Power consumption optimization device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a power consumption optimization system that performs control for optimizing electric power amount fees. A HEMS controller 100, which is a power consumption optimization device for controlling a domestic power source system comprising a storage battery, comprises: an acquisition unit (basic fees acquisition unit 104a, etc.) that acquires fee structure information of a commercial power 20; a setting unit 103 that functions as an acquisition unit for acquiring setting information with respect to a storage battery 100e or an instrument 110a, etc.; and a control unit 104 that controls charging and discharging of the storage battery 110e and operation of the instrument 110a, etc., on the basis of the fee structure information and the setting information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power consumption optimization device for optimizing power consumption. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electricity demand, which had been declining due to requests for power conservation following the Great East Japan Earthquake, has been on the rise. In addition, due to factors such as the instability of fuel procurement resulting from various social disruptions, the electricity supply is in an unpredictable state, and there are calls for curbing electricity consumption. In the industrial sector, efforts to curb electricity consumption have been promoted, and electricity demand has been on a downward trend since the 1990s, and in recent years electricity consumption has remained flat. On the other hand, electricity consumption in ordinary households is on the rise, and curbing electricity consumption in ordinary households can be said to be a major challenge from the perspective of reducing electricity consumption nationwide.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes optimizing the operating time slots of each home appliance, taking into consideration the constraints on multiple home appliances, including those that operate continuously and those that operate in pairs. This makes it possible to minimize electricity charges over a specified period and reduce power consumption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-170432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, this method lacks stability, and depending on the conditions, there is a problem that peaks occur during times when the unit price of electric energy is low.

[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a power consumption optimization device that performs control to optimize the power rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The power consumption optimization device of the present invention is a power consumption optimization device that optimizes power consumption for a control object, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires fee structure information including a minimum fee structure for commercial electricity, an acquisition unit that acquires setting information for the control object, and a control unit that controls the control object based on the fee structure information and the setting information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the control target is controlled so as to optimize the electricity charge, for example, to minimize the electricity charge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of a home power optimization system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the HEMS controller 100. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 104. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of an optimization target time table. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the home power optimization system 10 of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit 104 that performs operation control in the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 104 in a modified example. [Figure 8] This is a diagram comparing optimized power consumption for each fee structure. [Figure 9] 1 is a graph showing variable electricity unit prices. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a HEMS controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a home power optimization system according to the present disclosure. The home power optimization system 10 includes a HEMS controller 100, a controlled object 110, a distribution board 120, and a smart meter .

[0012] The HEMS controller 100 is a part that controls charging and discharging and / or operation of the controlled object 110 .

[0013] The distribution board 120 is a device that branches and distributes electricity from the commercial power 20 to the control target 110 .

[0014] The smart meter 130 is a part that measures the power supplied from the commercial power source 20. The smart meter 130 notifies the HEMS controller 100 of the power measured. The HEMS controller 100 uses this power to visualize the power consumption.

[0015] The control targets 110 are a light 110a, a refrigerator 110b, a washing machine 110c, a dishwasher 110d, a storage battery 110e, and an EV 110f, but may include other devices. Also, it is not necessary to include all of these devices.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the HEMS controller 100. As shown in the figure, the HEMS controller 100 includes an energy amount acquiring unit 101, a basic information acquiring unit 102, a setting unit 103, and a control unit 104.

[0017] The power amount acquiring unit 101 is a part that acquires power information measured by the smart meter 130. The HEMS controller 100 has a function for visualizing power consumption, and for this purpose the power amount acquiring unit 101 may acquire the power information. Note that this configuration is not essential to the present disclosure.

[0018] The basic information acquisition unit 102 is a part that acquires basic information from the control target 110 such as the light 110a. The basic information is information used when performing optimization calculations for household power consumption, and includes the power consumption of each control target 110, i.e., the home appliance, as well as the initial charge amount, maximum charge / discharge amount, and minimum charge amount information for the storage battery 110e / EV 110f.

[0019] The setting unit 103 is a part that receives setting information and Δt for the control targets 110 (including the storage battery 110e and EV 110f) set by the operator of the HEMS controller 100. The setting information is the usage time of the home appliances that are the control targets 110, and the charge amount of the storage battery 110e and EV 110f when the optimization target time has elapsed. Δt indicates the slot width, which is the control target time unit for the operation and charging / discharging of the control target 110. This setting information and Δt are set by an operator such as a power company. Depending on the setting width of Δt, fine control can be achieved, but the processing load also increases, so it is best to set an appropriate width. In addition, the time for a DR request, the time period during which a variable electricity rate is applied, etc. can also be set.

[0020] The control unit 104 is a part that performs operation control and charge / discharge control for the controlled object 110 including the storage battery 110e and the EV 110f.

[0021] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 104. As shown in the figure, the control unit 104 includes a basic charge acquisition unit 104a, an incentive price acquisition unit 104b, a variable electricity charge acquisition unit 104c, an optimization calculation unit 104d, an operation determination unit 104e, an ESS control unit 104f, an EV control unit 104g, a home appliance control unit 104h, and a timer unit 104i.

[0022] The basic charge acquisition unit 104a acquires the basic charge for the power supplied from the commercial power 20. This basic charge is generally determined according to the contracted amperes (contracted capacity) based on the maximum instantaneous power consumption value, and is a minimum charge that is incurred regardless of the amount of power used.

[0023] The incentive price acquisition unit 104b acquires the kWh value, which is the value paid for 1 kWh of power saved during incentive-based DR (Demand Response). Incentive DR is a system in which incentives are paid as compensation to consumers who save power during times of power shortage.

[0024] The variable electricity rate acquisition unit 104c is a part that acquires variable electricity rates. This variable electricity rate system is based on price-based DR. This price-based DR refers to a mechanism that applies a price-variable electricity rate system in which the unit price of electricity varies depending on the time of day. This system aims to shift the time when households consume electricity and smooth out electricity demand by setting higher unit prices of electricity during times when electricity demand is high and lower unit prices during times when electricity demand is low.

[0025] The optimization calculation unit 104d is a part that performs optimization calculations for the operation of each control target 110 and the charging and discharging of the storage battery 110e. This optimization calculation is performed so that the electricity fee is minimized while suppressing peaks in power consumption and electricity consumption fees. In detail, the optimization calculation unit 104d acquires basic information and setting information from the basic information acquisition unit 102 and setting unit 103, and acquires fee structure information for the basic fee, incentive fee, and variable fee from the basic fee acquisition unit 104a, incentive price acquisition unit 104b, and variable electricity fee acquisition unit 104c, and performs optimization calculations for the operation of each control target 110 and the charging and discharging of the storage battery 110e, etc., based on this information.

[0026] The optimization calculation unit 104d performs optimization calculations to generate an optimization target time table. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of an optimization target time table. As shown in the diagram, this table has the control target 110 on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. The slot width Δt on the time axis indicates 30-minute units. Since there are 24 hours in a day, there are 48 slot columns. The control target 110 includes home appliances, storage batteries, and EVs.

[0027] The numbers in each slot indicate the power consumption during Δt. For the storage battery 110e and the EV 110f, positive numbers indicate charging, zero indicates standby, and negative numbers indicate discharging. The process of generating this optimization target timetable will be described in detail later.

[0028] The operation determination unit 104e is a part that determines the operation (including charging and discharging of the storage battery 110e, etc.) of the control target 110 using the optimization target time table calculated and generated by the optimization calculation unit 104d. That is, the operation determination unit 104e determines which control target 110 should be operated in what time period (including in what time period the storage battery 110e and EV 110f should be charged and discharged), and outputs instructions to the ESS control unit 104f, etc., which will be described later.

[0029] The ESS control unit 104f controls the charging and discharging of the storage battery 110e based on the determination result of the operation determination unit 104e.

[0030] The EV control unit 104g controls the charging and discharging of the EV 110f based on the determination result of the operation determination unit 104e.

[0031] The home appliance control unit 104h controls charging and discharging of the control target 110 (110a to 110d) based on the determination result of the operation determination unit 104e.

[0032] The timer unit 104i is a unit that measures time. The operation determination unit 104e determines whether the timer unit 104i is operating based on the time measured by the timer unit 104i.

[0033] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the home power optimization system 10 of the present disclosure. The basic information acquisition unit 102 acquires basic information (S101). The setting unit 103 acquires setting information and Δt (S102).

[0034] The basic charge acquisition unit 104a acquires the basic charge per day (S103), and the incentive price acquisition unit 104b acquires the incentive price and the variable electricity charge (S104).

[0035] The optimization calculation unit 104d performs optimization calculation based on the fee structure such as the basic fee, basic information, setting information, and slot width Δt, and creates an optimization target time table (S105). This optimization calculation will be described in detail later.

[0036] The operation determination unit 104e determines whether the control target 110 is in operation based on the optimization target table, and issues control instructions to the ESS control unit 104f etc. (S106). Each of the ESS control unit 104f, the EV control unit 104g, and the home appliance control unit 104h controls the operation of each control target 110 (S107).

[0037] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 104 that performs operation control according to the present disclosure. The timer unit 104i starts up (S107). The ESS control unit 104f, the EV control unit 104g, and the home appliance control unit 104h perform operation control based on the operation states indicated in the optimization target table for slot t of the timer unit 104i.

[0038] The ESS control unit 104f refers to the optimization target time table (S108), refers to the operating state of each control target 110 in the specified slot t, and performs control accordingly.

[0039] Each slot t stores a numerical value indicating the state that the storage battery 110e should be in. The numerical value for the storage battery 110e is called ESS[t], the numerical value for the EV 110f is called EV[t], and the numerical values ​​for the other home appliances i (light 110a to dishwasher 110d) are called home appliance [i][t]. The i in home appliance [i][t] indicates the type of home appliance. These numerical values ​​indicate positive: charging, zero: standby, and negative: discharging, and the absolute value of the value indicates the power consumption and corresponds to the amount of charging and discharging.

[0040] That is, if the numerical value of slot t of the storage battery 110e is positive, the ESS control unit 104f charges the storage battery 110e with ESS[t] kw during that slot t (S109). On the other hand, if the numerical value of slot t is 0, the ESS control unit 104f does nothing and waits for the time indicated by slot t (S110). If the numerical value of slot t of the storage battery is negative, the ESS control unit 104f discharges ESS[t] kw from the storage battery 110e during that slot t (S111).

[0041] Similarly, EV control unit 104g references the optimization target time table (S112) and the operating state for the specified slot t, and performs control accordingly. If the slot t value of storage battery 110e is positive, EV control unit 104g charges EV 110f with EV[t] kW during that slot t (S113). If the slot t value is 0, EV control unit 104g does nothing during slot t and waits (S114). If the slot t value of EV 110f is negative, EV control unit 104g discharges EV 110f with EV[t] kW during that slot t (S115).

[0042] Similarly, the home appliance control unit 104h refers to the optimization target time table (S116), refers to the operation status of the slot in the specified slot t, and performs control accordingly. If the slot value of slot t of home appliance i is positive, the home appliance control unit 104h operates home appliance i at home appliance [i][t] kw during that slot t (S117). If the slot value of slot t is 0, the home appliance control unit 104h does nothing during slot t and waits (S118).

[0043] When the storage battery 110e, EV 110f, light 110a, etc. have operated as instructed for Δt minutes, the control unit 104 increments the value of t by 1 and re-controls the storage battery 110e, EV 110f, light 110a, etc. At this time, control of the storage battery 110e, EV 110f, light 110a, etc. is performed simultaneously, and when both controls are completed, the value of t is incremented by 1. This is repeated for the number of slots.

[0044] In this way, by performing operation control and charge / discharge control based on an optimized target timetable that optimizes the charge / discharge control of the storage battery 110e and EV 110g, and the operation control of the controlled object 110 (light 110a to dishwasher 110d: home appliance i), it is possible to reduce power consumption, electricity bills, and peak power consumption.

[0045] Next, the optimization calculation process and generation of the optimization target time table by the optimization calculation unit 104d will be described.

[0046] In the present disclosure, the control targets 110 include home appliance type SA and home appliance type CA. A home appliance type SA (Shiftable Appliance) is an appliance that can be started at will, but cannot be stopped once it is running, or it is not desirable to stop it. A home appliance type CA (Critical Appliance) is an appliance that must always be running at a specified time.

[0047] The storage battery 110e is generally a stationary type and can be charged and discharged at any time. It cannot be charged or discharged above the maximum charge / discharge power amount. It is preferable to charge and discharge the battery so that it does not fall below the minimum charge / discharge amount. It is desirable to ensure that the charge amount is equal to or greater than the specified amount in the final slot.

[0048] The EV110f has the same basic restrictions as a storage battery. Because it functions as a car, it cannot be charged or discharged during the hours it is being used as a car. Unlike the storage battery 110e, it is necessary to ensure that it is charged to a specified amount or more when it is being used as a car, even in slots other than the last slot.

[0049] For example, we want the home appliance type SA to operate between 5:00 (slot 10) and 8:00 (slot 16). We want the home appliance type CA (Critical Appliance) to operate 24 hours a day. For the storage battery 110e, we want it to always have more than 50% charge for emergencies, and ultimately want it to be more than 80% charged. For the EV 110g, we want it to be used as a car from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 17:00, so we want it to be 100% charged by the time we get in the car. Each control target 110 has constraints like the above.

[0050] These characteristics are expressed as mathematical formulas and registered as setting information. For example, the following mathematical formulas represent the characteristics of the home appliance type SA.

[0051] This is a mathematical formula that shows that the slot with the maximum power consumption and the slot with the minimum power consumption are found and used as the operating time.

[0052]

number

[0053]

number

[0054] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the following function f(t) is prepared, and the operating state of each device in each slot is determined so as to minimize this function, taking into consideration the above mathematically formulated characteristics.

[0055]

number

[0056] In this disclosure, the constraints set forth are the operating hours, weekly power consumption, minimum charging capacity of the storage battery 110e, and time periods during which charging and discharging of the EV 110f is prohibited for each control target 110. These constraints are defined as constraint information based on basic information and setting information. Furthermore, each control target 110 has constraints such as not being able to stop for a specified period of time after starting operation, or being required to operate for a specified period of time.

[0057] The above function f(t) is the sum of the electricity charges for the variable energy rate, the kWh value for the incentive rate, and the basic rate. The objective of this disclosure is to minimize the function f(t) that indicates the electricity charge while reducing its peak.

[0058] The following formula of the function f(t) will be explained.

[0059]

number

[0060]

number

[0061] Incentive-based DR compares daily power consumption (such as the past week) with power consumption during DR to measure the amount of power saved. Therefore, to ensure power saving capacity during DR, stable power consumption is required. Therefore, the above formula defines stable power consumption as maintaining average power consumption. The larger the kWh value (α), the greater the impact, and the closer the power consumption of each slot will be to the average power consumption.

[0062]

number

[0063] The optimization calculation unit 104d calculates p that minimizes the value of the function f(t) based on the function f(t) and the constraint information. k (t) and create a time table to be optimized.

[0064] The HEMS controller 100 can also control the power consumption of each control target 110 (home appliance), such as by changing the brightness of the light 110a or reducing the cleaning power of the washing machine 110c. That is, some home appliances, such as the dishwasher 110d and the washing machine 110c, have flexible operating times. Therefore, rather than setting operating times for the dishwasher 110d and the washing machine 110c, the user is asked to set operating time periods. The operating time periods refer to the operating times of the dishwasher 110d and the washing machine 110c, and they can be operated at any time within these periods. The optimization calculation unit 104d also takes this information into account and performs optimization to minimize electricity charges.

[0065] On the other hand, there are cases where the usage time of the home appliance is fixed because the usage time has been set by the user, and there is no need to control it.

[0066] In the above disclosure, home appliances are included as control targets 110, but these may be excluded. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the home appliance control unit 104h may be omitted, and optimization control may be performed only on the storage battery 110e and the EV 110f.

[0067] Next, a description will be given of a modified example of the HEMS controller 100 in the present disclosure. In the operation of the control unit 104, necessary information such as basic information and setting information is acquired in the order shown in Fig. 5 before the optimization calculation, but as long as the necessary information is collected before the optimization calculation, the order in which the necessary information is acquired may be changed.

[0068] The power consumption of each control target 110 and the like are acquired from the basic information acquisition unit 102, but this information may be acquired from the setting unit 103. Furthermore, the information input in the setting unit 103 may be acquired from the basic information acquisition unit 102.

[0069] In the operation of the control unit 104, the charge / discharge state and charge / discharge amount of the storage battery 110e and EV 110f are determined using the sign and its absolute value, but any method can be used as long as it can uniquely distinguish between the charge / discharge state and charge / discharge amount.

[0070] Although the unit of Δt is minutes, any unit is acceptable as long as the time can be divided. Also, in the above example, Δt is set to 30 minutes, but it is not limited to this.

[0071] In this disclosure, the EV 110f serves as a portable battery, so the EV 110f is not limited to the EV 110f as long as it has the capability to do so. In Fig. 1, the HEMS controller 100 is independent, but it may be built into a distribution board or each controlled object 110.

[0072] In this disclosure, any home appliance may be set as the control target 110 as long as it satisfies the constraints described above. There is no upper limit to the number of appliances that can be installed, and the same applies to EVs and ESSs.

[0073] In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the power consumption can be controlled, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which the power consumption is constant by simply turning a switch on and off.

[0074] Next, the effects of the HEMS controller 100 (power consumption optimization device) of the home power optimization system of the present disclosure will be described. The HEMS controller 100, which is a power consumption optimization device that controls a home power system equipped with a storage battery, includes an acquisition unit (basic charge acquisition unit 104a, etc.) that acquires fee system information determined based on the maximum instantaneous power consumption of the commercial power 20, a setting unit 103 that functions as an acquisition unit that acquires setting information for the storage battery 100e or the light 110a, etc., and a control unit 104 that controls the control target 110 (charging and discharging the storage battery 110e and operating the light 110a, etc.) based on the fee system information and the setting information.

[0075] According to this configuration, it is possible to control the charging and discharging of the storage battery 110e or the operation of the light 110a and the like so as to optimize the electricity fee, for example, to minimize the electricity fee while suppressing the maximum instantaneous power consumption.

[0076] In the present disclosure, the fee structure information includes at least a so-called basic fee indicating the minimum usage fee structure of electricity charges, and further includes at least one of an incentive price and a variable electricity charge.

[0077] These pricing structures have a significant impact on electricity rates. In particular, the basic fee affects peak power consumption and influences fluctuations in electricity rates. In this disclosure, by taking the basic fee into consideration, it is possible to suppress the maximum instantaneous power consumption value and achieve peak cutting.

[0078] Figure 8 is a graph comparing power consumption for each rate structure. The vertical axis represents power consumption, and the horizontal axis represents time. For example, "8" indicates 8:00 AM. "28" indicates 28:00, which is 4:00 AM. Figure 9 is a graph showing variable electricity rate unit prices.

[0079] Figure 8(a) is a diagram that takes into account only the variable energy rate unit charge. As shown in the diagram, power consumption (i.e., electricity charges) is relatively low. Figure 8(b) is a diagram that takes into account the variable energy rate unit charge and kWh value (incentive price). As shown in the diagram, power consumption is relatively low. Figure 8(c) is a diagram that takes into account the variable energy rate unit charge, kWh value, and basic charge. As shown in the diagram, it can be seen that peaks can be reduced by taking the basic charge into account.

[0080] From the graph in Figure 9, we can see that the rates are cheaper before 8:00 (the beginning of the graph) and around 31:00 (the end of the graph).

[0081] In Figures 8(a) and (b), the peak at this time (around 8:00) is mainly due to EV charging. Variable electricity rates are cheapest between 8:00 and 8:30, but in the simulations disclosed herein, a restriction was added to using the EV as a vehicle between 8:00 and 19:00, meaning that EV charging is not possible during the cheapest time period between 8:00 and 8:30. As a result, rapid charging occurs around 31:00, when charging and discharging is possible (time when the EV is not being used as a vehicle), resulting in a peak. The method disclosed herein can take this peak into account and control power consumption to suppress overall fluctuations.

[0082] In addition, by taking into account the electricity rate structure, it is possible to propose optimal results for various cases, such as when the basic rate becomes higher or when the kWh value becomes even cheaper.

[0083] In the present disclosure, the setting information is information indicating constraints on the operation of a controlled object, such as the operating time period for a general device (such as the light 110a).

[0084] In the present disclosure, the control unit 104 controls the controlled object 110 using the electricity rate function f(t) that utilizes the fee system information and the setting information so as to minimize the electricity rate.

[0085] The control unit 104 uses the electricity rate function f(t) to determine whether or not to operate each control object 110 for each control object 110 and control object time (slot t). That is, the control unit 104 (optimization calculation unit 104d) generates an optimization object time table, and the operation determination unit 104e controls the operation and charging / discharging of each control object 110 accordingly.

[0086] When the controlled object 110 is the storage battery 101e, the control unit 104 controls charging and discharging of the storage battery 101e.

[0087] Furthermore, when the control target 110 is a general device (such as the light 110a), the control unit 104 controls whether or not the general device is to be operated and its power consumption.

[0088] The electricity rate function f(t) is composed of the electricity rate unit price in a time period and the power consumption of the equipment or the charge / discharge power of the storage battery.

[0089] The electricity rate function f(t) is composed of the value of power saved during incentive DR and the difference between the power consumption in each time period and the average power consumption.

[0090] The electricity price function f(t) is based on the maximum instantaneous power consumption at each time. The power consumption optimization device of the present invention has the following configuration. [1] A power consumption optimization device that optimizes power consumption for a control target, an acquisition unit that acquires fee system information determined based on maximum instantaneous power consumption of commercial electricity; an acquisition unit that acquires setting information for the control target; a control unit that controls the control target based on the fee system information and the setting information; A power consumption optimization device comprising: [2] The fee structure information includes at least a basic fee indicating a minimum usage fee structure of electricity charges, and further includes at least one of an incentive price and a variable electricity charge. [1] The power consumption optimization device according to [1]. [3] The setting information is information indicating constraints on the operation of the control object. The power consumption optimization device according to [1] or [2]. [4] The control unit controlling the control object so as to minimize the electricity charge by using an electricity charge function that utilizes the charge system information and the setting information; The power consumption optimization device according to any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The control unit Using the electricity rate function, determining whether or not to operate the control object for each control object and control object time period. [4] The power consumption optimization device according to claim 4. [6] The control unit When the control target is a storage battery, charging and discharging of the storage battery is controlled. [5] The power consumption optimization device according to [5]. [7] If the control target is a device, the device is controlled to determine whether to operate and to control its power consumption. [5] or [6]. [8] The electricity rate function is composed of an electricity rate unit price in a time period and power consumption of the device or charging / discharging power of the storage battery. The power consumption optimization device according to any one of [4] to [7]. [9] The electricity rate function is composed of the value of power savings during incentive DR and the difference between the power consumption in each time period and the average power consumption. The power consumption optimization device according to any one of [4] to [8].

[10] The electricity price function is based on the maximum instantaneous power consumption at each time. The power consumption optimization device according to any one of [4] to [9].

[0091] The block diagrams used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are connected directly or indirectly (for example, by wire, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or multiple devices with software.

[0092] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, judgment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, election, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, consideration, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocation, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

[0093] For example, the HEMS controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the miscellaneous power cost optimization method of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the HEMS controller 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The above-described HEMS controller 100 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a memory 1002, a storage 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0094] In the following description, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, a device, a unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the control unit 104 may be configured to include one or more of the apparatuses shown in the drawings, or may be configured to exclude some of the apparatuses.

[0095] Each function in the HEMS controller 100 is realized by loading specific software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of reading and writing data in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0096] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer by running, for example, an operating system. The processor 1001 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control device, an arithmetic unit, a register, etc. For example, the above-mentioned control unit 104 may be realized by the processor 1001.

[0097] The processor 1001 also reads programs (program codes), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the control unit 104 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and similar implementations may be made for other functional blocks. While the above-described various processes have been described as being executed by one processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0098] The memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be configured by, for example, at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The memory 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory (primary storage device), etc. The memory 1002 can store an executable program (program code), a software module, etc. for implementing a power consumption optimization method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be, for example, at least one of an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray disc), a smart card, a flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be referred to as an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other appropriate medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0100] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, or a communication module. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc. to realize at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the above-mentioned power amount acquisition unit 101, basic information acquisition unit 102, etc. may be realized by the communication device 1004.

[0101] The input device 1005 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that performs output to the outside. The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel). The input device 1005 may function as the setting unit 103.

[0102] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

[0103] The HEMS controller 100 may also be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by the hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

[0104] The notification of information is not limited to the aspects / embodiments described in the present disclosure and may be performed using other methods. For example, the notification of information may be performed by physical layer signaling (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI), Uplink Control Information (UCI)), higher layer signaling (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, broadcast information (Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB))), other signals, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, or the like.

[0105] The order of the procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0106] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

[0107] The determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

[0108] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Furthermore, notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may be done implicitly (e.g., by not notifying the predetermined information).

[0109] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

[0110] Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0111] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0112] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0113] In addition, terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings.

[0114] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in the present disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, may be expressed using relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or may be expressed using other corresponding information. For example, a radio resource may be indicated by an index.

[0115] As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judged" or "decided." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judged" or "decided." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0116] The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0117] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0118] Any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

[0119] When used in this disclosure, the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0120] In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include that the nouns following these articles are in the plural form.

[0121] In the present disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "coupled" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different." [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10...Home power optimization system, 100...HEMS controller, 110...Control object, 102...Basic information acquisition unit, 103...Smart meter, 120...Distribution board, 130...Smart meter, 110a...Light, 110b...Refrigerator, 110c...Washing machine, 110d...Dishwasher, 110e...Storage battery, 110f...EV, 101...Energy amount acquisition unit, 104...Control unit, 104a...Basic charge acquisition unit, 104b...Incentive price acquisition unit, 104c...Variable electricity charge acquisition unit, 104d...Optimization calculation unit, 104e...Operation determination unit, 104f...ESS control unit, 104g...EV control unit, 104h...Home appliance control unit, 104i...Timer unit.

Claims

1. A power consumption optimization device that optimizes power consumption for a control target, an acquisition unit that acquires fee system information determined based on maximum instantaneous power consumption of commercial electricity; an acquisition unit that acquires setting information for the control target; a control unit that controls the control target based on the fee system information and the setting information; Equipped with The control unit controlling the control object so as to minimize the electricity charge by using an electricity charge function that utilizes the charge system information and the setting information; The electricity rate function is composed of the value of power saved during incentive DR and the difference between the power consumption in each time period and the average power consumption. Power consumption optimization device.

2. The fee structure information includes at least a basic fee indicating a minimum usage fee structure of electricity charges, and further includes at least one of an incentive price and a variable electricity charge. The power consumption optimization device according to claim 1 .

3. The setting information is information indicating constraints on the operation of the control object. The power consumption optimization device according to claim 1 .

4. The control unit Using the electricity rate function, determining whether or not to operate the control object for each control object and control object time period. The power consumption optimization device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit When the control target is a storage battery, charging and discharging of the storage battery is controlled. The power consumption optimization device according to claim 4 .

6. If the control target is a device, the device is controlled to determine whether to operate and to control its power consumption. The power consumption optimization device according to claim 4 .

7. The electricity rate function is further composed of an electricity rate unit price in a time period and power consumption of the device or charging / discharging power of the storage battery. The power consumption optimization device according to claim 1 .

8. The electricity price function is further based on the maximum instantaneous power consumption at each time. The power consumption optimization device according to claim 1 .

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