricity sold and the amount of electricity consumed by the information collecting terminal 10 through the communication unit. The controller 56 also obtains electricity information such as the amount of electricity generated, the amount of electricity sold, the amount of electricity purchased, and time information from the electricity amount measuring unit 55, stores the information in a non-volatile memory, etc., and displays various information such as the amount of electricity generated on a display device. The controller 56 also calculates the amount of electricity consumed by the home (the amount of electricity consumed by the home = the amount of electricity generated - the amount of electricity sold) from the amount of electricity generated and the amount of electricity sold, and stores the information together with the time information in a non-volatile memory, etc. Note that the amount of electricity generated is often measured in relatively short periods such as 30 minutes or one hour, but the controller 56 can also create the amount of electricity generated by one day or one month by adding them up. The amount of self-consumption stored in the controller 56 may be calculated by the management server 510 (described later) according to a predetermined standard. For example, the controller 56 or the power metering unit 55 may transmit power information such as the amount of power generated, the amount of power sold, and the amount of power purchased, as well as time information, to the management server 20, and the management server 510 may calculate the amount of self-consumption according to the specifications of the power generation system 50 and transmit the calculated amount to the controller 56 for storage.

[0018] The controller 56 can be connected to a management server 510 operated by a provider of the power generation system 50 or the like via a network (e.g., the Internet) through the communication unit 57. The controller 56 can also be connected to the information collecting terminal 10 by a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) through the communication unit 57. The controller 56 transmits power information (power information together with time information) in association with time information to the information collecting terminal 10. The power information transmitted to the information collecting terminal 10 includes the amount of self-consumption and / or the amount of power generated and the amount of power sold, and also includes the amount of power purchased as necessary. Note that the power amount measuring unit 55 may have a communication unit so that the power amount measuring unit 55 can transmit the power information together with the time information to the information collecting terminal 10.

[0019] <Gas meters and combustible gas> The gas meter 40 measures the amount (gas flow rate) of combustible gas flowing from a supply source 42 to the house J and consumed. The combustible gas flowing within the house J is consumed by a combustion appliance 41. Combustible gas is generally divided into LP gas and city gas. When the flammable gas in the house J is LP gas, the supply source 42 is a gas cylinder, and when it is city gas, the supply source 42 is a pipe connected to a gas company. Combustible gas burning appliances 41 in the house J include a gas stove, a water heater, a gas fan heater, etc.

[0020] The gas meter 40 has at least a gas flow measurement function, a communication function, and a clock function, and in order to perform each function, the hardware has a control unit including a clock, a measuring device, a communication unit, a processor, and a memory. For example, a smart gas meter 40 can be used as such a gas meter 40. The gas meter 40 measures the gas flow rate and creates gas information. The gas information may include gas consumption or an integrated amount (integrated value) of the gas flow rate, or may include both. The gas consumption amount refers to the total amount of gas flow rate during a certain period of time, and the integrated amount refers to the accumulated value of the gas flow rate at the time of measurement. The gas consumption amount is calculated by subtracting the integrated amount (integrated value) at the time of measurement from the integrated amount (integrated value) at the time of measurement immediately before. The gas meter 40 can be connected to the information collecting terminal 10 by a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The gas meter 40 transmits gas information to the information collecting terminal 10, and preferably transmits the gas information together with time information.

[0021] <Water meter> The water meter 60 measures the amount of tap water (water consumption) that flows from the local waterworks (water purification plant) that supplies the water to the house J and is consumed. The tap water that flows in the house J is consumed in the bath, washroom, kitchen, and so on. The water meter 60 has at least a flow rate measurement function, a communication function, and a clock function, and in order to perform each function, the hardware has a control unit including a clock, a measuring device, a communication unit, a processor, and a memory. For example, a water smart meter can be used as such a water meter 60. The water meter 60 measures the flow rate and creates water information. The water information may include water consumption or an integrated amount (integrated value) of the flow rate, or may include both. Water consumption refers to the total amount of water flow during a certain period of time, and the integrated amount refers to the accumulated value of the water flow rate at the time of measurement. The water consumption is calculated by subtracting the integrated amount (integrated value) at the time of measurement from the integrated amount (integrated value) at the time of measurement immediately before. The water meter 60 can be connected to the information collecting terminal 10 by a wireless communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The water meter 60 transmits water information to the information collecting terminal 10, and preferably transmits the water information together with time information.

[0022] <Information gathering terminal> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information collecting terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The information collection terminal 10 has a main control unit 11, a first communication unit 12 and a second communication unit 13 including a communication module, an output unit 14 including a speaker, and an input unit 15 including an operation interface, and each unit is connected by a bus 16 to exchange data signals. The main control unit 11 performs various controls such as communication with the gas meter 40 and the like, communication with the server 20, output of information to the output unit 14, and input from the input unit 15. The main control unit 11 has a processor 111 and a storage unit 112 such as a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The processor 111 is an arithmetic device that controls the overall operation according to a program stored in the non-volatile memory or the like, and performs information processing required for controlling transmission and reception of data and executing processing. The first communication unit 12 is for communicating with devices installed in the house J, such as the gas meter 40, the power generation system 50, and the water meter 60. The information collecting terminal 10 (main control unit 11) communicates with the devices through the first communication unit 12 including a short-range wireless communication module, such as a Bluetooth module. The second communication unit 13 is for communicating with the server 20, and the information collecting terminal 10 (main control unit 11) communicates with the server 20 through the second communication unit 13 including an LTE module, for example. The information collecting terminal 10 may communicate with other devices, such as home appliances, installed in the house J to obtain various types of information from them.

[0023] The output unit 14 has a speaker and may further have a display device as necessary. The speaker converts the sound data output from the main control unit 11 to emit sound, and the display device converts the image data output from the main control unit 11 to display an image. The input unit 15 receives various instructions from a user and includes operation buttons for causing the output unit 14 to output a predetermined sound or image or to stop the output, an emergency contact button, and the like. The information collecting terminal 10 may have other functions and devices for realizing those functions in addition to those described above. For example, the information collecting terminal 10 may have a function of having a camera and capturing images of the inside of the house J with the camera and transmitting the captured image data to the server 20, a function of having a gas sensor for detecting a gas leak and activating a gas shutoff valve when a gas leak is detected, a function of transmitting a detected gas leak to the server 20, and a function of sounding an alarm from a speaker when a gas leak is detected.

[0024] <Server> The server 20 is an information processing device that provides the services of the system 100 . As shown in FIG. 4, the server 20 has a control unit 21 having a processor 211 and a memory unit 212, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23 including a communication module, an input / output unit 24, a customer database DB1, an electricity emission coefficient database DB2, a gas emission coefficient database DB3, a water emission coefficient database DB4, an acquisition database DB5, and a processed value database DB6, and each unit is connected by a bus 26 to exchange data signals, etc. The processor 211 is a computing device that controls the operation of the entire server 20, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for executing programs. The storage unit 212 is composed of a main memory made of a volatile memory such as a DRAM, and an auxiliary memory made of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD. The storage unit 22 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD. For example, the BIOS and various settings required when starting the server 20 are stored in the auxiliary memory, and the programs for executing the processes are stored in the storage unit 22. The communication unit 23 connects the server 20 to the network 30. The input / output unit 24 receives various instructions from the system operator and outputs images and the like.

[0025] The customer database DB1 stores customer information, and the electricity emission coefficient database DB2 stores the CO 2 The gas emission coefficient database DB3 stores information on the emission coefficients for combustible gases,2 The water emission coefficient database DB4 stores information on the CO2 emission coefficient of water. The acquisition database DB5 stores various information (identification information, time information, electricity information, gas information, water information, etc.) acquired from the information collection terminal 10. The processed value database DB6 stores information (CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 The amount of carbon dioxide emitted is stored.

[0026] Customer information is stored in customer database DB1. The customer information includes at least identification information of the information collecting terminal 10, personal information, and equipment information. The identification information is an ID uniquely assigned to each information collecting terminal 10. The personal information includes the name, address, etc. of the subscriber of the information collecting terminal 10. The equipment information is information about the equipment installed in the house J, and includes the electric power company from which the power generation system 50 sells and buys electricity, the type of combustible gas supplied to the house J (LP gas, city gas), the source of the water supplied to the house J, etc. In the customer database DB1, personal information, facility information, and the like are associated with identification information (one piece of identification information) of each information collecting terminal 10 to form a set of data, and this set is created for each of the multiple information collecting terminals 10. For example, Fig. 5 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in customer database DB1. In the figure, in row (1), personal information and equipment information are associated with one piece of identification information and recorded, and in row (2), personal information and equipment information are associated with another piece of identification information and recorded. Note that if the power company and / or type of combustible gas of the installed house J is unknown or cannot be recorded in the database for some reason, they are left blank, as shown in row (9) in the figure.

[0027] The electricity emission factor database DB2 contains information on multiple electric power companies and the CO 2 At a minimum, emission factor information is stored. Here, the CO2 of electricity 2 The emission factor is CO 2Also known as the emission intensity, this is the amount of CO emitted by an electric power company when it produces 1 kWh of electricity. 2 For example, kg-CO 2 / kWh (hereafter, CO 2 The emission factor is called the electricity emission factor. The electricity emission factor differs for each electric power company, and even for the same electric power company, the electricity emission factor changes over time. The electricity emission factor is published by the Ministry of the Environment in the "List of Emission Factors by Electric Power Company."

[0028] In the electricity emission coefficient database DB2, one electric power company and the electricity emission coefficient of that company are associated with each other and recorded as a set of data for multiple electric power companies. In addition to this, the electricity emission coefficient database DB2 also records an average electricity emission coefficient as one piece of data. For example, Fig. 6 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the power emission coefficient database DB2. In the figure, in row (1), one power company and its associated power emission coefficient are recorded, and in row (2), another power company and its associated power emission coefficient are recorded. In addition, in row (9), the average value of the power emission coefficients is recorded. The average value refers to the average value of the power emission coefficients in the power emission coefficient database DB2. This average value is the power emission coefficient that is provisionally used when the power company in the customer database DB1 is referenced and is blank (not recorded). It should be noted that the specific numerical values ​​of the electricity emission coefficients, gas emission coefficients, and water emission coefficients shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are merely examples.

[0029] The gas emission factor database DB3 contains CO emissions from different types of combustible gases. 2 At a minimum, emission factor information is stored. Here, the gas CO 2 The emission factor is the amount of CO released when combustible gas is burned. 2 For example, kg-CO 2 / m 3 or kg-CO2 / kg (hereinafter, the CO 2 The emission factor is called the gas emission factor. Gas emission factors vary depending on the type of combustible gas (LP gas, city gas), and may change in the future.

[0030] In the gas emission coefficient database DB3, the type of gas and the average gas emission coefficient for that type are associated with each other to form a set of data, which is recorded for each type of gas. For example, Fig. 7 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the gas emission coefficient database DB3. In the figure, in row (1), LP gas and its associated average gas emission coefficient are recorded, and in row (2), city gas and its associated average gas emission coefficient are recorded. In addition, in row (3), the average value of the gas emission coefficients of LP gas and city gas is recorded. This average value is the gas emission coefficient that is provisionally used when the type of gas in the customer database DB1 is referenced and is blank (not recorded).

[0031] The water discharge coefficient database DB4 stores at least information on the source of water supply. Here, the CO 2 The emission factor is 1m 3 How much CO2 would it take to supply water to the city? 2 For example, g-CO 2 / m 3 or kg-CO 2 / m 3 (hereinafter, CO2 for water supply) 2 The emission factor is called the water supply emission factor. The water discharge coefficient varies depending on the local waterworks bureau that supplies the water. For example, the water discharge coefficient for fiscal year 2020 (1m 3 CO per unit 2 Emissions: 245g-CO 2 / m 3 (0.245kg-CO 2 / m 3) is given as a reference, and the Osaka City Water Bureau's water emission factor for fiscal 2020 is 157g-CO 2 / m 3 (0.157kg-CO 2 / m 3 ) is given as a reference. In the above, CO 2 The water emission factor used to calculate emissions is an example based on the water supply (from purified water to distribution), as explained by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks. However, water emission factors are not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the Japan Restroom Industry Association, a general incorporated association, has calculated the CO2 emissions resulting from water usage generated by using plumbing products connected to water supply and sewerage systems. 2 The amount of emissions is calculated as 0.54 kg-CO 2 / m 3 (conversion factor published in 2020), and the conversion factor published by the Association may be used as the water discharge factor in the present invention. 3 CO per unit 2 The emissions and conversion factors published by the association may change in the future due to technological advances, etc.

[0032] In the water discharge coefficient database DB4, the water discharge coefficient of the water supplier and its average water discharge coefficient are associated with each other and stored as a set of data. For example, Fig. 8 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the water discharge coefficient database DB4. In the figure, in row (1), a certain water supply source and its associated water discharge coefficient are recorded, and in row (2), another supply source and its associated water discharge coefficient are recorded. In addition, in row (9), the average value of the water discharge coefficients is recorded. The average value refers to the average value of the water discharge coefficients in the water discharge coefficient database DB4. This average value is a water discharge coefficient that is provisionally used when a water supply source in the customer database DB1 is referenced and is blank (not recorded).

[0033] The acquisition database DB5 stores at least various information acquired from the information collection terminal 10 (identification information, power information, gas information, time information, etc.). In the acquisition database DB5, the identification information of the information collecting terminal 10 and power information (self-consumption amount, power generation amount, power sale amount, etc.) including time information are associated with each other to form a set of data, and the set of data is recorded for each of the multiple information collecting terminals 10. Similarly, in the acquisition database DB5, the identification information of the information collecting terminal 10 and gas information (gas consumption amount, etc.) including time information are associated with each other to form a set of data, and the set of data is recorded for each of the multiple information collecting terminals 10. Similarly, in the acquisition database DB5, the identification information of the information collecting terminal 10 and water information (water consumption amount, etc.) including time information are associated with each other to form a set of data, and the set of data is recorded for each of the multiple information collecting terminals 10. For example, Fig. 9 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the acquisition database DB5. The [Electricity Information] table in the figure shows a database of electricity information acquired from the information collecting terminal 10, the [Gas Information] table shows a database of gas information acquired from the information collecting terminal 10, and the [Water Information] table shows a database of water information acquired from the information collecting terminal 10. In the figure, the corresponding time and acquisition date and time are the above-mentioned time information associated with when the electricity information, gas information, and water information were measured. 9, A1 to A2 mean, for example, October 1, 2021, 0:00 to October 2, 2021, 0:00, and A3 means, for example, October 1, 2021, 14:30, as do B1 to B3, C1 to C3, D1 to D3, E1 to E3, F1 to F3, G1 to G3, H1 to H3, J1 to J3, K1 to K3, L1 to L3, and M1 to M3. In the [Power Information] in the figure, each row such as rows (1)-(a1) is one unit of information acquired from the information collecting terminal 10. For example, rows (1)-(a1) refer to information at a certain point in time acquired from the information collecting terminal 10 with ID: 1234567890 (for example, information such as power information received by the server 20 from the information collecting terminal 10 on October 10th (a certain point in time)), and rows (1)-(b1) refer to information at another point in time acquired from the information collecting terminal 10 with ID: 1234567890 (for example, information such as power information received by the server 20 from the information collecting terminal 10 on November 10th (another point in time)). The same is true for rows (1)-(a1) of [Gas Information] and [Water Information] in the figure.

[0034] The processed value database DB6 stores information (CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Emissions) are stored. The processing value database DB6 stores the identification information and the processing value (CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 The amount of discharged gas) and the period for which the processing value is to be applied are associated with each other to form a set of data, which is then recorded for each of the multiple information collecting terminals 10. For example, Fig. 10 shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the processed value database DB6. In the figure, each row such as row (1)-(a) is a processed value (one unit) obtained by the server 20 performing one calculation process. For example, row (1)-(a) shows the CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Emissions (CO calculated from the terminal's self-consumption, gas consumption, and water consumption from October 1st to the end of October, for example) 2 Emission reductions and CO 2Emissions), rows (1)-(b) show CO emissions for other target periods obtained from the information collection terminal 10 with ID: 1234567890 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Emissions (CO calculated from the terminal's self-consumption, gas consumption, and water consumption from November 1st to the end of November, for example) 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 emissions).

[0035] Each database may include any appropriate information other than the above.

[0036] <System operation (processing procedure)> The information collecting terminal 10, the server 20, etc. execute the following processes according to the programs. Note that although the processes are executed by a processor in the information collecting terminal 10, etc., the following description will be given in terms of the information collecting terminal 10, the server 20, etc.

[0037] (Acquisition of electricity, gas and water information through information collection terminals) When the information collecting terminal 10 receives an instruction to acquire electric power information, gas information, and water information from the server 20, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires the electric power information, gas information, and water information together with time information from the power generation system, gas meter, and water meter, and transmits them to the server 20. Alternatively, a start time for acquiring electric power information, gas information, and water information may be set in advance in the information collecting terminal 10, and when the information collecting terminal 10 determines that the date and time has arrived, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires the electric power information, gas information, and water information together with time information from the power generation system and gas meter, and transmits them to the server 20.

[0038] The acquisition of electricity information, gas information, and water information by the information collecting terminal 10 may be performed synchronously or separately (at different dates and times). In order to simplify the processing by the information collecting terminal 10, it is preferable to acquire electricity information, gas information, and water information synchronously (concurrently). The information collecting terminal 10 may transmit these pieces of information to the server 20 substantially simultaneously, or may transmit each piece of information independently to the server 20 at different times. Furthermore, the electricity information, gas information, and water information to be acquired may be for the same period, or may be for different periods. The same period means that the response times of the electricity information, gas information, and water information are the same (for example, electricity information, gas information, and water information from October 1, 2021 to the end of October 2021 (response time)). Different periods means that the response times of the electricity information, gas information, and water information are different (for example, gas information such as gas consumption is from October 1, 2021 to the end of October 2021, and electricity information such as self-consumption is from October 1, 2021 to October 2, 2021).

[0039] In order to simplify the processing by the information collecting terminal 10 and reduce the number of data groups to be acquired, it is preferable that the information collecting terminal 10 acquires electricity information, gas information, and water information for the same period. Generally, meter reading of combustible gas is performed on a monthly basis, so it is preferable that the information collecting terminal 10 acquires gas information with a response time of one month accordingly, and acquires electricity information and water information with a response time of one month accordingly. However, the information collecting terminal 10 may acquire gas information and / or electricity information and / or water information on a daily basis (response time is one day), etc.

[0040] The following describes the acquisition of gas information, the acquisition of electricity information, and the acquisition of water information separately. When the information collecting terminal 10 receives an instruction from the server 20 or when a preset date and time arrives, the information collecting terminal 10 transmits an instruction to the gas meter via wireless communication or the like, and receives the gas information transmitted from the gas meter. For example, the information collecting terminal 10 receives the gas information from the gas meter when it receives an instruction from the server 20 on the last day of each month, or when the last day of each month (a preset start time) arrives. In this manner, in the case of monthly units, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires gas information such as one month's gas consumption amount from the gas meter. The gas information includes the gas consumption amount and / or the accumulated amount, as described above. If the gas meter measures only the integrated amount of gas flow, the information collecting terminal 10, after receiving the integrated amount from the gas meter, calculates the gas consumption by subtracting the integrated amount at the time of reception from the integrated amount immediately before, and stores the result together with time information in a non-volatile memory, etc. The gas consumption amount is calculated by: Gas consumption amount = current integrated amount (integrated value) - integrated amount (integrated value) at the time of the previous acquisition. Furthermore, if the gas meter cannot be accompanied by time information, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires the gas information (integrated amount or gas consumption amount), creates time information including the corresponding time, and stores the gas consumption amount together with the time information in a non-volatile memory, etc. In this case, the corresponding time is from the previous acquisition date and time to the current date and time, which is one month in the above example. The information collecting terminal 10 transmits its own identification information, gas information including the gas consumption amount, and time information thereof to the server 20.

[0041] When the information collecting terminal 10 receives an instruction from the server 20 or when a preset date and time arrives, it transmits an instruction via wireless communication or the like to a controller (or power amount calculation unit) of the power generation system, and receives the power information and time information transmitted from the power generation system. When the information collecting terminal 10 receives an instruction from the server 20, for example, on the last day of each month, or when the last day of each month (a preset start time) arrives, for example, the information collecting terminal 10 receives the power information and time information from the controller (or power amount calculation unit) of the power generation system. In this manner, in the case of monthly units, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires power information for one month. The power information includes the amount of self-consumption, and further includes the amount of power generated, the amount of power sold, the amount of power purchased, etc., as necessary. If the power generation system is a system that does not calculate the self-consumption amount, the information collecting terminal 10 may obtain the amount of power generated and the amount of power sold from the power generation system and calculate the self-consumption amount by subtracting the amount (amount of power generated-amount of power sold). If the power generation system is a system that does not calculate the self-consumption amount, the information collecting terminal 10 may transmit the amount of power generated and the amount of power sold obtained to the server 20, and the server 20 may perform the subtraction. In this way, even when the information collecting terminal 10 or the server 20 calculates the self-consumption amount from the amount of power generated and the amount of power sold, in the present invention, it is considered that the information collecting terminal 10 has obtained the amount of self-consumption of electricity from the power generation system. The information collecting terminal 10 transmits to the server 20 its own identification information, power information including the amount of self-consumption, and time information thereof.

[0042] When the information collecting terminal 10 receives an instruction from the server 20 or when a preset date and time arrives, it transmits an instruction to the water meter via wireless communication or the like, and receives water information transmitted from the water meter. For example, the information collecting terminal 10 receives water information from the water meter when it receives an instruction from the server 20 on the last day of each month, or when, for example, the last day of each month (a preset start time) arrives. In this manner, when it is on a monthly basis, the information collecting terminal 10 acquires water information such as one month's worth of water consumption from the water meter. If the water meter measures only the integrated amount of water flow, the information collecting terminal 10, after receiving the integrated amount from the water meter, calculates the water consumption amount by subtracting the integrated amount at the time of reception from the integrated amount immediately before, and stores the result together with time information in a non-volatile memory, etc. The water consumption amount is calculated by water consumption amount = current integrated amount (integrated value) - integrated amount (integrated value) at the time of the previous acquisition. In addition, if the water meter is one in which time information cannot be attached, the information collection terminal 10 acquires water information (accumulated amount or water consumption amount), creates time information including the corresponding time, and stores the water consumption amount together with the time information in a non-volatile memory or the like. The information collecting terminal 10 transmits to the server 20 its own identification information, water information including the amount of water consumption, and time information thereof.

[0043] (Storage of electricity, gas and water information by server) The server 20 acquires, from the information collecting terminal 10, electric power information including the amount of personal consumption, gas information including the amount of gas consumption, water information including the amount of water consumption, and the like, and then stores them. The server 20 updates the acquisition database DB5 based on the identification information acquired from the information collecting terminal 10. 9, when the server 20 receives information including the identification information of ID: 1234567890, the self-consumption amount of kWh, and time information such as A1 to A2 from the information collection terminal 10, the server 20 writes rows (1)-(a1) in the [power information] table of the acquisition database DB5. 3 When the server 20 receives information including the gas consumption amount of E1 to E2 and time information such as E1 to E2 from the information collecting terminal 10, it adds row (1)-(a1) to the [Gas Information] table of the acquisition database DB5. 3 When information including the water consumption amount and time information such as J1 to J2 is received from the information collecting terminal 10, rows (1)-(a1) are added to the [Water Information] table of the acquisition database DB5. The server 20 may also update the acquisition database DB5 in the same manner for other information received from the information collecting terminal 10.

[0044] (Server CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Calculation and storage of emissions) When it is determined that a preset processing time has come, the server 20 converts the amount of CO 2 Calculate the amount of emission reduction and convert gas consumption and water consumption into CO based on a specified conversion formula. 2 Emission amounts are calculated and recorded in the treatment value database DB6. Treatment (CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 The frequency of the process for calculating the amount of CO emissions is not particularly limited. 2 Emissions reduction and CO 2 The purpose of calculating emissions is to present them to consumers and raise their awareness of decarbonization, so we will calculate CO emissions over a very short period of time. 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Rather than presenting emissions to consumers, it is better to present CO emissions in a period that is easy for consumers to understand, such as on a monthly basis. 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 It would be desirable to be able to present emissions figures to consumers. The following will explain an example in which the calculation process is performed every month.

[0045] The server 20 stores, for example, a CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 A setting is programmed to start the process of calculating emissions. When the server 20 determines that the specific day has arrived, it refers to the acquisition database DB5 in Fig. 9 and extracts the home consumption, gas consumption, and water consumption for a predetermined target period (e.g., one month) from the identification information of the specific information collecting terminal 10 (the information collecting terminal 10 that is the calculation target, hereinafter referred to as the specific terminal). For example, if the specific day (the start date of the calculation process) is November 10, the home consumption, gas consumption, and water consumption for the previous month, for example, the home consumption, gas consumption, and water consumption from October 1 to the end of October, are extracted. In addition, if the acquisition database DB5 records electricity information and / or gas information and / or water information on a less than monthly basis, such as on a daily basis, the server 20 extracts the information for the relevant month from the information and adds them up to create the monthly amounts of self-consumption, gas consumption and water consumption.

[0046] In parallel with retrieving or creating the amounts of self-consumption, gas consumption, and water consumption, the server 20 refers to the customer database DB1 in FIG. 5 to identify the power company (e.g., AA power company) of the house in which the specific terminal is installed from the identification information of the specific terminal, and refers to the power emission coefficient database DB2 in FIG. 6 to obtain the power emission coefficient (e.g., 0.512 kg-CO 2 / kWh, etc. In addition, when the electric power company of the house where the specific terminal is installed is unknown (blank) by referring to the customer database DB1, the electric power emission coefficient database DB2 of FIG. 6 is referred to and the average electric power emission coefficient (0.441 kg-CO 2 In addition, even if the power company of the house in which the specific terminal is installed is identified by referring to the customer database DB1, and the power company is not recorded in the power emission coefficient database DB2, the average power emission coefficient is also extracted.

[0047] Similarly, the server 20 refers to the customer database DB1 in FIG. 5 to identify the type of combustible gas in the house in which the specific terminal is installed from the identification information of the specific terminal, and refers to the gas emission coefficient database DB3 in FIG. 7 to obtain the gas emission coefficient (6.6 kg-CO 2 / m3 or 2.2kg-CO 2 / m 3 ) and remove it. In addition, when the type of combustible gas in the house where the specific terminal is installed is unknown (blank) by referring to the customer database DB1, the gas emission coefficient database DB3 in FIG. 7 is referred to and the average gas emission coefficient (4.4 kg-CO 2 / m 3 ) and remove it. Similarly, the server 20 refers to the customer database DB1 in FIG. 5 to identify the water supplier of the house in which the specific terminal is installed from the identification information of the specific terminal, and refers to the water emission coefficient database DB4 in FIG. 8 to obtain the water emission coefficient (e.g., 0.234 kg-CO 2 / m 3 etc.) In addition, when the supplier of the house where the specific terminal is installed is unknown (blank) by referring to the customer database DB1, the water emission coefficient database DB4 in FIG. 8 is referred to and the average water emission coefficient (0.214 kg-CO 2 / m 3 ) and remove it.

[0048] The server 20 substitutes the extracted self-consumption amount and electricity emission coefficient into the following conversion formula (1) to calculate CO 2 Calculate the emission reduction (kg). The server 20 substitutes the extracted gas consumption amount and gas emission coefficient into the following conversion formula (2) to calculate CO 2 Calculate the amount of emissions (kg). The server 20 substitutes the extracted water consumption amount and water emission coefficient into the following conversion formula (3) to calculate CO 2 Calculate the amount of emissions (kg). Conversion formula (1): CO 2 Emission reduction (kg) = self-consumption x electricity emission coefficient. Conversion formula (2): CO 2 Emissions (kg) = gas consumption x gas emission factor. Conversion formula (3): CO 2 Emissions (kg) = water consumption x water emission factor. The server 20 may, as necessary,2 Emissions reduction and CO 2 Alternatively, the difference may be calculated by subtracting the amount of CO 2 Emission reduction - CO 2 The CO emissions can be calculated by subtracting the CO 2 Emissions are in the above case based on gas consumption CO 2 CO based on emissions and water consumption 2 The sum is calculated with the emission amount. The server 20 receives the obtained CO 2 Emission reduction, CO 2 The discharge amount and the difference are recorded in the treatment value database DB6 of FIG. After that, by executing the same process, the CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 It is possible to accumulate emissions, etc. The CO stored in the processing value database 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 By using blockchain technology to add a digital signature to each piece of emission data, it becomes public data that can be provided to government agencies, etc., or CO 2 It can also be used as highly reliable data for the distribution and trading of emission rights.

[0049] (Updates to the electricity emission factor database, gas emission factor database, and water emission factor database) As mentioned above, the electricity emission factors, gas emission factors and water emission factors are subject to change in the future. For example, the electricity emission factor may change in the future due to the efforts of electric power companies, etc. Similarly, the gas emission factor may decrease in the future due to gas companies blending in carbon-free gases such as hydrogen, etc. Similarly, the water emission factor may decrease in the future due to the installation of water purification plants, etc. Relatively accurate CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2In order to present the emissions to consumers, it is preferable to update the electricity emission coefficients, gas emission coefficients, and water emission coefficients in the electricity emission coefficient database DB2, gas emission coefficient database DB3, and water emission coefficient database DB4 to their latest values. The latest electricity emission coefficients, gas emission coefficients and water emission coefficients may be input by the system operator to update each database (manual input), or may be automatically updated by the server 20, but the latter is preferred.

[0050] For example, it is assumed that a server that provides the latest electricity emission coefficients, gas emission coefficients, and water emission coefficients is connected to the network (hereinafter, this server is referred to as a separate server). The server 20 of the present system 100 connects to the separate server at a predetermined time (for example, once a month), obtains the latest electricity emission coefficients, gas emission coefficients, and water emission coefficients, and updates the electricity emission coefficient database DB2, the gas emission coefficient database DB3, and the water emission coefficient database DB4, respectively.

[0051] (Server CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Emissions output) The server 20 is 2 Emission reductions, etc. will be presented to consumers in some form. For example, the server 20 may 2 Emission reduction, CO 2 The emission amount and the difference are transmitted to the information collecting terminal 10 specified by the identification information. The information collecting terminal 10 outputs them at the output unit. 2 Emission reduction, CO 2 The information collection terminal 10 that receives the data on the emission amount and the difference stores them, and also outputs them from a speaker or a display device according to instructions from the terminal subscriber. Alternatively, the server 20 may transmit the CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2The emission amount and the like may be transmitted to the smartphone or a personal computer and displayed on the smartphone, etc. In this case, an application is installed on the smartphone, etc., and the application transmits requests to the server 22 and CO 2 Executes processes such as displaying emission reduction amounts, etc. Alternatively, the server 20 2 Emission reduction, CO 2 The emissions and difference may be sent to an email address recorded in the customer database. Alternatively, the system operator may create a homepage for terminal subscribers on a separate web server, and the subscribers may log in to the site and access the site. 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 The amount of discharge etc. may be displayed.

[0052] <Effects of this system> In homes equipped with power generation systems, the electricity generated is consumed by the home, so CO 2 reduced emissions (originally CO 2 Compared to electricity generated using methods that emit CO 2 No CO was emitted 2 On the other hand, in homes that have gas-burning appliances, the gas is consumed and CO2 emissions are reduced. 2 In the process of drawing water, purifying it, and distributing it to the waterworks, CO is also emitted, which can be considered a negative factor in the environmental aspect. 2 Since consuming tap water results in the discharge of pollutants, it can be said that the act of using tap water is a negative for the environment. Based on this idea, this system separates the energy consumed within the home into the positive side of self-consumption of generated electricity and the negative side of gas and water consumption, and calculates each in terms of CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 This is presented to consumers in the form of emissions.

[0053] Even if consumers know their electricity and gas consumption, it is difficult for them to be conscious of decarbonization. 2Emission reductions and CO 2 Because the data can be converted into emissions, which are easy for consumers to understand, consumers can easily grasp the extent to which they are contributing to decarbonization. This strengthens consumers' awareness of contributing to decarbonization. As consumers become more aware of the need for decarbonization, for example, 2 Combustible gas with low emission, combustible gas with no emission or CO 2 It is expected that consumers will adopt combustible gases that are evaluated as reducing CO emissions, and this will promote the spread of such combustible gases. 2 An example of a flammable gas with low emissions is hydrogen mixed gas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and LP gas. 2 Examples of combustible gases that do not emit CO include pure hydrogen gas. 2 Combustible gases that can be evaluated as reducing CO or CO emissions include green hydrogen produced using renewable energy. 2 Examples include green LP gas synthesized using

[0054] <Other> According to the system of the present invention, the electricity consumed by a home is converted into CO 2 The amount of CO emissions reduction that can be presented to consumers 2 The amount of emission reduction can be evaluated as an environmental value. 2 Emissions reduction and CO 2 If the difference in emissions is positive, the positive amount can be evaluated as environmental value. Such environmental value may be tokenized on the Internet and circulated in the market. For example, Ethereum is known as an Internet system for distributing tokens. The environmental value may be any token, and the token may be traded and circulated on a network using blockchain technology.

[0055] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the information collecting terminal acquires the home consumption amount, the gas consumption amount, and the water consumption amount, and transmits them to the server, and the server calculates the CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Although the case where the emission amount is calculated has been exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information collection terminal acquires the amount of self-consumption and the amount of gas consumption and transmits them to a server, and the server calculates the amount of CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Alternatively, the information collection terminal may acquire the amount of self-consumption and water consumption and transmit them to the server, and the server may calculate the amount of CO 2 Emission reductions and CO 2 Alternatively, the information collection terminal may obtain at least one selected from the self-consumption amount, the gas consumption amount, and the water consumption amount and transmit it to the server, and the server may calculate the CO emission amount from the at least one selected from the self-consumption amount, the gas consumption amount, and the water consumption amount. 2 Emissions reductions and / or CO 2 The information collecting terminal may obtain the amount of self-consumption, the amount of gas consumption, and the amount of water consumption, and transmit the information to the server, and the server may calculate the amount of CO2 emission from at least one selected from the amount of self-consumption, the amount of gas consumption, and the amount of water consumption. 2 Emissions reductions and / or CO 2 Emissions may be calculated. 2 Emissions reduction and CO 2 The difference in emissions is also 2 CO based on emission reductions and gas consumption 2 The difference in emissions may be calculated, or CO 2 CO based on emission reductions and water consumption 2 The difference in the amount of emissions may be calculated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10. Information collection terminal 20 Servers 30 Network 40 Gas Meter 50 Power Generation System

Claims

1. A system applied to a house having a renewable energy power generation system and a combustible gas combustion appliance, A gas meter that measures a flow rate of combustible gas consumed in the house; an information collection terminal that is electrically connected to the power generation system and the gas meter and is provided in the residence; a server electrically connected to the information collecting terminal via a network, the information collecting terminal acquires the amount of electric power self-consumption and the amount of gas consumption from the power generation system and the gas meter, respectively, and transmits the amount of self-consumption and the amount of gas consumption to the server; The server acquires the self-consumption amount and the gas consumption amount, and converts the self-consumption amount into CO based on a predetermined conversion formula. ２ Calculate the emission reduction amount and convert the gas consumption amount into CO based on a predetermined conversion formula. ２ An environmental contribution recognition system that calculates emissions.

2. The information collecting terminal further acquires water consumption from a water meter and transmits the water consumption to the server; The server acquires the water consumption amount and converts the water consumption amount into CO based on a predetermined conversion formula. ２ The environmental contribution recognition system according to claim 1 , wherein an amount of emissions is calculated.

3. The server ２ Emission reductions and CO ２ Transmitting the emission amount to the information collecting terminal; The information collecting terminal receives the transmitted CO ２ Emission reductions and CO ２ The environmental contribution recognition system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an amount of discharge is output.

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